UPDATE: The Transportation Authority of Marin has just announced a major overhaul of its website, aimed at enhancing user experience and accessibility. The agency’s board approved a $185,000 contract with lowercase productions, a San Francisco-based firm, to not only redesign the website but also provide two years of essential support services.
This urgent initiative is set to align the website with current best practices in design, functionality, and government transparency, as emphasized by Melanie Purcell, the agency’s finance director. “We want to design something that really embraces that transparency and sets a new standard,” Purcell stated.
The project began with a request for proposals in September, attracting 27 applications. After thorough evaluation, the board selected lowercase productions, which offered the most competitive bid. They will kick off the project by gathering feedback from users, staff, and officials to identify areas needing improvement.
Website testing is expected to commence in the summer of 2026, with a full launch anticipated by January 1, 2027. The contract allocates $130,950 for the website redesign, with the remaining funds covering maintenance and hosting. An optional extension for support services could add another $35,000 to the total.
During the board meeting, questions arose about ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. Steve Burdo, a member of the Transportation Authority of Marin, inquired about mechanisms to guarantee digital accessibility. Purcell reassured him that the contractors’ proficiency in accessibility was a critical factor in their selection.
Additionally, board member Mary Sackett urged the team to adopt the latest technology. “I hope we’re taking advantage of providers that want to work with government,” she commented, underlining the importance of modern solutions.
The managing director of lowercase productions, Dan Reider, highlighted their extensive experience with government agencies, including Bay Area Rapid Transit and Caltrans. “We’re building for the future, so it’s expansive and allows the organization to take control of that progress,” Reider affirmed.
This transformative project reflects a commitment to improving government services through enhanced digital platforms. As the Transportation Authority of Marin embarks on this significant update, residents can expect a more accessible and user-friendly online experience in the near future. Stay tuned for further developments as the project unfolds.
