HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2024 MTC Agenda PacketMASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
AGENDA
January 10th at 2:30 PM
Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
The City of San Luis Obispo has returned to in-person meetings. Zoom participation will
not be supported. For those attending in-person, City facilities will be at limited capacity
and masks are strongly recommended.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the
meeting):
Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's
Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401.
Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org.
In the body of your email, please include the date of the meeting and the item
number (if applicable). Emails will not be read aloud during the meeting.
Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell
your name, the agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your
comment. Verbal comments must be limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be
played during the meeting.
*All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions
received after the deadline will not be processed until the following day.
Public Comment during the meeting:
Meetings have returned to an in-person format. To provide public comment
during the meeting, you must be present at the meeting location.
Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access
and Use Policy, Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual,
members of the public who desire to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement
their oral presentation are encouraged to provide display-ready material to the City
Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the City Clerk's Office at
cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7100.
Mass Transportation Committee Agenda for January 10, 2024 Page 2
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
2:30 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
CALL TO ORDER: John Osumi (Business – Chair)
ROLL CALL: David Figueroa (Vice Chair), Committee Members Robin Kisinger (Senior),
Marlene Cramer (Cal Poly), Trevor Freeman (Technical), Ryan Meller
(Student), Vacant (Alternate), and Vacant (Disabled).
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally
referred to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future
meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1.Minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee of May 10, 2023. (Attachment 1)
2.Minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee of July 12, 2023. (Attachment 2)
3.Minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee of November 13, 2023. (Attachment 3)
PRESENTATIONS
4.Cal Poly’s California Faculty Association (CFA) Concerted Activities on January 22-26, 2024.
5.Cal Poly Circulation Master Plan
ACTION ITEMS
6.Consider Pilot Program Expanding Fare and Pass Options for K-12 Students (Attachment 4)
Mass Transportation Committee Agenda for January 10, 2024 Page 3
Staff recommends Mass Transportation Committee makes a recommendation that City Council
adopt draft Resolution approving pilot program.
BUSINESS ITEMS
7.Passenger Code of Conduct Policy Codification (Attachment 5)
8.Short-Range Transit Plan Update
•Revised Project Schedule
•Working Paper #1 (Attachment 6)
•TENTATIVE: Joint Regional Transit Advisory Committee (RTAC) and Mass Transportation
Committee (MTC) meeting scheduled for March 13, 2024
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
9.SLO Transit Operations Update
•Academic Service Restoration 2023-24
•Holiday Trolley Service Ridership Statistics
•Fleet Electrification Update
•Bus Yard EV Charging Infrastructure Update
•Transportation Development Act (TDA) Triennial Performance Audit for FY2020-22
•Ridership
ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee is scheduled for
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San
Luis Obispo, California.
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public.
Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons
with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in
order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the Public Works Department at
(805) 781-7200 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for
the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Service Complaints: Complaints regarding bus service or routes are to be directed to the
customer service line at 805-594-8090. Reports of complaints/commendations are available to
Mass Transportation Committee Agenda for January 10, 2024 Page 4
the public upon request.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/60984/Row1.aspx
Minutes – DRAFT
MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee was called to order on Wednesday,
May 10, 2023 at 2:40 p.m. by Vice Chair David Figueroa.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Members David Figueroa (Vice Chair - At Large), Robin Kisinger (Senior),
Franklin Pandoy (Student), and Marlene Cramer (Cal Poly).
Absent: Committee Members Trevor Freeman (Technical), Dinah Nassar (Vacant), and John
Osumi (Chair – Business).
Staff: Transit Coordinator Jesse Stanley
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
--End of Public Comment--
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1.Minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee meeting of November 9, 2023.
ACTION: UPON MOTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBER CRAMER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER PANDOY, CARRIED 4-0, the Mass Transportation Committee approved the minutes
of November 9, 2023.
PRESENTATIONS
None
COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION
Attachment 1
DRAFT Minutes – Mass Transportation Committee Meeting of May 10, 2023 Page 2
None
2.SLO Transit Update
Updates were provided on the following:
•Summer Service
•Summer Youth Ride Free
•Route 2A Realignment
•Electric Bus Procurement
•Bus Yard EV Infrastructure
•Ridership
•SLO Transit Innovation Study
Committee Member Kisinger commented.
Committee Member Figueroa commented.
Committee Member Cramer commented.
PUBLIC COMMENT
--End of Public Comment--
ADJOURNMENT
ACTION: UPON MOTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBER KISINGER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER CRAMER, CARRIED 4-0, the meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee is scheduled for Wednesday,
July 12, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California.
APPROVED BY THE MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: XX/XX/XXXX
Minutes – DRAFT
MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee was called to order on Wednesday,
July 12, 2023 at 2:34 p.m. by Vice Chair David Figueroa.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Members David Figueroa (Vice Chair - At Large), Ryan Meller (Student),
and Marlene Cramer (Cal Poly).
Absent: Committee Members Robin Kisinger (Senior), Trevor Freeman (Technical), and John
Osumi (Chair – Business).
Staff: Deputy Director of Mobility Services Jennifer Rice, Mobility Services Business
Manager Alex Fuchs, Transit Coordinator Jesse Stanley
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
--End of Public Comment--
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Due to lack of quorum, the minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee on May 10, 2023
were not approved.
PRESENTATIONS
Deputy Director of Mobility Service Jennifer Rice and Mobility Services Business Manager Alex
Fuchs gave a presentation on the Mobility Services Division.
COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION
None
Attachment 2
DRAFT Minutes – Mass Transportation Committee Meeting of July 12, 2023 Page 2
1.SLO Transit Update
Updates were provided on the following:
•Summer Service
•Summer Trolley Service
•FY 2023-25 DBE Program
•Electric Bus Update
•Bus Yard EV Infrastructure
•Ridership
•Joint RTA/SLO Transit SRTP
•SLO Transit Innovations Study
Committee Member Figueroa commented.
Committee Member Cramer commented.
PUBLIC COMMENT
--End of Public Comment--
ADJOURNMENT
ACTION: UPON MOTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBER FIGUEROA, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER CRAMER, CARRIED 3-0, the meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee is scheduled for Wednesday,
November 8, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California.
APPROVED BY THE MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: XX/XX/XXXX
Minutes – DRAFT
MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Monday, November 13, 2023
SPECIAL Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee
CALL TO ORDER
A SPECIAL Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee was called to order on Monday,
November 13, 2023 at 2:50 p.m. by Vice Chair David Figueroa.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Members David Figueroa (Vice Chair - At Large), and Marlene Cramer (Cal
Poly).
Absent: Committee Members Robin Kisinger (Senior), Trevor Freeman (Technical), Ryan
Meller (Student), and John Osumi (Chair – Business).
Staff: Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs, and Transit Coordinator Jesse Stanley
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
--End of Public Comment--
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Due to lack of quorum, the minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee on May 10,
2023, and July 12, 2023, were not approved.
PRESENTATIONS
Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs provided a presentation on proposed MTC Bylaws
changes.
COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION
1.SLO Transit Update
Attachment 3
DRAFT Minutes – Mass Transportation Committee Meeting of November 13, 2023 Page 2
Updates were provided on the following:
•Academic Service Restoration 23-24
•Holiday Trolley Service
•Electric Bus Update
•Bus Yard EV Infrastructure
•Ridership
•Joint RTA/SLO Transit SRTP
•SLO Transit Innovations Study
Committee Member Figueroa commented.
Committee Member Cramer commented.
PUBLIC COMMENT
--End of Public Comment--
ADJOURNMENT
ACTION: UPON MOTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBER FIGUEROA, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER CRAMER, CARRIED 2-0, the meeting was adjourned at 3:43 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee is scheduled for Wednesday,
January 10, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California.
APPROVED BY THE MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: XX/XX/XXXX
R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2024 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A PILOT PROGRAM EXPANDING
FARE OPTIONS FOR K-12 STUDENTS FOR SAN LUIS OBISPO (SLO)
TRANSIT
WHEREAS, cash fares and prepaid pass options for SLO Transit has not changed
since April 2017; and
WHEREAS, SLO Transit only offers a discounted 31-Day pass for K-12 students
as well as fare free rides during summer months in coordination with other transit
providers throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, the City recently completed a Transit Innovation Study which
recommends providing more accessible fare options for students by expanding fare free
rides for K-12 students beyond the summer months; and
WHEREAS, analyzing potential impacts of expanding fare free rides for K-12
students will take significant staff time and outreach since it could jeopardize SLO
Transit’s ability to maintain its required 20% minimum farebox recovery ratio; and
WHEREAS, since September 2023, the City has received correspondence from
parents of K-12 students requesting expanded fare and pass options beyond the 31-Day
pass similar to those offered by SLO Transit for senior and disabled riders; and
WHEREAS, as an immediate solution to addressing the need for expanded
student fare and pass options, staff recommends establishing a pilot program allowing
SLO Transit to offer a discounted single ride fare and a discounted 15-Ride pass for K-
12 students at the rates shown in Exhibit A effective February 1, 2024, through June 5,
2025; and
WHEREAS, the pilot program would allow sufficient time for an impact analysis of
expanding fare free rides for K-12 students to be completed and presented to Council as
part of the 2025-27 Financial Plan; and
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, the City Council
considered the proposed changes to SLO Transit’s rate structure.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo that SLO Transit’s fare rate structure is hereby adopted as set forth in and
incorporated herein as Exhibit A.
Upon motion of Council Member ___________, seconded by Council Member
___________, and on the following roll call vote:
Attachment 4
Resolution No. _____ (2024 Series) Page 2
R ______
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _______________ 2024.
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
Resolution No. _____ (2024 Series) Page 3
R ______
EXHIBIT A
Fare Type Current Rate Proposed Rate
Regular $1.50 $1.50
Student (K-12)N/A $1.00
Senior/Disabled $0.75 $0.75
Pass Type Current Rate Proposed Rate
31-Day Regular $40.00 $40.00
31-Day Student (K-12)$25.00 $25.00
31-Day Senior/Disabled $20.00 $20.00
16-Ride Regular $24.00 $24.00
15-Ride Student (K-12)N/A $15.00
15-Ride Senior/Disabled $11.25 $11.25
7-Day $15.00 $15.00
5-Day $12.00 $12.00
3-Day $7.00 $7.00
1-Day $3.25 $3.25
Regional Day Pass $5.50 $5.50
Effective February 1, 2024
Department of Public Works EFFECTIVE
DATE: 06/26/2000 SLO Transit
APPROVED
BY: Operating Policies
SECTION: TRANSIT
SLO Transit - Passenger Code of Conduct PAGE 1 OF 5
(Title)
X POLICY
OBJECTIVE
To establish guidelines on proper passenger code of conduct and behavior on the SLO Transit bus
system and public facilities and establish a disciplinary procedure for problem passengers.
SUMMARY
A. GENERAL
Proper passenger behavior on the City of San Luis Obispo Transit system is essential for
providing quality service to the members of our community and ensuring safety for all
transit patrons. Establishing a code of conduct for passengers of the SLO Transit system
and associated disciplinary process is a necessary component to maintain the existing high
levels of service for transit patrons.
B.ADMINISTRATOR
The administrator of the SLO Transit Code of Conduct is the City of San Luis Obispo Transit
Manager under the authority of the Director of Public Works.
C.CODE OF CONDUCT
Table 1 lists activities and descriptions of behavior that are prohibited, restricted and/or
allowed on the SLO Transit system and public facilities. Interpretations of the guidelines are at
the discretion of the Transit Manager and are subject to appeal through the procedures
established under Section D.
Table 1 – SLO Transit Passenger Code of Conduct
Transit Vehicles Passenger Facilities
(a)Commercial Activities
(1) Displaying or offering for sale,
selling, or distributing goods or
services
Prohibited except by written
agreement by Department of
PW
Prohibited except by
written agreement by
Department of PW
Attachment 5
SECTION: TRANSIT
SLO Transit - Passenger Code of Conduct PAGE 2 OF 5
Table 1 (con’t) - SLO Transit Passenger Code Of Conduct
Transit Vehicles Passenger Facilities
(b) Public Communications Activities
(1) Distributing literature Prohibited Allowed
(2) Posting or affixing leaflets or signs to
parked cars or transit facilities
Prohibited Prohibited
(3) Performing instrumental/vocal music Prohibited Allowed
(c) Other Activity or Conduct
(1) Transporting animals Prohibited, except in a
secure container, or a
service animal on a
short, secure restraint
Prohibited, except in a
secure container, or a
service animal on a short,
secure restraint
(2) Roller skating, in-line skating, or
skateboarding
Prohibited Prohibited
(3) Drinking nonalcoholic beverages or
eating
Prohibited, except
drinking from a
container with an
attached lid designed to
prevent spillage
Allowed
(4)Drinking alcoholic beverage or
possessing an open container of same
Prohibited Prohibited
(5) Carrying objects blocking aisle or
stairway or occupying seat
Prohibited, except at
driver’s discretion if
space allows; strollers
must be folded prior to
boarding
N/A
(6) Using transit properties for purpose
of sleeping
Prohibited Prohibited
(7) Camping or storing personal property
(camping is defined as riding the same bus
inexcess of one continuous hour)
Prohibited Prohibited
(8)Extending anything out window or
doors of moving bus
Prohibited N/A
(9) Hanging or swinging off bars or
stanchions (except when standing only
conditions apply)
Prohibited Prohibited
(10)Attaching oneself to exterior of bus
or building
Prohibited Prohibited
(11)Smoking Prohibited Prohibited
(12) Littering Prohibited Prohibited
SECTION: TRANSIT
SLO Transit - Passenger Code of Conduct PAGE 3 OF 5
Table 1 (con’t) - SLO Transit Passenger Code Of Conduct
(13) Use of sound producing equipment
except with headphones, and except for
beepers and portable phones
Prohibited Allowed at the
discretion of the Transit
Manager
(14)Spitting, urinating or defecating; or
creating unsanitary condition through
presence on person of blood, urine,
feces, vomit, or other bodily fluids
Prohibited Prohibited
(15)Carrying of explosives, flammable,
caustic or other harmful material, or
weapons
Prohibited Prohibited
(16) Interfering with the provision of
transportation services i.e. failure to
properly board or alight, blocking
progress of a transit vehicle, disturbing the
driver, etc.
Prohibited Prohibited
(17)Unruly behavior, unwelcome
physical contact, profane or threatening
verbal contact with passengers or driver
Prohibited Prohibited
(18)Defacing, destroying or otherwise
vandalizing transit property or any sign,
notices or advertisements thereon
Prohibited Prohibited
(19)Throwing objects at transit property
or at person in or on transit property
Prohibited Prohibited
(20) Failure to pay appropriate fare,
presenting invalid pass or transfer, or
failure to properly present pass, failure to
surrender pass if demanded by an
authorized SLO Transit representative
Prohibited Prohibited
(21)Misrepresenting oneself as eligible
for special or reduced fare or transfer
Prohibited Prohibited
(22) Failure to follow direction from
driver or other authorized SLO Transit
personnel
Prohibited Prohibited
(23) Bringing onto SLO Transit property
odors which unreasonably disturb others
or interfere with their use of the SLO
Transit system, whether such odors arise
from one’s person, clothes, articles,
accompanying animal or any other source
Prohibited Prohibited
Items in bold face indicate potential “Major” Infractions (see Table 2)
SECTION: TRANSIT
SLO Transit - Passenger Code of Conduct PAGE 4 OF 5
D.DISCIPLINE
In addition to the above-proscribed conduct, criminal conduct, including but not limited to,
assault, disorderly conduct, and illegal drug use, are prohibited on all SLO Transit
properties. The San Luis Obispo Police Department will be contacted if SLO Transit
personnel observe such conduct.
In addition to civil and criminal penalties, violators of the Code of Conduct and any other
applicable laws may be subject to immediate denial of service, suspension of privilege to
enter or use SLO Transit properties. Transit properties include all vehicles and facilities
used in the SLO Transit system.
Immediate denial of service may be effected by a San Luis Obispo police officer, the
Transit Manager, authorized SLO Transit personnel including drivers, or authorized
personnel of a contract service provider. Failure to comply with denial of service or
suspension of privilege to enter or use SLO Transit properties shall be grounds for criminal
trespass prosecution. For initial minor infractions, patrons of the SLO Transit service who
have been denied or removed from service must petition (either verbally or in writing) to
the SLO Transit General Manager of Operations. The General Manager shall establish
proper guidelines and probationary review for the patron’s return to the transit system.
Unless passenger conduct warrants special consideration, the following disciplinary actions
are recommended for repeat conduct violations:
Table 2 – Disciplinary Actions
Type Disciplinary Action Disciplinary Review Process to
Return Service Privileges
1st Infraction (minor) Immediate denial of service Petition SLO Transit General
Manager
2nd Infraction (minor) Same as one, plus: suspension
of service privileges for a
period not to exceed seven
days.
Petition City Transit Manager
3rd Infraction (minor)
or 1st Infraction (major)
Same as one, plus: suspension
of service privileges for no less
than seven days and no longer
than 30 days.
Public Hearing by City Transit
Manager after disciplinary
process. Petition Public Works
Director to return to service.
4th Infraction (minor)
or 2nd Infraction
(major)
Same as one, plus: suspension
of service privileges for 180
calendar days.
Public Hearing by Public Works
Director after disciplinary
process. (See next section)
SECTION: TRANSIT
SLO Transit - Passenger Code of Conduct PAGE 5 OF 5
Discipline For Major Offenses
For repeat or major offenders, the General Manager shall issue a written notice stating
the cause and duration of the suspension and the process for requesting review.
Suspension shall be in effect upon issuance of the notice and shall remain in effect
during any review process.
Within 10 working days (typical) after receiving a notice of suspension of privileges to
enter or use SLO Transit facilities, a person receiving such notice may deliver to the
City’s Transit Manager a written request for review of the suspension and an opportunity
to present reasons for reconsideration of the suspension.
Within 10 days after receiving a request for review, the Transit Manager shall set a
telephonic or in-person hearing to review the General Manager’s decision. The hearing
shall be held within 10 days following the request for a hearing. The Public Works
Director then shall decide to affirm or reverse the suspension within 10 days following
the public hearing.
Mass Transportation Committee Action: Approved unanimously by the MTC, June 14,
2000.
G:\Transportation\Transit\Transit - Passenger Code of Conduct\PCC Final Draft2.doc
San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority
and City of San Luis Obispo Transit
Short Range Transit PlansWorking Paper 1: Overview of Transit Services
Prepared for
SLO RTA and SLO Transit
January 4, 2024
Prepared by LSC Transportation Consultants
Attachment 6
San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority
and
City of San Luis Obispo Transit
Short Range Transit Plans
Working Paper 1:
Overview of Transit Services
Prepared for
San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority
235 Elks Lane
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
And
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Prepared by
LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.
2690 Lake Forest Road, Ste. C
Tahoe City, CA 96145
January 4, 2024
This page intentionally left blank.
SLO RTA and SLO Transit 2024 SRTPs LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.
SLO RTA and SLO Transit Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
Chapter 1: Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2: Overview of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority ........................................ 3
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3
History, Governance, and Organizational Structure ........................................................................................ 3
RTA Services ................................................................................................................................................... 3
RTA Fare Structure ......................................................................................................................................... 12
RTA Capital Assets .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Chapter 3: Overview of City of San Luis Obispo Transit ........................................................................ 19
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 19
History, Governance, and Organizational Structure ..................................................................................... 19
SLO Transit Services ....................................................................................................................................... 19
SLO Transit Fare Structure ............................................................................................................................. 24
SLO Transit Capital Assets .............................................................................................................................. 25
Chapter 4: Overview of Other Regional Public Transit Services ........................................................ 29
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 29
Public Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 29
Nonprofit Transportation Providers .............................................................................................................. 31
Private For-Profit Regional Providers ............................................................................................................ 32
APPENDIX A: REVIEW OF RECENT PLANNING STUDIES
LIST OF TABLES
TABLES PAGE
Table 1: Summary of RTA Services and Frequency ......................................................................................... 5
Table 2: RTA Fixed Route Fares ...................................................................................................................... 13
Table 3: RTA Paratransit and Dial-a-Ride Fare Structure ............................................................................... 14
Table 4: RTA Revenue Vehicle Fleet .............................................................................................................. 15
Table 5: Summary of SLO Transit Service and Frequency ............................................................................. 21
Table 6: SLO Transit Fare Structure ............................................................................................................... 26
Table 7: SLO Transit Revenue Vehicle Fleet ................................................................................................... 27
SLO RTA and SLO Transit 2024 SRTPs LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.
SLO RTA and SLO Transit Page ii
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURES PAGE
Figure 1: RTA Organizational Chart .................................................................................................................. 4
Figure 2: RTA Regional Transit Services ........................................................................................................... 7
Figure 3: RTA North County Services ............................................................................................................... 8
Figure 4: RTA South County Services ............................................................................................................... 9
Figure 5: SLO Transit Organizational Chart .................................................................................................... 20
Figure 6: SLO Transit Fixed Route Services .................................................................................................... 22
SLO RTA and SLO Transit 2024 SRTPs LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.
SLO RTA and SLO Transit Page 1
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
San Luis Obispo County spans 3,616 square miles on California’s central coast. The majority of the
County’s 281,712 residents live in communities located within the United States (US) 101 or US 1
corridors.1 The City of San Luis Obispo is the county seat and the largest city in the County, with an
estimated population of 47,529. Other population centers in the County include the Cities of Paso Robles,
Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, and Morro Bay and the census designated places (CDPs) of
Nipomo, Los Osos, and Templeton. The California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is located in the
City of San Luis Obispo, and serves as a major educational, economic, and cultural center for the region.
Public transit is an important component of the San Luis Obispo County transportation system, enhancing
connectivity both within and between communities. Public transit not only aids mobility-limited residents,
but also yields other benefits such as decreased road congestion, improved air quality, increased
economic opportunity, and better access to education. Public transit will play an even more significant
role in San Luis Obispo County as the region works to advance the goals of the 2023-2045 Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP), such as reducing single occupant vehicles, mitigating congestion on US 101
and other roadways, and limiting vehicle miles traveled. The RTP and other studies relevant to public
transportation in San Luis Obispo County are summarized in Appendix A.
1 United States Census Bureau. (2022). Age and Sex, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov/
Note: Overlooking Morro Rock [Photo], by Blake Carroll, 2016, Flickr.
SLO RTA and SLO Transit 2024 SRTPs LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.
SLO RTA and SLO Transit Page 2
The San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and San Luis Obispo Transit (SLO Transit) are the two
largest public transit providers in San Luis Obispo County. The two agencies have retained LSC
Transportation Consultants, Inc. to update each agency’s respective Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP).
While the final SRTPs will differ for the two organizations, a series of joint documents are being prepared
in the interim to summarize project progress.
This document, Working Paper One: Overview of Transit Services (WP1), is the first interim study
document for the RTA and SLO Transit SRTPs. Chapter 2 summarizes key characteristics of the RTA,
including the services currently offered and the agency’s capital amenities. Chapter 3 provides similar
information for SLO Transit. Chapter 4 briefly describes other transit services operating in the region, with
an emphasis on how these other services connect to the RTA and SLO Transit. Future interim documents
will build upon the information presented in this report, ultimately considering how to best improve RTA
and SLO Transit services so public transit can continue to effectively serve San Luis Obispo County
residents over the next five years.
SLO RTA and SLO Transit 2024 SRTPs LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.
SLO RTA and SLO Transit Page 3
Chapter 2
OVERVIEW OF THE
SAN LUIS OBISPO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY
INTRODUCTION
The San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides local,
intercity, and interregional fixed route service, as well as local and
countywide paratransit services, throughout San Luis Obispo
County. This chapter discusses the services operated either directly
or through contract by the RTA. The RTA’s capital inventory,
including the revenue fleet and passenger amenities, are also summarized.
HISTORY, GOVERNANCE, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The RTA is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) established in 1989 to manage San Luis Obispo County’s
regional fixed routes and paratransit services. Prior to 2009, RTA services were provided through contract
by private operators. However, since 2009, the RTA has operated all of its services directly.
The RTA Board of Directors consists of representatives from all of the cities in which the RTA operates
(Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo)
and five San Luis Obispo County Supervisors. The RTA Board meets every other month and oversees
operational and policy issues. Figure 1 presents the RTA organizational structure, outlining how the RTA
Board relates to other staff.
The Regional Transit Advisory Committee (RTAC) meets quarterly to provide advice to the RTA Board on
pertinent issues. The RTAC is comprised of representatives from the RTA, the County of San Luis Obispo,
the City of San Luis Obispo Transit, Atascadero Transit, Morro Bay Transit, Cal Poly, Cuesta College, and
the City of Paso Robles, as well as two at-large representatives, one of fixed route travelers and one of
paratransit travelers.
RTA SERVICES
RTA Fixed Routes
The RTA directly operates five fixed routes that span local to interregional distances. The RTA also
operates two local Paso Robles fixed routes, four Southern County Transit (SoCo Transit) fixed routes, and
one seasonal trolley through contract. Generally, RTA service hours are 6:00 AM to 9:45 PM on weekdays,
7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays, and 7:30 AM to 7:15 PM on Sundays. Table 1 summarizes RTA services,
both fixed route and paratransit, as of December 2023. Detailed descriptions of the RTA fixed routes are
included on the following pages. The RTA fixed routes are also shown in Figures 2 through 4.
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Table 1: Summary of RTA Services and Frequency
Start End Start End Start End Start End
Bus: Fixed Route
Route 9 - Paso Robles - SLO 6:01 AM 9:47 PM 6:56 AM 9:03 PM 7:56 AM 7:03 PM Mission at 14th (San Miguel)Same as start 60
Route 10 - Santa Maria - SLO 6:14 AM 9:43 PM 7:14 AM 8:43 PM 8:14 AM 6:43 PM Santa Maria Transit Center Same as start 60
Route 12 - Los Osos - Morry Bay - SLO 6:10 AM 10:06 PM 7:30 AM 8:28 PM 8:30 AM 6:28 PM Santa Ysabel at 15th (Los Osos)SLO Government Center 60
Route 14 - Cuesta College - SLO 2 7:30 AM 7:41 AM -- -- -- --SLO Government Center Cuesta College 1 Trip
Route 15 - Morro Bay - San Simeon 6:00 AM 6:44 PM 7:05 AM 8:47 PM 8:05 AM 6:47 PM Hearst at San Simeon Castillo at Otter Way 5 Round Trips
Paso Robles Route A 6:45 AM 6:58 PM -- -- -- --Pine at 8th (Paso Robles) Spring at 34th (Paso Robles)60
Paso Robles Route B 6:48 AM 7:05 PM 7:55 AM 6:05 PM -- --Spring at 34th (Paso Robles) Pine at 8th (Paso Robles)60
Route 21 - Five Cities Loop Clockwise 6:29 AM 7:29 PM 7:29 AM 7:29 PM 7:29 AM 6:29 PM Ramona Garden (Grover Beach)Same as start 60
Route 24 - Five Cities Loop Counterclockwise 6:29 AM 7:29 PM 7:29 AM 7:29 PM 7:29 AM 6:29 PM Ramona Garden (Grover Beach)Same as start 60
Route 27 - Grover Beach - Arroyo Grande - Oceano 6:03 AM 9:13 PM -- -- -- --Elm @ The Pike (Grover Beach) Ramona Garden (Grover Beach)60
Route 28 - Grover Beach - Arroyo Grande - Oceano 6:20 AM 8:14 PM 7:32 AM 8:14 PM 7:32 AM 7:14 PM Ramona Garden (Grover Beach)Same as start 60
Avila/Pismo Trolley 3 4:00 PM 8:50 PM 10:00 AM 8:50 PM 10:00 PM 5:50 PM Pismo Beach Premium Outlets Same as start 60
Runabout Paratransit 4 8:00 AM 5:00 PM 8:00 AM 5:00 PM 8:00 AM 5:00 PM ------
Senior Go! 5 9:00 AM 5:00 PM -- -- -- --------
Shandon - Paso Robles Dial-a-Ride 6 8:00 AM 5:00 PM -- -- -- --------
Templeton - Paso Robles Dial-a-Ride 7 8:00 AM 5:00 PM -- -- -- --------
Paso Robles Dial-a-Ride 7:00 AM 1:00 PM -- -- -- --------
Nipomo Dial-a-Ride 7:00 AM 6:30 PM -- -- -- --------
Source: RTA
Note 7: The Templeton-Paso Robles Dial-a-Ride is only available Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Note 5: Senior Go! Transportation is available to all seniors ages 65 and older in San Luis Obispo County for up to eight one-way trips per month.
Note 4: The Runabout is available to persons with disabilities that limit them from riding fixed route services.
Weekday
Service
Frequency
(Minutes)
Service Hours1
Weekday Saturday Start & End LocationsSunday
Dial-a-Ride
Note 1: Summary accurate as of December 2023. No service on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year's Day. Saturday service schedule the weeks of Thanksgiving
and Christmas.
Note 2: Route 14 service has been temporarily suspended with the exception of one morning run from the SLO Transit Center to Cuesta College.
Note 3: During the 2023 season, the Avila Pismo Trolley was only available from May 5 through September 3 on Friday evenings, Saturday, and Sunday.
Note 6: The Shandon-Paso Robles Dial-a-Ride is only available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
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Route 9 – San Luis Obispo – Paso Robles
Route 9 provides intercity service from San Luis Obispo to San Miguel along the United States (US) 101
corridor, stopping in Paso Robles along the route, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Route 9 is available seven
days per week; Route 9 operates hourly on weekdays, completes five roundtrips per Saturday, and
completes three roundtrips per Sunday. Important destinations served by Route 9 include Cuesta College
(North Campus), the North County Transit Center, the Twin Cities Hospital, the Cal Poly Kennedy Library,
and the City of San Luis Obispo Government Center (Government Center).
Route 10 – San Luis Obispo – Santa Maria
Route 10 provides interregional service from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County
(Figures 2 and 4). Route 10 is available seven days per week, operating every hour on weekdays, five
roundtrips per Saturday, and three roundtrips per Sunday. Stops served by Route 10 include the Cal Poly
Library, the Government Center, the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, and the Santa Maria Transit Center,
among others.
Route 12 – San Luis Obispo – Morro Bay
Route 12 operates between San Luis Obispo and Los Osos via Morro Bay, as shown in Figure 2. Service is
available Monday through Friday on an hourly frequency. Route 12 also operates ten roundtrips each
Saturday and six roundtrips each Sunday. However, Route 12 does not serve as many timed stops on
weekends compared to weekdays, so service timing is less regular. Key destinations served by Route 12
include the Government Center, the Cal Poly Library, Cuesta College, Morro Bay Park, Los Osos Middle
School, and the Los Osos Post Office.
Route 14 – San Luis Obispo – Cuesta College
Route 14 augments Route 12 service, operating as a tripper route to Cuesta College during the fall and
spring semesters. Route 14 service was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to Cuesta College
moving most of its classes online. Currently, Route 14 service consists of just one morning run each
weekday from the Government Center to Cuesta College, with only one additional stop at the SLO
Apartments along the route. Route 14 is shown in Figure 2.
Route 15 – Morro Bay – San Simeon
Route 15 serves the north coast of San Luis Obispo County, providing connectivity between Morro Bay,
Cayucos, Cambria, and San Simeon (Figure 2). Route 15 completes five roundtrips Monday through
Saturday and three roundtrips per Sunday. Notable Route 15 stops include Morro Bay Park, Morro Bay
High School, the Cayucos Pier, the Cambria Pines Lodge, and the Cambria Library. On weekends, Route 15
also serves the Hearst Castle Visitor Center.
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Paso Robles Routes A and B
The RTA is contracted by the City of Paso Robles to operate bidirectional, local service in Paso Robles
using two vehicles. The bus operating in the clockwise direction is referred to as Route A, and the bus
operating in the counterclockwise direction is referred to as Route B. Both Routes are operated on an
hourly frequency and are available Monday through Friday. Route B is also available on Saturday. Stops
served by the local Paso Robles routes include the North County Transit Center (adjacent to the Amtrak
station), the Paso Robles City Hall, and Daniel Lewis Middle School. Paso Robles Routes A and B are shown
in Figure 3.
Route 21 – Five Cities Loop (Clockwise)
Route 21 is a SoCo Transit route operated by the RTA through contract. Route 21 provides hourly,
clockwise service to Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Grover Beach and is available Monday through
Friday from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6:30
PM. Stops served by Route 21 include the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, Ramona Garden Park, Grover
Beach Amtrak Station, the Halcyon Park-and-Ride, and the Arroyo Grande Walmart. The stops served only
by Route 21 are the Pismo Beach City Hall and Dinosaur Caves Park. Route 21 is shown in Figure 4.
Route 24 – Five Cities Loop (Counterclockwise)
Route 24 is another SoCo Transit service operated by the RTA. Route 24 provides hourly service along
mostly the same route as Route 21, as shown in Figure 4, but in the counterclockwise direction. Route 24
operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and
Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM Route 24 is the only SoCo Transit route that serves the Arroyo Grande
City Hall and Firefighters Memorial Park.
Route 27 – Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Oceano (Clockwise)
Route 27 is a SoCo Transit route that provides hourly, clockwise service to Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande,
and Oceano. Route 27 is available from 6:00 AM to 8:15 PM on weekdays only. Route 27 stops at Ramona
Garden Park, the Oceano Community Center, the Oceano Senior Center, Arroyo Grande Hospital, and the
Arroyo Grande High School. Figure 4 shows Route 27.
Route 28 – Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Oceano (Counterclockwise)
Route 28 serves the same route as Route 27, but in the counterclockwise direction. Service is provided
every hour from 6:20 AM to 8:15 PM on weekdays, from 7:30 AM to 8:15 PM on Saturdays, and from
7:30 AM to 7:15 PM on Sundays. Figure 4 shows Route 28 in context to the other SoCo Transit routes.
Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley
The Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley is a seasonal, weekend service that typically runs from May to September
each year. During the 2023 summer season, the Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley was available on Fridays from
4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The trolley follows an hourly fixed route, stopping at the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, Dinosaur Caves
Park, the Avila Beach Farmers Market, Bob Jones Trailhead, and the Port of San Luis.
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RTA Paratransit / Dial-a-Ride Services
Paratransit and dial-a-ride (DAR) services provided by the RTA, either directly or by contract, are
summarized below.
Runabout
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires public transit operators to provide
complementary paratransit service for people with disabilities who are unable to access local fixed route
services. The Runabout has been the sole complementary paratransit service for San Luis Obispo County
since 2001. Administered and operated by the RTA, the Runabout serves areas within 0.75 miles of the
RTA, SLO Transit, and Morro Bay Transit fixed routes, excluding RTA Route 10.
Passengers must first qualify for the service and make Runabout reservations in advance by calling
dispatch. Runabout provides curb-to-curb service; however, riders can request door-to-door service if
they have a disability that makes curb-to-curb service infeasible. Every Runabout vehicle is equipped with
a wheelchair lift. Runabout service is limited to only those passengers that are verified by the RTA as
meeting ADA eligibility criteria.
Nipomo Dial-a-Ride
The Nipomo DAR is a general-public service funded by the County of San Luis Obispo and operated by the
RTA. Service is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Passengers must schedule
rides in advance. Passengers can use the Nipomo DAR to transfer to RTA Route 10. The Nipomo DAR
service area is shown in Figure 2.
Paso Robles Dial-a-Ride
The Paso Robles DAR is a general-public service funded by the City of Paso Robles and operated by the
RTA. The service is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and requires reservations.
Passengers can transfer from the Paso Robles DAR to Paso Robles Routes A/B and RTA Route 9. The Paso
Robles DAR service area is shown in Figures 2 and 3.
Shandon-Paso Robles Dial-a-Ride
The Shandon-Paso Robles DAR is another general-public DAR funded by the County of San Luis Obispo
and operated by the RTA. Service is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to
5:00 PM Passengers must call by noon the day in advance to schedule their reservation. The
Shandon-Paso Robles DAR allows passengers to connect to RTA Route 9
Templeton-Paso Robles Dial-a-Ride
The Templeton-Paso Robles DAR is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM The service
is funded by the County and operated by the RTA. Passengers must call by noon the day before in order
to schedule their ride; there is no same-day service provided. Transfers to RTA Route 9 are available at
Las Tablas Park-and-Ride. The Templeton-Paso Robles DAR service area is shown in Figure 3.
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Key Transfer Locations
Passengers can transfer both between RTA services, as well as from RTA services to other transit
programs, at key transfer points. Listed below are important RTA transfer locations, as well as details
regarding which services stop at the location.
• Government Center – RTA Routes 9, 10, 12; SLO Transit fixed routes.
• North County Transit Center – RTA Route 9, Paso Robles Routes A/B; Amtrak; Greyhound;
Monterey-Salinas Transit services.
• Morro Bay City Park – RTA Routes 12, 15; Morro Bay Transit services.
• Pismo Beach Premium Outlets – RTA Routes 10, 21, 24, Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley.
• Ramona Garden Park – RTA Routes 21, 24, 27, 28.
• Santa Maria Transit Center – RTA Route 10; Santa Maria Regional Transit services.
• Grover Beach Amtrak Station – RTA Routes 21, 24; Amtrak; Greyhound.
• Cal Poly Kennedy Library – RTA Route 9; SLO Transit Routes 3 A/B, 4 A/B.
RTA FARE STRUCTURE
Passengers can purchase RTA fares or pass products with cash either onboard or at a pass outlet. Fare
products can also be purchased digitally through the RTA website or with the Token Transit smartphone
app. The RTA fixed route fare structure is presented in Table 2, and the paratransit and DAR fare
structures are presented in Table 3.
RTA fares differ slightly depending on the route; the regional and local Paso Robles routes have one fare
structure, while the SoCo transit routes (Routes 21, 24, 27, and 28) have a different fare structure. On the
RTA and Paso Robles routes, the regular one-way cash fare ranges from $1.75 to $3.25 depending on the
trip distance. On the SoCo Transit routes, the regular one-way cash fare is $1.50. The discounted cash
fares for seniors, disabled, and Medicare card holders is equal to one-half the fixed route fare on all of the
RTA services, including SoCo Transit. Seniors ages 80 and older with a San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare
VIP Card, ADA cardholders, and small children ride for free on all RTA and SoCo Transit services. Grade
school students are eligible for discounted fares on the RTA regional and Paso Robles routes, but not on
the SoCo Transit routes.
The RTA offers multiple fixed route pass products that provide a discount compared to paying cash fares.
For the RTA and Paso Robles routes, passengers can purchase a stored value card equal to $15.00 or a
31-day pass for $47.00. Discount eligible passengers can purchase the 31-day pass for half price. On the
SoCo Transit routes, passengers can purchase day passes, 20-ride passes, and 31-day passes. The prices
for the SoCo Transit pass products range from $1.50 to $37.00, depending on the product and passenger
type.
Additionally, the RTA accepts regional-pass products on all services. The regional day pass costs $5.50,
and allows unlimited rides on all RTA, SLO Transit, and Morro Bay Transit routes. The 31-day regional pass
allows for unlimited rides on the same services for 31 consecutive days after the pass is activated.
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Table 2: RTA Fixed Route Fares
Routes 9 - 15
and Paso Robles Routes A/B Routes 21 - 28
Cash Fares
Regular $1.75 - $3.25 $1.50
Seniors (65 - 79 years old)$0.85 - $1.60 $0.75
Seniors (80+ years old)Free with VIP Card 1 Free with VIP Card 1
ADA Cardholders Free with ADA Card Free with ADA Card
Disabled $0.85 - $1.60 $0.75
Medicare Cardholders $0.85 - $1.60 $0.75
Students (K - 12)$0.85 - $1.60 $1.50
Children (44" and under)Free with adult rider Free with adult rider
Pass Products
Regional Day Pass 2 $5.50 $5.50
Day Pass --$1.50 - $3.00
20-Ride Pass --$24.00
Stored Value Pass $15.00 $15.00
31-Day Pass - Regular $47.00 $37.00
31-Day Pass - Discounted 3 $23.50 $18.50
Regional 31-Day Pass $68.00 $68.00
Regional 31-Day Pass - Discounted 2,3 $34.00 $34.00
Note 2: Regional Day Pass allows unlimited rides on all RTA, SLO Transit, and Morro Bay Transit routes for the
date indicated. The Regional 31-Day Pass allows unlimited rides on the same services for 31 consecutive days.
Source: RTA
Note 3: Discounted pass products available for senior adults ages 65 to 79, disabled passengers, and students in
grades K-12.
Note 1: Seniors ages 80 and older must fill out a Basic Eligibility Form and be verified by the Regional Rideshare
to receive VIP Card.
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For the county-funded, general public DARs, the fares vary by service. Both the Shandon-Paso Robles and
Templeton-Paso Robles DARs charge one fare for all passengers ($5.00 and $2.50, respectively). The
regular one-way fare on the Paso Robles DAR service is $5.00, and the discounted fare for seniors and
disabled passengers is $2.50. The Nipomo DAR charges $2.25 for one-way trips; seniors, disabled persons,
and children are eligible for a discounted fare of $1.75. Runabout fares are twice the base cash fare of the
equivalent RTA fixed route ride, with a fare cap of $11.00 per one-way trip.
RTA CAPITAL ASSETS
Fleet Inventory
As of October 2023, the RTA revenue vehicle fleet consisted of sixty-nine vehicles. Detailed information
for the revenue vehicle fleet is presented in Table 4. The vehicles’ primary uses vary based on the vehicle
type: forty of the vehicles are used for fixed route operations, twenty-seven are used for the paratransit
and demand response services, and two are used for the Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley. The fixed route
vehicles, on average, are 7 years old and have traveled 340,000 miles. The demand response vehicles, on
average, are 4 years old and have traveled 71,000 miles. The two trolleys are 12 and 6 years old,
respectively. During peak periods, up to twenty-eight vehicles are in service. The RTA also has
twenty-three non-revenue vehicles.
Facilities
The new RTA Bus Maintenance Facility is located at 253 Elks Lane in San Luis Obispo, and is the central
location for RTA’s administrative, operations, dispatch, and maintenance functions. The facility’s on-site
parking accommodates approximately seventy public-transit vehicles and eighty employee and visitor
vehicles. The Bus Maintenance Facility has both conventional fueling capacity as well as four fast-charge
direct-current (DC) bus recharging stations. The RTA intends to install additional bus charging stations as
the agency procures more battery-electric buses (BEBs).
Table 3: RTA Paratransit and Dial-a-Ride Fare Structure
Nipomo 1 Paso Robles
Shandon-
Paso Robles
Templeton-
Paso Robles Runabout 2,3
Cash Fares
Regular $2.25 $5.00 $5.00 $2.50 --
Seniors (65+ years old)$1.75 $2.50 $5.00 $2.50 --
Disabled $1.75 $2.50 $5.00 $2.50 $2.50+
Children $1.75 $5.00 $5.00 $2.50 --
Note 3: Runabout punch passes are available for $30 or $50 worth of rides.
Note 1: Nipomo DAR 10-ride punch passes available: $20 for adults and $15 for children (K-12)
Note 2: Runabout fares cost twice the equivalent fixed route fare, with a maximum of $11 fare per one-way trip.
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Table 4: RTA Revenue Vehicle Fleet (1/2)
Agency ID Make Year Mileage Use
167 Gillig 2008 658,069 Fixed Routes 2022
168 Gillig 2008 593,236 Fixed Routes 2022
1011 Thor 2010 338,090 Fixed Routes 2024
1012 Thor 2011 267,833 Fixed Routes 2025
1013 Double K 2011 109,364 Seasonal Trolley 2024
1101 El Dorado 2010 286,297 Fixed Routes 2024
1301 Gillig 2013 531,902 Fixed Routes 2027
1302 Gillig 2013 470,295 Fixed Routes 2027
1303 Gillig 2013 551,752 Fixed Routes 2027
1304 Gillig 2013 525,306 Fixed Routes 2027
1305 Gillig 2013 497,239 Fixed Routes 2027
1306 Gillig 2013 534,882 Fixed Routes 2027
1307 Gillig 2013 547,878 Fixed Routes 2027
1308 Gillig 2013 456,307 Fixed Routes 2027
1309 Gillig 2013 455,725 Fixed Routes 2027
1310 Gillig 2013 457,958 Fixed Routes 2027
1501 Gillig 2015 492,656 Fixed Routes 2029
1502 Gillig 2015 464,161 Fixed Routes 2029
1503 Gillig 2015 452,307 Fixed Routes 2029
1504 Gillig 2015 468,280 Fixed Routes 2029
1505 Gillig 2015 439,064 Fixed Routes 2029
1506 Gillig 2015 414,623 Fixed Routes 2029
1507 Gillig 2015 386,759 Fixed Routes 2029
1508 Gillig 2015 473,102 Fixed Routes 2029
1509 Gillig 2015 369,424 Fixed Routes 2029
1510 Ford 2015 471,752 Fixed Routes 2025
1511 Ford 2015 167,886 Fixed Routes 2025
1512 Ford 2015 479,940 Fixed Routes 2025
1608 Ford 2016 145,586 Demand Response 2026
1701 Dodge 2017 115,049 Demand Response 2025
1704 Dodge 2017 119,317 Demand Response 2025
1705 Dodge 2017 115,623 Demand Response 2025
1706 Dodge 2017 99,743 Demand Response 2025
1707 Ford 2017 58,550 Seasonal Trolley 2030
1801 Gillig 2018 281,948 Fixed Routes 2032
Note 1: Estimated retirement dates based off of vehicle model's Federal Transit Administration's Useful Life Benchmark.
Note 2: Information accurate as of October 2023.
Source: RTA
Est.
Retirement
Date 1
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Table 4: RTA Revenue Vehicle Fleet (2/2)
Agency ID Make Year Mileage Use
1802 Gillig 2018 277,912 Fixed Routes 2032
1803 Gillig 2018 254,520 Fixed Routes 2032
1901 Ford 2019 107,878 Demand Response 2029
1902 Ford 2019 108,620 Demand Response 2029
1903 Ford 2019 116,781 Demand Response 2029
1904 Ford 2019 113,916 Demand Response 2029
1905 Ford 2019 99,466 Demand Response 2029
1906 Ford 2019 106,839 Demand Response 2029
1907 Ford 2019 108,028 Demand Response 2029
1908 Ford 2019 103,711 Demand Response 2029
1909 Ford 2019 85,485 Demand Response 2029
1910 Gillig 2019 241,271 Fixed Routes 2033
1911 Gillig 2019 239,217 Fixed Routes 2033
1912 Gillig 2019 240,056 Fixed Routes 2033
2031 Ford 2021 47,853 Demand Response 2031
2051 Dodge 2019 38,822 Demand Response 2027
2052 Dodge 2019 40,211 Demand Response 2027
2053 Dodge 2019 37,866 Demand Response 2027
2054 Dodge 2019 40,230 Demand Response 2027
2055 Dodge 2019 40,476 Demand Response 2027
2056 Dodge 2019 36,877 Demand Response 2027
2057 Dodge 2019 39,055 Demand Response 2027
2101 Gillig 2021 61,983 Fixed Routes 2035
2102 Gillig 2021 79,369 Fixed Routes 2035
2151 Dodge 2020 21,680 Demand Response 2028
2152 Dodge 2020 22,900 Demand Response 2028
2331 Chevy 2022 2,744 Fixed Routes 2032
2332 Chevy 2022 2,741 Fixed Routes 2032
2333 Chevy 2022 2,698 Fixed Routes 2032
2334 Ford 2023 5,168 Fixed Routes 2033
2335 Ford 2023 7,159 Fixed Routes 2033
2351 Chrysler 2022 6,761 Demand Response 2030
2352 Chrysler 2022 2,394 Demand Response 2030
2353 Chrysler 2022 4,213 Demand Response 2030
Note 1: Estimated retirement dates based off of vehicle model's Federal Transit Administration's Useful Life Benchmark.
Note 2: Information accurate as of October 2023.
Source: RTA
Est.
Retirement
Date 1
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The RTA leases two park-out facilities, one located at 1732 Paso Robles Street in Paso Robles and the
other located at 800 Rodeo Drive in Arroyo Grande. These two facilities support the north county and
south county transit services, respectively. Both facilities have bus parking areas and facilities for driver
layovers. The RTA is actively developing proposals for assistance with preparing designs for fast-charge DC
recharging stations at the Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande facilities. However, there are no actual plans to
install charging stations at this time as the electrical capacity of the two sites still needs to be determined.
Park-and-Rides
While the RTA serves multiple park-and-rides throughout San Luis Obispo County, the RTA does not
directly own any park-and-ride facilities.
Passenger Amenities
Passenger amenities refers to infrastructure that improves the passenger experience while waiting for or
getting to/from bus services. RTA’s passenger amenities are briefly summarized below.
Bus Stops
The RTA serves 325 bus stops throughout the county, 87 of which have shelters and 190 of which have
benches. About three quarters of the RTA bus stops are ADA compliant.
Bicycle Amenities
The RTA helps people access fixed route services by providing bike racks and bike lockers at bus stops, as
well as by providing bike racks on the actual transit vehicles. The RTA has twenty-one stops with bike
lockers and two stops with bicycle lockers (the Templeton and Halcyon Park-and-Rides).
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Chapter 3
OVERVIEW OF CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TRANSIT SERVICES
INTRODUCTION
The City of San Luis Obispo Transit (SLO Transit) provides local fixed route service for the City of San Luis
Obispo and Cal Poly. This chapter discusses SLO Transit services, as well as how SLO Transit connects to
other regional transit programs. SLO Transit fares, vehicles, and amenities are also described.
HISTORY, GOVERNANCE, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
SLO Transit has provided local transit service to the City of San Luis Obispo and
Cal Poly since 1974. SLO Transit is administered by the Transit Division, a
branch of the City’s Department of Public Works. The overall program is
overseen by the Public Works Director and Public Works Deputy Director. Daily
functions are managed by the Transit Coordinator and the Mobility Services
Business Manager. Operations staff are contracted through Transdev. The SLO
Transit organizational chart is shown in Figure 5.
The Mass Transportation Committee (MTC) advises the City Council regarding
transit issues. The MTC has seven members: one Cal Poly designated
employee, one Cal Poly student representative designated by the Associated
Students, Inc., one senior citizen 62 years or older, one person from the
business community, one person with technical transportation planning
experience, one disabled person, one member at-large, and one student.
Depending on interest and availability, two alternate members from the
general public will also be appointed.
SLO TRANSIT SERVICES
SLO Transit Fixed Routes
SLO Transit operates eight fixed routes, one school-tripper service, and one seasonal trolley. Service
hours vary depending on the time of year, operating extended service hours when Cal Poly is in session.
During the academic year, SLO Transit service hours are generally 6:00 AM to 11:10 PM on weekdays and
8:15 AM to 8:10 PM on Saturdays. During the summer, service hours are generally 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
on weekdays and 8:15 AM to 8:10 PM on Saturdays. Service is not available on Sundays. SLO Transit
service characteristics, as of December 2023, are presented in Table 5. The services are also described
individually on the following pages. Figure 6 depicts the eight regular SLO fixed routes.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, SLO Transit operated two additional tripper services and an evening
express service. These three services were suspended during the pandemic due to low ridership and
staffing difficulties stemming from the nationwide driver shortage. While operations have not yet
resumed as of the time of writing, these suspended services are summarized in brief in Table 5.
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Table 5: Summary of SLO Transit Services and Frequency
Start End Start End Start End
Bus: Fixed Route
Route 1A - Johnson, Tank Farm, Airport 6:15 AM 10:00 PM 8:15 AM 8:00 PM SLO Government Center Same as start 60
Route 1B - Broad, Airport, Johnson 6:45 AM 6:30 PM -- --SLO Government Center Same as start 60
Route 2A - Higuera, LOVR 3, Madonna 6:15 AM 10:00 PM 8:15 AM 8:05 PM SLO Government Center Same as start 60
Route 2B - Madonna, LOVR 3, Higuera 6:45 AM 6:35 PM -- --SLO Government Center Same as start 60
Route 3A - Promenade, LOVR 3, Cal Poly 6:20 AM 11:10 PM 8:20 AM 8:10 PM SLO Government Center Same as start 30 - 60
Route 3B - Cal Poly, LOVR 3, Amtrak Station 6:45 AM 10:35 PM -- --SLO Government Center Same as start 30 - 60
Route 4A - Foothill, Cal Poly, Monterey 6:00 AM 11:05 PM 8:15 AM 8:05 PM SLO Government Center Same as start 45
Route 4B - Monterey, Cal Poly, Ramona Dr 6:15 AM 10:30 PM -- --SLO Government Center Same as start 45
San Luis Tripper 4, 5 7:15 AM 4:00 PM -- --SLO Government Center Same as start 4 Round Trips
Laguna Tripper 4 7:35 AM 3:40 PM -- --SLO Government Center Same as start 1 Round Trip
Highland Tripper 5 7:45 AM 9:00 AM -- --Ramona at Palomar Kennedy Library 30
6 Express 5 6:00 PM 9:20 PM -- --Cal Poly Performing Arts Center Same as start 30
Old SLO Trolley 6 5:00 PM 9:10 PM -- --La Cuesta Inn Same as start 20
Source: SLO Transit
Note 6: The Old SLO Trolley only operates on Thursdays.
Weekday
Service
Frequency
(Minutes)
Service Hours 1, 2
Weekday Saturday Start & End Locations
Note 1: Summary accurate as of December, 2023. No service on Thanksgiving and Christmas. SLO Transti operates the weekend service schedule on New Year's Day, Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve.
Note 2: Service hours presented represent extended academic year schedule. Hours are reduced during the summer.
Note 3: LOVR stands for Los Osos Valley Road.
Note 4: On Mondays, San Luis Tripper service starts at 8:45 AM and Laguna Tripper service starts at 8:50 AM.
Note 5: The San Luis Tripper, Highland Tripper, and 6 Express are currently suspended.
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Routes 1A & 1B
Routes 1A and 1B provide bidirectional service to southeast San Luis Obispo, with Route 1A operating in
the clockwise direction and Route 1B operating in the counterclockwise direction. Both Routes 1A and 1B
operate on an hourly frequency; Route 1A departs the Government Center at 15 minutes after the hour
and Route 1B departs at 45 minutes after the hour. During the academic year, Route 1A operates from
6:15 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and from 8:15 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays. Route 1B operates the
same schedule year-round, operating from 6:45 AM to 6:30 PM on weekdays only. Stops served by
Routes 1A and 1B include the Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center, the San Luis Airport, Tank
Farm, Broad Street, and Johnson Avenue.
Route 2A & Route 2B
Routes 2A and 2B are bidirectional routes that serve southwest San Luis Obispo, with Route 2A operating
in the clockwise direction and Route 2B operating in the counterclockwise direction. Routes 2A and 2B
provide hourly service; Route 2A departs the Government Center at 15 minutes after the hour and Route
2B departs at 45 minutes after the hour. Route 2A operates from 6:15 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and
from 8:15 AM to 8:05 PM on Saturdays during the academic year. Route 2B follows the same schedule
year-round, running from 6:45 AM to 6:35 PM Areas served by Routes 2A and 2B include Social Services,
the Department of Motor Vehicles, Laguna Middle School, the Promenade, and Madonna Plaza.
Route 3A & Route 3B
Routes 3A and 3B provide bidirectional service from Cal Poly to commercial centers in San Luis Obispo,
with Route 3A running in the clockwise direction and Route 3B running in the counterclockwise direction.
During the academic year, Route 3A is available from 6:20 AM to 11:10 PM on weekdays and from
8:20 AMto 8:10 PM on Saturdays. Route 3B runs from 6:45 AM to 10:35 PM on weekdays year-round.
Routes 3A and 3B typically run hourly, but service frequency is increased during the academic year. When
Cal Poly is in session, Route 3A runs twice per hour during the morning and Route 3B runs twice per hour
in the afternoon. Routes 3A and 3B both stop at the Cal Poly Kennedy Library, the San Luis Obispo Amtrak
Station, the Promenade, Madonna Plaza, and Laguna Middle school, among other locations.
Route 4A & Route 4B
Routes 4A and 4B are bidirectional routes which serve downtown San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly, with
Route 4A operating in the clockwise direction and Route 4B operating in the counterclockwise direction.
Both Routes 4A and 4B run every 45 minutes; Route 4B always leaves the Government Center 15 minutes
after Route 4A. Route 4A runs from 6:00 AM to 11:05 PM on weekdays during the academic year, and
from 8:15 AM to 8:05 PM on Saturdays year-round. Route 4B only runs on weekdays, operating from 6:15
AM to 10:30 PM during the academic year and from 6:15 AM to 6:50 PM when Cal Poly is out of session.
Key stops served by Routes 4A and 4B include the Cal Poly Kennedy Library, the Cal Poly Performing Arts
Center, Santa Rosa Park, and residential neighborhoods northwest of downtown.
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Laguna Tripper
The Laguna Tripper is a supplemental service for students traveling to and from Laguna Middle School.
The Laguna Tripper only runs on weekdays during the school year. Daily service consists of one morning
run from the Government Center to Laguna Middle School and one afternoon return trip. The schedule
varies depending on the day due to variations in the school schedule.
Old San Luis Obispo (SLO) Trolley
The Old SLO Trolley is a seasonal service in downtown San Luis Obispo. In 2023, the Old SLO Trolley ran on
Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM from June 6 through November 30. The Old SLO Trolley starts at La
Cuesta Inn and runs a fixed route through downtown along Monterey Street, completing one loop every
half hour. The service stops at sixteen stops throughout downtown, with four timed stops: La Cuesta Inn,
Monterey at Osos, Marsh at Chorro, and Monterey at California.
Key Transfer Locations
SLO Transit services have been designed so that passengers can transfer between local routes, as well as
to other regional transit services. Important SLO Transit transfer locations, and the services that stop at
each, are listed below.
• Government Center – SLO Transit fixed routes; RTA Routes 9, 10, 12.
• Cal Poly Kennedy Library – SLO Transit Routes 3 A/B, 4 A/B; RTA Route 9.
• The Promenade – SLO Transit Routes 2 A/B, 3 A/B.
• San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station – SLO Transit Route 3B; Amtrak; Greyhound.
SLO TRANSIT FARE STRUCTURE
The SLO Transit fare structure is shown in Table 6. Cash fares can be paid onboard, while pass products
can be purchased at the City of San Luis Obispo City Hall Finance Counter and the San Luis Obispo
Chamber of Commerce.
The regular, one-way cash fare is $1.50. Senior adults ages 65 to 79, disabled passengers, and Medicare
card holders are eligible for the discounted fare of $0.75, or 50 percent of the regular fare. Seniors ages
80 and older ride SLO Transit for free by receiving a VIP card from the SLO Regional Rideshare office.
Children ages 4 and younger also can ride for free with a fare-paying adult. Cal Poly students, faculty, and
staff are able to ride SLO Transit for free as a result of the annual agreement negotiated between Cal Poly
and the City of San Luis Obispo.
SLO Transit also offers multiple pass products. The 31-day pass costs $40.00 for regular passengers and
$20.00 for discount eligible passengers. Grade-school students can purchase the 31-day pass for $25.00.
SLO Transit also offers 1-day, 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day passes that range in cost from $3.25 to $15.00.
Additionally, SLO Transit has a 16-ride pass that can be purchased for $24.00 and a 15-ride pass for
discount-eligible passengers that can be purchased for $11.25. Passengers can board SLO Transit with
regional pass products, as well: passengers can purchase a regional day pass for $5.50 and 31-day pass
for $68.00 (or $34.00 for discounted passengers).
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SLO TRANSIT CAPITAL ASSETS
Fleet Inventory
SLO Transit’s current revenue vehicle fleet is detailed in Table 7. The revenue fleet consists of seventeen
vehicles; fourteen of the vehicles are low-floor transit buses, one is a double-decker bus, one is a trolley,
and one is a cutaway. Of note, SLO Transit procured its first electric bus, a low-floor Proterra, in 2023. The
average age of the low-floor vehicles is 12 years, and the average mileage is 338,234. Currently, SLO
Transit operates nine vehicles at peak times. SLO Transit has two support vehicles in addition to its
revenue fleet.
Table 6: SLO Transit Fare Structure
Fare Type Regular
Senior/
Disabled 1 VIP 2 Children 3 Student 4
One-Way Fare $1.50 $0.75 Free Free --
31-Day Pass $40.00 $20.00 ----$25.00
16-Ride Pass $24.00 --------
15-Ride Pass --$11.25 ------
7-Day Pass $15.00 --------
5-Day Pass $12.00 --------
3-Day Pass $7.00 --------
1-Day Pass $3.25 --------
Regional 31-Day Pass 5 $68.00 $34.00
Regional Day Pass 5 $5.50 --------
Note 1: Discounts are for seniors ages 65 to 79, disabled, and Medicare card holders.
Note 3: Children 4 and under ride for free with a fare-paying caretaker.
Note 2: Seniors ages 80 and older are eligible for a VIP card that allows them to board all fixed route
services in SLO County for free. To receive the VIP card, eligible seniors must go to the Regional
Rideshare office and provide valid identification.
Note 5: Regional 31-Day and Day Pass allows unlimited rides on all RTA, SLO Transit, and Morro Bay
routes for the dates indicated.
Note 4: Students include all youth in grades K-12 with student ID.
Source: SLO Transit
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Facilities
The SLO Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility is located at 29 Prado Road in San Luis Obispo, and
houses all operations, maintenance, and dispatch functions. The facility is located adjacent to the City’s
Water Department. The facility will eventually host fourteen chargers for battery-electric buses. The 2023
RTP recommended that a new, stand-alone maintenance facility be developed for SLO Transit in the next
few years to provide increased vehicle storage capacity and improved amenities for staff.
Park-and-Rides
The City of San Luis Obispo finished developing the Calle Joaquin Park-and-Ride lot in 2018. The spot
contains 31 parking spaces, two motorcycle spaces, and a bus turnout. The Calle Joaquin Park-and-Ride is
served by SLO Transit Route 2A.
Table 7: SLO Transit Revenue Vehicle Fleet
Agency ID Make Model Year Mileage
754 Gillig Low Floor 2007 300,899 2017
755 Gillig Low Floor 2007 313,874 2017
856 Double K Trolley 2008 71,219 2020
857 Gillig Low Floor 2008 480,498 2020
858 Gillig Low Floor 2008 475,880 2020
859 Gillig Low Floor 2008 481,177 2020
860 Gillig Low Floor 2008 454,148 2020
861 Gillig Low Floor 2008 445,314 2020
862 Gillig Low Floor 2008 448,708 2020
963 --Double Deck 2009 131,903 2021
1264 Gillig Low Floor 2012 292,711 2024
1365 Gillig Low Floor 2013 311,994 2025
1366 Gillig Low Floor 2013 302,951 2025
1167 El Dorado Cut-Away 2011 128,865 2019
1768 Gillig Low Floor 2017 136,818 2028
1769 Gillig Low Floor 2017 150,304 2028
1770 Gillig Low Floor 2017 140,006 2028
2371 *Proterra Low Floor 2022 --2033
Source: SLO Transit
Note 1: Information accurate as of December 2023.
Note 2: Mileage data accurate as of 4/8/2021 or 2/23/2022, depending on the vehicle.
Note 3: Electric vehicles noted with *.
Note 4: The City ordered a 35' foot electric bus that will be delivered in early 2024.
Best Case
Replacement
Date
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Passenger Amenities
SLO Transit’s passenger amenities help keep passengers safe and comfortable while waiting for the bus.
Amenities catered towards bicyclists, such as bike racks, help increase connectivity to the transit system
by encouraging bicycling for first/last mile travel. SLO Transit’s large passenger amenities are described
briefly in this section.
Bus Stops
SLO Transit serves 170 bus stops within San Luis Obispo and the nearby Cal Poly Campus. Of these stops,
49 have shelters and 90 have benches. All of the bus stops have an information kiosk as well. The two
largest SLO Transit bus stops are the Government Center transit center and the Cal Poly Kennedy Library.
Bicycle Amenities
SLO Transit has three bus stops with bicycle racks: the Government Center, Marsh Street at Osos Street,
and Marsh Street at Chorro Street.
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Chapter 4
OVERVIEW OF OTHER REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICES
INTRODUCTION
This chapter summarizes other transportation programs besides the RTA and SLO Transit that operate in
the San Luis Obispo County region. It is important to note that this Chapter does not discuss every
transportation service in San Luis Obispo County, but instead focuses on the services that provide direct
connections to/from the RTA or SLO Transit.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Atascadero Dial-A-Ride
The City of Atascadero provides the Atascadero Dial-a-Ride (DAR) within city limits.
The Atascadero DAR service area also extends to the Trader Joe’s and medical
corridor in Templeton. City staff are directly responsible for management of the
transit program and dispatch, while driver positions are filled by contracted staff.
The City owns all of the Atascadero DAR vehicles, which are equipped with
wheelchair lifts and bicycle racks.
The Atascadero DAR is a general public, door-to-door service available on weekdays from 7:30 AM to 3:30
PM. Fares vary by trip distance: the general public fare for trips within the downtown city zone is $5.00,
while the general public fare for trips to the outer zone is $8.00. Seniors, disabled residents, and
Medicare card holders are eligible for discounted fares. Passengers can schedule rides on the Atascadero
DAR to RTA Route 9 bus stops if they need to travel to other communities in the region.
Morro Bay Transit
The City of Morro Bay provides the Morro Bay Transit service, which consists of a
single, deviated fixed route available to the general public and the Morro Bay
Trolley, which operates on Saturdays and Sundays from early June through early
October each year. The City contracts operations responsibilities to an outside
agency.
The Morro Bay Transit fixed route operates Monday through Friday from 6:25 AM
to 6:45 PM. The deviation feature of the fixed route is referred to as “Call-A-Ride”; to request a deviation
up to 0.75 miles from the route, passengers must call dispatch in advance to schedule their
pick-up/drop-off. The Call-A-Ride component of Morro Bay Transit is available to the general public.
General public one-way fares are $1.50 for the fixed route and $2.50 for Call-A-Ride. Discounted fares are
available. Morro Bay Transit also offers day pass and punch pass products. Passengers who need to travel
beyond Morro Bay can transfer to RTA Routes 12 and 15 at a few locations within the city, with the most
significant transfer center being the City Park.
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Monterey-Salinas Transit
The Monterey-Salinas Transit District (MST) is comprised of the Cities of
Carmel, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey,
Pacific Grove, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, and the County of
Monterey. MST operates thirty-four fixed routes and complementary
paratransit service, referred to as MST Rides, throughout a 159-square-mile
service area using a 170-vehicle fleet.
MST Route 84 provides service from King City, in Monterey County, south to Paso Robles, in San Luis
Obispo County, serving San Lucas, San Ardo, Bradley, and San Miguel along the way. The service is
available seven days per week and makes two roundtrips per day. RTA passengers can transfer to MST
Route 84 by taking RTA Route 9 or Paso Robles Routes A/B to the North County Transit Center. The
general public fare for Route 84 is $2.00, and the discounted fare is $1.00.
Santa Maria Regional Transit
The City of Santa Maria, in northern Santa Barbara County, operates
the Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) service, which consists of
twelve local fixed routes, three regional fixed routes, and
complementary paratransit service. The SMRT service area includes the
City of Santa Maria, as well as the unincorporated communities of
Orcutt, Tanglewood, New Cuyama, Lompoc, Vandenberg, Los Alamos,
Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, and the Chumash reservation. General
public one-way fares are $1.50 for the local fixed routes and $2.00 for the regional routes. Discounted
fares are available, as well as various pass products. Passengers can transfer from SMRT services to RTA
Route 10 at the Santa Maria Transit Center.
Senior GO!
Senior Go! is a transportation service available to seniors ages 65 and older
in San Luis Obispo County. Senior GO! is a SLOCOG program supported by
Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds. SLOCOG contracts the RTA to
administer the Senior GO! service and Ventura Transit Systems, Inc. to
operate the service.
Senior GO! is available weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eligible
passengers can request up to four one-way trips each month, to and from
destinations within San Luis Obispo County. Fares vary based on the distance travelled; the starting
one-way fare is $2.50. Passengers can use Senior GO! to access other local and regional transit services
within San Luis Obispo County, including the RTA and SLO Transit, by requesting rides to active bus stops.
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San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare
The San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare (SLO Rideshare) is a division of
SLOCOG. The objective of SLO Rideshare is to reduce the need for those
who live, work, and/or visit San Luis Obispo County to drive alone. While
SLO Rideshare does not directly provide transit services, the program still
increases regional mobility by providing trip-planning assistance, offering
emergency rides, and coordinating the region’s Safe Routes to School
program, among other efforts. Programs offered include:
• 511 Trip Planning – people can dial 511 anywhere in San Luis Obispo County for up-to-date
information on road conditions, public-transit services, ridesharing, etc.
• iRideshare – a free online ride-matching system.
• Park-and-ride map – SLO Rideshare offers an online map with information on park-and-rides
available in the region.
• Emergency rides home – SLO Rideshare helps coordinate free or low-cost rides home in the case
of an emergency for all participants registered with iRideshare.
• Technical assistance – SLOCOG for developers and jurisdictions looking to reduce the vehicle
miles traveled (VMTs) within the project area or community.
NONPROFIT TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS
Cambria Community Bus
The Cambria Community Council is a nonprofit organization that
provides transportation assistance to seniors (ages 60 and older) and
individuals with disabilities in the communities of Cambria and San
Simeon. The Cambria Community Bus is a door-to-door service provided
by the Cambria Community Council Monday through Friday from
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM The service relies on volunteer drivers to provide
rides. Passengers must call at least one day in advance to schedule a ride. All rides are free. In addition to
local trips, the Cambria Community Bus makes one roundtrip to San Luis Obispo each month for residents
with specific shopping or medical needs. Cambria Community Bus passengers can transfer to RTA
Route 15 by requesting service to a local bus stop.
SMOOTH
SMOOTH, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to
addressing transportation challenges and helping people
access the services they need. SMOOTH is contracted by
numerous local groups, organizations, and agencies, including
the City of Guadulupe, the County of Santa Barbara, and the Tri-Counties Regional Center, to provide
transportation services.
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SMOOTH also operates its own Senior Dial-a-Ride (DAR) service in Santa Maria and Orcutt for adults ages
60 and older. The Senior DAR service is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and
serves all trip purposes. Residents must schedule rides in advance by calling SMOOTH. One-way fares for
the Senior DAR service are $2.00. A personal caretaker can ride along with seniors for free if desired. San
Luis Obispo County residents can take advantage of SMOOTH’s Senior DAR by first taking RTA Route 10 to
Santa Maria, then scheduling a ride on the Senior DAR.
Ride-On Transportation
Ride-On Transportation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving
transportation services in San Luis Obispo County. All of Ride-On’s proceeds
support the nonprofit United Cerebral Palsy of San Luis Obispo County.
Ride-On serves as the Consolidated Transportation Service Agency (CTSA) and
the Transportation Management Association (TMA) for the county.
Ride-On’s CTSA division provides door-to-door shuttle services for seniors, veterans, people with
disabilities, and social-service agencies. The CTSA division also supports other social-service agencies in
the area which provide their own transportation by assisting with vehicle maintenance, driver training,
and other services. Ride-On’s TMA division provides general public-transportation services, including
vanpools, shuttles to the San Luis Obispo Airport and local Amtrak stations, medical transportation, and
special event transportation, among other services. Ride-On hours vary depending on the program.
PRIVATE FOR-PROFIT REGIONAL PROVIDERS
Amtrak
San Luis Obispo County is served by two Amtrak rail lines: the
Coast Starlight and the Pacific Surfliner. The Coast Starlight travels
from Seattle to Los Angeles and serves San Luis Obispo County
once daily in both the northbound and southbound directions,
stopping at the San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station and the North
County Transit Center. The Pacific Surfliner serves the southern
California coast, stopping in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Ventura before eventually
arriving in San Luis Obispo. The Pacific Surfliner makes two roundtrips to/from San Luis Obispo County
each day, stopping at the Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo Amtrak stations both northbound and
southbound.
San Luis Obispo County is also served by Amtrak Thruway bus service, which enables timed connections
to the various rail routes. At this time, Thruway bus tickets must be purchased with a train ticket.
However, this policy will likely change in upcoming years. Amtrak Thruway Route 17 connects to the
Pacific Surfliner train, traveling from San Francisco to Santa Barbara and stopping in Paso Robles,
Atascadero, Cal Poly, and San Luis Obispo along the way. Amtrak Thruway Route 18 provides service from
Santa Maria to Hanford to provide connectivity to the Capitol Corridor rail, stopping in Grover Beach, San
Luis Obispo, Atascadero, and Paso Robles.
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There are many different options for San Luis Obispo County residents to connect to Amtrak services via
local transit routes, including multiple RTA, SLO Transit, dial-a-ride, and non-profit transportation services.
There are no discounts provided to passengers transferring from local transit routes. Amtrak ticket prices,
both rail and bus, vary greatly depending on the passenger’s intended trip length.
Greyhound/Flix Bus
Greyhound and Flix Bus provide long-distance, intercity bus
transportation throughout the United States. In San Luis Obispo
County, Greyhound and Flix Bus operate along United States (US) 101,
stopping at the Grover Beach Amtrak Station, San Luis Obispo Amtrak
Station, the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, the Atascadero Amtrak
Thruway bus stop, and the North County Transit Center. One-way
Greyhound/Flix Bus tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco start
at approximately $26.00. One-way Greyhound/Flix Bus tickets from San
Luis Obispo to Los Angeles start at approximately $25.00.
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Appendix A
REVIEW OF RECENT PLANNING STUDIES
INTRODUCTION
This Appendix summarizes recent transportation plans relevant to the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit
Authority (RTA) and the City of San Luis Obispo Transit (SLO Transit), including both countywide studies as
well as agency-specific reports. The recommendations presented in the agencies’ respective Short Range
Transit Plans (SRTPs) will support, and eventually further, the objectives of the studies discussed.
COUNTYWIDE
The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), as the designated Regional Transportation
Planning Agency (RTPA) for the San Luis Obispo region, has developed numerous studies to improve the
region’s multimodal transportation network. Recent countywide transportation studies are summarized
in this section, with an emphasis on understanding the plan components most relevant to public transit.
US 101 North SLO County Multimodal Corridor Plan (In Progress)
In early 2023, SLOCOG initiated development of the US 101 North SLO County Multimodal Corridor Plan.
The ultimate goal of the study will be to identify priority projects to improve the movement of people and
goods through the portion of the US 101 corridor that extends from Cuesta Grade to the San Luis
Obispo/Monterey County boundary. The study will also recommend projects for the portion of State
Route (SR) 46 from US 101 east to Jardine Road in Paso Robles. The final plan is expected to recommend
expanding transit services within the corridor by increasing fixed route frequency, expanding paratransit,
and introducing microtransit, with the ultimate goal being to shift people away from single-occupancy
vehicle trips. The study will also prioritize roadway improvements which will facilitate safe transit travel
and easy connectivity from transit to other modes.
Note: 4 Miles to Paso Robles, California [Photo], by Ken Lund, 2016, Flickr.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
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2023-2045 Regional Transportation Plan (2023)
SLOCOG is responsible for updating the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) every four years. The RTP is a
long-range transportation planning document that serves as a blueprint for the regional transportation
system and prioritizes investments to state highways, local roads, public transit, tribal transportation, and
aviation services within the study area based on community values. The most recent update to San Luis
Obispo County’s RTP was completed in 2023.
The 2023 RTP outlines $930 million worth of expenditure to maintain and expand the County’s public
transportation programs. Transit capital projects recommended in the 2023 RTP include replacing the
various transit programs’ vehicles once the vehicles hit their respective Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) useful life benchmarks (ULBs), constructing a new maintenance facility for SLO Transit, improving
the RTA bus stops, and procuring electric-vehicle chargers for SLO Transit.
San Luis Obispo County Coordinated Human Services Public Transportation Plan
(2022)
The San Luis Obispo County Coordinated Human Services Public Transportation Plan (Coordinated Plan)
was last updated by SLOCOG in 2022. The Coordinated Plan recommends strategies that will improve
coordination between transportation providers, with the ultimate goal of encouraging the better use of
resources and meeting the unmet transit needs of local residents. The strategies included in the 2022
Coordinated Plan most relevant to the RTA and SLO Transit are listed below.
• Strategy 2 – Add new customer-facing technology for scheduling trips and fare payment.
• Strategy 3 – Add new technological capacity for improving scheduling and dispatching,
tracking vehicles, and responding to unforeseen changes in service needs.
• Strategy 4 – Develop local tools for driver recruitment and retention.
• Strategy 5 – Develop a One-Call/One-Click Center
• Strategy 6 – Conduct a one-year pilot project that decreases the age for Senior Go! From 65
to 60 and increases the allowable number of trips per month.
• Strategy 10 – Coordinate with Santa Barbara County to increase services to Santa Maria.
Transportation Efficiency Analysis (2022)
The Transportation Efficiency Analysis (TEA) is a geospatial study commissioned by SLOCOG that outlines
critical transportation infrastructure projects that will be necessary in order to support increased housing
development in San Luis Obispo County. The TEA serves as the transportation component of San Luis
Obispo County’s Regional Housing and Infrastructure Plan. Several projects identified in the TEA called for
the expansion of RTA and SLO Transit services:
• Expand transit services in Grover Beach to serve the Urban Reserve/Strawberry Field.
• Expand transit services in Nipomo to serve the Dana Reserve.
• Modify Paso Robles Routes A and B to serve the Beechwood development.
• Modify Paso Robles Routes A and B to serve North Chandler Ranch.
• Modify Paso Robles Routes A and B to serve the Olsen/South Chandler development.
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• Add a SLO Transit stop along Board or Tank Farm.
• Expand SLO Transit services to provide access between Broad and South Higuera.
US 101 Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo Multimodal Corridor Plan (2021)
SLOCOG completed the US 101 Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo Multimodal Corridor Plan in 2021. The
US 101 Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo Multimodal Corridor Plan provides a framework for implementing
capital improvements along the corridor, similar to the ongoing US 101 North SLO County Multimodal
Corridor Plan. Transit-related projects recommended in the study include increasing service frequency on
RTA Routes 9 and 10, installing transit-signal priority at intersections along RTA Route 10, developing
park-and-ride lots, installing additional bike parking at bus stops, procuring real-time information
technology, and expanding vanpool programs, among others.
2021 Active Transportation Plan (2021)
SLOCOG most recently updated the region’s Active Transportation Plan in 2021. The ATP identifies
strategies and projects to increase rates of walking and bicycling throughout San Luis Obispo County.
While the ATP primarily focuses on walking and bicycling, one of the overarching goals of the ATP is to
improve transit and rail connectivity by facilitating safe first/last mile connections for pedestrians.
Projects recommended in the 2021 ATP relevant to transit include improving pedestrian amenities and
sidewalks within 0.25 miles of bus stops, procuring bike racks for transit vehicles, and implementing
commuter transportation demand-management programs.
Note: San Luis Obispo Railroad Safety Trail [Photo], by RRM Design Group,
https://www.rrmdesign.com/project/san-luis-obispo-railroad-safety-trail/
SLO RTA and SLO Transit 2024 SRTPs – Appendix A LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.
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SLO Regional Zero-Emission Bus Implementation Plan (2020)
SLOCOG developed the SLO Regional Zero-Emission Bus Implementation Plan (SLO Regional ZEB Plan) to
help San Luis Obispo County transit programs, as well as transit programs in nearby Santa Barbara and
Monterey Counties, transition to zero-emission fleets as required by the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT)
regulation. Based on the energy needs of the various fleets and the region’s temperate climate, the SLO
Regional ZEB Plan recommended that regional transit agencies shift to battery-electric buses (BEBs)
rather than fuel-cell electric buses (FCEBs). The SLO Regional ZEB Plan noted that opportunity charging
will be required to operate the RTA’s regional routes with BEBs; the study recommended that the San Luis
Obispo County transit programs coordinate with neighboring counties to minimize capital costs related to
developing opportunity-charging facilities.
First and Last Mile Wayfinding Report (2020)
To further reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation sector, it is important
that transit passengers are able to utilize active transportation modes, such as walking or bicycling, to get
to and from transit stops. Active transportation is often supported by wayfinding tools such as signs and
landmarks. The First and Last Mile Wayfinding Report (Wayfinding Report), prepared by SLOCOG,
inventories existing wayfinding infrastructure at transit hubs throughout San Luis Obispo County, then
presents recommended wayfinding improvements for all of the transit hubs based on the existing
amenities. Stops analyzed include the North County Transit Center, the City of San Luis Obispo
Government center, and the Cal Poly Kennedy Library, among others.
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan (2019)
The Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan (RHNAP) is a component of the Housing Element of the San
Luis Obispo County General Plan. The RHNAP details the need for housing by income group within each
jurisdiction in the study area for the upcoming planning period. The most recent San Luis Obispo County
RHNAP applies to Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and
San Luis Obispo and covers the time period from December 2020 to December 2028. The RHNAP
recommends new housing projects be developed in close proximity to transit services.
Active Transportation Partnership Program Safe-Routes-to-School Plan (2016)
The Active Transportation Partnership Program (ATPP) is a series of work programs initiated by SLOCOG
to guide near-term active transportation investments in San Luis Obispo County. The ATPP Safe Routes to
School Plan outlines a strategic plan for improving the bicycle and pedestrian networks near schools, as
well as strategies for how regional stakeholders can better collaborate to develop successful California
Active Transportation Program grant applications. Strategies presented in the ATPP Safe Routes to School
Plan related to transit include increasing the percentage of new and existing roadways with pedestrian
and bicycle facilities, emphasizing travel routes along roadways with transit stops, improving pedestrian
conditions within 0.25 miles of bus stops, and installing bike wayfinding signs at key bus stops.
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City Master Plan – Land Use and Circulation Elements (2014, 2017)
The City of San Luis Obispo Master Plan (Master Plan) ensures the sustainable use and protection of
resources necessary to the community. The Land Use Element of the Master Plan presents a plan for
future development within the City based on community preferences. The most recent update to the
City’s Land Use Element references the need for both California Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) and
Cuesta College to provide enhanced transit service to and from the main campus, for the City to
encourage mixed-use projects near major transit hubs, and for the City to require housing projects near
Downtown to provide services to offset the need for vehicles, such as providing bus passes.
The Circulation Element of the City’s Master Plan addresses transportation improvements needed to
ensure the effective circulation of people and goods based on future development, as presented in the
Land Use Element. The City’s most recent Circulation Element stated the City’s goal of achieving a
12-percent transit mode split. Specific projects recommended in the Circulation Element to increase
ridership and realize the goal mode split include updating the City of San Luis Obispo Transit Short Range
Transit Plan, coordinating with SLOCOG to implement the Long Range Transit Plan, continuing the
Downtown Trolley, offering bulk-rate transit passes, supporting the RTA in maintaining and expanding
commuter bus service to and from the city, developing a regional transit center in downtown, and
coordinating with the RTA to evaluate the pros and cons of consolidating services.
US 101 Corridor Mobility Master Plan (2014)
SLOCOG led the development of the US 101 Corridor Mobility Master Plan to develop a unified vision for
the corridor that can provide direction for future improvements. The study effort resulted in the following
mission statement for the portion of the US 101 corridor within San Luis Obispo County:
“Connecting communities within and across the region to improve travel time reliability, safety, and
modal choices for the efficient movement of people and goods.”
Short-term improvements recommended in the US 101 Corridor Mobility Master Plan most relevant to
public transit are listed below. These proposed projects have also been included in more recent studies
related to the US 101 corridor and regional transportation issues.
• Develop new, or improve existing, Park-and-Rides.
• Implement travel-demand-management strategies.
• Increase service frequency on Routes 9 and 10.
SLOCOG Unmet Transit Needs Reports (FY 2021-22, FY 2022-23, FY 2023-24)
SLOCOG, as the designated RTPA for San Luis Obispo County, is required by the California Transportation
Development Act (TDA) to hold an annual hearing to identify unmet transit needs in the region. TDA
funding must be spent on any unmet transit needs deemed through the hearing process to be reasonable
to meet before the RTPA can allocate funds to other transportation projects. For SLOCOG, requests for
additional services must meet all four criteria listed below to be considered an unmet transit need:
A. “The request fills a gap in public-transit service or is identified as a deficiency in the Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP), Clean Air Plan (CAP), Coordinated Human Services Public
Transportation Plan, or the Short-Range Transit Plan (SRTP);
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B. Sufficient broad-based community support is demonstrated by persons who will likely use the
service on a routine basis (at least 15 requests for general public service and 10 requests for
individuals with disabilities);
C. The request is current rather than an anticipated need;
D. The request is for service expansion, such as increased hours, increased frequency, new routes,
significant modifications to existing routes; and not operational in nature, such as minor route
changes or bus-stop changes, etc. If the request is for minor service changes, the request will be
forwarded to the transit operator for follow-up.”
Unmet transit needs must then meet four additional criteria in order to be considered by SLOCOG to be
reasonable to meet:
A. “Farebox recovery: The request is projected to generate the required farebox ratio (10-percent
rural, 20-percent urban, and 15-percent RTA by the third year demonstrating continuous progress
after the first and second year).
B. Served entity: Service will not involve funding from a non-served entity.
C. Service is comparable with other similar transit services (such as local fixed route, regional fixed
route, local general-public dial-a-ride, specialized dial-a-ride, circulator, trolley, etc.) or will be
similar, based on the projected number of passengers per hour the proposed service would carry.
D. The request is fundable with existing TDA funds without reducing other existing transit services.
The new, expanded, or revised service, if implemented, will not cause the responsible operator to
incur expenditures in excess of available TDA funds (if 100 percent of the TDA funds are being used
for transit, no mandate can be imposed on the operator.)”
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24, a request was received to move the RTA Route 21 and Route 24 bus stop near
Grover Beach Station into the actual Station to make it easier to transfer to other services. While this
request did not meet all four standards necessary to be deemed reasonable to meet, the RTA believes
this service change can be implemented without much difficulty. The RTA is already working with Grover
Beach officials to implement the Ramona Garden Master Plan, which will eventually require all of the
Southern County Transit (SoCo Transit) fixed routes to instead layover at the Grover Beach Station. The
RTA will likely modify the SoCo Transit routes once new cutaway buses are delivered to operate
Routes 27 and 28 and the station is upgraded. In addition to the Grover Beach Station service request,
SLOCOG also recommended two FY 2023-24 needs that were found to be unmet but unreasonable to
meet be considered in the upcoming SLO Transit SRTP: increase service frequency along all routes to be
more than twice per hour and increase nighttime service frequency.
In FY 2022-23, SLOCOG received twelve transit-related requests. None of the requests were found to be
unmet transit needs per the definitions adopted by SLOCOG. Requests received included providing earlier
service on RTA Route 10 and the Paso Robles Route A, increasing service frequency on RTA Route 12, and
creating a new transit route in San Luis Obispo from Arbors/Righetti area to South Higuera/Prado.
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In FY 2021-22, SLOCOG received eleven transit-related requests; five requests were for additional service
frequency, three were for new routes, one was for bus stop improvements (since implemented), one was
to move a bus stop location, and one was for increased consideration of COVID-19. None of the requests
were found to be unmet transit needs per SLOCOG criteria.
RTA PLANS AND AUDITS
The following section discusses plans focused specifically on RTA services, including the services operated
by the RTA through contract.
RTA Zero-Emissions Bus Rollout Plan (2023)
The RTA adopted its Zero-Emissions Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan in 2023. The ZEB Rollout Plan is based on the
work of prior studies, including the RTA Electrification-Readiness Plan (2019), and fulfills the requirements
of the ICT regulation. Of the RTA’s 79-vehicle fleet, 50 vehicles have a gross-weight greater than 14,000
pounds, and therefore must be replaced with ZEBs under the ICT regulation. The ZEB Rollout Plan
presents purchase timelines for the RTA for both heavy-duty and smaller vehicles through 2040, with the
ultimate goal being able to convert all vehicles to ZEBs while also avoiding the early retirement of
conventionally fueled vehicles. As presented in the study, the RTA will continue to purchase both
conventional and battery-electric vehicles until 2029, at which point all new vehicles will be BEBs. This
new vehicle procurement policy has already been put into practice by the RTA; the RTA is expected to
receive two BEBs in late 2023. Before deploying BEBs in mass, the RTA will need to install
additional/improved charging infrastructure at the RTA Bus Maintenance Facility at 253 Elks Lane in San
Luis Obispo, as well as at the RTA’s park-out facilities in Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande.
Note: RTA Cutaway Vehicle. Photo courtesy of the RTA.
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RTA Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan (2022)
Per FTA regulations, every transit agency must develop a Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan if the
agency owns, operates, or manages capital assets to provide public-transit service and receives federal
funding under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 as either a recipient or subrecipient. The RTA adopted its most recent
TAM Plan in 2022.
The TAM Plan states the RTA’s goal to replace heavy-duty buses, cutaways, and minivans in the revenue
fleet at a rate that will ensure no more than 40 percent of the vehicles in the fleet are beyond the
FTA-defined ULBs for vehicle age or mileage. The vehicle replacement schedule presented in the 2024
update to the RTA SRTP will reflect this standard. The TAM Plan also states that the RTA will not allow
more than 40 percent of its facilities to be assessed as a 1 or 2 using the five-point condition assessment
scale utilized by the FTA and National Transit Database. Currently, the condition of the RTA Bus
Maintenance Facility, located at 253 Elks Lane in San Luis Obispo, is a 5, or “Excellent.”
RTA Triennial Performance Audit (FY 2017 – FY 2019, FY 2020 – FY 2022)
All transit programs that receive TDA funding are required to undergo a Triennial Performance Audit
(TPA) to determine compliance with TDA requirements. The two most recent TPAs conducted for the RTA
covered FYs 2016-17 through 2018-19 and FYs 2019-20 through 2021-22.
For the FY 2016-17 through FY 2018-19 audit, the auditor found that the RTA complied with all ten
applicable TDA requirements. The auditor also found that the RTA had successfully implemented two out
of the four prior audit recommendations. The recommendations made in the audit included two carried
over from the previous audit, and were as follows:
1. Align organizational structure to meet the RTA’s changing priorities.
2. Continue to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Runabout paratransit operations,
including scheduling efficiencies and route optimization.
3. Enhance the Runabout customer experience through improved marketing and the deployment of
a one click/one call technology.
4. Consider supplemental services and next-generation mobility for the Runabout.
RTA performance during the most recent TPA period (FY 2019-20 – FY 2021-22) was significantly
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The auditor once again found the RTA complied with the ten
applicable TDA requirements. The RTA had also implemented one of the four recommendations made in
the previous audit. The TPA made two new recommendations for the RTA:
1. Evaluate the RTA’s preventable collision rates to achieve its internal standards – the RTA outlined
in its most recent Strategic Business Plan that the agency intends to have a rate of preventable
vehicle collision that does not exceed 1 per 100,000 miles. The RTA did not meet this internal
standard during the audit period.
2. Ensure the RTA SRTP update addresses Runabout service efficiencies and business practices,
including implementing a digital-application system for passenger eligibility and determining the
optimal amount of service consumed by subscription trip bookings.
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South County Transit Short-Range Transit Plan (2019)
The most recent SRTP for the SoCo Transit services was completed in 2019. A notable recommendation
made in the SRTP was for the SoCo Transit organization to be dissolved and key organizational functions
be incorporated into the RTA through the adoption of an amended Joint Powers Agreement. While the
SRTP recommended SoCo Transit be absorbed into the RTA, it also recommended establishing a SoCo
Transit Committee comprised of representatives from the City of Arroyo Grande, City of Grover Beach,
City of Pismo Beach, and the County of San Luis Obispo to ensure SoCo Transit funding and services are
overseen by representatives with local knowledge. The SRTP also recommended that the Avila-Pismo
Trolley be incorporated into the RTA SoCo Transit program. In addition to management changes, the SRTP
also recommended, depending on funding levels, shifting Routes 27 and 28 to serve the neighborhood
north of Ramona Garden, modifying routes to serve Lopez Continuation High School, and modifying the
Avila-Pismo Trolley service schedule as warranted by demand.
SLO County Dial-a-Ride Transit Plan (2019)
A SRTP was developed for the general-public dial-a-ride (DAR) services funded by the County of San Luis
Obispo (the Nipomo, Shandon-Paso Robles, Templeton-Paso Robles, and Paso Robles DARs) for FY 2020-21
through FY 2024-25. The five-year service plan presented in the SRTP called for expanding the Nipomo
DAR service area to the US 1 alignment, providing service to medical destinations in Santa Maria on the
Nipomo DAR two days per week, and eliminating Nipomo DAR pickups after 5:00 p.m. The SRTP also
recommended evaluating expanding RTA Route 9 to serve the eastern portion of Templeton in the next
update to the RTA SRTP.
Note: Avila-Pismo Trolley Vehicle. Photo courtesy of LSC.
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RTA Strategic Business Plan (2018)
The RTA most recently updated its Strategic Business Plan in 2018. The Strategic Business Plan covers a
three-year planning horizon (2018-2020), and presents focused goals, objectives, and performance
standards to guide operations. The three overarching agency goals adopted in the plan were as follows:
1. Increase ridership – Increase ridership by attracting discretionary ridership with service
improvements to both regional and subregional transit services.
2. Key performance indicators – Expand the development and use of the RTA’s key performance
indicators to enhance system performance and employee performance and to improve service
quality.
3. Innovation – Explore innovative opportunities to improve services for customers and potential
customers.
The standards of excellence outlined in the 2018 Strategic Business Plan will be reviewed and modified as
a component of the current update to the RTA SRTP.
RTA Short-Range Transit Plan (2016)
The previous update to the RTA SRTP was completed in 2016 and covered FYs 2016-17 through 2020-21.
The recommended service plan called for providing mid-day express service on Routes 9 and 10,
expanding evening service on Routes 9, 10, and 12, modifying the Route 12 schedule to limit the layover
in Morro Bay, and expanding the Runabout service. The capital plan called for purchasing new vehicles,
installing wi-fi on the fixed route buses, constructing the new RTA maintenance facility, improving bus
stops, and improving the Government Center transit center. While some of these projects have since
been implemented, such as developing the new maintenance facility, it is important to note that the RTA
SRTP was completed before the COVID-19 pandemic and did not account for changes in ridership
patterns and the nationwide driver shortage that occurred thereafter.
SLO TRANSIT PLANS AND AUDITS
The following section discusses plans focused specifically on SLO Transit services.
City of San Luis Obispo Zero-Emissions Bus Rollout Plan (In Progress)
The City of San Luis Obispo is expected to adopt its ZEB Rollout Plan for the SLO Transit fleet in early 2024,
The City’s ZEB Rollout Plan will outline what years the City intends to procure ZEBs in order to replace the
existing 17-vehicle revenue fleet in accordance with the ICT regulation. The City’s proposed fleet-transition
policy calls for existing vehicles to be used until the vehicles have reached their respective minimum ULBs,
as set by the FTA. While the conventionally-fueled vehicles continue to be used, the City will procure ZEBs
to increase its fleet size. Expanding the fleet will allow SLO Transit to increase service levels while
ensuring there are adequate back-up vehicles. For now, the City intends to procure BEBs rather than
FCEBs due to the difficulties associated with installing hydrogen fueling infrastructure. To support a fleet
of BEBs, the City will need to finish installing fourteen electric-vehicle chargers at the Operations and
Maintenance Facility at 29 Prado Road, five opportunity chargers at the Government Center transit
center, and two opportunity charges at the Kennedy Library bus stop.
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SLO Transit Innovation Study (2023)
The City of San Luis Obispo finalized the SLO Transit Innovation Study (Innovation Study) in 2023. The
Innovation Study reviewed potential technological improvements to support current transit services and
help the City achieve its mode split goal of 12-percent transit trips, as stated in the City of San Luis Obispo
Master Plan Circulation Element (2017). The Innovation Study recommended 17 improvements:
• Enhance service on fixed routes.
• Pursue open-loop payments through Cal-ITP.
• Replace CAD/AVL system on fixed route vehicles.
• Upgrade automatic passenger counters on fixed route vehicles.
• Enhance real-time passenger information.
• Replace and improve camera systems.
• Fare changes for students, seniors, and low-income riders.
• Explore institutional partnership.
• Pursue microtransit mobility services.
• Expand Downtown Access Program.
• Launch a bikeshare program.
• Install lighting, shelters, and bike parking at applicable bus stops.
• Establish a mobility-as-a-service platform.
• Investigate and establish mobility hubs.
• Launch a carshare program.
• Implement a transit-signal priority strategy.
• Add bus bulb-outs Downtown.
SLO Transit Program Analysis (2022)
The SLO Transit Program Analysis (Analysis) reviewed SLO Transit’s organizational structure, potential
funding, and coordination opportunities for the agency, as well as recent changes to transit regulations.
The Analysis then used the findings from the organizational review to develop eight recommendations
that will improve operations and ensure the financial sustainability of SLO Transit:
• Review the fare structure annually.
• Negotiate new Cal Poly zero-fare program payments that capture fully-allocated cost of Cal Poly
ridership.
• Utilize Capital Cost of Contracting provisions allowed by the FTA to capitalize contractor
preventative-maintenance measures.
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• Develop a grants team, including a dedicated transit-grants specialist, to develop an annual
program of grant research, education, preparation, and application, as well as post-reward
administration and reporting.
• Work with the RTA to identify opportunities for joint procurement and/or use, such as fuel
contracts, specialized maintenance needs, or common facilities.
• Evaluate the potential to monetize city-transit assets to generate increased local revenue, such as
public fueling/electric-vehicle charging and external advertising at key transit stops. Prioritize
roadway and pedestrian improvements for locations near SLO Transit fixed routes.
• Hold discussions with SLO Transit and RTA regarding regional funding policies and procedures,
such as the TDA-Local Transit Fund allocation process.
• Continue building a strong brand for SLO Transit to encourage residents to apply for positions.
SLO Transit Triennial Performance Audit (FY 2014 – FY 2017, FY 2018 – FY 2020)
The TDA requires that all transit programs which receive funding from the bill undergo a Triennial
Performance Audit (TPA). The two most recent TPAs conducted for SLO Transit covered FYs 2013-14
through 2016-17 and FYs 2017-18 through 2019-20.
For the FY 2013-14 through FY 2016-17 audit, SLO Transit was found to be in compliance with all
applicable TDA requirements. SLO Transit was also found to have partially implemented or to have been
in the process of implementing two of the four recommendations made in the previous audit. The
recommendations made in the audit were as follows:
1. “Revise revenue and cash handling practices to be compliant with industry best practices for an
operation the size and scope of SLO Transit.
2. Provide consistent and accurate performance measures on all transit reporting, including State
Controllers Reports, National Transit Database, and SLOCOG.
Note: SLO Transit Vehicle. Photo courtesy of LSC.
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3. Take positive steps, in cooperation with the new operations manager, to develop an esprit de
corps among SLO Transit operators and contractor staff.
4. Complete a full outside maintenance audit.
5. Enhance SLO Transit’s website to improve usability.
6. Add Grants and Reporting Coordinator position and reallocate duties among four (4) Transit
Service positions.”
During the most recent audit period (FY 2017-18 – FY 2019-20), SLO Transit fully complied with six out of
the nine applicable TDA requirements. SLO Transit was in partial compliance with submitting reports to
the State Controller on-time, calculating full-time employee equivalent data, and meeting farebox
recovery ratio standards. SLO Transit had implemented three of the six previous audit recommendations
(recommendations 3, 4, and 6, as numbered above), was in the process of implementing one
recommendation (recommendation 1), and had partially implemented one recommendation
(recommendation 2). The TPA provided three new recommendations for SLO Transit:
1. “Ensure that full-time-employee-equivalent data reported are consistent with the TDA definition.
2. Pursue the negotiation of a new transit-services agreement with Cal Poly that reflects the new
operating environment.
3. Continue advocacy for funding a transit-grants coordinator.”
SLO Transit’s Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan (2018)
Similar to the RTA, the City of San Luis Obispo is required to develop a Transit Asset Management (TAM)
Plan per FTA statutes. The City of San Luis Obispo most recently adopted a TAM Plan for SLO Transit in
2018. The 2018 TAM Plan states SLO Transit’s goal to reduce repair costs by 20 percent or more by
retiring old vehicles as soon as possible. In regard to facilities, the TAM Plan rated the condition of SLO
Transit’s maintenance facility at 29 Prado Road, a “2” out of 5, indicating the need for upgrades. The
recently adopted 2023 RTP, discussed previously, recommended constructing a new SLO Transit
maintenance facility. The financial plan presented in the 2024 SLO Transit SRTP will consider the costs
that will be incurred by this project and potential funding sources.
SLO Transit Short-Range Transit Plan (2016)
The previous update to the SLO Transit SRTP was completed in 2016 and covered FYs 2016-17 through
2020-21. A key service change recommended in the SRTP that has since been implemented was revising
the route structure to be four bi-directional routes (1A/B, 2 A/B, 3 A/B, 4 A/B). Other service plan
elements included extending weekday service hours during the school year, providing evening service
during the summer, and creating a Laguna Middle School tripper service, which has also been
implemented. The short-term capital plan called for procuring new vehicles as needed, as well as
improving bus stops and the Government Center stop. Management recommendations were to continue
to coordinate with the RTA and to adopt new performance standards. Similar to the prior RTA SRTP, the
previous SLO Transit SRTP was also completed before the COVID-19 pandemic and did not account for
changes to ridership patterns that occurred post-pandemic.