Moore & Associates provides expert service evaluation and transit planning, including Short Range Transit Plans, Transit Development Plans, Transit Assessments, and Comprehensive Operational Analyses.
Our approach combines in-depth system reviews with operations, financial, capital, and marketing analysis, along with public outreach.
We identify unmet transit needs – such as new local routes, commuter services, and sustainable funding – while providing transparent, objective recommendations that help agencies create cost-effective, financially sustainable, and community-supported transit systems.
Situated on California’s Central Coast, the City of Lompoc (population 45,000) has provided some form of public transit service for nearly 40 years. Currently, public transit in Lompoc includes traditional fixed-route service, ADA complementary paratransit service, and two inter-community shuttles.
Similar to many other public transit providers, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted COLT’s ridership and fare revenue. Despite ridership returning almost to pre-pandemic levels, market research confirmed the mobility needs, wants, and priorities of the community had changed. Further, the transit customer base had remained fairly stagnant across the past decade. As a result, the City selected Moore & Associates to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of its public transit program; and in doing so prepare a “blueprint” inclusive of mobility services beyond traditional public transit.
In addition to a thorough quantitative assessment of City transit service performance, the project included a wide array of community engagement activities including bilingual surveys, pop-up events throughout the community, several goal and priority-setting workshops, and an interactive bilingual project website including online comment mechanism. All told, approximately 900 unique individuals participated in the community engagement process.
Following presentation of a series of service options, the Lompoc city council provided the following direction: 1) reduce fixed-route service to weekdays only (6 am to 5 pm), 2) reduce the ADA complementary paratransit service to weekdays only (6 am to 5 pm), 3) implement general public micro-transit (on-demand) service on weekdays (5 pm to 10 pm) and all day Saturday, 4) increase service frequency for the inter-community shuttles, and 5) implement a weekday early morning on-demand service connecting with regional commuter bus service (on a trial basis). Collectively, the forecast annual cost of these new services will be slightly less than the status quo.
Subsequent to city council adoption of the preferred service plan, the City again selected Moore & Associates to (now) assist with implementation of the selected services. Our responsibilities include operations contractor(s) procurement, marketing and community education, and various technology elements (i.e., AVL system, cash-less fare payment, paratransit and on-demand “ride reservation” app, and new transit/mobility services website).
Across approximately 14 months, Moore & Associates successfully completed three transit-related projects for the City of Delano: 1) Ten-Year Transit Plan, 2) Transit Administration and Maintenance Facility Study, and 3) Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Plan. Each project was completed ahead of schedule and within the agreed upon budget.
Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Delano has a population of approximately 50,000. For 30-plus years, the City operated a two-tier (fixed-route and paratransit) transit program. As a result of the Ten- Year Transit Plan, a micro-transit service (general public on-demand) was introduced and the existing fixed-route service was reduced. Over time, it is likely the on-demand service will be expanded in terms of both service span and coverage area.
The project’s final Plan included seven recommendations such as transition to the on-demand service; a zero-emissions (battery-electric) fleet plan; increased marketing and community education; re-purposing and expansion of an existing structure resulting in a new transit operations, maintenance, and fueling facility; and implementation of a regional (transit) fare media.
The new micro-transit service utilizes a commercially available ride match/dispatch software, City-owned vehicles, and City staff.
Moore & Associates has provided transit/transportation consulting services to the City of Burbank since 1994. In doing so, we have helped change the face of transit in Burbank, realizing double-digit ridership growth during the early years of our relationship, and positioning public transit as a vital element of the community.
Our most recent Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) of the City’s long-standing fixed-route and demand-response services provided valuable insight. In addition to a quantitative analysis of both modes, the COA included 1) a cost-benefit analysis of possible assumption by the City of LA Metro (regional transit operator) services operating within and/or near Burbank, 2) a cost-benefit analysis of bringing all City-funded transit services in-house, 3) an assessment of the feasibility and cost-benefit of a potential taxi voucher program, and 4) an operational evaluation of the City’s Joslyn Center Nutrition Shuttle.
Key outcomes of the COA included 1) combining routes resulting in more frequent service, 2) implementation of bi-directional service on select routes, and 3) extending service to additional regional rail stations/transit hubs. Ultimately the City opted not to take its transit services in-house, chiefly due to higher than contractor labor and benefits costs. However, Moore & Associates assisted the City in negotiating modifications to the City’s then-existing transit operations contract resulting in reduced annual operating cost as well as increased flexibility should the City opt to assume operational responsibility for certain LA Metro bus routes.
Moore & Associates, Inc. works closely with public agencies to ensure their transit programs meet all Title VI requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as defined by the Federal Transit Administration. Our team develops comprehensive Title VI Programs designed to keep our client’s public transit services in full compliance while promoting equitable access for all riders.
Using a Four-Factor Analysis, we assess whether individuals with Limited English Proficiency experience any barriers to using or understanding the City’s transit system. When language-related challenges are identified, we apply the Language Assistance Plan framework to develop practical recommendations that enhance communication and accessibility.
In addition, we ensure clear, measurable standards for equitable transit service delivery are established and confirm all required notices, forms, and procedures, including the Title VI Notice to the Public and complaint form, are incorporated into the final program.
In 2025, Moore & Associates was engaged to update the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI Program for the City of Thousand Oaks. The firm had previously prepared Title VI Program updates for the City in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
As a small transit provider, the FTA Title VI Program for the City of Thousand Oaks (which operates Thousand Oaks Transit) included the following components:
To inform the Four-Factor Analysis within the Title VI Program, our project team conducted a survey of transit riders, a survey of drivers and other staff who interact with the public, and a survey of community stakeholders. These efforts were designed to identify any barriers to the use of the transit program related to race, color, or national origin. Moore & Associates also utilized demographic data available through the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and English Learner data available through the California Department of Education to identify limited English-proficient (LEP) populations within the service area.
In 2022, Moore & Associates was engaged to update the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI Program for the City of Fresno. The FTA Title VI Program for the City of Fresno (which operates the Fresno Area Express and Handy Ride services) included the following components:
To inform the Four-Factor Analysis within the Title VI Program, our project team conducted a survey of drivers and other staff who interact with the public, a survey of community stakeholders, and three community meetings. These efforts were designed to identify any barriers to the use of the transit program related to race, color, or national origin. The City separately conducted a rider survey, with that data used to inform this process. Moore & Associates also utilized demographic data available through the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and English Learner data available through the California Department of Education to identify limited English-proficient (LEP) populations within the service area.
Because the City of Fresno is a large transit provider (operating more than 50 fixed-route vehicles in peak service), the Title VI Program also included tables identifying low-income and minority populations by census tract within the service area and maps of low-income and minority populations with an overlay of the transit routes.
In 2025, Moore & Associates was engaged to update the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI Program for the City of Simi Valley. The firm had previously prepared Title VI Program updates for the City in 2019 and 2022.
As a small transit provider, the FTA Title VI Program for the City of Simi Valley (which operates Simi Valley Transit) included the following components:
To inform the Four-Factor Analysis within the Title VI Program, our project team conducted a survey of transit riders, a survey of drivers and other staff who interact with the public, and a survey of community stakeholders. These efforts were designed to identify any barriers to the use of the transit program related to race, color, or national origin. Moore & Associates also utilized demographic data available through the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and English Learner data available through the California Department of Education to identify limited English-proficient (LEP) populations within the service area.
Subsequent to the completion of the FTA Title VI Program Update, the City was made aware that it would also require a Title VI Implementation Plan specific to its Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding. While the Title VI requirements for both FTA and FHWA can be satisfied through a single plan, the City elected to keep them separate for the current year (given the FTA Title VI Program was already complete). Moore & Associates was then engaged to prepare a new FHWA Title VI Implementation Plan for the City. The FHWA has some slightly different requirements for Title VI than the FTA, so the FHWA Plan utilized some data from the FTA Program but was customized to meet the requirements of the FHWA. It is expected the two documents will be combined for future updates.
Moore & Associates has provided comprehensive transit marketing, communications, advertising, graphic design, and market research services to more than 150 public transportation agencies nationwide.
Our work has consistently increased awareness and ridership, boosted public participation in transit planning, and built stronger community support for programs and initiatives. We specialize in cost-effective, targeted marketing and advertising campaigns designed to deliver measurable results and maximize return on investment.
Our team of marketing, design, and planning professionals offers the full range of services typically associated with larger firms – strategic marketing, graphic design, copywriting, outreach, media placement, and event planning – while maintaining the accessibility and responsiveness our clients value.
Above all, we understand public transportation and how to effectively connect services with the communities they serve.
Since 1994, Moore & Associates has been the City of Burbank’s public transit consultant. We have assisted the City with a wide range of efforts under this engagement, including ongoing marketing and communications, community outreach, market research, service planning, and special events.
Current marketing activities include operational support, maintenance of social media accounts, outreach event staffing, new resident direct mail outreach, regular design and replacement of outdoor and Metrolink station posters, employer outreach, media releases and other public communications, operation of the customer service/call center, update and distribution of service information, onboard service evaluations, and customer surveys.
Additionally, our transit experience has helped us identify project partners who can help offset operational costs, identify grants to offset marketing costs, and make route adjustments that meet community needs and improve farebox recovery.
Since 2012, Moore & Associates has been providing full-service marketing and market research support to Mountain Line (formerly the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority – NAIPTA). Over the years, we have provided an extensive portfolio of creative and outreach services designed to strengthen the agency’s presence in the community and foster ridership growth.
Our support has spanned strategic marketing plan development, vehicle branding, website review and content, web artwork, market research, community outreach, promotional items, radio copy, informational videos, media releases, and more. Key objectives have included:
A pivotal moment came in 2019 when the agency sought to strengthen its brand identity and broaden awareness. The agency was internally discussing changing its name from NAIPTA to Mountain Line. During a survey of the community at-large it was discovered that the general public was unaware that NAIPTA was the provider of Mountain Line, the local public transit service, though Mountain Line was highly recognized. Using this data, we set out to re-brand the agency as a whole as Mountain Line. A variety of branding awareness tactics were used, including launching a new quarterly agency newsletter. Distribution of this newsletter to staff, stakeholders, government agencies, and the community has given Mountain Line an opportunity to highlight not only the projects it has undertaken, but also to achieve consistent recognition and awareness of the Mountain Line brand.
Moore & Associates began working with Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT) on annual marketing campaigns with the intent of enhancing SMAT’s image in the community and increasing fare revenue. Moore & Associates pinpointed the following goals:
To meet these objectives, Moore & Associates launched the SMAT Facebook page to increase public awareness of Santa Maria programs and tools and continues to act as the system’s social media manager through audience cultivation, content research, and oversight of posts and graphics. Moore & Associates has developed campaigns for the launch of online real-time tracking, mobile ticketing, and onboard Wi-Fi initiatives that include bus wraps, social media, and traditional print collateral promotion. We also provided a SMAT website review and redesign which incorporates a new layout and content.
Creating a strong identity and brand for a public transit system is key to building recognition, trust, and community support.
A well-designed brand communicates reliability and professionalism while remaining approachable and easy to identify. Color plays a critical role, helping establish a memorable visual identity that connects with riders and the community.
Equally important is consistency – ensuring logos, colors, messaging, and design elements are applied uniformly across buses, stops, printed materials, and digital platforms. This reinforces credibility and helps attract and retain riders.
Perhaps nothing empowers critics of a new transit service more than the perception of empty buses, which is why Moore & Associates believes branding that conveys momentum, accessibility, and community value is vital to shaping positive public perception.
Moore & Associates was engaged in FY 2021/22 to guide the launch of the newly formed Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA), created through the consolidation of the County of Stanislaus and the City of Modesto transit systems. Our team developed the agency’s brand identity, including the name The S and logo, and a full suite of visual assets. Following the Board of Directors’ adoption of the new brand, we implemented a comprehensive rollout strategy featuring vehicle wraps, signage, and a coordinated media campaign across print, digital, social media, and other advertising platforms.
Since the introduction of The S, Moore & Associates has continued to support StanRTA through ongoing marketing and communications activities, including:
Moore & Associates has a long history of supporting the City of Irvine’s transit programs with award-winning marketing and communications.
Beginning in 2009, we partnered with the City to promote the iShuttle, a peak-hour, last-mile service connecting two Metrolink stations with major employment centers. Our team developed a full suite of marketing materials including system maps, informational brochures, car cards, bus stop and kiosk posters, direct mail pieces, Valpak inserts, and info posts. For employer outreach, we created lobby posters, display collateral, and canvassing kits, as well as promotional materials for community events. Over the five years of our engagement, ridership increased significantly, community awareness grew, and iShuttle earned both local and regional recognition.
In 2015, the Orange County Transportation Authority assumed operation of iShuttle and the City of Irvine retained program administration. Fast forward and, inspired by iShuttle’s success, the Irvine City Council tasked the development of a new community-focused service. This vision became Irvine CONNECT, launched in 2024. Moore & Associates was awarded the sole-source contract for marketing, including naming, branding, and creating the new service identity. We produced a multilingual service brochure, and delivered comprehensive outreach including info posts, website content and graphics, social media campaigns (paid and organic), geo-targeted digital ads, car cards, posters, retail advertising, media releases, and event materials. We also coordinated outreach through the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce and community partners, ensuring widespread awareness and adoption. Thanks to these efforts, Irvine CONNECT has already expanded its route and is planning additional routes, with Moore & Associates continuing to provide ongoing marketing support.
When the Ventura County Transportation Commission sought a marketing partner to develop the naming and branding for its new Valley Express service, it turned to Moore & Associates. We led the creation and launch of the brand – developing a cohesive identity that resonated with the community – then continued to provide ongoing marketing support to strengthen awareness and ridership.
At the direction of the Heritage Valley Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), we facilitated a naming contest for local residents. We promoted the contest via traditional and new media outreach (including a contest web page). We reviewed entries for potential conflicts with established businesses and services and confirmed each submitter’s eligibility. Ultimately we received 32 eligible entries. Once the winning name was selected, we developed logo and branding concepts for consideration by the PAC.
In addition to developing the logo and branding, we conducted all pre-launch marketing and outreach, including design of bus stop signs, info-post inserts, fare media, vehicle branding, service brochures, and a website; outreach to schools and current Dial-A-Ride users; broadcast advertisements; presentations to local organizations; preparation and execution of a launch event on the first day of service, and development of a short-form video.
Every Moore & Associates team member shares a passion for improving mobility in every community in which we work.
Our public transportation focus allows us to provide innovative solutions that embrace multiple disciplines: planning, marketing, market research, and performance audits. Our project approach allows us to take a project from concept to implementation in a timely manner while assisting clients with funding applications and logistical details.
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