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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-2014 MTC Agenda PacketService Complaints: Complaints regarding bus service or routes are to be directed to the Transportation Assistant at 781-7531. Reports of complaints/commendations are available to the public upon request. MISSION: The purpose of the Mass Transportation Committee is to assist with the ongoing public transit program in the City and Cal Poly. As requested, the Committee provides advisory recommendations and input to the Council regarding routes, schedules, capital projects, fares, marketing and additional services. ROLL CALL: James Thompson ( Chair -Technical), Todd Katz (Vice Chair- Member at Large), Dominique Bonino (Cal Poly), Louise Justice (Alternate), Anthony Pinkerton (Alternate), Sara Sanders (Student), Randol White (Business), Elizabeth Thyne (Senior), PENDING (Disabled), ANNOUNCEMENTS: NONE 0 min. PUBLIC COMMENT: 10 min. At this time, the public is invited to address the Committee concerning items not on the agenda but are of interest to the public and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Mass Transportation Committee. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person. The Committee may not discuss or take action on issues that are not on the agenda other than to briefly respond to statements or questions, or to ask staff to follow up on such issues. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 9th, 2014 meeting (Att- 1) ACTION ITEMS: 1. a) Adoption of: 2014/15 MTC Meeting Schedule Dates (Att -2) 20 min. b) Proposed Fee Increase on Runabout [Att – 3 ( RTA Staff)] c) Encouraging Use of Fixed Route for Runabout Riders (RTA Staff) DISCUSSION ITEMS: 2. Committee Items 15 min. a) City Street Closures and the Effects on Transit-Dependent (E Thyne) b) Various Issues Related to Driver Employment & Performance ( L Justice) 3. Staff Items 40 min. a) Transit Manager’s Report b) Proposed New Taxi Company – “A Ride Awaits” (Att – 4) c) 2013/14 Triennial Audit Report [Att-5 ( SLOCOG Staff)] d) SLO Transit 5307 Exchange for RTA CMAQ funds (Att – 6) e) Revisit of Policy on: Large Items & Carts on buses (Att – 7) ADJOURNMENT: The next regular meeting will be held November 12th, 2014 The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including the disabled in all of its services, programs, and activities. Please contact the Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. Agenda Mass Transportation Committee Council Hearing Room, City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo Wednesday, September 10th 2014 – 1:00 pm ACTION ITEMS: Agenda Item 1A: Action Item - Adoption of: 2014/15 Meeting Schedule Dates Review, comment and recommendations related to the 2014-15 MTC meeting schedule dates (See Attachment 2 – Meeting Schedule FY 2014_15) Staff Recommends: Adoption of 2014/15 MTC Meeting schedule Agenda Item 1B: Action Item - Proposed Fee Increase on Runabout RUNABOUT is a county-wide ADA Paratransit program providing ADA complementary (comparable) service as an alternative to fixed-route for those whose limited mobility prevents them from using fixed-route services due to age or disability. Since the last Runabout fare increase in 2010, the Runabout service levels have doubled and the annual cost to provide Runabout service is now equal to that required to operate the fixed-route services. (See Attachment 3 – Proposed Fare Increase on Runabout) Staff Recommends: Support RTA’s process for fare changes to Runabout services Agenda Item 1C: Action Item - Encouraging Use of Fixed Route for Runabout Riders General discussion related to the considerable cost to operate paratransit services and exploring the idea of transitioning more of these individuals back onto fixed-route. Staff Recommends: Provide Free Rides on SLO Transit Fixed Route for Runabout Riders DISCUSSION ITEMS: Agenda Item 2A: Committee Item - City St. Closures & the Effects on Transit-Dependent General discussion by the committee on “how decisions are made within the City as to street closings, etc., which affect portions of the “transit dependent” community….a very large number of riders – especially elderly and handicapped – are completely cut off from transit services during the SLO marathon and again during the SLO Triathlon. Agenda Item 2B: Committee Items– Issues Regarding Driver Employment & Performance General discussion by the committee regarding various issues related to driver employment & performance Agenda Item 3A: Staff Items – Transit Manager’s Report Verbal general update from Transit Manager on various SLO Transit issues, events, updates and happenings Agenda Item 3B: Staff Items - Proposed New Taxi Company: “A Ride Awaits” In accordance with: 5.20.020 Certificate of public convenience and necessity required and taxicab permit required. No person shall engage in the business of operating any vehicle defined in Section 5.20.01 0 within the city without first having obtained a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the council and a taxicab permit for the operation of each vehicle authorized under such certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Director of Public Works. MTC members have a chance to review, converse and ask questions about the proposed taxi cab company “A Ride Awaits” (See Attachment 4 - A Ride Awaits Proposed Taxi Cab Co) Agenda Item 3C: Staff Items - 2013/14 Triennial Audit Report The California Public Utilities Code requires that all transit operators that receive funding under Article 4 of the Transportation Development Act (TDA) be subject to a performance audit every three years. SLO Transit’s Triennial audit for the last three years was performed from December 10th to January 15th. The results of the SLO Transit Audit reveal the following: No deficiencies were found in 13 of the 18 areas, while five deficiencies were found in the areas of: EEO, POP, Cost Price Analysis and Title VI. (See Attachment 5 – Response to FTA Triennial Audit Letter) Agenda Item 3D: Staff Items - SLO Transit 5307 Exchange for RTA CMAQ funds During Fiscal Year 2013/14 RTA was awarded Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) money in the sum of $1.125 million. The CMAQ money was originally approved for the purchase of two Over-the-Road Coaches which would provide the 55+/- seating capacity now needed on both RTA’s Routes 9 and 10. However, a recent change in the CMAQ “allowable spending” language has caused FTA to reconsider whether the proposed vehicles could be purchased with CMAQ funding. The proposed exchange of RTA’s CMAQ money for SLO Transit’s 5307 money is for a dollar-for- dollar exchange between the two transit agencies. Through the Program of Projects (POP) amendment process, SLOCOG could reallocate the $1.125 million in CMAQ money to the City of San Luis Obispo in exchange for SLO Transit’s $202,000 in currently allocated, but unspent, Bus Rehabilitation money. SLOCOG could also reallocate future, yet to be programed (FY 15/16), $442,000 Bus Replacement money. South County Transit will contribute the remaining 5307 funding to make the CMAQ exchange whole. (See Attachment 6 – FY 2013-14 Revised PROGRAM OF PROJECTS) Agenda Item 3F: Staff Items - Policy on: Large Items & Carts On Buses General discussion and revisit of policy regarding Large Items & Carts SLO Transit finds that carts, luggage and other large personal belongings potentially interfere with SLO Transit’s operations and pose a potential safety risk in that unless such items are safely secured and positioned within SLO Transit’s vehicles, such items can restrict passenger movement, block emergency ingress and egress, and prohibit the use of otherwise available seats and aisle spaces. It is the purpose of this policy to regulate the use of carts, luggage and other large personal belongings on SLO Transit’s vehicles in order to enhance SLO Transit’s operations, improve the use of its vehicles, and to help protect the health, safety and well- being of SLO Transit’s riders and employees. (See Attachment 7 – Policy on Transporting Carts – Draft) The next meeting will be held: November 12th, 2014 ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1 – MTC 7.9.14 Minutes Attachment 2 – Meeting Schedule FY 2014_15 Attachment 3 - A Ride Awaits Proposed Taxi Cab Co Attachment 4 – Response to FTA Triennual Audit Letter Attachment 5 – Proposed Fare Increase on Runabout Attachment 6 – FY 2013-14 Revised PROGRAM OF PROJECTS Attachment 7 – Policy on Transporting Carts – Draft G:\Transportation-Data\_Unsorted Stuff\Transportation\Transportation Committees\MTC Committee\FY 2014\5 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Elizabeth Thyne called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Elizabeth Thyne, James Thompson, Todd Katz, Sara Sanders, Randol White, and Dominique Bonino Absent: Jody Frey and Anthony Pinkerton Staff: Gamaliel Anguiano, Peggy Mandeville and Jake Hudson OATH: Anthony Mejia, City Clerk, swore in returning Committee members Elizabeth Thyne and Louise Justice. PUBLIC COMMENTS Eliane Guillot, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), asked to make a presentation at the next MTC meeting on the Transit Performance Audit. MINUTES Approval of March 12, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes Sara Sanders moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Todd Katz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Draft Minutes Mass Transit Committee Council Hearing Room, City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo Wednesday, July 9 , 2014 at 2:30 pm Agenda Item # 1: Officer Elections ACTION: Ms. Thyne nominated Ms. Justice as Chair. Mr. White seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Justice nominated Mr. Katz as Vice Chair. Ms. Thyne seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Agenda Item # 2: Setting of Meeting Schedule Mr. White requested that the regular meeting start time be switched to 1 p.m. It was determined that the hearing room would be available at that time. The Committee agreed to revise the meeting start time to 1 p.m. DISCUSSION ITEMS Agenda Item # 3: Smoking at Bus Shelters and Transit Center Mr. Anguiano discussed the issue of on site smoking and noted the ordinance banned smoking in public places and that contract employees are not allowed to smoke on duty. He reported that police officer Brent Inglehart sent a letter to staff, reminding them of the ordinance. There was general Committee discussion on the ordinance and its enforcement. Agenda Item # 4A: Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) Update Ms. Mandeville discussed the project’s draft environmental impact report (EIR) and requested that Committee members provide comments pertaining to the EIR. Mr. Hudson discussed transportation forecasts, predicted to be 34% more than 2010 statistics: trip generation, trip distribution; mode choice; route choice; traffic flows; targeted travel and mode predictions. He noted that the Council had approved an increase in bicycle infrastructure improvements, so there was an expectation that bicycle usage will increase more than any other mode). He identified intersections that would require some form of intersection control such as signalization or roundabout. Ms. Mandeville discussed the LOVR interchange construction would start in October 2014. Ms. Thyne noted that it is very difficult to circulate through the roundabouts in Boston. She requested a clarification on Policy 3.1.5 Transit Service Evaluation. There was general Committee/staff discussion on roundabouts. Ms. Mandeville noted the Transit Service Evaluation Policy represents a good business practice of evaluating the services we provide. Ms. Justice was concerned with congestion near a future City/County transit center if upper Higuera Street is converted to a two-way street. She asked about the EIR Class 3 designations. Mr. Hudson explained that the designations were on a conceptual level. The Committee discussed the Regional Transit Center Policy 3.1.7 and the idea of asking Council to consider the possible impacts on a centralized transit center development if Higuera is converted to a two-way street. Mr. Katz distributed a draft proposal regarding creating a citizen-based multi- modal transit committee with a charter to focus on current and future multi-modal transportation issues affecting San Luis Obispo residents and visitors. Mr. Hudson noted that Public Works was working on a department strategic plan and the plan considers consolidating various advisory bodies. Mr. Hudson outlined 2035 Corridor traffic, intersection, and multi-modal conditions, stating there will be a need for new transit services to augment existing routes. Staff is proposing the EIR not recommend corridor widening and instead improve transit service, bicycling and pedestrian circulation to address congestion. Ms. Mandeville discussed multi-level modal level of service regarding transit, e.g. better headways. Public Comment: Eliane Guillot, SLOCOG, asked what assumptions were made for Cal Poly noting that the university is embarking on an update to their master plan. Mr. Hudson explained the EIR used Cal Poly’s approved master plan which is based on students and faculty/staff data projections. Geoff Straw, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA), noted that roundabouts in Davis work very well. Additionally, he thinks converting upper Marsh and Higuera to two-way streets will improve transit circulation. Mr. Straw recommended the following wording changes to policies: Policy 3.0.3: Delete “provided”. Policy 3.0.4: Delete reference to “free”. Policy 3.1.4: Delete “cost effectiveness of consolidated service” and replace with “benefits and drawbacks of coordinated and consolidated service”. Eric Meyer, LUCE Task Force Chair, liked Mr. Katz idea to consider forming a committee that would oversee multi-modal transportation issues and projects. The public comment period was closed. No EIR related comments were submitted by the public or the Committee. Ms. Mandeville noted that July 28, 2014 was the deadline for comments. ACTION: Mr. Katz moved to request that Council consider evaluating the merits of creating a citizen-based multi-modal transit committee with a charter to focus on current and future multi-modal transportation issues affecting San Luis Obispo residents and visitors. Mr. Thompson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Agenda Item # 4B: Transit Manager’s Report Mr. Anguiano reported that a ridership count of 1.1 million and noted that there was an increase in student pass usage and Cal Poly passes. He also noted that Wi-Fi was being utilized and that the double-decker bus would be at the July 13 Laguna Lake Car Show. He also reported that the city was partnering with the Max Cure Foundation in a trial weeklong promotion: for every pair of sneakers that were donated, that donor would get a free one-day pass. Agenda Item # 4C: New SLO Transit & RTA Route ID Nomenclature System Mr. Anguiano reported on the nomenclature system proposed for both RTA and SLO Transit to use that would create some consistency and complementing ID system for naming future routes. Namely that RTA could use numbers divisible by 10 and SLO Transit any others in between that are not already used. Mr. Straw commented on the merits of this system but that it would take some work to bring South County Transit into a similar system. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. to the regular meeting of September 10, 2014 to be held at the new time of 1 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary FY 2014/2015 REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE OF THE MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE DATE TIMES PLACE July 9, 2014 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. City Hall Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo September 10, 2014 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. City Hall Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo November 12, 2014 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. City Hall Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo January 14, 2015 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. City Hall Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo March 11, 2015 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. City Hall Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo May 13, 20151 * 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. City Hall Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo July 8, 2015 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. City Hall Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo Note: This schedule does not include Special Meetings. 1 Election of Chair and Vice Chair for next fiscal year * Set First meeting for FY 2015-16. G:\Transportation-Data\_Unsorted Stuff\Transportation\Transportation Committees\MTC Committee\FY 2014\2014 September 10th 179 Cross Street, Suite A San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 781-4472 Fax (805) 781-1291 www.slorta.org The Regional Transit Authority is a Joint Powers Agency serving residents and visitors of: Arroyo Grande Atascadero Grover Beach Morro Bay Paso Robles Pismo Beach San Luis Obispo and The County of San Luis Obispo September 15, 2014 Re: Proposal to Increase Runabout Fares Dear Runabout Rider: At its September 10th meeting, the RTA Board of Directors asked me to conduct a series of public outreach meetings to obtain input on RTA’s proposal to increase fares on the Runabout service. It is never an easy decision to consider raising fares, especially on a program that serves so many of our vulnerable community members. However, since the last Runabout fare increase in 2010, the Runabout service levels have doubled and the annual cost to provide Runabout service is now equal to that required to operate the fixed-route services – even though RTA’s fixed-route service carries roughly 15 times the passengers that Runabout carries. I have attached a Fact Sheet that provides more details about why RTA is considering a new increased Runabout fare structure. I encourage you to contact me to tell us how this Runabout fare increase proposal would impact you. I welcome written testimony mailed to the address above or emails to info@slorta.org. I would also welcome you to attend one of the public workshops listed below and to talk to us in person: Grover Beach Ramona Garden Park community center on October 14 th Atascadero Council Chambers on October 15th San Luis Obispo Library Community Room on October 16th We will conduct all three of these workshops from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. At those meetings, we will review large-print Fare Tables that list each and every possible Runabout fare in the county – both the Current Fare Table and the proposed New Fare Table. Our RTA reservationists (541-2544) can also help you to determine the new fares that we would charge under this proposal for trips that you often take. Finally, the RTA Board of Directors will consider testimony at a Public Hearing on November 5 th in the SLO County Board of Supervisors Chambers. Our proposal is for the new fares to be effective on February 1, 2015. I would appreciate your support to share more equitably in the cost to provide Runabout services so that we can both contribute to ensuring its long-term success in our region. Sincerely, Geoff Straw RTA Executive Director 179 Cross Street, Suite A San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 781-4472 Fax (805) 781-1291 www.slorta.org The Regional Transit Authority is a Joint Powers Agency serving residents and visitors of: Arroyo Grande Atascadero Grover Beach Morro Bay Paso Robles Pismo Beach San Luis Obispo and The County of San Luis Obispo Proposal to Increase Runabout Fares FACT SHEET: 1. Demand for Runabout is increasing dramatically & current revenues cannot accommodate it. 2. Runabout service levels have doubled in last seven years. 3. RTA fixed-route carries 760,000 passengers & Runabout carries 44,000. Annual costs equal. 4. Average public subsidy for each fixed-route trip is less than $4. Runabout cost is $60 per trip. 5. Both RTA fixed-route and Runabout services will need to be cut if we do nothing. 6. Federal law permits Runabout to charge twice the fixed-route cash fare. 7. Current Runabout fares lower than allowed, and in some cases lower than fixed-route fares. 8. Runabout fares last raised in 2010. This fare increase would be effective February 1, 2015. 9. Proposal is to increase Runabout fares to be twice the fixed-route fare; cap at $10 per trip. Examples of most frequently used Runabout trips & resulting new fares: Origin Destination % Total Runabout Trips Current Runabout Fare Twice Fixed Route Fare Net Fare Increase San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo 24.41%$2.25 $2.50 $0.25 Atascadero Paso Robles 4.61%$3.25 $4.00 $0.75 Paso Robles Atascadero 4.74%$3.25 $4.00 $0.75 San Luis Obispo Los Osos 4.61%$3.75 $5.00 $1.25 Paso Robles Paso Robles 4.46%$2.25 $3.00 $0.75 Los Osos San Luis Obispo 2.84%$3.75 $5.00 $1.25 Cuesta Area San Luis Obispo 2.80%$2.75 $4.00 $1.25 San Luis Obispo Cuesta Area 2.78%$2.75 $4.00 $1.25 Templeton Paso Robles 2.52%$2.75 $3.00 $0.25 Morro Bay San Luis Obispo 2.28%$3.25 $5.00 $1.75 San Luis Obispo Morro Bay 2.29%$3.25 $5.00 $1.75 Paso Robles Templeton 2.17%$2.75 $3.00 $0.25 San Luis Obispo Grover Beach 2.02%$3.25 $6.50 $3.25 Atascadero Atascadero 2.00%$2.25 $3.00 $0.75 Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Gamaliel Anguiano Transit Manager City of San Luis Obispo 919 Palm St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Catherine C. Luu Program Manager - General Engineer U.S. DOT- Federal Transit Administration, Region IX Office of Program Management and Oversight 201 Mission Street, Suite 1650 San Francisco, CA 94105 Tel: (415) 744-2730 Fax: (415) 744-2726 catherine.luu@dot.gov Dear Catherine C. Luu, Thank you for your email which summed up the findings found during the triennial review recently conducted for the City of San Luis Obispo’s Transit services. It is our understanding from the letter that no deficiencies were found in 13 of the 18 areas, while five deficiencies were found in the areas of: EEO, POP, Cost Price Analysis and Title VI. The following is a summary of what the City of San Luis Obispo’s Transit Staff has done in order to remedy the five pending issues: 1. EEO – Failure to obtain EEO plans from sub recipients/contractors A. Prior Staff was working under the presumption this requirement only applied to larger properties with a specific threshold of 50 or more employees. The local property has less than 35 employees. Since the audit, the City has worked with the contractor to produce an EEO plan to satisfy this requirement. Please see Attachment 1 2. POP – Public notice deficiency A. The local COG is responsible for programing and notifying the public of approved POP’s after they have been adopted by City Council. The COG is also responsible for any update and corrections associated with POP documents. At the time of the audit, Staff was unsure and unable to confirm if the COG was compliant in this criterion. Staff has since located and submitted to the auditors, proof that proper language is found on the COG’s POP document. Staff will continue to ensure such language exists on all future POP documents if produced by the City and or SLOCOG. Please see Attachment 2 2. Procurement – Lacking required cost/price analysis A. The City’s recent transition in Transit Manager staffing has made it difficult to locate the files that document the independent cost/price analysis that was done outside of the purchase consortium in question, and in time for the audit. Staff has since contacted the prior Transit Manager to see if he can locate the Cost/Price analysis which was done to satisfy this requirement. Regardless, current staff will make sure that future procurements include a cost price analysis as a standard practice. 4. Title VI – Service standards and/or policies lacking A. Page 91, second paragraph of the SLO Transit’s SRTP sets forth the criteria of a stop having “25 or more daily boarding’s, generally spread throughout the day” as the standard at which the City will proce ed with a bus shelter placement should other conditions permit (e.g. funding, geographic conditions, right -of-way, etc.). As such, the City provides bus stop amenities solely on the basis of passenger ridership and not for reasons that are in conflict with Title VI standards. SLO Transit remains committed to complying and promoting compliance with Title VI mandates with all its activities and provides services to a broad cross- section of riders based on data and passenger requests. See Attachment 3 It is our hopes this response letter helps assure you the City of San Luis Obispo has taken the findings seriously and is working to correct all the matters addressed in this letter. We thank you once again for your correspondence. Sincerely, Gamaliel Anguiano Transit Manager City of San Luis Obispo Attachment 1: February 28, 2014 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM First Transit San Luis Obispo, California I. INTRODUCTION This Affirmative Action Program (AAP) sets forth First Transit’s (FT) commitment to the principles of equal employment opportunity/affirmative action, and was designed to satisfy FT’s equal employment opportunity/affirmative action responsibilities under its contract with the City of San Luis Obispo to provide Transportation Services. In establishing and implementing this AAP, FT reaffirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity (EEO) and to increasing the employment opportunities for qualified minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans at all levels and in all segments of FT’s organization. II. STATEMENT OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY It is FT’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy relates to all personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, training, promotion, demotion or transfer, termination, compensation, the use of all facilities, and participation in all FT-sponsored educational recreational, and social activities. FT does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Persons who believe they have been subject to or have witnessed conduct violative of this policy, should contact the VP of Human Resources so that FT may timely investigate and address the concerns raised. FT does not tolerate retaliation. Employees and applicants shall not be subjected to retaliation because they have: (1) filed a complaint; (2) assisted or participated in an investigation, compliance review, hearing or any other activity related to the administration of any federal, state, or local law requiring equal employment opportunity; (3) opposed any act or practice made unlawful by any federal, state, or local law requiring equal opportunity; or (4) exercised any other legal right protected by federal, state, or local law requiring equal opportunity. As part of FT’s EEO policy, FT will take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and its contracts with the City of San Luis Obispo to ensure that qualified minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans are introduced into FT’s workforce and considered as promotional opportunities arise. It is FT’s objective to ensure full adherence to its equal employment opportunity policy and to the affirmative action program. Actions by supervisory personnel inconsistent with the policy or the program will not be tolerated, and may lead to discipline up to and including termination of employment. III. ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES FT has designated Tom Harris, VP of Human Resources and Safety, as its Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, who is responsible for implementing and monitoring FT’s Affirmative Action Program. He/she will coordinate, advise, and assist management and other key officials. He/she will make periodic reports to FT’s responsible executives concerning the progress of the AAP and make appropriate recommendations to further the AAP’s goals. The name of the EEO Officer, telephone number and address where he/she can be reached concerning any acts or alleged acts of discrimination, will be posted on the bulletin board at FT’s home office as well as on the bulletin boards on all job sites covered by this AAP. IV. IMPLEMENTATION AND DISSEMINATION FT will take appropriate steps to insure that all employees are advised of its EEO policy and of its interest in actively and affirmatively providing equal employment opportunity for all citizens. FT will take the following steps to do so: 1. FT will conduct periodic meetings of supervisory and personnel office employees so that FT’s EEO policy and AAP may be reviewed, explained, and, if necessary, revised. 2. FT will make all new supervisory and personnel office employees aware of FT’s EEO policy and AAP and their concomitant responsibilities within the first 30 days after the employee is hired and reports for duty. 3. FT will make known its EEO policy to all employees, prospective employees, and potential sources of employees (such as schools, employment agencies, labor unions, college placement officers, etc.) by taking the following actions: a. Placing notices and posters setting forth FT’s EEO policy in areas readily accessible to employees and applicants for employment; b. Including the phrase “An Equal Opportunity Employer” in any advertisements for employment; and c. Bringing FT’s EEO policy and the procedure for implementing the EEO policy to the attention of employees through meetings, employee handbooks, newsletters, and other appropriate means. V. RECRUITMENT FT informs its recruitment sources of FT’s commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action. Contained within all communications to recruitment sources is a statement that all job applicants will be treated without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. FT will advertise for employment in newspapers or other publications having large circulation among minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans in the area from which the work under contract with the City of San Luis Obispo is derived. Unless precluded by a valid collective bargaining agreement, FT will conduct systematic and direct recruitment through public and private employee referral sources likely to yield qualified diverse applicants, including, but not limited to, State employment agencies, school, college, and minority/female organizations, i.e., the Urban League, NAACP, etc. To meet this requirement, FT shall identify sources of potential minority, female, disabled, and/or veteran employees and establish with such sources procedures whereby such applicants may be referred to FT for employment consideration. FT will encourage its employees to refer qualified diverse applicants for employment by posting appropriate notices or bulletins in areas accessible to all such employees. In addition, information and procedures with regard to referring diverse applicants will be discussed with employees. VI. PERSONNEL ACTIONS To avoid discrimination in any personnel actions, FT will follow these procedures: 1. Conducting periodic inspections of its project sites to insure that working conditions and employee facilities do not indicate discriminatory practices; 2. Periodically evaluating the spread of wages paid within each job classification to determine any evidence of discriminatory wage practices; 3. Periodically reviewing personnel actions in-depth to determine whether there is any evidence of discrimination. Where evidence is found, FT will promptly take corrective and appropriate remedial action; and 4. Investigating all complaints of alleged discrimination/harassment and attempting to resolve such complaints. Additionally, if the investigation indicates that the discrimination/harassment may affect persons other than the complainant, appropriate corrective actions will include other persons. Upon completion of each investigation, FT will inform every complainant of all avenues of appeal if appropriate. VII. TRAINING AND PROMOTION To eliminate any discrimination in training and promotion, FT will take the following actions: 1. Assisting in locating, qualifying, and increasing the skills of qualified, diverse employees and applicants for employment; 2. Consistent with FT’s employment requirements and as permissible under State regulations, making full use of training programs, i.e., pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training programs for the geographical area of contract performance; 3. Advising employees and applicants for employment of available training programs and entrance requirements for those programs; and 4. Periodically reviewing the training and promotional potential of minority, female, disabled, and covered veteran employees and encouraging eligible employees to apply for such training and promotions. VIII. UTILIZATION OF UNIONS In carrying out this AAP, FT will use good faith efforts to obtain the cooperation from any unions upon which FT relies (if applicable), in whole or part, as a source of employees to increase opportunities for qualified minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. Either directly or through a contractor's association acting as FT’s agent, FT will use good faith efforts to develop, in cooperation with the unions, joint training programs aimed at qualifying diverse individuals for membership in the unions and increasing their skills so they may qualify for higher paying employment, and will incorporate an EEO clause into all union agreements so that they shall be contractually obligated not to discriminate in the referral of job applicants. IX. UTILIZATION OF SUBCONTRACTORS FT will use good faith efforts to employ subcontractors whose employees reflect the diversity available in the current labor pool population, or that are owned by minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and/or covered veterans. FT will use good faith efforts to assure that all subcontractors comply with equal employment obligations. X. RECORDS AND REPORTS FT will keep such records as are necessary to determine compliance with its EEO obligations. The records kept shall be designed to indicate: 1. The number of minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans employed in each work classification of the project; 2. The progress and efforts being made in cooperation with unions, if any, to increase employment opportunities for qualified diverse applicants and employees; 3. The progress and efforts being made in locating, hiring, training, qualifying and upgrading minority, female, disabled, and veteran employees; and 4. The progress and efforts being made in securing the services of diverse subcontractors. All such records will be retained for a period of three years following completion of the contract work and shall be available at reasonable times and places for inspection by authorized repres entatives of the City of San Luis Obispo. Should, at any time, the City of San Luis Obispo require information related to the number of diverse employees currently engaged in each work classification, FT is committed to providing that information in a timely manner. X. MONITORING FT will periodically evaluate its AAP and the results achieved to insure that the AAP is in compliance with its commitments. XI. CONCLUSION FT is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and employment applicants. In all employment transactions, it is the intention of FT to use every good faith effort to accomplish its equal opportunity and affirmative action objectives as set forth in this AAP. __________________________ Tom Harris, EEO Officer VP of Human Resources and Safety Attachment 2: FROM: Carrie Mattingly, Interim Director of Public Works PREPARED BY: John Webster, Transit Manager SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2012-2013 PROGRAM OF PROJECTS FOR FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5307 GRANTS RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Conduct a public hearing on the 2012-13 Federal Transit Administration Program of Projects. 2. As recommended by the San Luis Obispo Urbanized Area Technical Committee, adopt the proposed FY 2012-13 Program of Projects and appropriate $1,424,563 in Federal Transit Administration grant funding for 2012-13 into the SLO Transit budget 3. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Interim Public Works Director, or his/her designee to file a grant application and execute a grant agreement with the Federal Transit Administration in the amount of$1,424,563. 4. Direct staff to return to Council with final budget amendment requests, revised revenue projections and local matching needs, if any, as part of the Mid-Year Fund Review in February 2013. DISCUSSION Background Since the 1990 census, the City of San Luis Obispo has been classified as an Urbanized Zone Area by the federal government and is eligible to receive Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants for transit operating and capital assistance. To apply for these grants, the City Council must complete the following on an annual basis: 1. Publish the Program of Projects (POP); 2. Seek approval by the San Luis Obispo Urbanized Zone Area (SLO UZA) Technical Committee; 3. Hold a public hearing on the proposed POP for federal transit assistance; 4. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Public Works Director, or his/her designee to file a grant application and execute the grant agreement; and 5. Forward the approved POP to San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) for review and amendment into the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). The 2012-13 POP was published in the Tribune on October 6, 2012 as is shown in Attachment Development of the POP The FY 2012-13 POP represents the ninth year that San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is an eligible recipient of FTA 5307 grant funding in the SLO UZA apportionment area. As required by the FTA all transit operators within the UZA must execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing how the funds will be made available to eligible transit operators. The current MOU was adopted by Council in 2003. Pursuant to the adopted MOU the SLO UZA Technical Committee (Committee) must review and approve the proposed POP. The Committee, comprised of the for the City of San Luis Obispo, (Deputy Director of Public Works, Tim Bochum and John Webster, Transit Manager ) Regional Transit Authority (RTA), the Air Pollution Control District, and San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), has met to review, rank and approve the FY 2012-13 grant requests. The SLO UZA Technical Committee approved the project list as outlined in Table 1 on September 25, 2012. FTA requires that a public hearing be conducted on the FY 2012-13 POP to notify the public about how the SLO UZA will spend the FTA grants and provide the public an opportunity to comment on those recommendations. 2012-13 FTA 5307 Fund Estimate The planning estimate for the SLO UZA for this fiscal year is $2,042,842. This is comprised of $1,970,923 in expected revenue for this year plus an unused carryover amount of $71,919 from last year ($2,832 in formula funding and $69,087 in Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) funding). Part of this funding is allocated to small-urban transit systems (like SLO Transit and RTA) that out- perform their larger urban counterparts in one or more performance measures under the Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) program. The areas qualifying for these funds and the amounts the small- urban transit systems receive are calculated every year by FTA using the most current information in the National Transit Database. These competitive categories include: (!)passenger miles per vehicle revenue-mile, (2) passenger miles per vehicle revenue-hour, (3) vehicle revenue-miles per capita, (4) vehicle revenue-hours per capita, (5) passenger miles per capita, and (6) passengers per capita. This year, SLO Transit and RTA are eligible to receive $800,000 in STIC funding because of the significant performance attained in four out of the six categories. In 2009-10, the SLO UZA Committee came to a consensus as to how to allocate the STIC funding with multiple agencies reporting statistics. If a category was earned alone by an agency, then STIC funding would be allocated 100% to that agency. If the category was met with combined data, then the split of STIC funding would be according to each agency's contributing statistics. This year, SLO Transit was successful in solely meeting category 6, with RTA solely meeting category 2. Both agencies' data combined for categories I and 5. Pursuant to the philosophy split, SLO Transit will receive $400,000 plus previous year carryover of $30,629 for a total of $430,629. RTA will receive$400,000 plus previous year carryover of $38,458 for a total of $438,458. The total amount of STIC funding is $869,087, which is part of the total $2,042,842 that needs to be programmed. The SLO UZA committee agreed to allocate $1,424,563 of its total funding to the City of San Luis Obispo transit system and $618,279 to RTA. In addition, both agencies have agreed to joint participation in the environmental study for the Downtown Transit Center and utilize $15,459 in FTA funding. The FTA and local match funds that will be assigned to RTA as the lead agency for this project will not impact SLO transit operations, capital projects or current service levels. Table 1 shows programming and local matches for the federal funds. Table 1: 2012-13 FY Recommended POP *Variance from Council approved in June 2012-Will be presented as part of midyear Transit Enterprise fund review As part of the SLO UZA review process it was agreed that some projects are discretionary in nature and might need to be deferred if the final FTA apportionment is lower than the estimated fund amount. Should funding apportionments be decreased, the bus rehabilitation and support vehicle replacement capital projects for SLO Transit will likely be reduced or deferred until funding becomes available in the following fiscal year Program of Project Details The POP includes the following individual projects: l. SLO Transit Operating Assistance for 2012-2013 FY. The federal share of this project is $1,124,563 and this project is essential to SLO Transit operations and will help fund transit operating expenses. SLO Transit is limited in its ability to program federal dollars for transit operating expenses to a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the net operating cost after all other revenues have been subtracted. The local match must meet or exceed the FTA requirement for a 50/50 match ratio. The $1,341,901 in local match projected for this project will come from State funding sources such as Transportation Development Act, the Local Transportation Fund, the State Transit Assistance Fund and local transit farebox revenues that are already programmed in the FY 2012-13 SLO Transit operating budget. Staff will be returning with a full update of the Transit Enterprise Fund, revenues and the revised matching fond amounts as part of the Mid- Year fund review scheduled for the end of February. 2. Preventative Maintenance: This project will fund the eligible activities, supplies, materials, labor, services, and associated costs required to preserve or extend the functionality and serviceability for vehicles .. These capital maintenance expenses are eligible to be paid partially by FTA funding. The total project is for $187,500 with a $37,500 local match projected for this project that will come from State funding sources such as Transportation Development Act, the Local Transportation Fund, the State Transit Assistance Fund and local transit farebox revenues that are already programmed in the FY 2012-13 SLO Transit operating budget. 3. Bus Rehabilitation: This project will utilize $100,000 in FTA capital funding to replace major vehicle components such as engine, transmission and turbochargers on transit vehicles that are still within the 12-year useful life. These costs are currently the City's responsibility in order to reduce the total annual purchased transportation contract costs. The $25,000 in local match projected for this project will come from State funding sources such as Transportation Development Act, the Local Transportation Fund, the State Transit Assistance Fund and local transit farebox revenues that are already programmed in the FY 2012-13 SLO Transit operating budget. 4. Support Vehicle replacement: This project will use $50,000 in FTA funding for the replacement of the current staff vehicle that has exceeded its useful life. Accessory equipment such as an air compressor and generator may be included in the purchase depending on the final vehicle cost. This vehicle is used by First Transit maintenance staff for bus road calls and to support the maintenance program. The $12,500 in local match projected for this project will come from State funding sources such as Transportation Development Act, the Local Transportation Fund, the State Transit Assistance Fund and local transit farebox revenues that are already programmed in the FY 2012-13 SLO Transit capital budget 5. RTA Paratransit Operations: This project will provide $340,000 in supplemental FTA funding for Paratransit (Runabout) operations. 6. RTA Bus Rehab: This project will leverage $100,000 in FTA capital funding to replace major engine components on existing RTA buses. 7. RTA Bus stop improvement-Ticket Kiosk: This project will provide FTA funding for minor improvements to the RTA transfer stop at Government Center and add a Ticket Vending Kiosk (Location TBD) for customers to purchase fare media for both SLO Transit and RTA systems. The $75,000 local match will be provided by SLOCOG using Transportation Development Act (TDA-STA) funding. 8. RTA Support Vehicle replacement: This project will provide $50,000 in FTA funding for a RTA support vehicle replacement that is past its useful life. 9. Joint DTC Environmental Study: This project will provide $15,459 in FTA joint funding for the required Environmental Impact Report (ETR) in connection with the proposed consolidated Downtown Transit Center Study. RTA and SLOCOG will continue to be the lead agencies on this project. A $75,000 local match will be provided by SLOCOG bringing the total 2012-13 FY project funding to $90,459. SLOCOG intends to seek additional financial support along with rural transit funding to meet the $300,000 estimated to proceed with environmental and design services. The FTA and local match funds programed for this project will not impact other SLO Transit capital projects, current operations or service levels. FISCAL IMPACT There are no fiscal impacts to the General Fund as part of Council's approval of the 2012- 13 FY Program of Projects. The City will receive federal funds for projects in the amount of $1,424,563 for FY 2012-13. Staff will be returning with a full update of the Transit Enterprise Fund, revenues and the revised matching fund amounts as part of the Mid-Year fund review scheduled for the end of February 2013. ALTERNATIVE Deny funding resolution. The City Council could chose not to adopt the resolution to file a grant application or appropriate FTA funding for the 2012-13 FY Program of Projects. Staff is not recommending this alternative as this would jeopardize funding available to SLO Transit and leave the fund with insufficient revenues to cover projected operating expenses in the upcoming fiscal year. ATTACHMENTS I. 2012-13 FY POP Publication 2. Resolution for FTA Grant Application T:\Council Agenda Reports\2012\2012- I l-07\SLO Transit Program of Projects {Mattingly-Wcbster)\FY 2012-13 PROGRAM OF PROJECTS- Final.docx Attachment 3: Excerpt from SLO Transit SRTP (page 91 paragraph two): Passenger Comfort Passenger comfort standards pertain to the passenger environment that SLO Transit provides. These standards examine the placement and condition of shelters and bus stop signs, the comfort and condition of the revenue equipment, and the quality of public information. Waiting Shelters The recommended standard for waiting shelters for a system of this size is to place one at any location having 25 or more daily boardings , generally spread throughout the day (e.g., not 25 boardings for a single trip and no boardings for the remaining part of the day). Table 6-6 shows SLO Transit stop locations with total daily boardings of 25 or more. Table 0-1: Stop Locations with 25 or More Boardings Stop Location Route Boardings Cal Poly Mott Gym 4, 6a, 6b 936 Downtown Transit Center 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6b 764 Cal Poly Union 5 764 Ramona at Palomar 4, 6a 240 Cal Poly Ag Science 6a 209 Cal Poly Graphic Arts 5, 6b 205 Grand at Abbott 5 204 Ramona at Tassajara 4, 6a 97 Mill at Grand 5 91 Los Osos Valley Road at Laguna Village 4 89 Mill at Johnson 5, 6b 86 Los Osos Valley Road at Madonna 4, 5 84 La Entrada at Del Norte 4, 6a 74 Mill at California 5, 6b 74 Los Osos Valley Road at Laguna Lane 4 69 Highland at Cuesta 1, 6a 67 Foothill at Chorro 4, 6a 65 Los Osos Valley Road at Descanso 4 56 Los Osos Valley Road at Oceanaire 4 56 Cal Poly Graphic Arts 4, 6a 53 Cal Poly Mustang Stadium 5 46 Santa Barbara at Church 5 45 Orcutt at Laurel 1, 3 44 Mill at Santa Rosa 4, 6b 42 Prado Day Center 2 42 Santa Rosa at Buchon 5 39 Madonna Plaza Promenade 4, 5 38 Cal Poly Vista Grande 4, 6b 34 Patricia at Foothill 1, 6a 34 Casa at Murray 6a 31 South at Parker (Greyhound) 5 31 Highland at Mount Bishop 6a 28 Santa Rosa at Leff 5 28 Amtrak Station 5 27 Madonna Road at Madonna Plaza 4, 5 27 Patricia at Highland 6a 26 Foothill at University Square 5 25 Madonna at Oceanaire 5 25 City of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number FROM: Daryl Grigsby, Director of Public Works Prepared By: Gamaliel Anguiano, Transit Manager SUBJECT: EXCHANGE OF FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION 5307 FUNDS WITH THE REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY FOR CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY (CMAQ) MONEY FOR THREE BUS REPLACEMENTS IN FY 2015 RECOMMENDATION 1. As recommended by the Central Area Programming Committee: a. Adopt revisions to the Fiscal Year 2013-14 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Program of Projects. b. Adopt approval of the Fiscal Year 2014-15 FTA Program of Projects allowing the exchange of previously awarded capital funding ($202,000) and new capital funding ($442,000) to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in exchange for $1,125,000 in new CMAQ transit funding for the replacement of three buses for SLO Transit . 2. Approve the appropriation of $495,700 for the purchase of a third bus in 2014-15 and the amendment of the 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan by shifting this amount out of the 2015-16 Fiscal Year program. 3. Approve the use of $329,700 in State Transit Develop Act (TDA) funds for local match purposes to acquire the CMAQ Funding. 4. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Public Works Director to file grant applications, execute a grant agreement with the Federal Transit Administration for a total of $1,125,000, and proceed with acquisition of vehicle replacements as soon as the grants are programmed in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). DISCUSSION Background During Fiscal Year 2013/14 RTA was awarded Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) money in the sum of $1.125 million. The CMAQ money was originally approved for the purchase of two Over-the-Road Coaches which would provide the 55+/- seating capacity now needed on both RTA’s Routes 9 and 10. However, a recent change in the CMAQ “allowable spending” language has caused FTA to reconsider whether the proposed vehicles could be purchased with CMAQ funding. While RTA could choose to challenge such a ruling by FTA, the process could strain relationships with Federal representatives and cause a lengthy delay in the proposed project. The proposed exchange of RTA’s CMAQ money for SLO Transit’s 5307 money is for a dollar- for-dollar exchange between the two transit agencies. Through the Program of Projects (POP) amendment process, SLOCOG could reallocate the $1.125 million in CMAQ money to the City 8-19-14 PH2 SLO Transit Revised Program of Projects Page 2 of San Luis Obispo in exchange for SLO Transit’s $202,000 in currently allocated, but unspent, Bus Rehabilitation money. SLOCOG could also reallocate future, yet to be programed (FY 15/16), $442,000 Bus Replacement money. South County Transit will contribute the remaining 5307 funding to make the CMAQ exchange whole. Such a swap would meet several objectives. The swap of CMAQ for 5307 money would provide RTA the money they need to proceed with the purchase of the originally identified Over-the- Road motor coaches. This approach is preferred to waiting or revising their vehicle type to go with traditional fixed-route vehicles which offer less seating capacity. SLO Transit has three vehicles that were purchased in 2001 and now exceed their FTA mandated minimum 12 years of useful life requirement. While these vehicles are candidates for the Bus Rehab money, all three vehicles are quickly approaching 500,000 miles, an FTA milestone for retiring vehicles. In fact, two of these vehicles were already expected to have been retired but this process was delayed when the Federal funds for their replacement were delayed. The exchange would guarantee SLO Transit the funds needed for the purchase of the two pending and one anticipated vehicles this year. Replacement of these three vehicles completes current scheduled fleet replacement needs until 2018. Several steps are necessary in order to accomplish this process. RTA has received tentative approval from an FTA representative to proceed with the process. The issue was raised with the Central Area Programming Committee who met and voted unanimously to approve the exchange/reprogramming. City Council now needs to approve the FY 14 POP revision to send the $202,000 to RTA and part of the FY 15 POP for the remainder of $442,000. SLOCOG, at its September meeting, will then reprogram the $1.125M in CMAQ for SLO Transit and exchange the 5307. In order to complete the purchases, SLO Transit needs to provide a minimum of 20% local match ($282,000) to access the grants. Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the use of $329,700 in TDA funds as match to provide sufficient budget for purchase of the three vehicles. The FTA requires that each recognized Urbanized Zone Area must review and authorize a Program of Projects on an annual basis. Since the 1990 census, the City of San Luis Obispo has been classified as an Urbanized Zone Area by the Federal government and is eligible to receive Federal Transit Administration Section 5307 formula grants for transit operating and capital assistance. To apply for these grants, the City must complete the following on an annual basis: 1. Publish the Program of Projects (POP); 2. Seek approval by the San Luis Obispo Urbanized Zone Area (SLO UZA) Technical Committee; 3. Hold a public hearing on the proposed POP for Federal transit assistance; 4. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Public Works Director to file a grant application and execute the grant agreement; and 5. Forward the approved POP to San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) for review and amendment into the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). SLO Transit Revised Program of Projects Page 3 The Revised POP is scheduled to be published in the Tribune on August 8, 2014 as is shown in Attachment 1. Transit Total Federal*Local Operator Cost Share Share Bus Rehabilitation SLO City 252,500$ 202,000$ 50,500$ 252,500$ 202,000$ 50,500$ Bus Replacement RTA 252,500$ 202,000$ 50,500$ 252,500$ 202,000$ 50,500$ 252,500$ 202,000$ 50,500$ Revised FY 2013-14 FY Program of Projects Project Description SLO Transit Totals RTA Totals Total POP Funding Transit Total Federal*Local Operator Cost Share Share Bus Replacement RTA 552,500$ 442,000$ 110,500.00$ 552,500$ 442,000$ 110,500$ 552,500$ 442,000$ 110,500$ Partial FY 2014-15 FY Program of Projects Project Description RTA Totals Total POP Funding Purchase of Vehicles This exchange in money with RTA provides timely and needed Federal funds for SLO Transit. While all three vehicles are one year overdue for replacement, the funds to commence the gradual replacement of these were not received these past two fiscal years. In addition, the funds for the final bus are scheduled to be received FY 15/16, according to the current POP as shown below. This injection in capital funds gives SLO Transit the opportunity to catch up and expedite the replacement process of all three vehicles. The $1.125 million, along with the mandated local matching funds ($282,000), is enough for the purchase and replacement of all three 2001 vehicles. SLO Transit Revised Program of Projects Page 4 Notes: In order to fulfill the project budget, the unspent amount from 2013-14 will be carried over into 2014-15 and the amount of $495,700 is being advanced from the 2015-16. Both SLO Transit and RTA have vehicles in considerable need of being retired. Besides the current age, condition, maintenance expenses and challenges of keeping these vehicles on the road for a longer period of time, there are other potential challenges on the horizon that would affect RTA should a money exchange not be achieved. CVC Section 35554 One issue that particularly affects RTA with regard to vehicles being replaced beyond this fiscal year is the potential lapse of Section 35554 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC). The CVC currently prohibits transit vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of one axle of 20,500 pounds. The current Legislature has established an exemption of this provision until January 1, 2015 such that an agency may: “procure and operate a new bus exceeding 20,500 pounds that is of the same or lesser weight than the bus it is replacing.” (CVC Section 35554(a)(2)(d)(A). If there are any delays in RTA pursuing an order for Over-The-Road coaches beyond the January 1st deadline, they would be subject to this new regulation as these other types of vehicles would not qualify as procurement of a “same or lesser” weight vehicle than the ones they are retiring. While manufactures are seeking an extension of this exemption, through the Assembly (AB 1720), that would extend through January 2016 there are however no guarantees that the Bill will be ratified. This change in the 35554 section of the California Vehicle code will not have an impact on SLO Transit’s procurements of the three proposed transit vehicles for two specific reasons. The first reason is that SLO Transit is replacing fixed-route vehicles for the “same” type, as covered under the current exemption language. The second reason is that earlier this year (February 4, 2014) the Council approved a “piggyback” agreement with the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority to exercise the purchase of up to three (3) 40-foot low floor buses within a five year period. This agreement was ratified before the deadline date and acts as a perfunctory, but not obligatory, agreement to purchase vehicles not subject to this new regulation. And it is under this agreement 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 FY 2015-16 Per Bus Bus Replacement/Rehab Budgeted Budgeted Projected Totals Budget CMAQ FTA 379,280$ 387,920$ 396,560$ 1,163,760$ 387,920$ TDA 94,820$ 96,980$ 99,140$ 290,940$ 96,980$ 474,100$ 484,900$ 495,700$ 1,454,700$ 484,900$ 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan (Revised) FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 FY 2015-16 Per Bus Bus Replacement/Rehab Actual Budgeted Projected Totals Budget CMAQ 1,125,000$ 1,125,000$ 375,000$ FTA -$ -$ -$ -$ TDA 329,700$ -$ 329,700$ 109,900$ -$ 1,454,700$ -$ 1,454,700$ 484,900$ SLO Transit Revised Program of Projects Page 5 that Staff proposes to use for the purchase of the vehicles. As such, once the CMAQ grant is programmed staff will be processing the purchase of the three vehicles to be ordered by the December 31, 2014 deadline, to be sure. Therefore we are recommending the City Council approve the acceleration of bus replacements third vehicle in FY 2014-15 to coincide with the new CMAQ funding. FISCAL IMPACT The impact to the Transit Enterprise fund consists of: an immediate infusion of $1.25 million in CMAQ money in exchange for the unspent $202,000 in Bus Rehab money along with future programmed (FY 15/16) $442,000 for Bus Replacement money. The City will match the CMAQ funds (20%) with $329,700 from available excess revenues already programmed into the 2014- 15 budget. Depending upon final bus pricing there may be the need to augment this local match to meet final costs for the three vehicles. Any funds not used to provide the local match requirement will be returned to the Transit completed projects account or fund reserve to be reprogrammed for other purposes. CONCURRENCES On July 22, 2014 the Central Area Programming Committee voted unanimously to reprogram the FY 2013/14 funds and program $422,000 in FY 2014/15 funds to implement the CMAQ exchange between SLO Transit and RTA. On August 6, 2014 the SLOCOG board voted unanimously to support the exchange of FTA 5307 for CMAQ. ALTERNATIVES 1. The City Council could decide not to approve the SLO Transit and RTA money exchange of 5307 for CMAQ money. This would force RTA to either challenge the FTA ruling of negating the use of CMAQ money for Over-the-Coaches or to revise its purchase request for standard fixed-route vehicles which do not meet seating requirements on Routes 9 & 10. Meanwhile SLO Transit will have to wait until next fiscal year before we can proceed with the replacement of just one of the 2001 vehicles and then subsequent years for the other two vehicles. ATTACHMENTS 1. Draft Resolution 2. Legal Ad for Revised POP FY 13/14 and partial POP FY 14/15 POLICY ON TRANSPORTING CARTS, LUGGAGE AND OTHER LARGE PERSONAL BELONGINGS PURPOSE AND INTENT: SLO Transit finds that carts, luggage and other large personal belongings potentially interfere with SLO Transit’s operations and pose a potential safety risk in that unless such items are safely secured and positioned within SLO Transit’s vehicles, such items can restrict passenger movement, block emergency ingress and egress, and prohibit the use of otherwise available seats and aisle spaces. It is the purpose of this policy to regulate the use of carts, luggage and other large personal belongings on SLO Transit’s vehicles in order to enhance SLO Transit’s operations, improve the use of its vehicles, and to help protect the health, safety and well-being of SLO Transit’s riders and employees. USE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS ON CARTS, LUGGAGE AND OTHER LARGE PERSONAL BELONGINGS ON SLO TRANSIT BUSES: Customers wishing to bring carts, luggage or other large personal items on board transit buses should recognize their personal responsibility to safety. In an effort to assist our riders in maintaining the safety of their children, other customers and bus operators, the following guidelines have been developed. SLO Transit’s policy is that only items that a passenger can safely carry on their lap during travel will be allowed on the bus. In the case that a person uses a small two wheeled shopping cart to cart their belongings, this small cart has to be able to fit within an isle in a folded position in front of the seated passenger who will hold its contents on their lap during travel. Carts, Luggage and other large personal belongings that cannot be emptied from a cart or carried on the person’s lap will not be allowed on SLO Transit vehicles. This policy shall not apply to medical devices (i.e. oxygen tanks) or any ADA protected mobility device. Other Examples of Similar Policies LA Metro: “During crowded conditions or peak hours, remove children from strollers and materials from carts, and collapse, or wait for the next Metro vehicle that has room for the cart or stroller. This provision does not apply to wheelchairs or other mobility devices for persons with disabilities.” - http://intersectionssouthla.org/story/the_lowdown_on_shopping_carts_and_strollers_on_metro_ buses/ Allegheny Port Authority: Shopping carts are not permitted on Port Authority vehicles. http://www.portauthority.org/paac/RiderServices/Riding101.aspx North County transit Dist.: Personal Shopping Carts: Must fit between the seats and not extend into the aisle http://www.gonctd.com/safety-and-security Capital Dist. Transit Authority: Baby strollers and grocery carts are allowed on-board, provided they are collapsed and will fit on your lap or at your feet in front of you. https://www.cdta.org/rider_guide_guide.php MART: Please collapse all strollers and shopping carts. http://www.mrta.us/HowtoRide.html Benton County: Seats are for customers: If the bus is crowded, do not take more than one seat. Remove your packages from seating areas to make room for other customers. Keep your belongings on your lap or on the floor; please do not block the aisle. Baby strollers should be folded. Small, two-wheeled shopping carts are allowed only if there is room on the bus. Large carts and wagons are not permitted on the bus. http://dialabus.org/ctv/ Excerpts from TCRP Synthesis 88 Several agencies restrict passengers to what they can reasonably carry on a vehicle, and a majority of agencies have a policy that requires luggage, grocery carts, or parcels to be stored in a specific location on a vehicle.