HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-2026 MTC Agenda Packet
Mass Transportation Committee
AGENDA
Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 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
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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.
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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 may 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.OFFICER ELECTION
Per the City’s Advisory Body Handbook, when possible, in July, each advisory
body, at its regular meeting, shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson.
The term of office of a chairperson or vice chairperson shall be one year and no
person shall serve as chairperson or vice chairperson for more than two
consecutive terms.
3.PRESENTATION
3.a MV TRANSPORTATION - OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
CONTRACTOR
Representatives from SLO Transit’s new operation and maintenance
services contractor, MV Transportation, will be introduced and provide
brief comments.
4.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.
5.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.
5.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - MAY 13, 2026, MASS
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
5
Recommendation:
To approve the Mass Transportation Committee Minutes of May 13,
2026.
6.BUSINESS ITEMS
6.a COMMUNITY BIKESHARE PROGRAM - REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS
7
Recommendation:
Receive a presentation regarding the proposed issuance of a
Request for Proposals (RFP) for launching a bikeshare
program that would serve the City of San Luis Obispo; and
1.
Recommend that the City Council authorize issuance of the
Request for Proposals (RFP) for launching a bikeshare
program at its October 6, 2026, meeting.
2.
7.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
7.a SLO TRANSIT UPDATE 17
Mobility Services Business Manager Alex Fuchs will provide an update
on the following:
Tap2Ride Post-Launch Update•
Transit App Adoption and Usage•
Elimination of Cal Poly’s “Poly Time”•
Current and Upcoming Communication and Outreach Efforts•
8.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee meeting is
scheduled for September 9, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at
City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
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to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate
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directed to the customer service line at (805) 594-8090. Reports of
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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
May 13, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Mass Transportation
Committee Members
Present:
Member Michaela Crampton (Technical Rep), Member Robin
Kisinger (Senior Rep), Member Audrey Lariz (Alternate),
Member Stone Ramage, Chair David Figueroa (At-Large Rep)
MTC Members Absent: Member Matthew Duffy (Disability Community Rep), Member
Hans Hershberger (Business Rep), Vice Chair Marlene Cramer
(Cal Poly Rep)
City Staff Present: Mobility Services Business Manager Alexander Fuchs, Transit
Coordinator Jesse Stanley
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Mass Transportation Committee was
called to order on May 13, 2026 at 2:35 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 - MARCH 11, 2026, MASS
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
Motion By Member Crampton
Second By Member Lariz
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2
To approve the Mass Transportation Committee Minutes of March 11,
2026.
CARRIED
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a SLO TRANSIT UPDATE
Received the SLO Transit Update for May 2026 and provided comment on
the discussion items as necessary.
5.b MICROTRANSIT PILOT PROGRAM FEASIBILITY STUDY
Provided comments on the Microtransit Pilot Program Feasibility Study
discussion item and received and filed the Microtransit Pilot Program
Feasibility Study Final Report.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Mass
Transportation Committee is scheduled for July 8, 2026, 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
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Item 6.a
Mass Transportation Committee
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 7/8/2026
Item Number: 6.a
FROM: Chris Read, Sustainability Manager
Phone Number: (805) 781-7151
E-mail: cread@slocity.org
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY BIKESHARE PROGRAM - REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive a presentation regarding the proposed issuance of a Request for
Proposals (RFP) for launching a bikeshare program that would serve the City of
San Luis Obispo; and
2. Recommend that the City Council authorize issuance of the Request for Proposals
(RFP) for launching a bikeshare program at its October 6, 2026, meeting.
POLICY CONTEXT
Staff’s recommendation is in direct support of the City’s General Plan Circulation Element
Objective 1.7.1.1, which identifies a target mode split of 20% bicycle trips, and Circulation
Element Program 4.2.1, “The City shall evaluate a bikeshare program in coordination with
Cal Poly and other educational institutions.” While General Plan Circulation Element
policy is most pertinent, it should be noted that pursuing bikeshare is a recommended
action featured in numerous planning documents over the years, including in the Transit
Innovation Study, which identifies launching a bikeshare program as a “Medium” transit
priority service enhancement. Launching a bikeshare program is also included in t he
Climate Action Plan and the Economic Development Strategic Plan, as further described
below. In addition, assessing and/or launching a bikeshare system has been a Major City
Goal work program task across three financial plans since 2019.
BACKGROUND
In 2023, based on direction provided by Major City Goal task 4.3.i in the 2023-25 Financial
Plan to, “Reassess the viability of launching a citywide bikeshare system […]”, staff led
an assessment into the feasibility of launching a bikeshare program. This was the second
time a bikeshare was considered by the City, with the other occasion ending in a decision
to pause bikeshare efforts in 2020 in response to the pandemic.
In 2023, staff determined a bikeshare to be feasible primarily because of advancements
in the bikeshare industry, the City’s progress implementing priority active transportation
infrastructure projects (especially along corridors where bikeshare docks are expected to
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Item 6.a
be located), a strong partnership and shared vision for bikeshare with Cal Poly, and the
availability of staff resources in the Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources to
support the launch of a program. As such, in 2024, Council approved the release of a
Request for Proposals (RFP) for a no-cost to the City bikeshare program.
The RFP was released in May of 2024 and as the result of unexpected changes in
prospective vendors’ operational and business models, the process did not result in a
successful vendor selection. Staff conducted several informational interviews with
vendors to bette r understand typical operating models and identify how these insights
could refine the RFP scope, ultimately supporting a more competitive and successful
bidding process. Staff have also conducted additional market research on successful
bike share programs and at this time believe that re -issuing an RFP would likely result
in a successful bid process. Based on this research, staff suggest the following changes
to the 2024 RFP to ensure a robust bid -environment:
Consider a “piggyback”-able RFP that would allow other regional agencies to
benefit from the terms and conditions of the agreement between the City and
the vendor and to allow Cal Poly to easily join the system should it not be
able to launch concurrently with the City.
Include “virtual docks” as an acceptable docking solution.
Be less prescriptive about initial system size and instead focus on operational
characteristics to allow the vendor to propose creative ways to run a viable
business that is aligned with the City’s values and character.
Include more explicit escalation procedures, response timelines, and
enforcement mechanisms related to improperly parked bicycles, customer
complaints, and vendor non-performance.
Staff are currently drafting an updated Bikeshare RFP and intend to bring it to Council on
October 6, 2026 as a consent agenda item to request authorization to release the RFP.
The 2024 Council Agenda Report includes an overview of the conditions in 2024 that
would lead to program success, including an evolution of the bikeshare market, observed
success in peer cities, improved bikeshare equipment, improved active transportation
infrastructure, increased staff capacity, and partnership with Cal Poly. Since that report,
these assumptions have generally held to be true with new conditions highlighted below:
1. Improving Bike Infrastructure: A bikeshare system would complement the City and
Cal Poly’s investment in pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and further support
bicycling as a convenient and effective mode of low-carbon transportation. If this
RFP results in a successful procurement, the City would aim to launch the program
in Spring of 2027. By this time, the City will have made significant progress in
advancing bikeway infrastructure between the downtown and Cal Poly area where
bikeshare infrastructure is expected to be concentrated Some of these active
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Item 6.a
transportation infrastructure improvements include:
a. Railroad Safety Trail (Pepper to Phillips): Completed
b. Protected Bike Lanes Downtown on Higuera and Marsh: Completed
c. Cerro Romauldo Neighborhood Greenway: Completed
d. North Chorro Neighborhood Greenway: Completed.
e. Toro and Mill Street Neighborhood Greenways: Completed
f. Bike lane on Highland (near Cuesta to Santa Rosa): Completed
g. Resealing of Railroad Safety Trail along California Blvd (Taft to Foothill):
Completed
h. Intersection improvements at Foothill and California: Construction start
expected 2028
i. Foothill Complete Streets Project: Community outreach underway and
construction planned as early as Summer 2028
j. Grand Ave Roadway Sealing bikeway improvements: pilot installed 2024,
permanent improvements expected in 2027
2. Staff Capacity in Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources to Support
Bikeshare: As noted in the 2024 Council Agenda Report, the Active Transportation
Committee (ATC) and City Council previously provided strategic direction for
Public Works staff to focus on delivering priority Active Transportation Plan (ATP)
capital improvement projects. In response, the Office of Sustainability and Natural
Resources (“OOSNR”) has taken lead on bikeshare and has continued to lead on
bikeshare through present. Should the 2026 RFP yield a successful bid, OOSNR
will continue to lead as project manager until operations begin, at which time
burdens on staff time reduce significantly.
Anticipated inputs from Public Works staff during pre-launch include supporting
committee and City Council presentation (s), participating in the vendor selection
process, and providing input on bikeshare stakeholder engagement, bike
specifications, docking locations, and signage/ communications materials. After
the program launch, Public Works staff would serve as the lead City liaison to the
bikeshare program operator.
As the operator will be contractually obligated to operate a self -sufficient program
with limited inputs or support from City staff, including directly managing all user
requests and equipment issue, this impact is estimated to be minimal. Staff from
peer cities with similarly structured bikeshare programs found that post -launch,
weekly City staff time spent on the program reduced to one hour a week or less.
3. Partnership with Cal Poly: Cal Poly representatives support including the university
in a prospective bikeshare system. A bikeshare program fulfills Cal Poly’s Campus
Master Plan and Climate Action Plan recommendations. Implementing an
bikeshare program is consistent with Cal Poly’s investment in pedestrian and
bicycle facilities and further encourages bicycling as a convenient and effective
mode of low-carbon transportation on campus. Cal Poly was an active partner to
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Item 6.a
the City during the development of the 2024 RFP. Cal Poly is concurrently
reviewing the draft 2026 RFP and may choose to participate in a jointly released
RFP, or join-on following the selection of a vendor. This decision is expected to be
made later this summer and will be included in the October 6, 2026 Council Agenda
Report.
Draft Bikeshare RFP System Specifications and Rating Criteria
While staff are still in the process of developing the full RFP, a draft of the preferred
system specifications has been developed and is presented here for the committee’s
review and feedback. Some of the criteria would be mandatory, and as articulated be low,
some would be optional and would increase a proposal’s score. Priority system
specifications include:
Criteria System Specifications (to be fully defined in the updated RFP)
Equipment
Type
The Council’ s stated preference is for a dock-based electric pedal-
assist Bikeshare System. Staff recommends including “virtual docks”
with certain design characteristics as acceptable equipment in this
RFP.
System Scale The system should have enough bikes and stations to be a reliable,
on-demand mobility option for residents, employees, students, and
visitors. Site selection shall require site host approval (i.e., City
approval when a proposed site is in the public right-of-way).The
selected Operator should be capable of, responsible for, and highly
motivated to plan and implement expansion of the System in the
future as interest and funding permits. Additionally, the Operator is
encouraged to create a straightforward process wherein additional
local agencies and/or private parties can request for a Bikeshare
System docking station to be installed at their site/s.
Equity Proposals should describe proposed strategies to make the
Bikeshare program accessible to all community members, ensuring
that access is provided for users in disadvantaged communities and
for persons that typically have experienced barriers to active
transportation. Strategies that improve access for low-income
communities, such reduced pricing to those who qualify, are highly
desired. Although not a requirement, additional bonus points will be
allocated to proposals providing options for bicycles that serve the
needs of those with children or mobility challenges.
Maintenance
and Repair
Maintenance and repair responsibilities apply to all hardware and
software components of the System. The Operator will be
responsible for developing and implementing a regular inspection,
maintenance, and repair and/or replacement schedule that keeps
the System in continuous compliance with agreed upon in-service
standards defined in the Service Level Agreement. These activities
shall include inspecting, cleaning, and removing graffiti from System
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Item 6.a
Criteria System Specifications (to be fully defined in the updated RFP)
structures on a timely basis, as well as removal of debris i n and
around the System components and structures. Sustainability and
battery recycling plans are important to the Agencies. Proposals that
establish a commitment to utilize local labor and businesses for
maintenance and repair support are encouraged.
Public Safety Operator will be required to promote safe and lawful operation of the
shared bicycles, as well as ensure that the bicycles are maintained
in safe working condition. Operator is required to promptly remove
bicycles left on sidewalks or elsewhere within the public right of way,
and shall proactively avoid any City and Cal Poly staff involvement
in remedying these issues. In times of emergencies, however, the
Operator should be prepared to provide the Agencies with codes or
other means to move locked bikes. Operator shall provide a broad
approach to protecting public safety that could include outreach and
education, minimum age requirements, programs that promote or
facilitate helmet use, and/or speed governance bike controls to
reduce speeds in sensitive areas. Operator shall minimize
opportunities for theft and vandalism. Operator shall identify who is
responsible for any incidents of theft and/or vandalism, how these
are handled, any involvement of law enforcement, and applicable
user fees.
Open Data The Operator should provide open content data that will allow third
party developers to provide applications to assist users in finding
bicycles, and stations, and comparing travel and usage information
consistent with reports from other U.S. systems. This data shall be
anonymized.
Transit
Integration
Although not a mandatory requirement of the RFP, additional bonus
points will be allocated to potential vendors that demonstrate an
ability to integrate bikeshare with transit, which may include
seamless transfers between SLO Transit/RTA bus service and
bikeshare trips, combined subscriptions for monthly bus and
bikeshare passes, and other forms of payment and membership
integration.
Community Engagement
Bikeshare has been repeatedly prioritized by community members during outreach
events, including at the 2022 Connected Community Stakeholder Forum, the 2022 CAP
Community Climate Party, the 2026 Climate Action Plan Stakeholder Roundtables , and
the wide range of outreach that was conducted ahead of the 2024 RFP Release.1
1 For a full account of the outreach conducted ahead of releasing the 2024 RFP, see:
https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=192012&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk
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Item 6.a
In support of this Agenda Report, staff have conducted additional, new outreach in 2026,
including meeting with Downtown SLO staff and hosting two downtown business focused
open-house events. Staff are also scheduled to present to the Chamber of Commerce
Legislative Action Committee on July 9, 2026. Additionally, a project landing page was
posted with information about the potential bikeshare program. Although significant
outreach and engagement efforts occurred just two years ago, some partners,
stakeholders, and interested individuals have changed, while some anticipated program
details have changed, as well. In addition to staff presenting to this committee,
presentations will also be given to the Active Transportation Committee (ATC) and the
Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) prior to the City Council on October 6, 2026.
Additionally, a bikeshare program would serve multiple current community priorities
including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, alleviating downtown parking constraints,
and offering the possibility of accessible and equitable mobility options for low -income
community members. Pending a successful procurement process, staff would conduct
significant community outreach to inform the selection of bikeshare docking locations,
aesthetics, and other program components, as well as lead a promotion and education
campaign.
Costs
The City proposes issuing an RFP for a system operator that will run a bikeshare program
in the City of San Luis Obispo and on Cal Poly campus at no cost to either organization.
This model is operating successfully in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz and staff anticipate
vendor interest in this operational model.
Previous Advisory Body and Council Actions
City Council
Over the course of the last decade, there have been numerous Council actions and
adopted plan documents that call for the City to promote active transportation, support
equitable mobility, decrease transportation costs, cut climate emissions, reduce air
pollution, and stimulate economic vibrancy through a prospective bikeshare program, as
follows:
1. On July 17, 2012, City Council adopted the 2012 Climate Action Plan, which
included Transportation and Land Use Implementation Action 3.3 to “Research
opportunities for a bike-share program near parking facilities.”
2. On December 9, 2014, City Council adopted the 2014 Land Use and Circulation
Element update, which introduced new modal shift objectives to support the
increased use of alternative forms of transportation and decrea sed dependence
on single-occupant automobiles. Through this update the City set ambitious goals
to increase bicycle mode share to 20% and to reach 18% for walking, carpools,
and other forms of transportation by 2035 (Policy 1.7.1). The element also states
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Item 6.a
that “the City shall evaluate a bikeshare program in coordination with Cal Poly and
other educational institutions” (Policy 4.2.1).
3. On September 5, 2017, City Council adopted the Downtown Concept Plan, which
included implementation action 37, to “Work with interested partners on the
feasibility of a bikeshare program.”
4. On June 4, 2019, City Council adopted the 2019-2021 Financial Plan and Major
City Goal Work Program, which included a Sustainable Transportation task under
Emerging Trends and Technology to “Investigate Potential Shared Mobility Policy”
in reference to a potential micro mobility program.”
5. On October 1, 2019, City Council held a study session on the topic of shared bike
systems. Council provided direction to staff to continue with development of a
citywide docked electric pedal-assist bikeshare program.
6. On June 1st, 2021, City Council adopted the 2021-2023 Financial Plan and Major
City Goal work program, which included Task 4.4.v, to “Continue to monitor trends
in the Micro mobility industry and feasibility of future SLO Bikeshare Program.”
7. On August 18th, 2020, City Council adopted the 2020 Climate Action Plan for
Community Recovery (2020 CAP) which includes action items related to active
transportation and mobility. The 2020 CAP includes Foundational Action 2.2 to
“Launch micro mobility program by 2021.”
8. On December 8, 2020, City Council directed staff to pause the bikeshare effort and
instead monitor the industry for any favorable change, a decision guided by the
ATC recommendation on November 19, 2020. Additional decision- making factors
were that the marketplace for bikeshare declined considerably in 2020 -21 due to
the COVID-19 pandemic, and that results from a San Luis Obispo Rapid Bikeshare
Assessment produced by Alta Planning + Design indicated that it would be difficult
to launch a bikeshare program without significant City investment and staff
resources.
9. On February 2, 2021, City Council adopted the Active Transportation Plan, which
includes Goal 3.7 Bikeshare and Micromobility, which directs staff to “Implement a
bikeshare program in partnership with Cal Poly to maximize convenient access to
bicycling as a form of transportation. If supported by the City Council, explore
additional micromobility transportation options to increase sustainable
transportation choices in San Luis Obispo […]”.
10. On December 13th, 2022, City Council adopted the 2023-27 CAP Work Program,
which includes task Connected 2.2.A, scheduled for the 202 3-25 Financial Plan,
to “Reassess the viability of launching a Micro Mobility Program and launch if
feasible.”
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Item 6.a
11. On February 21, 2023, City Council adopted the Access and Parking Management
Plan, which includes Strategy 1.B.2 to “Implement a bikeshare program.”
12. On June 6, 2023, City Council adopted the 2023-25 Financial Plan and Major City
Goal Work Program, which includes task 4.3.i, to “Reassess the viability of
launching a citywide bikeshare system, with ongoing coordination with Cal Poly as
called for in CAP Connected Communities Task 2.2.A and the Parking Access and
Management Plan Strategy 1.B.1. Solicit potential bikeshare system operators if
staffing resources allow and this can be done without diverting resources from
delivering priority active transportation infrastructure projects.”
13. On July 18, 2023, City Council adopted the Economic Development Strategic Plan,
which includes Action 2.5.4 directing staff to “Support the development and
expansion of Active Transportation Committee Agenda Item 1, April 11th, 2024
Page 3 multimodal transportation solutions that encourage access to and around
Downtown as well as between residential and commercial corridors [ including]
integrating different modes of transportation, such as shared bikes […].
14. On January 23, 2024, City Council received and filed the Transit Innovation Study.
The study is focused on achieving the City’s transit mode split objectives. As part
of the Service Enhancements” section, the study recommends launching a
bikeshare program and notes, “Bikeshare programs can play a major role in
addressing first-last mile transit concerns and offer relatively affordable rides to the
general public for trips within a predefined geographic area.”
15. On May 7, 2024, Council voted unanimously to release the bikeshare RFP as
described in this report. At the conclusion of the RFP process, staff communicated
to Council via email of the decision to not select a vendor and committed to
monitoring the bikeshare market in case conditions changed that could lead to a
favorable outcome.
Active Transportation Committee (ATC)
1. On November 19, 2020, the Active Transportation Committee heard an agenda
item on Bike Share Services. The recommendation from the ATC was to “not
pursue shared micro mobility at this time but to continue monitoring it in cities
similar to San Luis Obispo including partnering with Cal Poly (if there is interest) to
survey interest and demand in San Luis Obispo.” The ATC also recommended
removing bikeshare from the Major City Goals for FY 2021-23 and stated their
preference for the City to focus staffing and financial resources on implementing
the highest- priority bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects before
committing significant resources to bikeshare.
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Item 6.a
2. On December 3, 2020, the Active Transportation Committee recommended
adoption of the DRAFT Active Transportation Plan, which included Goal 3.7
Bikeshare and Micromobility, to “Implement a bikeshare program in partnership
with Cal Poly to maximize convenient access to bicycling as a form of
transportation. If supported by the City Council, explore additional micromobility
transportation options to increase sustainable transportation choices in San Luis
Obispo.”
3. On November 3, 2022, the Active Transportation Committee received a
presentation from staff on the 2023-2027 Climate Action Plan Work Program. The
ATC’ s feedback was generally supportive of the CAP Work Program but noted
that the primary focus of Public Works Mobility Services staff should be to prioritize
implementation of Tier 1 Active Transportation Network projects before
consideration of advancing bikeshare.
4. On April 11, 2024, the Active Transportation Committee received a presentation
from Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources staff on the issuance of a joint
RFP with Cal Poly for a public bikeshare program. The ATC unanimously voted to
recommend to City Council to authorize the release of an RFP for a bikeshare
system. The ATC also provided feedback that was incorporated into the 2024 RFP
including requirements for Class 1 e-bikes, for front and back lights to be
automatically and continuously on during bike operation, and to include wayfinding
signage as an evaluative criterion in the additional points section.
Promotional Coordinating Committee
1. On April 10, 2024, the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) received a
presentation from the Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources staff on the
issuance of a joint RFP with Cal Poly for a public bikeshare program. The PCC
unanimously voted to recommend to City Council to authorize the release of an
RFP for a bikeshare system.
NEXT STEPS
On October 6, 2026, City Council is scheduled to vote on authorizing the release of the
bikeshare RFP. The item is expected to be on the consent agenda, which is the typical
process for authorizing a request for proposals. If the Council approves moving forward
with the RFP and a vendor is selected, the next step would be to coordinate with the
vendor on an Operations Agreement, which will provide more detail about how the
program will be implemented including the process for station selection and placement,
deployment of bikes, pricing, and other considerations that may arise. Should the City
move forward with the RFP and select a vendor, staff will keep the MTC informed on
progress.
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Item 7.a
Mass Transportation Committee
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 7/8/2026
Item Number: 7.a
FROM: Alexander Fuchs, Mobility Services Business Manager
Phone Number: (805) 783-7877
E-mail: afuchs@slocity.org
SUBJECT: SLO TRANSIT UPDATE FOR THE JULY 2026 MEETING
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the SLO Transit Update for July 2026 and provide comment on the discussion
items as necessary
DISCUSSION
Tap2Ride System Post-Launch Update
The open-loop payment system, now branded as Tap2Ride, launched across both SLO
Transit and San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) systems. A “soft launch”
of Tap2Ride began on May 4, 2026, and integration with the Token Transit app began on
May 18, 2026. Thus far, the system is functioning as designed and riders are receiving
the benefits of the fare capping technology.
Between the May 4 launch date and June 28, the system recorded a total of 7,075
transactions on SLO Transit buses. 1,586 of these transactions have been contactless
payments using either a credit/debit card or mobile wallet and 5,489 have been Token
Transit digital pass validations. Figure 1 shows the number of contactless payments and
digital pass validations since system launch.
Initial communications during the soft launch were intentionally limited to allow time to
address several minor discrepancies in payment verification found during the testing
phase of implementation. These discrepancies are being addressed by the project team
and staff was confident moving forward with more robust promotional efforts. Below is a
list of promotional activities that have been completed since the soft launch.
SLO Transit Technology Upgrades News Release
Tap2Ride Landing Page
Email to all active Token Transit mobile app users explaining how to use new
contactless payment devices to validate digital passes
Static notice posted on Token Transit mobile app pass purchase page regarding
use of the new contactless payment devices
Bilingual Tap2Ride advertisements onboard all buses
City Manager Report at 5-19-26 City Council Meeting
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Item 7.a
Public Works and Utilities Week event at Farmers’ Market
Staff will continue to monitor performance and provide periodic reports to the Mass
Transportation Committee on the use of the new payment system.
Figure 1 - Tap2Ride Transactions by Type, Grouped by Week
Transit App Partnership
The Transit App is one of the most widely used third-party mobile applications for trip
planning and real-time bus information. On June 26, the City announced that, through a
partnership agreement with Transit App, SLO Transit riders now have full access to the
app’s premium features at no cost. Premium features include unlimited departure
schedules, additional trip planning options, custom app themes and icons, and more.
Since announcing that SLO Transit is transitioning to a new mobile application on April
24, Transit App adoption and usage has increased significantly. Figure 2 shows the total
number of downloads by users within SLO Transit’s service area. Staff anticipates that
downloads and use of the app will increase again once Cal Poly’s fall session begins.
Staff is promoting the Transit App through a variety of digital and print outreach efforts.
QR codes linking directly to the app are included on all public facing SLO Transit materials
and on SLO Transit’s webpage. The app was also promoted through digital
advertisements in Mustang News during Cal Poly’s Open House event and will be
included with Cal Poly’s SLO Days materials for incoming students. Additionally,
informational signs promoting Transit App have been installed at all bus stops, and
“Transit 101” booklets highlighting the app’s features and benefits have been distributed
to City facilities including Mobility Services, Finance, the City Clerk’s Office, and Utilities
as well as to community partners such as the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown SLO,
Hotel SLO, and Hotel Cerro. While real-time transit information is now available through
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Contactless Digital Pass
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Item 7.a
multiple platforms, staff encourages riders to use the Transit App as their primary tool for
trip planning and bus tracking.
Figure 2 - Number of Transit App Downloads by Month
Cal Poly’s Elimination of Poly Time
On June 4, 2024, the Academic Senate Instruction Committee at California Polytechnic
State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) adopted Academic Senate Resolution AS-
978-24 approving elimination of “Poly Time” effective fall 2026, Cal Poly's first semester
term. Poly Time refers to class times primarily beginning 10 minutes after and 40 minutes
after the hour (e.g., 10:10 a.m. and 10:40 a.m.). Beginning this fall, most classes will now
begin on the hour and half hour (e.g., 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.).
SLO Transit operates four fixed routes (Routes 3A/B and 4A/B) that directly serve the Cal
Poly campus. Given the close relationship between Cal Poly and SLO Transit’s service,
staff used the planned elimination of Poly Time as an opportunity to evaluate whether
schedule adjustments to Routes 3A/B and 4A/B are needed to better align bus arrival and
departure times with the new class schedule structure.
Staff considered multiple factors as part of the analysis including current service
schedules, transfer opportunities between routes, prior rider feedback, average ri der
boardings and alightings by time of day, etc. The analysis found that adjusting arrival and
departure times at campus bus stops would improve schedule alignment for certain trips
but would also worsen timing for other trips operating on that same route . Additionally,
staff found that modifying just these routes would negatively affect transfers between
other routes (Routes 1A/B and 2A/B) as well as to RTA’s services.
Staff also analyzed the option of maintaining the current schedule and evaluated how t his
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Item 7.a
approach might affect route planning for those traveling to Cal Poly’s campus. In
reviewing this option, staff found that some trips may actually align more conveniently,
and many schedules would not be affected by the shift away from Poly Time, though
some riders may need to adjust their trip planning depending on their new class schedule.
Even though ending Poly Time is a significant change for Cal Poly, staff concluded that it
does not warrant restructuring of SLO Transit’s entire service network. Based on this
analysis, staff plans to maintain the existing service schedules for the fall 2026 term
(effectively a “no change” option).
Staff will monitor ridership patterns and operational impacts during the fall semester to
determine whether maintaining the existing schedules is appropriate. If monitoring shows
that schedule changes are needed, then staff would initiate a systemwide schedule
review and a comprehensive public outreach process before making any service
modifications.
Summer Schedule and Extended Trolley Service
Effective July 1, SLO Transit transitioned to its Summer schedule. All routes are now
operating hourly service, with the final trips ending between approximately 6:30 p.m. and
8:05 p.m. Summer service will conclude earlier than usual this year , on August 14, due
to Cal Poly’s fall term beginning on mid-August as part of its transition to a semester
academic calendar.
Riders and the broader community were notified of these changes through multiple
outreach channels. Rider Alerts were posted on the SLO Transit website, at City facilities
located at 1260 Chorro Street, 990 Palm Street, and 919 Palm Street, and at all bus stops.
In addition, the City issued a press release on June 7 announcing the service changes.
Additionally, beginning in July, the Old SLO Trolley expanded service from one day per
week to three days per week and now operates on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The trolley follows a 30-minute loop connecting Downtown San Luis Obispo with the
Upper Monterey business district before returning downtown. Rides will continue to be
offered free of charge thanks to sponsorship from Rideshare’s Know How To Go!
program.
The summer trolley schedule will be:
Thursdays: 5:00 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Lastly, K-12 students can ride both SLO Transit and RTA fixed-route services free of
charge from June 5 through August 19 through Rideshare’s Youth Ride Free program.
To promote the program, SLO Transit displayed a banner across Morro Street, just south
of the Monterey Street intersection, for three weeks. The banner will be relocated to the
Laguna Lake Golf Course fence along Los Osos Valley Road, where it can continue to
promote the program to the community. Additional county-wide promotions were
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Item 7.a
coordinated by Rideshare and RTA staff. Figure 3 is an example advertisement for the
program used by all participating agencies.
Figure 3 - Youth Ride Free Advertisement
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