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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-2025 MTC Agenda Packet Mass Transportation Committee AGENDA Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 2:30 p.m. Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo The Mass Transportation Committee holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be supported. Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible to receive one hour of complimentary parking; restrictions apply, visit Parking for Public Meetings for more details. 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 ma not be processed until the following day. Public Comment during the meeting: Meetings are held in-person. 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 must 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) 781-7114. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER Chair Figueroa will call the Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee to order. 2.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA 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. 3.CONSENT Matters appearing on the Consent Calendar are expected to be non- controversial and will be acted upon at one time. A member of the public may request the Mass Transportation Committee pull an item for discussion. The public may comment on any and all items on the Consent Agenda within the three-minute time limit. 3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - JANUARY 8, 2025, MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES 5 Recommendation: To approve the Mass Transportation Committee Minutes of January 8, 2025. 4.BUSINESS ITEMS 4.a K-12 DISCOUNT PASS PROGRAM ADOPTION 9 Recommendation: Recommend that the City Council Adopt a Resolution Formalizing the K- 12 Discount Pass Pilot Program 5.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 5.a SLO TRANSIT UPDATE 15 Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs will provide an update on the following: Council's Draft SRTP review• Ridership Data - Fiscal Year 2024 to Fiscal Year 2025 Comparison • Ridership Data - 6 Express - September 2024 - February 2025• Marketing and Promotional Activities• Recommendation: Receive information 6.ADJOURNMENT The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES are available -- see the Clerk 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 City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410. 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 the public upon request. Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Mass Transportation Committee are available for public inspection on the City’s website: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and- minutes. Meeting recordings may be found on the City’s website: https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=60984 1 Mass Transportation Committee Minutes January 8, 2025, 2:30 p.m. Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo Mass Transportation Committee Members Present: Member Hans Hershberger (Business Rep), Member Robin Kisinger (Senior Rep), Member Audrey Lariz (Alternate), Vice Chair Marlene Cramer (Cal Poly Rep), Chair David Figueroa (At- Large Rep) MTC Members Absent: Member Matthew Duffy (Disability Community Rep), Member Trevor Freeman (Technical Rep), Member Emily McBride (ASI Rep) City Staff Present: Mobility Services Business Manager Alexander Fuchs, Transit Coordinator Jesse Stanley, City Clerk Teresa Purrington _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Mass Transportation Committee was called to order on January 8, 2025, at 2:32 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Figueroa. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public Comment: Louise Justice --End of Public Comment-- 3. CONSENT 3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 13, 2024, and DECEMBER 11, 2024, MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Page 5 of 18 2 Motion By Member Kisinger Second By Member Lariz To approve the Mass Transportation Committee Minutes of November 13, 2024, and December 11, 2024. Ayes (5): Member Hershberger, Member Kisinger, Member Lariz, Vice Chair Cramer, and Chair Figueroa Absent (3): Member Duffy, Member Freeman, and Member McBride CARRIED (5 to 0) 4. BUSINESS ITEMS 4.a SHORT-RANGE TRANSIT PLAN Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs provided information to the Committee and responded to inquiries. Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Motion By Member Hershberger Second By Vice Chair Cramer To recommend the following service changes in the final Short-Range Transit Plan update: FY 2025-26 • Reinstate services to pre-pandemic levels • Increase Routes 4A/B service frequency • Revise Routes 2A/B to serve San Luis Ranch and reduce headways to 45-minutes FY 2026-27 • Modify academic service to align with Cal Poly’s transition to a semester system • Operate B Routes on weekends, sooner if feasible FY 2027-28 Page 6 of 18 3 • New direct route to serve Avila Ranch development • Microtransit pilot program to supplement evening service FY 2028-29 • Provide academic service year-round, to align with Cal Poly’s schedule for year-round semester system And the other non-service recommendations as presented in the report Ayes (5): Member Hershberger, Member Kisinger, Member Lariz, Vice Chair Cramer, and Chair Figueroa Absent (3): Member Duffy, Member Freeman, and Member McBride CARRIED (5 to 0) 5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 5.a SLO TRANSIT UPDATE Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs provided updates on the following: • Continuation of the 6 Express • Fare Free Pilot Program Update 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:31 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee is scheduled for March 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. _________________________ APPROVED BY MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: XX/XX/202X Page 7 of 18 Page 8 of 18 Item 4.a Mass Transportation Committee Agenda Report For Agenda of: 3/12/2025 Item Number: 4.a FROM: Alexander Fuchs, Mobility Services Business Manager Phone Number: (805) 783-7877 E-mail: afuchs@slocity.org SUBJECT: K-12 DISCOUNT PASS PROGRAM ADOPTION RECOMMENDATION Recommend that the City Council Adopt a Resolution Formalizing the K-12 Discount Pass Pilot Program DISCUSSION In January 2024, City Council approved Resolution No. 11473 (Attachment A) approving a pilot program expanding fare options for K-12 students. The pilot program created a 15- Ride pass for K-12 students at a discounted rate ($11.25). Prior to the creation of the discounted pass option, students often purchased a 16-Ride pass at the regular rate ($24.00). The pilot program went into effect February 1, 2024, with a sunset date of June 5, 2025, unless further modified by Council via adoption of a new Resolution. Table 1 shows total student pass sales for calendar years 2023 and 2024 and the percent changes in sales between the two years. Student pass sales overall increased by 68 percent with a majority of the sales coming from Student 1-Ride passes. Sales of the new Student 15-Ride pass accounts for 118 of the passes sold in 2024. Sales of the Regular 16-Ride pass decreased slightly between 2023 and 2024 which is to be expected as students now have a more affordable multi-ride pass option. Table 1: Student Pass Sales (2023 vs 2024) Pass Type Calendar Year 2023 Calendar Year 2024 Percent Change Student 31-Day 261 285 9% Student 15-Ride 0 118 Regular 16-Ride 206 190 -8% Student 1-Ride 531 1,079 103% Total 998 1,672 68% Based on the number of 15-Ride students passes purchased in 2024 and that the new pass option is not jeopardizing the Transit Fund’s ability to maintain the required 20% minimum farebox recovery ratio, staff recommends making the program be permanent. Page 9 of 18 Item 4.a NEXT STEPS On April 15, 2025, staff will present a draft Resolution to Council to formalize the K -12 Discount Pass Pilot Program. Whether the program is made permanent or not, staff will continue to engage the San Luis Coastal Unified School District in the promotion of SLO Transit services as a convenient and affordable option for students and their families. ATTACHMENTS A - Resolution No. 11473 (2024 Series) Page 10 of 18 R 11473 RESOLUTION NO. 11473 (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 have 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, offering expanded fare and pass options increases access to affordable transportation for K-12 students and provides minor financial relief to parents while also increasing local transit ridership; and WHEREAS, at a regularly scheduled meeting on January 10, 2024, the Mass Transportation Committee considered the proposed changes to SLO Transit’s rate structure and made a recommendation that Council adopt the Draft Resolution. WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, the City Council considered the proposed changes to SLO Transit’s rate structure. DocuSign Envelope ID: CB39E119-57B1-43AB-AE0C-BEEAB38CA91E Page 11 of 18 Resolution No. 11473 (2024 Series) Page 2 R 11473 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that the recitals stated above are true and correct and that SLO Transit’s fare rate structure is hereby adopted as set forth in and incorporated herein as Exhibit A. Upon motion of Vice Mayor Pease, seconded by Council Member Francis, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Member Francis, Marx, Shoresman, Vice Mayor Pease, and Mayor Stewart NOES: None ABSENT: None The foregoing resolution was adopted this 23rd day of January 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 DocuSign Envelope ID: CB39E119-57B1-43AB-AE0C-BEEAB38CA91E 1/24/2024 | 10:11 AM PST Page 12 of 18 Resolution No. 11473 (2024 Series) Page 3 R 11473 EXHIBIT A Fare Type Current Rate Proposed Rate Regular $1.50 $1.50 Student (K-12) N/A $0.75 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 $11.25 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, through June 5, 2025, unless otherwise further modified by adopted Resolution DocuSign Envelope ID: CB39E119-57B1-43AB-AE0C-BEEAB38CA91E Page 13 of 18 Page 14 of 18 Item 5.a Mass Transportation Committee Agenda Report For Agenda of: 3/12/2025 Item Number: 5.a FROM: Alexander Fuchs, Mobility Services Business Manager Phone Number: (805) 783-7877 E-mail: afuchs@slocity.org SUBJECT: SLO TRANSIT UPDATE – MARCH 2025 RECOMMENDATION Receive information DISCUSSION City Council Review of Draft Short-Range Transit Plan At a special meeting of City Council on February 25, 2025, staff presented a review of the administrative draft of SLO Transit’s Short-Range Transit Plan1. The item was an opportunity for Council to receive an update on the plan progress, provide feedback, and to direct staff to make any necessa ry changes and to return at the April 15 meeting with a final plan for adoption. The presentation included a discussion of the additional service alternatives analysis, operating and capital budget forecasts, joint coordination opportunities, and recommended service, fare, and program changes. After Council discussion and public comment on the item, Council directed staff to include the following service changes in the final draft plan: FY 2025-26 • Reinstate services to pre-pandemic levels • Increase Routes 4A/B service frequency • Revise Routes 2A/B to serve San Luis Ranch and reduce headways to 45 -minutes FY 2026-27 • Modify academic service to align with Cal Poly’s transition to a semester system • Operate B Routes on weekends • New direct route to serve Avila Ranch development FY 2027-28 • Microtransit pilot program to supplement evening service FY 2028-29  Provide academic service year-round, to align with Cal Poly’s schedule for year-round semester system 1 Item 6a. Study Session to Review the Administrative Draft of SLO Transit's Short -Range Transit Plan Page 15 of 18 Item 5.a Council supported the Mass Transportation Committee’s (MTC) recommendation to modify the service changes to align SLO Transit’s year -round service operation with Cal Poly’s schedule for implementation of a semester system beginning in Summer 2027 and year-round semester system beginning in Fall 2028. Implementation of a new direct route to serve Avila Ranch was also moved from FY 2027-28 to FY 2026-27 based on Council’s direction. Council was also supportive of the fare and program changes which include maintaining current the fare structure, eliminating the 5 -Day and 7-Day pass options, and expanding the geographic boundaries of the Downtown Access Pass program. Council expressed interest in making permanent the K-12 discounted pass pilot program that was approved in January 2024. Staff will present a draft Res olution to Council along with the final draft plan for Council’s consideration at the April 15 meeting. Ridership Data SLO Transit reports quarterly operating data to San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) for the City to be eligible to receive Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds. The operating includes ridership data for Cal Poly riders and for non-Cal Poly riders (referred to as General riders). Between Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 -23 and 2023-24, SLO Transit saw a 12 percent increase in total ridership. This is due to a combination of factors like restoration of services post-pandemic and Cal Poly transitioning back to in -class instruction. Through the first six months of FY 2024-25 SLO Transit saw a nine percent increase in ridership when compared to the same period in FY 2023-24. Based on this data, SLO Transit is on track to record nearly 625,000 riders this year. Table 1 shows ridership by rider type by quarter for FY 2022-23, FY 2023-24, and the first half of FY 2024-25. Table 2 compares total ridership by quarter for the same period. Page 16 of 18 Item 5.a 6 Express Service Update In September 2024, staff reinstated the 6 Express which provides direct service between Cal Poly’s Performing Art Center and the Downtown Transit Center on Thursday evenings. The 6 Express saw an average ridership of 275 riders per week. There was an - 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 180,000 200,000 Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 Table 1: Ridership by Rider Type General Cal Poly Total - 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 180,000 200,000 Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Table 2: Total Ridership -Quarterly Comparison FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 Page 17 of 18 Item 5.a interest from riders, Cal Poly, and the MTC to see the 6 Express service continued through Winter and Spring quarters. On January 9, 2025, the 6 Express resumed service and will continue through June 5, 2025. Through the first eight weeks of winter service, the 6 Express is averaging 268 riders per week. Staff will continue to monitor ridership and report significant changes to the MTC as appropriate. Marketing and Promotional Activities Below are a list of recently completed and upcoming marketing and promotional activities.  March 4, 2025 – Cal Poly Partners Fair o SLO Transit staff was not in attendance but provided schedules and giveaway items for the event.  March 18, 2025 – National Driver Appreciation Day o The City is preparing a “thank you” gift bag for SLO Transit drivers.  April 11-12, 2025 – Cal Poly Open House o Cal Poly has partnered with SLO Transit to provide rides at no cost to Open House attendees.  (Tentative) April 26, 2025 – SLO Earth Fest o Staff intends on tabling the SLO Earth Fest event at Meadow Park  May 22, 2025 – Public Works Week o Local agencies attend Famers’ Market to celebrate National Public Works Week Page 18 of 18 Mass Transportation Committee March 12, 2025 Meeting Agenda slotransit.org 1.Call to Order 2.Public Comment for Items Not on the Agenda 3.Consent 3.a Consideration of Minutes – January 8, 2025 4.Business Items 4.a K-12 Discount Pass Program Adoption 5.Comment and Discussion 5.a SLO Transit Update •Council’s Draft SRTP Review •Ridership Data – FY 2024 to FY 2025 •Ridership Data - 6 Express •Marketing and Promotional Activities Public Comment slotransit.org 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. 3.a Consideration of Minutes slotransit.org Approval of minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee meeting on January 8, 2025 (Regular Meeting). Consent Items 4.a K-12 Discount Pass Program Adoption slotransit.org Background 1/10/2024 – MTC considered expanded fare options for K-12 Students and recommended Council adopt a Resolution approving the pilot program 1/24/2024 – Council adopted Resolution No. 11473 approving a pilot program expanding fare options for K-12 students. Pilot Program Elements The pilot program created a 15-Ride pass for K-12 students at a discounted rate ($11 .25). The pilot program went into effect February 1, 2024, with a sunset date of June 5, 2025, unless further modified by Council. Business Items Pass Type Calendar Year 2023 Calendar Year 2024 Percent Change Student 31-Day 261 285 9% Student 15-Ride 0 118 Regular 16-Ride 206 190 -8% Student 1-Ride 531 1,079 103% Total 998 1,672 68% 4.a K-12 Discount Pass Program Adoption slotransit.org Recommendation Recommend that the City Council Adopt a Resolution Formalizing the K-12 Discount Pass Pilot Program Business Items 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org Comment and Discussion Items FY 2025-26 •Reinstate services to pre-pandemic levels •Increase Routes 4A/B service frequency •Revise Routes 2A/B to serve San Luis Ranch and reduce headways to 45-minutes FY 2026-27 •Modify academic service to align with Cal Poly’s transition to a semester system •Operate B Routes on weekends •New direct route to serve Avila Ranch development FY 2027-28 •Microtransit pilot program to supplement evening service FY 2028-29 •Provide academic service year-round to align with Cal Poly’s transition to a semester system Draft Short-Range Transit Plan Review Fares •Maintain existing fare and pass rates (i.e. $1.50/ride and $0.75/ride for discounted riders) Passes •Eliminate 5-Day and 7-Day passes Programs •Expand the Downtown Access Pass (DAP) program area to include areas south and east of downtown (see map on right) 4.a Short-Range Transit Plan Comment and Discussion Items Draft Short-Range Transit Plan Review 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org SLO Transit Ridership Data Comment and Discussion Items - 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 Ridership by Rider Type General Cal Poly Total 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org SLO Transit Ridership Data Comment and Discussion Items - 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Total Ridership - Quarterly Comparison FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org Ridership Data: 6 Express Comment and Discussion Items Fall 2024 Ridership 9/19 172 9/26 407 10/03 504 10/10 304 10/17 295 10/24 289 10/31 361 11/07 226 11/14 263 11/21 199 Average 302 Winter 2025 Ridership 1/09 359 1/16 259 1/23 258 1/30 226 2/06 N/A 2/13 N/A 2/20 207 2/27 188 Average 250 5.a SLO Transit Update slotransit.org Marketing and Promotional Activities •March 4, 2025 – Cal Poly Partners Fair •March 18, 2025 – National Transit Driver Appreciation Day •April 11 -12, 2025 – Cal Poly Open House •April 26, 2025 – SLO Earth Fest (Tentative) •May 22, 2025 – Public Works Week Comment and Discussion Items Next Regular Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 2:30pmWednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room located at 990 Palm Street slotransit.org