DEPARTMENT: Social Services
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Update On Jail Transportation Pilot
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on the Jail Transportation Pilot.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 19-680 (August 20, 2019), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized a Phase II Transportation Pilot for a six-month period. The Phase II Transportation Pilot created DakotaLink, a bus loop three times each weekday to link Hastings with public transportation hubs at Cedar Grove Transit Station and Signal Hills Shopping Center to help individuals get to and from Hastings for courts, jail, probation services and other necessary activities. This was funded by Community Services Budget Incentive Plan (BIP) funds.
By Resolution No. 20-086 (February 25, 2020), the County Board authorized continuation of the DakotaLink Transportation Pilot for an additional 12 months, and execution of a contract with Minnesota Coaches Incorporated, dba Hastings Bus Company, for the period of April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Due to COVID-19, DakotaLink services were suspended on March 17, 2020, and the DakotaLink Transportation Pilot plan and execution of the April 1 contract with Hastings Bus Company were put on hold.
By Resolution No. 20-088 (June 16, 2020), DakotaLink Transportation Pilot restarted on June 22, 2020, with COVID-19 precautions in place. A 12-month contract with Hastings Bus Company was executed in the amount of $121,740. The pilot was funded by Community Services BIP funds.
At the Community Services Committee of the Whole (CSCW) meeting on February 9, 2021, the Board was provided with information on recommended changes to the pilot. DakotaLink and the contract with Hastings Bus Company were ended and a new iteration of the Jail Transportation Pilot began on March 25, 2021, using Lyft Concierge to provide rides from the Dakota County Judicial Center in Hastings to individuals being released from jail. The cost of rides is currently funded by C...
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