UPDATE: The Transportation Authority of Marin is embarking on a major website overhaul, securing a $185,000 contract with lowercase productions, a San Francisco-based firm, to enhance user experience and accessibility. This decision was confirmed during an urgent board meeting where agency officials emphasized the need for a modern, transparent digital platform that meets state and federal accessibility standards.
The project has been greenlit to start immediately, with Melanie Purcell, the agency’s finance director, stating, “We want to design something that really embraces transparency and sets a new standard.” The initiative aims to address deficiencies in the current website, making information readily available and consistent for users.
As part of the bidding process, which began in September, the Transportation Authority of Marin received 27 applications. After thorough evaluations, the board selected lowercase productions due to their competitive pricing and proven track record with government agencies, including Bay Area Rapid Transit and Caltrans.
The project team will conduct user surveys and site evaluations to identify areas needing improvement. Website testing is set to commence in the summer, leading to a full launch by January 1, 2027. The contract allocates $130,950 for the website update and launch, with additional funds reserved for maintenance and support.
During the meeting, Steve Burdo, a councilmember and board member, raised concerns about digital accessibility, questioning, “Is there anything in here to make sure that our digital accessibility is up to scale?” Purcell assured him that the vendors’ expertise in accessibility was a key criterion in the selection process.
Fellow board member Mary Sackett expressed the necessity for the latest technology, stating, “I hope that we’re taking advantage of that rather than sort of doing today’s website that may be out of date in three years.” Purcell confirmed that innovation was paramount in the selection criteria.
Dan Reider, owner of lowercase productions, emphasized the firm’s commitment to creating a sustainable website. “We’re building for the future, so it’s expansive and open-ended,” he said, ensuring that the website will not just look good for a few years but will remain functional and relevant over time.
This urgent update signifies a pivotal change for the Transportation Authority of Marin, aiming to enhance user experience while adhering strictly to government transparency and accessibility standards. Stakeholders are watching closely as the project unfolds, ready to embrace a modernized digital interface that prioritizes user accessibility and engagement.
Stay tuned for more updates as testing begins and the launch date approaches.
