The Transportation Authority of Marin has embarked on a significant website overhaul aimed at enhancing user experience and accessibility. The agency’s board approved a contract worth $185,000 with lowercase productions, a San Francisco-based firm, to redesign the website and provide two years of ongoing support.
Melanie Purcell, the agency’s finance director, emphasized that the goal is to align the website with current best practices in design, functionality, and maintenance. It also aims to meet state and federal standards for accessibility and government transparency. “We want to design something that really embraces that transparency and sets a new standard,” Purcell stated.
Website Redesign Process
The project was initiated through a request for proposals issued in September, which attracted 27 applications. After a rigorous evaluation process, four candidates were shortlisted based on their timelines and methodologies. Ultimately, the bid from lowercase productions was selected as the lowest among the finalists.
The initial phase of the project will involve gathering feedback from users, staff, and officials, alongside a thorough evaluation of the current website to identify deficiencies and potential improvements. Website testing is anticipated to commence in the summer of 2025, with a full launch scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The contract allocates $130,950 for the website update and launch, with the remaining funds designated for maintenance, hosting, and contingencies. There is also an option to extend the support contract for an additional two years at a maximum cost of $35,000.
Focus on Accessibility and Modern Technology
During the board meeting, San Anselmo Councilmember and Transportation Authority of Marin board member Steve Burdo raised concerns about ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. He inquired whether adequate measures would be in place to guarantee that the new digital platform meets required benchmarks. Purcell reassured the board that knowledge of accessibility was a key criterion in the vendor selection process.
Marin County Supervisor Mary Sackett echoed the importance of utilizing the latest technologies. “The tools in this space are really changing, and there are providers that want to work with government,” she said. “I hope that we’re taking advantage of that rather than developing a site that might become outdated in a few years.”
Purcell noted that the ability of contractors to deliver innovative and intuitive websites was a significant factor in the selection process. Dan Reider, owner and managing director of lowercase productions, highlighted the firm’s extensive experience with government agencies, particularly in the transportation sector, including partnerships with Bay Area Rapid Transit and Caltrans.
“This is not just a site that’s going to be up and running and look slapdash and nice for three years and then dies,” Reider asserted. “We’re building for the future, so it’s expansive, it’s open-ended, and with strict governance, it allows the organization to take control of that progress as we move forward.”
The Transportation Authority of Marin is poised for a transformative update that promises to enhance its digital presence while prioritizing accessibility and transparency for its users.