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Home My Public Portal About04 April 28, 1997 Citizens' Advisory• • Z) ,6? RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1997, 1:30 P.M. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION 3560 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, SUITE 100 RIVERSIDE, CA 92501 (909) 787-7141 MEETING AGENDA* I. Call to Order II. Self -Introductions III. Approval of Minutes - March 24, 1997 (Attachment) Action IV. Public Comments V. Report by Judylynn Gries re: AB 120 and Trip Prioritization Information VI. Selection of SB 821 Representatives (Attachment) Action VII. Review of Unmet Transit Needs Responses (Attachment) Action VIII. Measure A Specialized Transit Program (Attachment) Action IX. Paratransit/Transit Management Program Information X. Other Business XII. Adjournment * Agenda and Minutes are available in alternative format upon request. NOTE: PARKING IS AVAILABLE IN TWO GARAGES ON ORANGE STREET (SEE MAP ON REVERSE). PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE ALLEY OR SPACES BEHIND THE RCTC BUILDING (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HANDICAP SPACE). RptiTE G 0 "7" A h 7.re SrgEf r vt uw.vaestrr AvE 4 RCTC OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT 3560 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, SUITE 100 (PHONE 909 787-7141). PARK TNG AVAILABLE IN GARAGES ON ORANGE STREET • RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE/ SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1997 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair John Lonberg called the meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Services Transportation Advisory Council to order at 1:34 p.m. at the offices of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, 3560 University Avenue, Suite 100, Riverside, California 92501. II. SELF INTRODUCTIONS Members Present. Peter Benevidez Jim Collins Steve Connell Roger Culbertson Dick Deininger Bill Densmore Judylynn Gries Milt Kandl John Lonberg Gilbert Lopez Joanne Moore Lori Nickel Fortunato Penilla Michelle Rainer Greg Trousdell * Denotes excused absence. Members Absent Ace Atkinson Beverly Copeland* Lucia Moran* Others Present Cathy Bechtel, RCTC Jane Dobberpuhl, RCTC Dennis Guinaw, SunLine Transit Agency David Ledwitz, Community Action Center Mark Lindsey, Blindness Support Services Jerry Rivera, RCTC Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 2 The Chair welcomed those present and extended a special welcome to new members Peter Benevidez, Blindness Support Services, and Steve Connell, Riverside Transit Agency. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 24, 1997 The Chair presented the minutes for approval and asked for any changes or corrections. M/S/C (Gries/Rainer) to approve the Citizen Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February 24, 1997, as submitted. Abstentions: Benevidez, Connell, Deininger. Due to time constraints of the presenter, the Chair moved agenda Item 6 to Item 4 (there were no objections). IV. PRESENTATION RE: THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FREEWAY SERVICE PATROL (FSP) AND CALL BOX PROGRAM Jerry Rivera, Program Manager, updated members on this Program. Jerry distributed a map showing the location of the 1,071 existing call boxes and 53 proposed call box sites, referred to as "infill sites." Jerry also distributed copies of the Call Box User's Guide which furnishes step-by-step instructions on how to use the call box. The call connects directly to the California Highway Patrol (serving the appropriate area); and the CHP dispatches the appropriate emergency vehicle for the caller. They will also connect the caller directly to their private towing service. Approximately 7,000 calls a month are received. The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is a program of roving tow trucks (during the peak traffic hours of 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) on different segments of the Western Riverside County freeway system to assist stranded motorists. This service is free to the motorist and funded from the State Highway Account (80%) and DMV fees (20 %). Last year there were approximately 18,000 "assists" and some of the services furnished included changing a tire, taping a broken hose, furnishing a free gallon of gasoline, providing coolant, charging a battery, and providing "lock -out" service. Chair John Lonberg asked if the call boxes have any instructions or accommodations for a person with a disability, for example, one that may need assistance but is unable to relate that to the dispatcher (i.e., unable to speak or difficulty hearing). Jerry Rivera said this type of motorist would be asked to tap on the phone casing until assistance is received. Each • • • • • • Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 3 phone has a separate identity and automatically identifies for the CHP which location the motorist is calling from. Jim Collins asked what the operational height was of the call boxes. Jerry Rivera said they are 54 inches high, and the State Call Box Program is awaiting final regulations on accessibility standards from the Federal Government which is not expected for 1-1/2 years. There has been some discussion that the ADA requirement may be 48 inches, however, 54 inches is the California maximum requirement. The Chair said he had observed many of the call boxes on the 60 and 91 Freeways that would not be accessible to a wheelchair user because of the position of the support post and the berm. In the absence of Federal regulations for some time, the Chair asked what action may be anticipated to make the call boxes accessible to a disabled motorist. Jerry Rivera said that for the coming year, staff is proposing that a consultant perform a site survey of each box to identify those needing some type of action to make it accessible. Jerry believed 80% of the boxes were either accessible (no obstructions) or require minimal reconfiguration to make them accessible. Joanne Moore asked what determined the distance in between the call boxes, and how the boxes are tested to determine if they are operational. Jerry said the spacing depends upon the vehicle traffic and that the State guidelines call for boxes to be no more than 1 mile apart. Because of the remoteness of some areas in Riverside County, RCTC has installed some boxes that are from 1/4 of a mile to a mile apart. Every 3 days, the call boxes "call in" automatically to confirm they are operational. They also "call in" automatically if they reach a certain tilt level or are knocked down. Roger Culbertson asked about vandalism. Jerry said, unfortunately, vandalism is a big problem costing (in estimates) $150,000-$200,000 yearly. Michelle Rainer said she had used this service and had nothing but praise for the service and the empathy shown to her by the driver. Jerry said the drivers are trained to stay with the motorist until other help arrives. If towing is required (by the FSP), the motorist, along with their vehicle, is taken to a designated lot that is well lighted and in a populated area. There was no further discussion. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS David Ledwitz was present on behalf of the Community Access Center. David said the center will be commencing a training program (in the Coachella Valley) of 10-12 disabled Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 4 persons. Among the topics to be covered in the training are transportation, housing, and assertive communication. It is hoped those trained will go out into the disabled community and share their knowledge. The training will take place over a period of several months, most likely with 1 session a week. David solicited names of disabled persons (in the Coachella Valley area) from the CAC membership who may be candidates for this program. He also recruited guest instructors from the CAC members because of their diversified expertise. (Those interested may reach David by contacting Cathy Bechtel at 787-7141). Reporting Problems to Operators* Milt Kandl reminded members of the problem he had experienced recently with late buses and related his experience, while following instructions to call the toll free number posted on the bus. Upon calling RTA, he was asked whom he wished to speak with; not knowing, he believed they should have directed him to the proper individual. Finally, he left a message on Shunna Austin's voice mail regarding these problems and is awaiting a return call from her. Milt did not believe he would use the 800 number again because he didn't believe it was a productive experience. Request to Change Route: Milt Kandl presented his "4th annual request" to re-route Line 27, serving Sun City. He furnished proposed changes (approximately 4.5 miles) that he believed would be more responsive to riders' needs, as well as businesses, and eliminate the need to transfer. Milt said he had proposed these changes to the RTA board but received no response. Responding to Milt's concerns, Steve Connell said RTA, through an outside contractor, performs a Comprehensive . Operational Analysis, and in fact this process has just commenced (through the issuance of an RFP). The firm selected will perform this analysis and has expertise in planning and routing and will take into consideration demographics, businesses, ridership, etc. The firm also will look at all routes taking into account these factors (and others) and make recommendations to RTA regarding changes that should be implemented over the next several years. Jim Collins asked Steve Connell if RTA had a consumer advisory board. Steve said although they do not have a committee/board labeled as such, the public has an opportunity at the monthly board meetings to address their concerns under the Public Comment agenda item. Calling Out of Stops. Peter Benevidez said he had noticed a dramatic increase in the callout out of stops on the routes he had taken. He believed this was directly related to the efforts of the various advocacy groups, such as the CAC. Additionally, he understands • • • • • • Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 5 members from the visually impaired community are willing to attempt to use the fixed route system with stops being called out and that Blindness Support Services will increase training in this area to assist their clients, which would lessen the burden on the paratransit system. Jim Collins believed that the Drivers' Union should share in the kudos because of their efforts to train and educate the drivers about the needs of the disabled community. Cathy Bechtel reminded members that a follow-up letter had in fact been sent thanking Tommy Elisaldez of ATU Local 1277 for his presentation before the CAC at the December meeting, and the Union's help in getting cooperation from the drivers. Possible Move of Downtown Bus Terminal: Peter Benevidez said he had learned at another meeting that the City of Riverside is considering moving the downtown bus terminal and suggested it be an item that the CAC watch closely. Steve Connell acknowledged RTA had been approached about this possibility and it was suggested RTA look for other possible locations to disburse transferring from a central hub to possibly a more diverse hub system throughout the City. Steve said there are many considerations that must be taken into account, and he would be happy to keep the CAC apprised as discussions continue. VI. REPORT BY JUDYLYNN GRIES RE: AB 120 AND TRIP PRIORITIZATION Due to time constraints of today's meeting and agreement by Ms. Gries, this item will be carried forward to the April CAC meeting. There were no objections. VII. TRANSPORTATION SERVICE NEEDS OF VETERANS - POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF AD HOC COMMITTEE Bill Densmore said he had testified several times at the Unmet Needs Hearings to inform the operators of the difficulties veterans in the Coachella Valley (especially from Mecca, Coachella, Indio, and the Palo Verde Valley) and the Pass area experience getting to one of their primary sources for health care, the VA Medical Center in Loma Linda. Bill suggested a joint, cooperative effort by the providers from the different jurisdictions (and other interested parties) to meet and study this problem and hopefully arrive at some potential solutions. He would like to see the Commission initiate such meetings with SunLine Transit, RTA, the VA Medical Center, Veterans Transportation Committee, SANBAG and any other interested parties to start some type of action regarding this problem. Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 6 M/S/C (GRIES/MOORE): That the Citizens Advisory Committee requests the Commission to initiate discussions to include RCTC, SANBAG, SunLine Transit Agency, Riverside Transit Agency, the Veterans Hospital/Medical Center (Loma Linda), Veterans Transportation Committee, and other interested parties to explore the possibility of a joint effort demonstration project for transportation services to the VA Center in Loma Linda for veterans in the Coachella Valley. Abstentions: none. Roger Culbertson asked Bill Densmore how many individuals this affects. Bill said several years ago a study was done and at that time and within a six month period there were approximately 500 veterans (new patients) from the Pass Area; 1,000-1,100 from the Coachella Valley; and, 67-83 from the Palo Verde Valley area. His best estimate would be roughly 1,500-1,600 persons in a six month period. For the record, Judylynn Gries wished to state that the Commission has been extremely supportive of assistance to get veterans in Riverside County to the VA hospital. This is reflected in their funding of Mo Van (5 days a week) and Meditrans South Loop (serving the South County 4 out of 5 days a week), however there is still a lot that needs to be done. There was no further discussion. VIII. SECTION 16 SELECTION OF LOCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF LOCAL PRIORITIES & APPEALS PROCESS Staffs memorandum to the CAC was attached to this agenda item and Cathy Bechtel gave a brief overview of it. Cathy said members were needed to sit on the Local.. Review Committee (LRC) to evaluate the Section 16, Cycle 29, applications for capital grants. The LRC (1) reviews all applications received in Riverside County (generally 10-12); (2) meets to score the applications; (3) and, may reconvene if any appeals are received. To date there are 10 potential applicants and the deadline for applying is April 24, 1997. Cathy asked for volunteers and stated the Committee most likely will meet the first or second week of May. All local reviews must be completed by May 28 so the Committee's findings can be submitted to the Commission for their approval. The following volunteered to sit on the LRC: Michelle Rainer, Fortunato Penilla, Greg Trousdell, Lori Nickel, and Peter Benevidez (contingent on the meeting date). Judylynn Gries asked if someone familiar with vehicles would be sitting on the LRC, and Cathy said she would request Shunna Austin, RTA, be included. • • • • • • Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 7 Cathy Bechtel then presented the RCTC funding priorities under the Section 16 Program. She explained how the priorities were determined as set forth in her memo to the CAC dated March 25, 1997. Discussion took place regarding the priorities and how they were determined. Among the questions asked was why replacement of existing vehicles was ranked No. 2 over expansion of new service vehicles, ranked No. 3. Cathy said this does not apply in all instances, it is only in the case of a tie in scoring that this prioritization will be used. Cathy said those vehicles are already on the street furnishing service to individuals. If they need to be replaced, they should be given priority over serving a brand new area because those persons havealready become dependant upon the service. A question also arose why computer equipment was ranked No. 5 (last) and Cathy said the rationale had been to get vehicles first, so service could be started. Cathy added that the highest priority is to make sure all operational vehicles are wheelchair accessible. M/S/C (Collins/Penilla): to continue the priority for funding of the Section 16 Program as set forth in staff's memorandum to the CAC dated March 25, 1997. Abstention: Gries. Third, Cathy Bechtel said minor changes are being proposed to the appeals process. The State has determined they will only hear appeals that are technical in nature and if there is a problem strictly at the local level, that is the proper venue for resolution of the issue. Therefore, RCTC will determine the final ruling on appeals. Cathy then drew attention to the 4th paragraph which states clearly that appeals must be based strictly on technical concerns with the process, and applicants can only appeal information included in their initial application, and there will be no allowances for information inadvertently omitted from the original application. The statewide regulations also have included this information to inform applicants they are scored on what is contained in their original application; additional information provided after the original application is filed will be disallowed. M/S/C (Densmore/Moore): to approve the Local Appeal Process of the Section 16 Program as set forth and recommended in staff's memo to the CAC dated March 25, 1997. Abstentions: none. IX. OTHER BUSINESS Farewell to Gilbert Lopez. Gilbert Lopez, stepping down from his seat on the CAC to afford another the opportunity of serving, bid everyone farewell and thanked the Committee for the opportunity of working with such a fine body and with such a variety of expertise. Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 8 Gilbert commented on how he had seen the CAC evolve over the last few years. Reflecting, Gilbert said his seat originally was to represent the interests of the poor in the areas of routes and fares. Recently, he has been compelled to look at the disability aspects of public transit, especially in light of his own disability and passage of the ADA. He has enjoyed sharing his analytical and legal skills as part of the CAC and welcomed Messrs. Connell and Benevidez as new members on the CAC. The Chair, along with members, thanked Gilbert for his contributions on behalf of the CAC and wished him well in the future, as did the entire membership with a large round of applause. Office on Aging: Michelle Rainer distributed an article entitled What is Transportation Equity. It highlights how the public has grown dependant upon the automobile and why there is transportation inequity. Office on Aging Needs Assessment. Michelle Rainer distributed copies of their brochure Premise for Action highlighting the results of their needs assessment and resources for older persons in Riverside County. Office on Ong Strategic Plan 1997-2001 • Michelle distributed copies of this document, explaining every area agencies on aging is required to develop such a plan. They are in the final stages of development, which includes their goals and objectives. Michelle invited members to review the Plan and offer any input they may have. When finalized, the Plan will be distributed to the community and furnished to the Board of Supervisors as an information item. Office on Aging Notice of Public. Hearing. Michelle distributed copies of the Age Gram announcing a public hearing on the proposed 1997-2001 Strategic Plan. It will be conducted Wednesday, April 16, 1997, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Board Room of Sun Line Transit Agency in Thousand Palms. The Plan is updated yearly and this will be the last opportunity this year to furnish comments which is open to the entire community, not just the aging. Also, for those that are unable to attend, written comments are encouraged and the deadline for submitting written testimony is April 16th to Michelle Rainer at the Riverside County Office on Aging in Riverside. Office on Aging Position Statement • Michelle said this document has been finalized and sent out. Anyone who did not receive a copy was invited to contact Michelle for a copy. The Position Statement also will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors as an information item. • • • • • Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 9 Offices on Aging New Statewide Toll Free Number. The area agencies on aging have a new number as follows: 1 800 510-2020. Any senior in the Riverside area may contact his/her office using this number (it is a statewide number and will link seniors from any area in California to the office having jurisdiction in their area). New Area Code for the Coachella Valley. Jim Collins reminded members that the Coachella Valley no longer uses Area Code 619. The new Area Code is 760. SunLine Transit Agency Dial -A -Rides. Dennis Guinaw said ridership on the dial -a -ride has increased. In fact, two weeks ago it was up approximately 48% over the same week the previous year. Dennis attributed this increase as the result of SunLine's outreach efforts. CalAct Conference - Clear Lake, California. Dennis Guinaw said this conference will take place April 8, 9, 10 and 11. Although the agenda is focused on transportation marketing, Dennis said there are many other sessions. Scholarships are available for rural providers through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program. The information number for those who may be interested is 1 800 422-5228. Coachella Valley Soapbox Derby. Dennis Guinaw said he is on the steering committee for this event and this year the derby will be held on April 5, 1997. Dennis said they are attempting to get 2 vehicles especially designed for disabled children so they can compete, and they will try to recruit 4 disabled children for this event. It has not been confirmed, but efforts are underway. RCTC Summer Reach Trains. Cathy Bechtel distributed fliers announcing these popular trains to San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente, noting there were additional trains and events this year. The fliers tell how to purchase tickets and list different events taking place at the beach. There was no other business. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the CAC the meeting adjourned at 3:11 p.m. The next CAC meeting will be April 28, 1997, at the offices of the Riverside County Transportation Commission at 1:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, • eAA-4,7/ :jmd Cathy Bechtel, Program Manager RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION DATE: April 28, 1997 TO: Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation Advisory Committee FROM: Jerry Rivera, Program Manager SUBJECT: SB 821 Evaluation Committee The RCTC has issued the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program Call for Projects. Projects will be due in May for review and final approval at the July RCTC meeting. In the past, we have convened an evaluation committee which included three (3) representatives from the TAC, and three (3) representatives from the CAC. This usually involves a one -day meeting to review and rate the projects. Lunch is provided. Recommended Action - That the CAC appoint three (3) representatives to the SB 821 Evaluation Committee. CB:jmd • • RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION DATE: April 28, 1997 TO: Citizens' Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation Advisory Council FROM: Cathy Bechtel, Program Manager SUBJECT: FY 1997-98 Unmet Needs Hearings Transcript Summaries and Responses State law requires that a public hearing be held annually to receive comments from the public concerning public transit needs. Approximately $28 million dollars in local transportation funds (LTF) will be available in the county for transit purposes in FY 97/98. These funds are derived from 1/4 of one cent of sales tax. As a priority, these funds must be used for public transit. If there are funds remaining after meeting all reasonable transit needs, these funds may then be used for construction and maintenance of streets and roads. In the Western County and Coachella Valley, all available local transit funds are being used for transit services. In the Palo Verde Valley, however, there have been sufficient funds leftover after funding transit services to make street and road improvements. The Commission requests the assistance of the CAC/SSTAC in reviewing the testimony and responses collected during the unmet needs hearings to determine what improvements should be made to the Palo Verde Valley Transit system. The information gathered at the Western County and Coachella Valley hearings is used to help the operators determine what improvements may be needed on their systems. All available funds are being used in each area to operate the transit systems. Improvements can only be made if the change is so minor that extra cost will not be generated or else by deleting an unproductive route to use the funds for new service. Attached are summaries of the testimony from the Banning, Blythe and Palm Springs hearings as well as summaries of the written comments received. Also included are the proposed staff/operator responses. The affected transit operators reviewed each request on the basis of whether or not there would be sufficient ridership to justify expansion, available equipment to operate expanded service, or the funds to operate the service. Any proposed service improvements will be included in the operators Short Range Transit Plan, which is currently being prepared and will be brought to the Committee next month for comment. Staff recommends that the CAC/SSTAC request that the Commission adopt the unmet 3560 University Avenue, Suite 100 • Riverside, California 92501 (909) 787-7141 • FAX (909) 787-7920 • • • transit needs hearing testimony and responses and find that based on review of the existing services, that there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet in the Palo Verde Valley. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the Citizens' Advisory Committee/Social Services Transportation Advisory Council recommend adoption of the FY 1997-98 Unmet Transit Needs responses for Riverside County and that based upon review of existing services, find that there are no unmet transit needs which can be reasonably met in the Palo Verde Valley. • FY 97-98 UNME TR ANSIT NEEDS Summary of Testim ony and Staff Responses Written Comments Received by the C ommission Name/Organizati on Bashir U. Rajput 5140 West Ramsey Street Banning, CA 92220 Summary of C omments WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY Need to: 1. Improve timing of bus services on Ramsey Street . Current service is slow . 2. Improve convenience and frequency of Banning bus service . Shorten distance between residences and bus stops. 3. Provide printed bus schedules for Banning bus system. 4. Improve bus routing on Ramsey between Civic Center and Peacock Colony. 5. Provide 50% discount to seniors who ride the Banning buses. 6. Provide bus services on holidays to allow people to take care of their errands . 7. Provide connections between Banning bus system and other public transportation services. Staff Resp onse 1. Current service in residential area provides 30 minute headways . 2. Our two city routes currently provide 60 minute headways with 30 minute service on Ramsey . Designated stops are established in commercial areas only . Howev er, as a convenience to our passengers, flag down stops are provided in residential areas. 3. Printed schedules are available on all buses, as well as the City Hall, library and Senior Center . Banning Transit is in the process of posting bus schedules at all bus stops. 4. It is currently not feasible to modify bus routing on Ramsey without impacting overall configuration of other routes. 5. Existing $ .50 far e for all riders helps the City to meet its State required mandate of 10% of the cost of the operation coming from fares. Oen C omments Recei ved by the Commissi on Name/Organization • Summary of C omments Staff Resp onse F�e 2 Bashir U. Rajput continued Dollie Irwin 420 N. Morongo Avenue Banning, CA 92220 Carolyn Toenjes 1863 Park Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 1. Need to provide commuter rail service between Palm Springs and Los Angeles with a station in Banning. Access to Metrolink is desired . 2. Concern is expressed about transporting trash by train to the Eagle Mountain dump. Transportation Commission is asked to convey this concern to the County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. 6. Buses operate on all but 4 holidays. 7a. Connections are currently being provided to all public transit services in the Pass area. 7b. RTA proposes to expand service on routes 35 and 36 to 6 days a week effective January 1998. This expansion will increase the connections between the Banning bus system and RTA . 1. Currently, no funding is available to provide commuter rail service between the Coachella Valley and Los Angeles. The Commission is exploring opportunities to provide rail or bus connections to the Coachella Valley. 2. The Commission has forwarded the concern about the Eagle Mountain dump to the County Board of Supervisors . Oten Comments Received by the Commission • 3 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response John V. Campbell P.O. Box 1666 Banning, CA 92220 Need to: 1. Reinstate the previous Cabazon bus service schedule and route . 2. Maintain current bus stop located near the Moose Lodge to avoid traffic safety problems. 3. Provide transit services into the Cabazon community located Southeast of the Colorado River Aqueduct. 4. Provide Cabazon North/South transit service between 6am to 6pm, including Saturday service . 5. Provide transportation service to Palm Springs boarder with transfers available to SunLine service . 6. Provide Banning and Beaumont Dial - A -Rides on Saturdays and extend their service hours to the number of hours provided by the Banning/Cabazon fixed - route services. 7. Work with Beaumont Dial -A -Ride to drop-off and pick-up passengers at more convenient locations in front of K - Mart and Pay -Less Drug Store. 1. The current routing is necessary due to problems previously encountered while providing service behind the outlet. It has been determined that service should be provided in front of the outlet on the public street. 2. The bus stop near the Moose Lodge cannot be maintained due to a needed re-routing of the bus route . 3. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle service to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center for connection to existing Cabazon service. 4. Banning Transit will propose to expand the service hours of its Cabazon services to 6am to 6pm between Monday and Friday and 8am to 6pm on Saturday, consistent with the number of service hours provided by its other fixed -route services. 5. Currently, funding is not available to provide expanded service to the Palm Springs. 6. Funding is currently not available to expand service hours of dial -a -ride services. However, as required by the ADA, Dial -A -Ride is available at hours Ot en Comments Received by the Commissi on • 4 Name/Organizati on Summary of Comments Staff Response John V. Campbell continued Donald B. Gregory 5489 Appaloosa Avenue Riverside, CA 92509 Need to improve schedule coordination between RTA services and Metrolink trains . RTA services should me et all Metrolink trains at the Riverside County stations. RTA should work with Metrolink so that bus services can meet new train schedules. matching the fixed -route for ADA certified passengers . 7. Beaumont Dial -A -Ride drops off and picks up all ADA certified passengers at the doorways of the stores in its service area. Non-ADA passengers are dropped off and picked up at bus stops near the stores. Each drop-off and pick-up is considered on a case -by -case basis to meet the needs of each passenger . Currently, RTA feeder service meets all trains serving Riverside County. As Metrolink service increases, RTA will coordinate feeder service to meet additional trains. RTA routinely works with SCRRA/ Metrolink staff to coordinate schedules. Helen Dorsett P. O. Box 899 Cabazon, CA 92230-0899 Need to: 1. Provide transportation service to the Elm Street area of Cabazon to give residents access to jobs and medical services. 2. Schedule transportation services earlier in the morning and later in the evening into Cabazon. 1. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle service to residents in this area to Cabazon Community Center for connection to existing Cabazon service. 2. The City is proposing to expand service to two additional hours in the AM equal to inner city routes beginning October 1997 . ten Comments Received by the Commission • 5 Name/Organization Sterling Pierce Cabazon Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 816 Cabazon, CA 92230 Janice Smith P.O. Box 1106 Cabazon, CA 92230 Summary of Comments Need to: 1. Extend bus service into the Elm Street area of Cabazon to serve 1/3 of Cabaz on's population . Current service is 2 .5 miles away . Service is recommended at 8am, 12pm and 5pm to meet the needs of the Elm Street area residents. 2. Extend the service hours of current service, similar to the hours provided in Banning . 3. Provide transportation service on Carmen Ave . from Apache Trail to Broadway instead of Main St.. This service change is needed to meet the needs of a growing population which is 1.5 miles away from the current service route on Main St .. 4. Provide transportation service to Cabazo n residents on Sundays so that they can have access to religious services and shopping. Need to improve public transit services between Pass communities and Moreno Valley/Riverside so that Pass residents can have access to commuter services to Los Angeles. Service to the Pass area from Moreno Valley at 7pm would be of great help. Staff Resp onse 1. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle service to residents in this area to Cabazon Community Center for connection to existing Cabazon service. 2. The City is proposing to expand service to two additional hours in the AM equal to inner city routes beginning October 1997. 3. The City is currently investigating feasibility of changing existing route to meet this request . 4. There is no Sunday service currently being provided in the Pass Area. This need has not been communicated previously. RTA proposes to increase service on Route 35 to 6 days a week effective January 1998. This route operates from the Pass area to Moreno Valley . However, current ridership levels on this service do not support the provision of evening service at this time. •ten Comments Recei ved by the Commission • Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response Kathie Carlson County Service Area #85 P. O. Box 782 Cabazon, CA 92230 Letter written to support public testimony requesting public transportation service in the Elm, Esperanza and Adele area of Cabazon. This would help the residents of this area reach the Community Center. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle service to residents in this area to Cabazon Community Center for connection to existing Cabazon service . Lu Hurley 20076 State Street Corona, CA 91719 1. Expresses appreciation for recent ADA service changes. 2. Requests access to Medi-Trans service to Loma Linda for daughter when daughter is sick. 1. No comment necessary. 2. If daughter is ADA certified, she is eligible to ride ADA Intercity #2 and transfer to ADA Intercity #1 when traveling from Corona to Loma Linda. If the mother is eligible, the daughter can accompany her as a companion. Meditrans Services is available to provide transportation between Corona and Loma Linda, if either the mother or the daughter is disabled. Meditrans provides service between Cor ona and Loma Linda on Monday, Thursday and Friday between 10:30AM and 1:30PM. Meditrans can be reached at (909) 682-1162. :ten Comments Received by the C ommission • 7 Name/Organization S ummary of Comments Staff Resp onse N. Ferguson 592 Toledo Drive Hemet, CA 92545 R. Romero Moreno Valley Need to provide transportation for seniors from Hemet to other Southland communities. Expresses concern about proposal to stop Moreno Valley bus service to March AFB. This proposed change will cause her great hardship because she will not be able to get to her job . RTA operates the Hemet/San Jacinto Dail -A -Ride . This DAR provides service to Homeland and Romoland and is open to the general public . In addition, the ADA Intercity #4 provides service between Sun City, Hemet and the Banning/Beaumont areas . RTA operates fixed -routes 27, 31 and 32 which connect Hemet with surrounding areas. Meditrans also provides service in the Hemet area with service to South County communities. Effective May 1997, RTA Route 17 will be realigned to serve the intersection of Cactus and Graham, approximately 100 yards from the March AFB main gate. Continued review of the area will be performed as the March Re -use Plan is implemented. •ten Comments Received by the Commission • 8 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Resp onse Martha Thorpe 516 Prospect Street Riverside, CA 92507 Need to provide door-to-door dial -a -ride service for senior citizens in Highgrove. Highgrove seniors need the same type of dial -a -ride service in as is provided in the cities of Perris and Lake Elsinore. Concern is expressed that the new ADA plan is only meant for persons with disabilities . Senior citizens need ADA mobility assistance because they can not climb steps or walk far. Letter is co-signed by 15 other people. Currently, RTA Route 25 and Intercity #1 serve the High Grove area. It is hoped that seniors who have difficulty riding the fixed routes may qualify to ride the paratransit system, and we encourage them to apply for ADA certification. In addition, RTA has done marketing outreach in this location to educate people about the ADA eligibility requirements. For those seniors who do not qualify, transportation services may be available from Meditrans and Family Services . RTA's fixed -route #25 buses are equipped with a kneeling feature, which may ease boarding and alighting. Service on the ADA Intercity #1 is limited to ADA qualified passengers. Budgetary restraints do not allow for non ADA qualified riders to ride the ADA Intercity #1 at this time. *ten Comments Received by the C ommission • 9 Name/Organizati on Summary of Comments Staff Resp onse Margaret Drda Community Access Center 7223 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504-3812 Need to: 1. Provide accessible bus stops by having local agencies coordinate their SB821 sidewalk project proposals with their respective public transit operators/CTSAs . 2. Provide transit system information in alternative formats for persons with sensory disabilities. 3. Expand dial -a -ride services into currently unserved areas. 4. Provide additional dial -a -ride reservation operators and equipment to accommodate expanded service areas and demand . 5. Provide customer service training to dial -a -ride reservation and operator staffs. 1. RTA will be happy to work with local jurisdictions to facilitate the identification of bus stops that would benefit from accessibility improvements . 2. RTA provides a TTY phone number for system information. This information is also available in Braille and audio cassette upon request . A printed copy or audio cassette of a trip itinerary can be provided to a passenger upon request . In addition, RTA has a stop announcement system on 17 of its vehicles. This system automatically announces stops and provides a digital read out of the stop on a panel above the driver. FY98 Budget plans include capital financing of 40 additional retro-fit stop announcement systems . 3. RTA expanded service to meet the requirements of the ADA by providing service within 3/4 of a mile of fixed - route services. Currently, no funding for service beyond the requirements of the ADA is available. 4. RTA has purchased new computers and equipment for the transit information center and DAR *ten C omments Received by the Commission • P•10 Name/Organizati on Summary of Comments Staff Response Margaret Drda continued dispatch. RTA has also combined the information center and DAR dispatch. This permits the information center to answer DAR dispatch phone calls when the dispatch is busy. RTA is also cross -training the information center with DAR dispatch phone operators so that one person may take reservations or provide system information. 5. RTA provides on -going training to its DAR reservation operators . Training begins when the operators are hired and continues on a monthly basis. Sun Lakes Residents 5062 Rolling Hills Ave. Banning, CA 92220 Need to provide transportation service from Banning to Palm Springs. Service from the Sun Lakes Shopping Center and The Highland Spa is recommended . Currently, funding is not available to expand transit services to link Banning and Palm Springs . The Commission and the operators are working cooperatively to find opportunities to provide a service link. COACHELLA VALLEY Dorothy Penttila Quail Valley, #250 70-201 Aurora Road Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 Need to provide public transportation service to senior citizens in the Desert Hot Springs area along Dillon Road. SunLine staff will meet with the community surrounding the Dillon Road corridor to determine a potential demonstration service using existing funding. V. Foxwell 13495 Chaparral Road Whitewater, CA 92282 Need to provide transportation services to the Whitewater/San Gorgonio area around the I-10 and Verbenia intersection by extending the buses which stop in Cabazon. Current funding shortfalls do not allow for expanded service to the Whitewater area of the Coachella Valley. ',ten Comments Received by the Commission • Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response William H. Densmore Dept of Veterans' Service County of Riverside 4220 Lemon Street Riverside, CA 92501-3818 Need to provide enhanced public transportation service to veterans who reside in the Coachella Valley and in the Palo Verde Valley requiring medical services provided by the Loma Linda V.A . Medical Center. Currently provided RGH transportation service is not adequate to meet the needs of the 200 veterans who seek treatment at the VAMC each month . Additional veterans in the Palo Verde Valley cannot access the RGH transport services . Proposes study of veterans' transport needs by committee to include representatives of Coachella and Palo Verde Valley veteran communities, the RivCo. Vets' Advisory Cmte., the VAMC, RCTC, RTA, SunLine, RivCo & San BdnoCo Dept. of Vets Services, and SunLine and RTA will participate in a special Task Force of the RCTC Citizen's Advisory Committee to examine existing services as well as the need for new services. PALO VERDE VALLEY Beatrice Wueprecht 5640 Co. Pr. Road Blythe, CA 92225 Expresses her appreciation for the Blythe transit service. Thank you . • BANNING CITY HALL January 8, 1997 Name/Orga nization FY 97-98 UNMSRANSIT NEEDS Summary of Testimony a nd Staff Respons es Summary of C Loucas Papas 50262 W. Ramona Cabazon, CA 92230 Need to bring transportation services to the community centers of Cabazon. Transportation is needed for economic de velopment in Cabazon. Current system provides hourly ser vice to all major centers in Cabazon . Sebastian Rios P.O. Box 622 Cabazon, CA 92230 Need to preser ve the public transportation service which is available to the residents of Cabazon so that they can tra vel to Banning and Beaumont. There are no plans to discontinue the current service. Karin M. Steere 5077 W. Wilson St. #123 Banning, CA 92220 Need t o: 1. Schedule a bus to serve the Cabazon Outlet Center at an earlier time so that the Center's transit dependent employees can open their stores on time before they are fined by the Center . The original schedule worked much better for Outlet employees. 2. Provide transit service between Cabazon and Banning/Beau- mont on Sundays so that Cabazon residents can have access to grocery stores and religious serv ices. 3. Improve public transportation services between the Pass communities and the cities of Riverside and San Bernardino. 1. The City is proposi ng to start Cabazon area service at 6:00 am, effective October 1997. 2. There is currently no Sunday ser vice being provided in the Pass Area . Funding is currently not a vailable at this time to initiate this service on Sundays . 3. RTA proposes to expand service on routes 35 and 36 to 6 days a week effective January 1998. This expansion will increase the connections between the Banning bus system and RTA. • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January 8, 1997 Name/Organization Jameelah Henderson 766 E. Hoffer Banning, CA 92220 Gene Hickman Cabazon Community Action Cabazon Chamber of Commerce P. O. Box 521 Cabazon, CA 92230 Summary of Comments Need to: 1. Reschedule the public transit route which serves the Cabazon Outlet Center. The route's previous schedule allowed the Center's employees to meet their work schedule obligations in a much more con venient manner . 2. E xtend the service hours of the public transit route which serves the Cabazon Outlet Center for the Center's employees who work until 7pm or 8pm. 1. Expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by Banning Transit staff in working to extend Banning's transit services. 2. Need to provide public transportation for people who walk from bus termination point in Banning to the Southeast Cabazon location of the Jenson Water Company. Page 2 Staff Response 1. & 2. The City is pr oposi ng to start Cabazon area service to the Cabazon Outlet Mall at 6:00 am, effecti ve October 1997 . 1. Thank you. 2. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle ser vice to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, providing connections to e xisting Cabazon service. • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January 8, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of Comme nts Staff Response Page 3 Sterling Pierce Cabazon Chamber of Commerce P. O. Box 816 Cabazon, CA 92230 Need to: 1. Pro vide additional public transp ortation in the Cabazon community . Particular attention is requested regarding the need for transit service in the Elm Street area of Cabazon. A morning, noon, and late afternoon bus is recommended to serve Bonita, Elm, Esperanza, Carmen, and Apache streets in order to provide access to Banning . 2. Provide bus service on Sundays in Cabazon. 1. The Commission is currently negotiati ng with CSA 85 to pro vide shuttle service to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, pro viding con nections to existing Cabazon service. 2. There is currently no Sunday ser vice being provided in the Pass Area. Funding is currently not available at this time to initiate this ser vice on Sundays. • • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January 8, 1997 Name/Orga nization S ummary of Comme nts Staff Response Page 4 Mary M. Crosby 49903 Fuller Ave . Cabazon, CA 92230 Need to: 1. Reinstate canceled bus route which ran at an earlier time . 2. Pro vide public transit ser vice which would allow Cabazon residents the ability to get to San Jacinto College at 8am. 3. Pro vide public transit on Magnolia and Carmen to ser vice a trailer park with senior citizen residents . 4. Impro ve transit ser vice to Cabazon area shopping center by not requiring long routing through Banning. 1. The City is proposing to start Cabazon area service at 6:00 am, effecti ve October 1997. 2. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle service to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, pro viding c onnections to existing Cabaz on ser vice. RTA proposes to expand service on routes 35 and 36 to 6 days a week effecti ve January 1998 . This expansion will increase the transportation options of Pass Area commuters. 3. Banning Transit is currently investigating the feasibility of changing the existing route to meet this request. 4. Current routing is required to meet the needs of Cabazon residents. • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HE ARING January 8, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of C omments Staff Resp onse Page 5 Ralph Sandberg Need to study need for transit ser vice The Commission is currently 51561 Ida Ave on Elm Street in Cabazon in light of negotiating with CSA 85 to Cabazon, CA 92230 1993 survey and petition requesting provide sh uttle service to ser vice. An updated sur vey to reflect residents in this area to the the new population and its needs is req uired. Cabazon Community Center, providing connections to existing Cabazon ser vice. Florence Sandberg Need to provid e transit service from The Commission is currently 51561 Ida Ave Banning fire station to the end of negotiating with CSA 85 to Cabazon, CA 92230 Broadway then turn on Esperanza, Elm provide shuttle service to and Bonita streets . residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, pro viding connections to existing Cabazon service. • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January 8, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response Page 6 Louie Velasquez Jr . 333 N. Murray St . Banning, CA 92220 Need to: 1. Pro vide transit service to the Cabazon Outlet Mall between 6am and 9pm. 2. Pro vide transit service on Sundays between 8am and 2pm to allow people to shop, go to church, go to the outlet mall, and go to the casino. 3. Provide Amtrak ser vice for the communities of Banning, Beaumont, and Cherry Valley . 4. Impro ve transit ser vice to Beaumont with 30 mi nute headways . 1. The City is proposing to start Cabazon area service to the Cabazon Outlet Mall at 6:00 am, effective O ct ober 1997. 2. There is currently no Sunday service being provided in the Pass Area. Funding is currently not available at this time to initiate this service on Sundays. 3. The Commission will forward this request to Amtrak officials. 4. While funding is currently not available to provide 30 minute headways, RTA is proposing to expand service to Beaumont on routes 35 and 36 to 6 days a week effecti ve January 1998 . • • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HE ARING January 8, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response Page 7 Helen Dorsett Cabazon Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 899 Cabazon, CA 92230-0899 Need to: 1. Ensure the pro vision of public transportation ser vices to the communities of Banning, Beaumont and Cabazon to protect the economic health of the area. 2. Expand the provision of tra nsit services into the Cabazon community located S outheast of the Colorado River Aqueduct . 1. RTA is proposing to expand service to Beaumont on routes 35 and 36 to 6 days a week effective January 1998 . 2. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to pro vide shuttle service to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, providing connections to existing Cabazon service. • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January 8, 1397 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Respo nse Page 8 Kenny Ware 1213 N. Blanchard St. Banning, CA 92220 Need to: 1. Schedule expanded hours of service for Cabazon route. It is suggested that this route operate for the same number of hours that are provided by the North/S outh Banning bus . Ser vice from Cabazon is needed between 6am and 9pm. 2. Provide transit services into the Cabazon community located Southeast of the Colorado Ri ver Aqueduct. 3. Provide additi onal days of operation for RTA routes 35 and 36. 4. Operate the Beaumont Dial -A -Ride on Saturdays. 5. Provide a Metrolink station in Banning. 6. Prov ide the Palm Springs transit service (SunLine) to the Cabazon casin o for transfers to Morongo Transit or Cabazon transit service. 1. The City is proposing to start Cabazon area service to the Cabazon Outlet Mall at 6:00 am, effective October 1997. 2. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle service to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, providing connections to existing Cabazon ser vice. 3. RTA proposes to expand ser vice on routes 35 and 36 to 6 days a week effecti ve January 1998 . 4. Funding is curre ntly not available to expand ser vice hours of dial -a -ride services. However, as required by the ADA, Dial -A -Ride is available at hours matching the fixed - route for ADA certified passengers. 5. The Commission will forward this request to Metrolink and Amtrak officials . • • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January Pp, 1397 Name/Organization S ummary of Comments Staff Response Page 9 Kenny Ware continued Susan Reyno lds Moreno Valley Cmty Hosp 27300 Iris Ave Moreno Valley, CA 92553 Need to realign or expand current RT A bus services in Moreno Valley to pro vide additional transit service to the Moreno Valley Community Hospital. Bus ser vice is needed twice a day, in the morning and evening. 6. Currently, funding is not a vailable to e xpand transit services to link Banning, the casino, and Palm Springs. The Commission and the operators are working cooperatively to find opportunities to provide a ser vice link between the Pass communities and Palm Springs. RTA will expand service on routes 16, 17 and 19 in Moreno Valley effecti ve January 1998 . • • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January 8, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response Page 10 John V. Campbell 14024 N. Broadway Cabazon, CA 92230 Need to: 1. Provide transit ser vices into the Cabaz on community located S outheast of the Colorado River Aqueduct. 2. Reinstate the previ ous Cabazon bus ser vice schedule and route . 3. Pro vide the Palm Springs transit ser vice (SunLine) to the Cabazon casino for ser vice into Palm Springs. 4. Work with Beaumont Dial -A -Ride to drop passengers off and pick them back up at more con venient locations outside K -Mart and Stater Bros. stores. 1. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle service to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, pr oviding connections to existing Cabazon service. 2. Reversing the route is necessary due to problems encountered while providing service behind outlet . Determined that service should be pr ovided in front of outlet on public street. 3. There is currently no funding a vailable to pro vide expanded service to the Cabazon casino at this time. 4. Beaumont Dial -A -Ride drops off and picks up all ADA certified passengers at the doorways of the stores in its ser vice area. Non-ADA passengers are dropped off and picked up at bus stops near the stores . Each drop-off and pick-up is considered on a case -by -case basis to meet the needs of each passenger . • • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January 8, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response Page 11 Joe Carter 51855 Riza Ave . Cabazon, CA 92230 1. Need to provide expanded transit services in the Cabazon, Pass area. Expansion should include the pro vision of additional hours of service, Sunday service, and ser vice to additional areas of Cabazon. 2. S cheduling of RTA routes 35 and 36 is needed to be coordi nated with the Pass area's other transit services. Additional hours of service are needed for the these routes . 1. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to provide shuttle service to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, pro viding connections to existing Cabazon ser vice . The City is proposing to start Cabazon area s ervice to the at 6:00 am, effective October 1997. Howe ver, funding is currently not available at this time to initiate this service on Sundays . 2. RTA proposes to expand service on routes 35 and 36 to 6 days a week effective January 1998. • BANNING TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING January 8, 1997 Name/Organizatio n Summary of Comments Staff Response Page 12 Jean Wiener Cabazon Chamber of Commerce 52195 Adele Cabazon, CA 92230 Rachel Marie Harmon 52007 Helen Av e. Cabazon, CA 92230 Need to: 1. Expand the public transportation ser vices curre ntly operated in Cabazon. Expanded services should be pro vided into the community located Southeast of the Colorado River Aqueduct 3 times per day . 2. Impro ve the scheduling of transit ser vices connecti ng Cabazon, Banning and Beaumont. General comments about the importance of, and need for, transit ser vice in the Cabazon area. 1. The Commission is currently negotiating with CSA 85 to pro vide shuttle ser vice to residents in this area to the Cabazon Community Center, providing connections to existing Cabazon ser vice. 2. The City is proposing to start Cabazon area service to the at 6:00 am, effecti ve October 1997. RTA proposes to e xpand service on routes 35 and 36 to 6 days a week effective January 1998. No comment necessary . • • BLYTHE CITY HALL FEBRUARY 7, 1997 Name/Organization FY 97-98 UNMET TR ANSIT NEEDS Summary of Testimony and Staff Responses Summary of Alma Ortega Palo Verde Head Start 401 S. Third Street Blythe, CA 92225 Need transportation ser vice from Blythe to the Loma Linda Dental School 3 times a year for groups of 6-8 children and their parents. The largest Dial -A -Ride vehicle can accommodate up to 12 passengers . The City can pro vide a run into Loma Linda a few times a year to meet this need . The staff from Headstart should work with the City to schedule. Edward L. Snyder Colorado Riv er Senior Center H & R 20 Box 3408 Rio Loco Blythe, CA 92225 Need t o: 1. Provide funding to help pay for the operating costs of pro viding transportation assistance to seniors who li ve at the Colorado River Senior Center. 2. Prov ide more information about the T.R. I.P. program to the residents of the Colorado River Senior Center . The TRIP program should be of great assistance to residents in this area. The Director of the program will meet with the area residents to explain TRIP and assist in completing enr ollment f orms . Bob Gabbert 13300 Blue Ridge Rd. #82 Blythe, CA 92225 . Need to provide public transportation serv ice from the Blythe area to the Coachella Valley for persons with disabilities. The City pre viously pro vided this connection, however, the cost was e xhorbitant, $ 100 per passenger trip. The TRIP program can assist with mileage reimbursement for these long distance trips. I HE TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING Fe r uary 7, 1997 Name/Org anization • Summary of Comments Staff Resp onse • April Brown Blythe Nursing Care Center 285 Chanslor Way Blythe, CA 92225 Need to provide additional wheelchair accessible dial -a -ride services in Blythe. Teresa Karschner Valley Resource Center 170 N. Broadway Blythe, CA 92225 Need to pro vide funding for 2 additional service hours to accommodate increasing demand for mid -day trips. The Dial -A -Ride provider has w orked with staff of the Nursing Care Center to discuss scheduli ng needs of both agencies so that clients' needs can be met. Scheduling of the second vehicle has been adjusted to accomodate passenger demand during midday peak hours. • PA LM SPRINGS CITY HALL FEBRUARY 13, 1997 Name/Organization FY 97-98 UNMET TR ANSIT NEEDS Summary of Testimony and Staff Respons es Summary of Co - --- ... ...... . .... ,N v...av Ann Frock 69-530 Dillon Rd., #30 N. Palm Springs, CA 92258 Need to provide transportation ser vice to the mobile home parks on Dillon Road . Informatio n about currently available transportation ser vices should be pro vided to the Dillon Road communities. SunLine staff will meet with the community surrounding the Dillon Road corridor to determine a potential demonstration service using existing funding. Betty L. Tumminello 100 W. Via Oliv era, #8 Palm Springs, CA 92262 Need to pro vide bus ser vice along North Sunrise in Palm Springs . Bus routes should be focused on meeting the needs of low income and minority areas instead of being geared to the to urist areas. SunLine currently provides ser vice along North Sunrise Way via Line 23. A recent survey of the Demographics of SunBus riders indicates that 53% of SunBus riders are Hispanic and 49% ha ve an annual income of under $15,000. Many of these riders work in the hospitality industry. Judylynn Gries Meditrans Serv ices, Inc. 3780 Elizabeth Street Riverside, CA 92506 1. Expressed appreciation of Commission supported specialized transit programs . 2. Expressed concern for the transportation needs of seniors without mobility impairments and the truly needy who are not cov ered by the transportation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The transportation needs of seniors who are not eligible for ADA transportation services has been designated as a project which will be addressed this year by SunLine's Access Advisory Committee. • • PALM SPRINGS TRANSIT NEEDS HE ARING Febr uary 13, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response Page 2 Linda Cooper Lee 2580 E. Tahquitz Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 1. Pro vide public teleph ones at bus stops and improve Su nLine's services to make the system more user friendly. 2. Expressed concern that SunLine Board members do n ot understand the needs of the bus riders and people who use wheelchairs. 1. The placeme nt of amenities at bus stops is dependent on e xisting resources at each bus stop location. 2. The SunLine Board relies heavily on the input fr om the community, includi ng SunLine's Access Advisory Committee which is made up of bus riders and persons with disabilities. Helen Wariner Riverside Spec. Serv ices 8095 Lincoln Ave, Bldg.A Riverside, CA 92504 Need to study, plan and pr ovide for the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities in response to the planned relocation of the Riverside General Hospital. RTA will expand service on routes 16, 17 and 19 in Moreno Valley effective January 1998 in order to provide service to Riverside General Hospital . Mr. Alley 3200 E. Baristo, #244 Palm Springs, CA 92262 Need to improv e the scheduling of SunLine's Route 24. The prev ious service pro vided by Route 21 was more conv enient. SunLine staff, the Access Committee, and the Board of Directors are monitoring Line 24. Service enhancement to Line 24 will be considered as anticipated increases in available funding permit. • • PALM SPRINGS TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING February 13, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Respo nse Page 3 Marijke Kremers Need to: 1. SunLine staff, the Access 100 W. Via Olivera, #19 1. Improve the frequency of ser vice on the Committee, and the Board of Palm Springs, CA 92262 new SunLine route system . The old system Directors are monitoring Lines with routes 19, 21 and 24 allowed people to 19, 21 and 24. Ser vice travel around Palm Springs (along Vista enhancement to these routes Chino to Palm Springs Mall) much faster will be considered as than on the new route system. anticipated increases in 2. Ha ve SunLine planning staff ride on the a vailable f unding permit. SunLine system . 2. Staff is c urrently required to 3. Provide additional funding to support ride and report on the system SunLine's transit system. on a quarterly basis as part of their job duties. 3. Both the SunLine and the C ommission continually seek additional re venue for transit improvements. Sue Cote Need to improve the routing and scheduling SunLine staff, the Access 2800 Tahquitz Canyon, #114 of SunLine's fixed -route system so seniors and persons with disabilities are not required Committee, and the Board of Directors are monitoring current Palm Springs, CA 92262 to walk a mile to get to a bus stop or wait service. Service enhancement an hour or two for a bus. to existing ro utes will be considered as anticipated increases in available funding permit . Rochelle G. Esser ' Need to improve access from the remote In time, this issue will be 81-801 Shadow Palm Ave, #180 areas of the Coachella Valley to the rest of the Inland Empire, especially access to the considered as increased funding becomes available. Indio, CA 92201 Ontario Airport. • • PALM SPRINGS TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING February 13, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of C omments Staff Response Page 4 Phil Kaplan City of Palm Springs P. 0. Box 2743 Palm Springs, CA 92263 Need to: 1. Provide improved bi-directional ser vice along the Tahquitz corridor from El Cielo to Indian or Palm Canyon. 2. Shorten the headways of service provided on Tahquitz from the apartment areas to the commercial zone on Indian and Palm Canyon. 3. Shorten service headways. 4. Provide an accessible taxi vehicle for persons with disabilities who need to get to/from the airport and for people with disabilities who require transportation when SunLine is not operating . 1. & 2. SunLine staff, the Access Committee, and the Board of Directors are monitoring Line 24 . Service enhanceme nt to Line 24 will be considered as anticipated increases in available funding permit . 3. The shortening of service headways will be added to the priority list of issues to be reviewed this year. 4. SunLine currently c ontracts with an accessible Taxi ser vice as a back-up to the SunDial ser vice. Nancy Tracy Need to: 1. The shortening of service 2392 Tahquitz Canyon, #81 1. Provide 30 minute headways for SunLine's route 14 at peak travel times. headways will be added to the priority list of issues to be Palm Springs, CA 92262 2. Provide transportation service on Dillon re viewed this year. Road. 2. SunLine staff will meet with the community surrounding the Dillon Road corridor to determine a potential demonstration service using existing funding. • • • PALM SPRINGS TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING February 13, 1997 Name/Organization Summary of Comments Staff Response Page 5 Verena Kienast P.O. Box 200 Palm Springs, CA 92263 Need to provide transportation ser vice to access train service in the Coachella Valley. As rail service is brought to the Coachella Valley, SunLine will work with local jurisdictions to provide ser vice to the rail programs. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION DATE: April 28, 1997 TO: Citizens' Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation Advisory Council FROM: Cathy Bechtel, Program Manager SUBJECT: FY 1998 Measure A Program for the Western Riverside County The new fiscal year is fast approaching and we need to plan for allocation of Measure A Specialized Transit funds available in the Western County. The Measure A half -cent sales tax identifies 5% of annual revenues for implementation of Specialized Transportation Programs. The Commission policy apportions 2.5% of these funds for Commuter Assistance programs and the remaining 2.5% for Specialized Transit programs which benefit seniors, persons with disabilities and the truly needy. This 2.5% is split one more time per Commission policy to apportion half to the public transit operators in the Western County and the other half is available for allocation to non-profit agencies which provide transit services to seniors, persons with disabilities and the truly needy. This pot of funds is projected to be $1,417,147 in FY 1998 ($496,351 new apportionment + $920,796 in carryover from prior years). (Current Commission policy allocates the Measure A Specialized Transit funds available in the Coachella Valley directly to SunLine Transit Agency which they use to support their specialized transit programs). For the past several years the Commission has allocated Specialized Transit funds to improve the availability of inter -city travel and for access to major medical facilities in the area. We have supported the use of available public transit service by truly needy residents through a grant to the Transportation Access Program which provides bus and dial -a -ride tickets to over 150 social service agencies. Our support of the TRIP program provides a greatly needed alternate transit option for those persons needing an escort or traveling long distances. Additionally, we have provided capital matching funds for the purchase of transit vehicles. The funding picture for the future does not show increases in available funds --actually once carryover funds are depleted, only the annual apportionment of approximately $500,000 will be available to support services. However, for FY 1998, due to remaining carryover funds, there are sufficient funds to continue these services which benefit transit dependent in the Western County. Staff is recommending that we continue our support of these programs in FY 1998 and will be requesting that the Commission authorize staff to extend the contracts of our existing providers and allocate Measure A Specialized Transit funds to continue existing services. 3560 University Avenue, Suite 100 • Riverside, California 92501 (909) 787-7141 • FAX (909) 787-7920 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the CAC/SSTAC support staff's recommendation in seeking Commission authorization to extend the contracts of our existing providers and allocate Measure A Specialized Transit funds to continue existing services. of to •