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HomeMy Public PortalAbout10 October 2, 1989 Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Advisory Council" RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AGENDA CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE/ SOCIAL SERVICE ADVISORY COUNCIL 1:30 P.M., MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1989 SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY BOARD ROOM 32-505 HARRY OLIVER TRAIL THOUSAND PALMS, CALIFORNIA 92276 PHONE # (619) 343-3456 1. Call to Order. 2. Introduction of New CAC Members. 3. Approval of Minutes (July 24, August 28, 1989). AC11ON 4. Report on the Federal Department of Transportation's INFO Conference on Special Transportation (Chairman). 5. Social Service Transportation Coordination AUIION Resolution. 6. Commuter Rail Update. INFO 7. Callbox Project Update. INFO 8. Other Items. 9. Adjournment. " " Minutes of the Citizens Advisory Committee/ Social Service Advisory Council August 28, 1989 1. Call to Order. The meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Advisory Council was called to order by Chairman Chuck Schmitt at 1:35 p.m., at the Riverside County Transportation Commission Office, 3560 University Avenue, Suite 100, Riverside, CA. Members present were: Terry Allen Ace Atkinson Ray Baca Mike Beggins Cathy Bechtel Arnold Dickson Rose Eldridge Herb Krauch Members absent were: Jim Judge Jim Kenna Others present: Joanne Moore Lori Nickel Leon Overton Rena Parker Don Senger Chuck Schmitt Dick Weeks Don High (excused) *Tom Paradise *Alternate for Arnold Dickson Debra Astin - Sunline Sandy Cook - RCTC Staff Naty Kopenhaver - RCTC Staff Pat Piras - RCTC Consultant Jim Stoffer - RTA Hideo Sugita - RCTC Staff Marilyn Williams - RCTC Staff Self introductions followed. 2. Approval of Minutes. Approval of the minutes for the July 24, 1989 meeting were deferred to the October meeting in order to allow staff to review the meeting tape. A. Public Comment Debra Astin asked to make a public comment about her statement in the minutes concerning the number of vehicles available for E&H services. She had inaccurately reported that the same vehicles were use for the Eastern Valley dial -a -ride service and the Foundation Service. There is a total of 5 vehicles; 3 are Foundation vehicles, 1 is Eastern Valley and 1 is a common back-up for the two services. Shoreline is the provider of these services. " " Page Two 3. FY 1989-90 UMTA 16(b) 2 Proiects Hideo Sugita summarized his memorandum to the CAC concerning the FY 1989-90 Section 16(b)2 Project Applications. He said that there are four applications from non-profit agencies in Riverside to the capital support program. They are Meditrans Services, Inc., Family Services Association of Riverside, Mount Rubidoux Manor and Riverside Congregational Homes (DBA) Plymouth Tower. These requests were reviewed by a committee composed of representatives from the Riverside Office on Aging, Developmental Disabilities Board Area #12, California Department of Rehabilitation and Caltrans. The committee made the recommendations to support the applications for Meditrans and Family Services of Riverside, with the Meditrans application conditioned to include radio equipment, instead of cellular telephone equipment. The monthly operating cost of the cellular telephone equipment is just too expensive in comparison to radio. Radio operating cost for 12 units would be approximately $125 to $150 per month. Cellular phone operating costs would be approximately $150 to $250 per unit/per month. The committee also recommended that Mount Rubidoux Manor and the Plymouth Tower combine their application into one request. Hideo spoke to both parties and they agreed to do so. M/S/C (WEEKS/ALLEN) TO ACCEPT THE STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE SUPPORT OF FY 1989-90 (CYCLE 21) UMTA SECTION 16(B)2 APPLICATIONS WITH THE RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS FOR MEDITRANS AND MOUNT RUBIDOUX MANOR/PLYMOUTH TOWER. 4. Social Service Transportation Delivery Study Pat Piras reviewed each of the two memoranda she had included as part of the Agenda packet for this meeting. Memorandum #1 is designed to set forth the definitions of public transportation and social service transportation by discussing the generic characteristics of the various types of transportation services. Memorandum #2 addresses more in-depth the coordination issues and discusses some opportunities available in solving these coordination issues. In both of these memoranda, Pat Piras highlighted some of the more important points in each section and how they relate to AB 120. The study is designed to address the entire Riverside County area, but specifically addresses the Coachella Valley for the purposes of case study. Part of the problem is coordination. One of the mis- conceptions among the public is the fact that these are not general dial -a -ride services; therefore the public feels that if you are not in with the "in club" you have no access to that service. This idea makes these services appear to be social service types because they service the needs of only a few people. The ability to expand the marketing and outreach on the program requires money and approved delivery of service, but it can also provide a broader support base. Dick Weeks asked if Pat Piras felt that the dial -a -ride services in the Coachella Valley were also perceived as a social service, and not a public service. Pat Piras responded, that it has been perceived as a club and, if you don't belong to the club that delivers the service, or is the prime recipient of that service, you don't even get a ride. Another issue is the quality of training that the dispatchers and drivers receive which also ties into the availability of the service. " Page Three Copies of the "Draft Technical Memorandum #3 - Concept Paper for Coachella Valley CTSA" which defines a CTSA (Consolidated Transportation Services Agency) and how it relates to AB 120 were distributed. Pat Piras pointed out that CTSAs are the only eligible claimants for TDA article 4.5 funds. She further stated that the funds are limited to "up to .5%" of the countywide funds available after (1) planning/administration and (2) Article 3 pedestrian/bikeways funds are calculated. These funds are "taken off of the top", except in Santa Barbara County; where a recent legislative change allowed Article 4.5 funds to be taken after other apportionments. Another point concerning Article 4.5 funds is that they can be used for operating and capital and are the only TDA funds that are explicitly allowed to be used (under specified conditions) as local match for UMTA Section 16(b)2 grants. One unique point that must be made is that if the services are delivered through a contractor, there must be competitive bidding and the successful bid must be the low bid. This of course, can create a problem in the quality service. She pointed out that the CTSA can be either public or private non-profit, but it is important to have a specified mission and a recognizable and accountable policy board. Pat Piras continued and stated that, in addition to the Board of Directors as a policy body, an Advisory Committee should be established and meet on a regular basis. She outlined the recommended groups from which the members of the Advisory Committee should come from, emphasizing that these individuals should be wiling to take on a challenging job and be positively motivated to try and work towards an ongoing service to meet the needs at hand. Also outlined in her memorandum are the functions of the CTSA. The organization would be eligible for funding under TDA Article 4.5, Measure A funding and, depending upon its structure, would be eligible for Article 4 or 8 funds. If the CTSA is organized as a private non-profit entity, it would be eligible to receive capital grants through UMTA Section 16(b)2, as well as funding through the United Way. The CTSA Executive Director, must be a dynamic, strong-minded individual who, along with the rest of the requirements should be able to "walk on water and survive the heat". At minimum, the CTSA have one employee and the support staff activities could be provided through contract. Pat Piras outlined the Alternative Structures for Coachella Valley CTSA. Out of this discussion, the idea came from various members of the Committee to include RTA as a possible provider and have Pat Piras include them in her study. After review of the advantages/disadvantages for each of the suggested alternative structures, the following motion was passed so that the Commission may go forward with their projected 10/01 date for completion. Hideo Sugita pointed out that this would delay the referral of the Study to the Commission for their review, thereby delaying implementation of the outcome of the Study. M/S/C (BACA/PARKER) TO SEND THE THREE DRAFT MEMORANDA FROM PAT PIRAS TO THE COMMISSION ALONG WITH THE CONVERSATION THE CAC DEVELOPED FROM THEIR MEETINGS CONCERNING THESE MEMORANDA. 5. Other Items a. The October CAC meeting is going to be held at Sunline. Jim Stoffer said RTA would be gld to furnish a mini -van. Also, it was suggested a "public invitation" be given for this meeting to get a feel for the quality of the service in the Coachella Valley. b. Chuck Schmitt expressed his sadness and that of the Committee at the passing of Don Kurz, who died recently of a heart attack. He suggested that the Committee 1 " " Page Four should commemorate his participation in this Committee in some way. He will come back to the Committee with a recommendation. c. Chuck Schmitt commended Hideo for his support and activity in the Committee during the past two months. He appreciates the efforts and says, "A job well done!!". Hideo Sugita said that the commendation should be extended to the entire RCTC staff. d. Leon Overton requested a progress report on the commuter rail system included as part of the Agenda for the October meeting. e. Terry Allen would like to have a progress report on the SAFE included as part of the October meeting. 6. Ad iournment There being no other business to be discussed by the Committee, Chairman Schmitt adjourned the meeting at 3:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Hideo Sugita Staff Analyst :SC DATE August 28, 1989 CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE 1/L/CL-Vi c jzi,j7 REPRESENTING �77—Pt 'F'/c- Rio °' hT�4 l�o11r d PHONE 761-G-- ©722- 3 C Cgoz,e gel 7r7 -f 3�PO J& £2Z 689-o5,sb ""%37 _.: Sri Yj? -_ _ -Lt tteZ 1,afP '4,"/ 9�2� `l. 62s-F-sat2_ aio,? TO: • • RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEMORANDUM Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Advisory Council FROM: Hideo Sugita, Staff Analys SUBJECT: Social Service Transportation Coordination and Consolidation Resolution At the Commission's Transit Planning and Coordinating Committee, Supervisor Larson recommended that the Commission obtain local agency support for the concept of coordinating and consolidating social service transportation services. This effort could be based upon a resolution that could be considered for adoption by the respective local government policy boards on the subject of coordinating and consolidating social service transportation services. As an example, if all cities and the County Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution that strongly recommends social service agencies to coordinate and consolidate transportation services provided to their clients within the County, and the providers comply with the resolution (not a likely outcome) then we would not need a Consolidated Transportation Service Agency nor a Consolidated Transportation Delivery Study. However, should a majority of local governmental agencies adopt the resolution, and the social service agencies not comply, then this (the resolution) would provide a platform from which to develop a legislative strategy to require the social service agencies to coordinate their delivery of transportation services. Staff will work with Pat Piras to develop a draft resolution which will be handed out for review at the meeting. Recommendation: Recommend RCTC adopt and request local government consideration of the Social Service Transportation Coordination and Consolidation Resolution. L. . 0 �i o 12:23 F'M MAILBOX 415 351-2879 P0" PAT PIRA•S Consulting Services • 892 GLUT AVENUE SAN LORENNZO. CA 94880 (418) $7S-1831 RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION DELIVERY STUDY DRAFT TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM Li OBSERVATIONS ON WESTERN COUNTY SERVICES November 27, 1989 prepared In Association With: Virginia Cerenio Dennis Guinaw 1 1. . '_+ 1 2' 2 PM MAILBOX 4 1 5 351-' ,:79 PO4 110 • RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION DELIVERY STUDY DRAFT TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM #4 OBSERVATIONS ON WESTERN COUNTY SERVICES BACKGROUND/STUDY RETROSPECTIVE To date, this study has examined the history of California State legislation regarding coordination of specialized transportation services and has discussed specific coordination possibilities in Riverside County. The primary focus has been on the Coachella Valley area of the County. We have recommended a number of issues to be considered by RCTC, SunLine, and other public agencies, including the adoption of policies to enforce coordination at the local level. A major question which remains unanswered at this time, however, is does SunLine Kant to be a CTSA? At a recent meeting, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) requested that consultants also comment on specialized services in Western County. This report is in response to that request. SUMMARY OF EXISTING SERVICES IN WESTERN COUNTY Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) is a joint powers agency which serves as the major transit provider in western Riverside County. Its service area is approximately 2500 square miles and includes ten member cities of Banning, Beaumont, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris, Riverside, and San Jacinto, as well as unincorporated areas such as Glen Avon, Highgrove, Mira Loma, Pedley, Rubidoux, Sun City, Woodcrest, and others. Service is provided, directly or through contract, via seventeen routes, four Dial--A-Rides, two commute runs to LA/Long Beach, and a group E&H service (Meditrans). Fixed -route service is generally available from 5:30 a.m. through 11:30 p.m.; dial -a - ride service operates between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Connection to Omnitrans is made in Loma Linda at the University or the Veterans Hospital. RTA's active vehicle fleet is fully wheelchair -accessible. Local municipal systems are also operated by the Lake Elsinore Transit System and by the cities of Banning, Beaumont, and Corona. LETS operates as a single fixed route, Banning is a mix of two routes plus demand -responsive for mobility -impaired residents, while Beaumont and Corona are general public dial -a - rides. In the City of Riverside, Riverside Special Services provides specialized E&H paratransit. 1 1 2: :, PM }'MAILBOX 4 1 5 351-2879 P05 • • ISSUES, INTERVIEWS, PUBLIC COMMENTS For this memorandum, consultants reviewed the 1989 Riverside County Unmet Needs transcripts and findings, an well as the Short Range Transit Plan for FY 1990-1994 for the western county systems. Site visits were paid to Meditrans, Riverside Special Services, and the contractors operations office for Hemet/Perris. A representative of the caiifornia Dept. of Rehabilitation was also interviewed. Previous discussions with representatives from the County Office on Aging and Inland Regional Center included Countywide topics. Unmet Needs testimony primarily cited desires for improved transit services in the Moreno Valley and Calimesa areas. RTA will be addressing Moreno Valley service through a planning study, and discussions are underway to consider contracted service via Omnitrans into San Bernadino County. A biennial Comprehensive Operations Analysis is used to review a wide variety of requested route changes or expansions. There have also been several requests for improved fixed -route service to the Valley Resource center, but it is located on a dead-end street. As often occurs, several persons who were interviewed by consultants indicated an interest in expanded evening service, particularly for the dial -a -rides. A direct connection between Riverside and San Bernadino was also mentioned. Currently Goodwill Industries operates one round trip daily between the two large cities, with much of its costs subsidized by the Dept. of Rehabilitation; generally there is some available capacity. In general, however, there were many positive comments presented, with no obvious "squeaky wheel". As in the Coachella valley, it appears that local coordination of paratransit funding and of land -use decisions should be monitored more strongly. SITE VISITS & OBSERVATIONS Consultants have visited three operations sites in western Riverside County, two of which are under contract to RTA. They are summarized below, in chronological order of site visits. Meditrans Meditrans is a private, non-profit agency which serves the unincorporated areas of western Riverside County, under contract to the County Office on Aging (OoA), Inland Regional Center (IRC), and RTA. All service is on an advance reservation or subscription basis, with about 170 trips daily (85 persons, round 2 1 1 12:2J1 F'M tMAILBOX 415 51-2879 P05 • trips). Service is provided on 9 runs (7 IRC routes and 2 "senior" loops), most of which come into downtown Riverside from outlying areas. Cost efficiencies are achieved through all drivers working on split shifts. About 90% of trips are subscription. The service is funded through a combination of agreements. IRC contributes on the basis of route miles for clients (64% of subsidies), 0oA pays on a per trip basis ($8.0B per "unit of service", accounting for about 15% of costs), and RTA makes up the difference (about 21% of costs). Route miles for the IRC service come to slightly under 77% of total actual miles for that service, which appears somewhat low. Other disabled passengers are permitted on the IRC runs only with written permission of IRC and on a space available basis. More than 3000 trips are provided monthly; about 90% of all passenger trips are from the IRC runs. Meditrans uses a total of 9 vehicles for their services; 3 are owned by Meditrans, 4 by OoA, and 2 belong to RTA. They have been having considerable maintenance problems with the 00A vehicles, and plan to replace them through 16(b)(2). Other administrative and dispatching functions are handled in a thorough, although simple fashion, and it is not clear that Meditrans would be willing to, or capable of, greatly expanding its services. Marketing of Meditrans services is handled through the Senior Survival Guide, 0oA, and word of mouth. Staff reports that they do not have any turndowns, except if a requested time does not fit into scheduled runs. At the time of our visit, one of the seven IRC routes had two available seats and the "senior loops" averaged 7 passengers on 12 -passenger vehicles. Riveside Special Services The City of Riverside operates Riverside Special Services (RSS), available within the city limits to seniors (over age 60) and disabled persons. Service is available seven days a week, as late as 9:00 p.m. on Fridays. Approximately 10,000 to 11,000 trips are provided monthly, with about half going to workshops, and the remainders split among nutrition programs, Riverside community College, and individual purposes. RSS uses a computer -assisted order -taking process for service requests, with a street/address file based on the local Fire Dept. map. In general, operations data appears complete and readily available. They report about five turndowns (trip requests unable to be accommodated) a day. Peak service involves 14 vehicles. 3 1 1. _► 1 *MA IL BOX 4 1 5 5 1 —' '� �a PI -17 • Until recently, RSS enjoyed a very stable employment pattern for its senior staff, with both the operations supervisor and lead dispatcher having worked there for many years. How these key personnel are replaced may have a significant impact on RSS's continuing ability to deliver quality service. Hemet -San Jac ,nto-Eprria-$un City A single contractor provides management and operation services for both fixed -route and dial -a -ride. The standard monthly reports from the contractor combine some data from both fixed -route and demand -responsive, which makes them somewhat confusing to follow. The site supervisor was replaced this summer, and therefore these systems are also experiencing some transition. The Hemet/San Jacinto dial -a -ride uses 6 vehicles, with about 30% of trips on a subscription basic. Elderly/disabled ridership is estimated at about 70% of total. Recently, with the new site supervisor, the service began to accept same -day requests (about five a day); previously, only advance reservation calls had been taken. An average of one trip denial a day occurs, usually in the early morning hours, which are heavily geared toward workshop trips. The Perris dial -a -ride reports a productivity of about 7 to 9 passengers per vehicle hour,, using 3 vehicles. About 70 trips daily are provided to disabled riders. Sun City operates primarily on a fixed -route mode, serving mobile home parks and shopping areas. One vehicle operates on hour headways. There is very limited marketing of the local services, although there have been a few cable TV ads. The only written brochure is the RTA Ride Guide. Operational policies are not presented to the user in any uniform manner. Contract staff report very few transfers from fixed -route to dial -a -ride; transfers to fixed -route appear to be increasing slightly. SUMMARY Of the services visited so far in western Riverside County, a number of them are undergoing personnel or organizational transitions. None of the systems were identified as having any obvious problems, but RTA and RCTC should be carefully monitoring any possible changes over the next few months. RTA's performance monitoring system reportedly provides more detailed information on individual dial -a -rides, on a monthly basis, but the process is only described in the SRTP; actual performance data is the subject of staff and Board reports. Consultants will be available at the December 4th CAC meeting to discuss the relevance of these observations, as well as potential next steps in the Study. 4