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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-2019 MTC Agenda PacketCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission Agenda MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Wednesday, May 8, 2019 2:30 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA CALL TO ORDER: Chair John Osumi ROLL CALL : Committee Members David Figueroa (Member at Large), Robin Kisinger (Senior), Denise Martinez (Disabled), James Thompson (Technical), Ryan Hund (Student), Cheryl Andrus (Vice Chair), and John Osumi (Chair), Vacant (Alternate), Vacant (Alternate) PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the Mass Transportation Committee of March 13, 2019 (Attachment 1) PRESENTATIONS 2. None. BUSINESS ITEMS Page 1 of 19 Mass Transportation Committee Agenda for January 9, 2019 Page 2 3. None COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 4. Route, Schedule, and Fare Update a. Route 1B extension to San Luis Airport (June 17) b. Systemwide timepoint refinements (June 17) c. Discounted Senior/Disabled 31-Day Pass $18.00, per City Adopted Fare Structure (July 1) 5. Development of an Ad Hoc committee for SLO Transit Public Engagement + Marketing Plan (Attachment 2) a. Recommendation: Selection of three members to work with staff in development of this plan 6. Transit Manager’s Report ADJOURNMENT The next Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10 , 201 9, at 2:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California. The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the Public Works Department at 805-781-7200 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 805-781-7107. Service Complaints: Complaints regarding bus service or routes are to be directed to the customer service line at 805-594-8090. Reports of complaints/commendations are available to the public upon request. Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address: http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/60984/Row1.aspx Page 2 of 19 DRAFT Minutes – Mass Transportation Committee Meeting of March 13, 2019 Page 1 Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Mass Transportation Committee CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Mass Transportation Committee was called to order on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Osumi. ROLL CALL Present: Committee Members David Figueroa (Alternate), Ryan Hund (Student), Louise Justice (Member at Large), Robin Kisinger (Senior), James Thompson (Technical), Cheryl Andrus (Vice Chair – Cal Poly), John Osumi (Chair – Business) Absent: Committee Member Denise Martinez (Disabled) Staff: Transit Manager Gamaliel Anguiano, Transit Assistant Chris Judge, Recording Secretary Lareina Gamboa PUBLIC COMMENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None. --End of Public Comment-- CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES 1. Consideration of Minutes of the Regular Mass Transportation Committee Meeting of January 9, 2019: ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER JUSTICE, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER ANDRUS, CARRIED 7-0-1 (COMMITTEE MEMBER MARTINEZ ABSENT), the Mass Transportation Committee approved the Minutes of the Regular Mass Transportation Committee Meeting of January 9, 2019. Public Comment None. --End of Public Comment-- Minutes - DRAFT MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Page 3 of 19 DRAFT Minutes – Mass Transportation Committee Meeting of March 13, 2019 Page 2 PRESENTATIONS 2. None. Public Comment None. BUSINESS ITEMS 3. None. Public Comment None. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 4. Staff Updates Transit Manager Anguiano introduced new Transit Assistant Chris Judge. Transit Manager Anguiano provided a verbal update and responded to Committee inquiries in regards to the following: • Unmet Transit Needs • Pilot Project (Due to Committee Inquiries) • Transit Manager’s Report Transit Assistant Judge provided a verbal update and responded to Committee inquiries in regards to the following: • March 25 – April 1 • April 1 – 5 • April 19 – 22 • April 28 Public Comment None. --End of Public Comment-- Page 4 of 19 DRAFT Minutes – Mass Transportation Committee Meeting of March 13, 2019 Page 3 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:32 p.m. The next Regular Mass Transportation Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 2:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California. APPROVED BY THE MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2019 Page 5 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org City of San Luis Obispo Transit Public Engagement + Marketing Plan DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 Introduction The City of San Luis Obispo manages San Luis Obispo Transit (SLO Transit) and provides affordable, safe, and convenient alternative transportation for the community. The City contracts with First Transit, Inc. to operate the local bus service. SLO Transit currently operates eight fixed routes and the Old SLO Trolley providing service to over 1.1 million passengers seven days of the week. Existing Demographics Per the 2016-21 Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), the population of San Luis Obispo area (including portions of census tracts extending beyond City boundaries) per the 2009 – 2013 Census estimates is 58,684. Persons living in households without vehicles are 231, or 1.3 percent of the total countrywide population. Youth (persons under 18 years of age) total 2,838, or 5 percent of the population. Elderly persons age over 60 total 2,068 (15 percent). There are a total of 14,579 persons living in households below the federal poverty level (24.8 percent of the total population). Persons who indicate they have a mobility disability total 2,259, or 4 percent of total population. Of all population, 99 percent live within ¼ mile of a public transit route, reflecting a very good overall coverage by SLO Transit. Population is forecast to increase by 2.3 percent by 2021. Overview SLO Transit is a service provided through the City of San Luis Obispo’s Public Works Department, providing fixed route services throughout the City as well as adjacent to Cal Poly campus. Management, marketing, and planning are provided by a small three-person staff of City employees, while service operations and vehicle maintenance is provided by a private contractor (First Transit). The City Council is the decision making body, with input from the Mass Transportation Advisory Committee. SLO Transit operates a total of eight bus routes on weekdays, approximately 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and four bus routes on weekends, approximately 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Per the 2016-21 SRTP, approximately 1,029,000 passenger-trips are served annually. Of these, 58 percent are Cal Poly students, staff or faculty. Overall, Page 6 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org 35 passengers board per vehicle-hour service, or 2.8 per vehicle-mile of service. Since 2003, ridership has grown by 64 percent. Advertising Budget Within the City’s Transit Fund (50700), there is $64,200 allocated for advertising. Annual Marketing Driver Appreciation Day (March) SLO Transit celebrates its drivers on Driver Appreciation Day. These efforts showcase the successes and accomplishments of our drivers to the public. Promo includes: “Thank You” graphic posted on social media, posted in the buses, and posted in the driver break room at 29 Prado. Earth Day (April) SLO Transit provides free rides for all systemwide. Promo includes: graphic posted on social media, on website, and within buses. Paid promo includes: New Times ad ($432) Cal Poly Open House (April) SLO Transit provides free rides to Cal Poly parents and supporters during Open House weekend (Friday – Sunday) by displaying their Eventbrite Open House confirmation on their smartphone or printed. These efforts help alleviate the demand for parking on campus and encourage transit use from lodging on Madonna Road, Los Osos Valley Road, Monterey Street, and Downtown. Promo includes: graphic posted on social media, flyer provided to University and hotels Paid promo includes: Mustang News ad ($350) SLO Marathon (April/May) SLO Transit provides free rides to Marathon participants and supporters during Marathon weekend (Friday – Sunday). Three-day bus passes and transit swag are distributed at the Marathon expo Friday – Sunday. These efforts encourage transit use, which helps alleviate the demand for parking at the Marathon expo and roadway congestion due to road closures on Marathon day. SLO Transit also advertises revised transit routes and schedules so the public is informed of these changes for Marathon day. Promo includes: graphic posted on social media, on website, and within buses Paid promo includes: Tribune insert and trifold brochures ($3300), New Times ad ($2800) Page 7 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Bike Month (May) SLO Transit attends the City Bike Breakfast and distributes one-day bus passes and bus schedules to attendees. Attendees are informed that every bus is equipped with a bike rack that can hold up to three bikes. These efforts encourage smart commutes and multimodal transportation. Farmers Market – Public Works Week (May) SLO Transit celebrates Public Works Week by displaying one or more vehicles at Farmers Market. Transit swag and one-ride passes are distributed. These efforts promote the accomplishments within the City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, which includes SLO Transit. Downtown SLO - Concerts in the Plaza (June – Sept) SLO Transit sponsors the Downtown SLO Summer Concerts in the Plaza series and displays a Downtown Access Pass (DAP) banner in Mission Plaza every Friday. These efforts draw attention to both SLO Transit and the Downtown Access Pass (DAP) opportunity to concert attendees. Paid promo includes: Downtown SLO sponsorship ($1500) Summer Hawaiian Shirt Days (June – Sept) SLO Transit drivers wear Hawaiian shirts on Fridays - Sundays during the summer. These efforts promote a cheery and happy atmosphere amongst drivers and passengers via the festival and casual looks of a Hawaiian shirt. Promo includes: graphic posted on social media Summer Youth Ride Free (June – Sept) SLO Transit provides free rides to youth K-12 students during the summer months. No pass is required. Students simple present their student ID to the driver. These efforts promote youth transit ridership. Cal Poly SLO Days (July – Sept) SLO Transit presents transit information to incoming Cal Poly students at eleven Student Life Orientation (SLO) Days sessions. These efforts equip students with knowledge of how to ride the bus, which promotes transit use for students whose rides are subsidized by the University. Paid promo includes: Mustang News ad ($384) SLO Triathlon (July) SLO Transit advertises revised transit routes and schedules so the public is informed of these changes for Triathlon day. Promo includes: graphics posted on social media, on website Page 8 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Trippers (Aug) SLO Transit promotes the Tripper bus services which begin service in mid-August. These efforts promote transit use and help alleviate roadway congestion during peak morning and afternoon travel periods. Paid promo includes: New Times ad ($864) SLO High Orientation Day (Aug) SLO Transit distributes route schedules and transit swag to SLO High parents and students. The San Luis Drive Tripper (SLT) is heavily promoted as a route option conveniently located on San Luis Drive in front of SLO High School intended to help alleviate roadway congestion on San Luis Drive. Trip planning assistance is provided and the bus tracker app is promoted. These efforts encourage high school students to ride the bus and encourage parents to consider this transportation opportunity for their student. Laguna Middle Orientation Day (Aug) SLO Transit distributes route schedules and transit swag to Laguna Middle parents and students. The Laguna Tripper (LT) is primarily promoted as a route option conveniently located on Los Osos Valley Road in front of Laguna Middle School intended to help alleviate roadway congestion on Los Osos Valley Road. Trip planning assistance is provided and the bus tracker app is promoted. These efforts encourage middle school students to ride the bus and encourage parents to consider this transportation opportunity for their student. Cal Poly Week of Welcome (WOW) (Aug) SLO Transit distributes route schedules and transit swag to incoming Cal Poly students. Route 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B are heavily promoted as the primary routes students will take from campus to access Downtown, grocery stores, retail, recreational activities, neighborhoods, employment, etc. Students can transfer to every route at the Downtown Transit Center. Trip planning assistance is provided and the bus tracker app is promoted. Rideshare Week (Oct) SLO Transit provides free rides for all during Rideshare Week (Monday – Friday). These efforts develop an awareness of how we commute and promote smart commutes for all, which includes walking, biking, riding the bus, and carpooling. SLO Transit attends rideshare week events at various employment centers within the City i.e. Mindbody, Caltrans, Sports Warehouse. Route schedules and transit swag are distributed to attendees. These efforts promote transit use for local working professionals. Paid promo includes: SLO Life magazine ad ($1250), New Times as ($432), Rideshare sponsorship ($500), Downtown Banner ($340) Veterans Day (Nov) SLO Transit provides free rides for all U.S. military veterans who show their valid veterans ID, military ID, or DD214 form when boarding any SLO Transit bus. These efforts show honor and recognition to men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Page 9 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Promo includes: graphics posted on social media, on the website, and within buses; press release Small Business Saturday (Nov) SLO Transit provides free rides for all. These efforts make it easy for the public to access the many locally owned shops and restaurants within the City of Sa Luis Obispo. By riding the bus, the public can also help alleviate the demand for parking during the busy holiday season. Paid promo includes: New Times ad ($788) Promo includes: graphics posted on social media, on the website, and within buses; press release Downtown Holiday Trolley (Nov – Dec) SLO Transit operates the Downtown Holiday Trolley, which loops through Downtown beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. By parking in one of the three downtown parking garages, the Holiday Trolley gives the public access to downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment. Up to four people ride free by showing a valid parking garage ticket. These efforts draw people downtown during the holiday season and encourages them to park in downtown parking garages rather than choosing on street parking. Paid promo includes: New Times Ad ($906), SLO Life magazine ad ($1250), Downtown SLO Holiday Parade sponsorship ($600) Page 10 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Marketing Campaigns Downtown Access Pass (DAP) Target Audience: Downtown Employees Promo: Ongoing The purpose of the DAP is to help alleviate the parking demand downtown and encourage smart commutes for downtown employees. DAP is a free City bus pass for employees working in Downtown San Luis Obispo. This program is subsidized by the City’s Parking Division. SLO Transit App Target Audience: All Promo: Ongoing The purpose of the SLO Transit App to is provide passengers with real-time systemwide information, including bus tracking, schedules, routes, rider alerts, and rider info. SLO Transit Token Transit App Target Audience: All Promo: Ongoing SLO Transit now sells digital bus passes via the Token Transit smartphone app. Riders can download the app via their smartphones, create an account and then start buying their digital bus passes. From there, users will simply show or “flash” their pass to the driver from their smartphone for authentication and verification before they board. Token Transit has the added benefit of allowing users to send digital bus passes to others electronically, a benefit for our K-12 population. All SLO Transit pass types are available for purchase within the app. This pass sale option gives riders convenient way of buying their bus pass. Page 11 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Old SLO Trolley Target Audience: All, tourism Promo: Ongoing The Old SLO Trolley is a fun way for both locals and out-of- town visitors to experience Downtown SLO on Thursday evenings year-round, as well as Fridays and Saturdays during the summer months. The Trolley travels from the lodging on North Monterey to Downtown approximately every 20 minutes. The Trolley is heavily promoted to out-of-town visitors through tourism publications i.e. Vintages, Reveal the Central Coast, 101 Ways to Play on the Central Coast, etc. Marketing Performance Buses Ridership: 945,288 riders (FY18) Facebook SLO Transit page followers: 519 Old SLO Trolley page followers: 167 Instagram Account followers: 212 New Times Distribution: 25,000 Readership: 114,700 with a pass along rate of 3.1 Distribution frequency: Every Thursday SLO Life Magazine Distribution: 37,000 Readership: 100,000 Distribution Frequency: Every other month Page 12 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Marketing + Operational Materials Bus Stop Sign Blades Installed at every bus stop. Individual route decals adhered for corresponding routes at each stop. Bus Passes Sold on buses and at pass sale outlets throughout the City. Page 13 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Transit Center Wayfinding Signage Installed at the Transit Center (2) to display which routes service each of the five bays, helping passengers know the bus location for them to wait for their bus. Qty: 2 Transit Center Large Kiosk Installed at the Transit Center (4), Amtrak (2), (2) Promenade, (1) Kennedy to display systemwide routes, schedules, and rider info. Updated regularly to reflect route and schedule revisions. Qty: 9 Page 14 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Kiosk Inserts Installed at every bus stop in a legal size (8.5 x 14”) or menu size (11 x 17”) kiosk. Displays route, schedule, and rider info for every corresponding route at each stop. Updated regularly to reflect route and schedule revisions. Car Cards – Bus Interior Both internal and external ads displayed in car card racks in every bus. Infotainment – Bus Interior Both internal and external digital ads displayed in three new vehicles. Page 15 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Website –slotransit.org Rider alerts, trip planning, fare info, and general info updated regularly to ensure accuracy in system information posted for public reference. Facebook – SLO Transit Rider Alerts and service updates posted regularly for public reference. Facebook posts are displayed on the bus tracker app and slotransit.org. Facebook – Old SLO Trolley Trolley promo regularly posted. Page 16 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org Service Reduction + Fare Increase Policy I. Purpose 49 USC Chapter 53, Section 5307(d)(1)(I) provides that urban grant recipient shall have: “a locally developed process to solicit and consider public comment before raising a fare or carrying out a major reduction of transportation.” The City of San Luis Obispo’s fixed-route SLO Transit (SLO Transit) system is a recipient of Federal Transit funding and therefore must establish an acceptable public hearing procedure with respect to fare increase and major reduction in service proposals as required by Federal law. II. Definitions a. Major Service Reduction: i. A reduction of more than 15 percent of daily route miles or hours; or ii. A number of service reductions in any given fiscal year that add up to more than 15 percent of daily route miles or hours. b. Fare Increase: i. Any increase to a fare price per unit of service. c. Emergency Service Change: i. Service change that is to be in effect for fewer than thirty (30) days; and ii. Service change does not meet the criteria of Section II.A. Examples of emergency service changes include, but are not limited to; those made because of a power failure, severe weather, major construction, reconstruction, and improvement projects. III. Procedure a. If a Major Service Reduction or Fare Increase is determined to be necessary by SLO Transit staff, a recommendation and supporting materials will be submitted to the City of San Luis Obispo City Council (Council) for consideration. Page 17 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org b. If the Council determines that a Major Service Reduction or Fare Increase may be necessary based on staff’s recommendation and supporting documentation, staff will schedule and advertise a public hearing. At a minimum, public notices for public hearings will be posted at or electronically sent to the following locations: i. City Hall (990 Palm St.) ii. Transit Center iii. On board fixed-route vehicles iv. County/City Public Library v. Local Access TV Channel 21 vi. SLO Transit website with email link for comments vii. City of San Luis Obispo website with email link for comments viii. And notices in local print periodicals c. A public hearing on the Major Service Reduction or Fare Increase will be held in a convenient, accessible and diverse location. i. The location selected will be along bus routes whenever possible; ii. The public hearing will be held under the supervision of SLO Transit Manager; iii. The public comments will be recorded and filed; and iv. The public hearing may be held at a regular Mass Transit Advisory Committee meeting. d. After the public hearing is closed, staff will give a recommendation for consideration by the Council e. If Council adopts a plan for a Major Service Reduction or Fare Increase, the SLO Transit Manager shall be authorized and directed to implement the action according to the approved transit schedule. The schedule shall provide for adequate public notice of the service or fare changes prior to their implementation. IV. Exemptions The following criteria establish certain instances which are exempt from the requirement to solicit public comment: a. Standard seasonal variations; Page 18 of 19 DRAFT PLAN REVISED: August 21, 2018 SLO Transit 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 805.783.7818 slotransit.org b. Emergency service change; c. Experimental service changes for a period of 180 days or less, unless the changes extend beyond 180 days and meet the criteria of a Major Service Reduction as defined in Section II.A; d. Any fare, ticket or pass rate changes that do not result in increased fares per unit of service; e. Increases in service; or f. Decreases in fares Page 19 of 19