2738 Transportation •
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ORDINANCE NO.
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AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE TRANSPORTATION
DEPARTMENT; ESTABLISHING WM CONNECT AS THE CITY OF
WEST MEMPHIS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE;
AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION, OPERATIONS,FUNDING,
AND OVERSIGHT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
WHEREAS,the City of West Memphis recognizes that reliable, accessible
transportation is essential to economic development,workforce mobility,public health,regional
connectivity,and quality of life; and
WHEREAS,the City seeks to implement a modem,flexible, and scalable public
transportation system utilizing innovative service delivery models responsive to community
needs; and
WHEREAS,the City has developed WM Connect(West Memphis Connect)as its
official public transportation service;and
WHEREAS,the establishment of a formal governance and operational structure is
necessary to ensure effective implementation, oversight, compliance, accountability, and long-
term sustainability;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF WEST
MEMPHIS,ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1.ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE:
There is hereby established WM Connect(Also known as West Memphis Connect)as the
official public transportation service of the City of West Memphis.
SECTION 2.PURPOSE:
WM Connect shall:
• Provide safe,reliable,and accessible transportation services
• Expand access to employment,healthcare,education,retail, and essential services
• Support economic development,workforce mobility,tourism,and community
connectivity
• Deliver equitable, efficient, and innovative mobility solutions responsive to community
needs
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SECTION 3.CREATION OF TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT:
A Transportation Department is hereby established within the administration of the City of West
Memphis for the purpose of administering,implementing,and overseeing WM Connect.
SECTION 4.DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION:
A Director of Transportation shall be appointed by the Mayor as the department head
responsible for administration of the Transportation Department and oversight of WM Connect
and will serve as its Executive Director.
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Responsibilities shall include,but not be limited to:
• Oversight of transportation operations, staffing, and service delivery
• Policy and procedure development
• Regulatory compliance
• Coordination with regional,state, and federal transportation partners
• Strategic planning, implementation oversight, and performance monitoring
SECTION 5.SERVICE MODEL AND OPERATIONS:
WM Connect shall operate as a technology-enabled public transportation system utilizing service
models appropriate to the mobility needs of the community, including but not limited to:
• Demand-responsive transportation service
• Flexible routing and designated service connections
• Real-time dispatch and rider booking capabilities
• Technology-supported service delivery and operational management
The City is authorized to:
• Establish service areas, schedules, and operating policies
• Procure vehicles, equipment,technology,and related infrastructure
• Employ personnel and enter contracts necessary to support service implementation and
operations
• Modify service design as operational needs and community demand warrant
SECTION 6.PHASED IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH:
WM Connect shall initially launch through a phased implementation approach to support
responsible service deployment, operational refinement, and long-term sustainability.
This phased approach shall allow the City to:
• Adjust service levels, schedules, and service zones as appropriate
• Refine operational practices and service delivery models
• Evaluate performance, customer experience, and cost effectiveness
• Inform long-term service development and expansion
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SECTION 7.FARE POLICY:
WM Connect shall initially operate as a fare-free pilot service through December 31,.2026.
Beginning January 1,2027, fares shall be established at$2.00 per trip,unless otherwise
amended by the City Council.
The City may establish reduced fare programs,promotional pricing, or alternative fare structures
as operationally appropriate and consistent with adopted policy.
SECTION 8.FUNDING AND FINANCING:
Funding for WM Connect may include,but shall not be limited to:
• City General Fund appropriations
• State and federal grants
• Public-private partnerships
• Sponsorships and supplemental revenue opportunities
• Fare revenue
• Other lawful funding sources
SECTION 9. SAFETY,OVERSIGHT,AND OPERATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
To ensure safe and accountable transportation operations:
• The City shall implement appropriate safety management practices and operational
controls
• Vehicles shall be equipped with appropriate safety and communications technology
• Operational oversight functions shall be maintained to support service monitoring,
incident response, accountability, and service reliability
• Operators shall receive safety-focused training,operational instruction, and ongoing
evaluation
• WM Connect operations shall be conducted in accordance with applicable safety
requirement and industry best practices
SECTION 10.COMPLIANCE:
WM Connect shall comply with all applicable laws,regulations, and requirements,including but
not limited to:
• Federal Transit Administration(FTA)requirements, as applicable
• Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
• Buy America provisions,where applicable
• Applicable state and local procurement and operational requirements
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SECTION 11.PERFORMANCE REPORTING:
The Transportation Department shall provide periodic implementation and performance updates
to the Mayor and City Council, including, as appropriate:
• Ridership and service performance
• Financial status and operational efficiency
• Safety and compliance metrics
• Grant development and funding progress
• Recommendations regarding service refinement or expansion
SECTION 12.AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT:
The Mayor,is authorized on behalf of the Transportation Department,to:
• Execute agreements and contracts •
• Procure goods, services,vehicles, and technology
• Secure grants and other funding opportunities
• Establish operational policies and procedures
• Take all lawful actions necessary to implement and operate WM Connect
SECTION 13. SEVERABILITY:
If any section,provision, or portion of this Ordinance is determined to be invalid, such
determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
SECTION 14.EFFECTIVE DATE:
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED this lay of ,2026X-(11 c /c- .
MARCO M. Mc ENDON,Mayor
ATTEST:
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PATRICIA JOPLIN, City Clerk
RECEIVED
tCi CO,
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