HomeMy Public PortalAbout05 May 16, 2001 Citizens' Advisory CommitteeRIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE/
SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
11:30 A.M.
Wednesday, May 16, 2001
Riverside County Transportation Commission
Conference Room "A"
3560 University Avenue, Riverside
AGENDA
1. CaII to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Bylaws of the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Services Transportation Advisory
Council
Overview
Last year, the Commission changed the structure and the focus of the Committee.
The amended bylaws, prepared by Legal Counsel, is presented to the Committee for
adoption.
5. Proposed Meeting Schedule and Location
O vervie w
The Committee, at their February 14, 2001 meeting, discussed meeting on a quarterly
basis and to alternately locate the meeting site between Riverside and Coachella
Valley. Presented is the proposed meeting calendar for approval.
6. FY 2001-2002 SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program
O vervie w
This item is for the Chairperson to appoint three (3) members of the Committee to the
SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Ad Hoc Committee to review and rank project
submittals.
Citizens Advisory Committee/
Social Services Transportation Advisory Council
Agenda - May 16, 2001
Page 2
7. Legislation
O vervie w
Darren Kettle, RCTC/SanBAG's Director of Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs
will provide an oral presentation of state and federal transportation legislation.
8. Unmet Transit Needs Hearing Testimony and Responses
O vervie w
The Commission held an unmet transit needs hearing in Blythe on March 1, 2001.
Presented are the testimony received through the hearing and by mail as well as staff
responses.
9. FY 2002-2008 Short Range Transit Plans
O vervie w
Presented are the plans from the transit operators (Cities of Banning, Beaumont,
Corona, Riverside, Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency, Riverside Transit Agency,
SunLine Transit Agency and Regional Commuter Rail) for review and approval.
10. Reports by Committee Members (Information items not for action items)
11. Adjournment
The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held at 11:30 a.m., August 15,
2001, SunLine Transit Agency, 32505 Harry Oliver Trail, Thousand Palms.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTA TION COMMISSION
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE /
SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Minutes
February 14, 2001
1. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Phil Stack called the meeting of the Citizen's Advisory Committee/ Social
Services Transportation Advisory Council to order at 11:30 a.m. at the Riverside
Transportation Commission Offices, 3560 University Ave, Riverside, California 92501.
2. SELF INTRODUCTIONS
Committee Members Present Committee Members Absent
Jim Collins
Peter Benavidez
William Densmore
Judylynn Gries
Fortunato Penilla
Sherry Thibadeaux
Mike Wertz
Cindy Scheirer
Andrea Puga
Pat Murphy
Mary Venerable
Kerry Forsythe
Grant Bradshaw
Judy Nieburger
Chris Millen
3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND MEETING SCHEDULE
Discussion was held on the frequency and location of the Committee meetings. It was
determined that meeting on a quarterly basis will meet the Commission's direction. Also,
recommended in addition to the meeting schedule was to alternately locate the meetings
between Riverside and Coachella Valley with transportation to be provided to either
location. Some members made inquiries on attending the meeting via video conference.
Naty Kopenhaver, Director of Administrative Services, stated that Committee members
may video conference, however, RCTC staff should be notified in advance so that it is
posted on the agenda.
Steve DeBaun, Legal Counsel, added that the Committee's meetings are governed by the
Brown Act requirements, and therefore, video conference location site(s) must be
included in the agenda.
Citizen's Advisory Committee/ Social Services Transportation Advisory Council
February 14, 2001
Page 2
In response to Mary Venerable's question to briefly describe the tasks of the
Committee, Naty Kopenhaver stated that the Committee would continue to review the
Short Range Transit Plans, be part of the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc
Committee to review and rank submitted projects, review legislation and how it affects
transportation planning and programming.
Tanya Love, Program Manager, further described the SRTP process wherein annually,
transit operators (Riverside Transit Agency, SunLine Transit Agency, Palo Verde Valley
Transit Agency, Cities of Banning, Beaumont, Corona and Riverside, and Regional
Commuter Rail) must submit their plans to RCTC. The Plans will be presented to the
Committee for review and recommendation. She noted that the Palo Verde Valley area
uses a portion of their Local Transportation Funds for local streets and roads.
Therefore, an unmet transit needs hearing is scheduled next month. The hearing
testimony will be provided to the Committee.
Peter Benavidez requested that the SRTP documentation also be provided on disk
format.
Commissioner Stack stated that the focus of the Committee was to be broader based,
and more policy oriented dealing with public relations and education, legislation,
Measure "A" transportation issues, and short range transit planning and programming.
In response to a question on how to deal with transit operational issues that Committee
members are made aware of, Commissioner Stack stated that in the event that
complaints are received about operations of transit agencies, they will be referred to the
transit agency. He reiterated that the Committee's responsibility does not include
review and discussion of operational issues of transit agencies.
At this time, Commissioner Stack opened the election of officers and three nominations
for Chairperson were made.
M/S (Murphy/Venerable) nominated Judy Nieburger
M/S (Gries/Penilla) nominated Bill Densmore
M/S (Densmore/Benavidez) nominated Fortunato Penilla
By a majority, Judy Nieburger was elected as the Committee's
Chairperson.
Three nominations were received for Vice Chairperson
M/S (Collins/Densmore) nominated Fortunato Penilla.
M/S (Gries/ Scheirer) nominated Pat Murphy.
M/ (Fortunato) nominated Jim Collins and Jim Collins respectfully declined the
nomination.
By a majority, Fortunato Penilla was elected Vice Chairman.
With the absence of the elected Chairperson, Vice Chairperson Fortunato Penilla
assumed the Chair.
Citizen's Advisory Committee/ Social Services Transportation Advisory Council
February 14, 2001
Page 3
4. PROPOSED RCTC AND SANBAG 2001-2002 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
PROGRAM.
Darren Kettle, RCTC/SanBAG's Director of Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs,
gave a general overview on RCTC and SanBAG's efforts in developing their respective
legislative programs for the FY 2001-2002 Legislative Cycle that generally follows the
State and US Congress Legislative two-year sessions. He noted that at the State level,
the energy crisis is in the forefront these days and that transportation was not a concern
in Sacramento. At the Federal level, Congress passes the Transportation Enhancement
Authorization Act every six years and that we are currently in the 4th year of the six -
year program. This program is called the TEA21 — Transportation Enhancement Act for
the 21st Century, which extends through the 2002/2003 Fiscal Year. For the next month
or two, he will be closely watching appropriation bills to see if this region's projects can
be added to upcoming bills. He welcomed the Committee members to call him if they
have any questions on any transportation bills.
5. FUNDING SOURCES/AMOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR PREPARATION OF THE SHORT
RANGE TRANSIT PLANS
Tanya Love gave an overview of the Short -Range Transit Plans, funding sources and how
the funds are determined and distributed. Revenue sources for transit include the Local
Transportation Funds (LTF), Measure "A", State Transit Allocations (STA) and Federal
Section 5307, 5309 and 5311 Funds. These funds being primarily for the provision of
public transit services including operations and capital purchases such as fueling stations
and buses. She then described the processes used in the distribution of funds, the
percentages, how the dollar values are determined for each locality, or transit operator.
She described the process for the approval of Short Range Transit Plans. On an annual
basis, the operators review their needs for the following year and they then submit their
plan to the Committee for review. Once all reviews are complete, the Committee and
staff's input to the Plan are provided to the operator. It is then submitted to the
Commission for approval in June. She noted the importance of approving the Plans by
June in order for transit operators receive funding by the beginning of the fiscal year.
6. ADJOURNMENT
With no other items to be discussed by the Committee, Vice Chairperson Penilla
adjourned the meeting at 1 :30pm. The next Committee meeting is scheduled to be held
May 16, 2001 at the Riverside County Transportation Commission, 3560 University
Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
Respectfully submitted,
GUM 614, , vV
Jeanne Brown
Administrative Services Specialist
Agenda Item #4
RIVERSIDE
COUNTY TRANSPORTA TION COMMISSION
DATE:
May 16, 2001
TO:
Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Services Transportation Advisory
Council
FROM:
Naty Kopenhaver, Director of Administrative Services
SUBJECT:
Bylaws of the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social
Transportation Advisory Council
Services
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
To adopt the bylaws of the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Services Transportation
Advisory Council, as amended.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Riverside County Transportation Commission, at its July 12, 2000 meeting,
appointed an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to restructure the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social
Services Transportation Advisory Council. They recommended, and the Commission
approved the following: 1) Refocus the Committee from operational transit issues to a
broader based, policy oriented committee; 2) Terminate existing membership of the
CAC/SSTAC; 3) Request Commissioners to submit names and completed application
forms of potential candidates to the Ad Hoc Subcommittee for review and
recommendation; and, 4) Establish membership of the CAC/SSTAC at 15 members.
Legal Counsel was requested to amend the bylaws of the CAC/SSTAC by the Commission
to reflect the above mentioned changes. The amended bylaws are attached for review
and adoption.
Attachment
BYLAWS OF THE
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE/SOC/AL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION
ADVISORY COUNCIL
OF THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
Subject to the supervision of the Riverside County Transportation Commission,
hereafter COMMISSION, the £on:tin-it-tee Citizens Advisory Committee/ Social Services
Transportation Advisory Council (collectively referred to herein as the "Committee") shall
consult on and obtain and collect public input on, those matters of interest and concern
to the COMMISSION that may from time to time be assigned to the Committee by the
COMMISSION, which the Committee perceives as important to matters under the
jurisdiction of the COMMISSION, for its review, comment and recommendation , or those
matters described in Public Utilities Code Section 99238. In the dispatch of its
responsibilities, the Committee may conduct meetings, appoint subcommittees, and
engage in such related activities as it deems necessary. The Committee shall operate in
a manner consistent with the Commission's Administrative Code.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
The membership in the Committee shall be determined by the Commission. T -he
RVPUB\DLH\611361 3
one representative trom an operator, it one exists, and, members selec
Committee members shall serve at the
will and pleasure of their nominating authority the Commission and without compensation.
ARTICLE I I I
ADMINISTRATION
A. OFFICERS - The Officers of the Committee shall consist of the elect a Chairman and
a Vice Chairman from the members thereof, each of whom shall be elected from
g
as determined by the Commission. Secretarial
services shall be provided by the Commission staff.
1 . Duties of Chairman - The Chairman shall, if present, preside at all meetings
of the Committee and shall exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may
be from time to time assigned to him by the COMMISSION or prescribed herein.
2. Duties of the Vice Chairman - The Vice Chairman shall perform the duties of
the Chairman in his absence and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be
subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman.
3. Chairman Pro Tempore - In the event of the absence or inability to act of the
Chairman and Vice Chairman, the members present at any meeting of the Committee, by
RVPUB\DLH\611361 4
order entered in the minutes, shall select one of their members to act as Chairman Pro
Tempore, who, while so acting, shall have all of the authority of the Chairman.
B. SUBCOMMITTEES - The Committee may appoint such subcommittees as it deems
necessary. Unless subcommittee membership, functions, duties, responsibilities or terms
of service are specified by law or the COMMISSION, the Committee may determine the
membership of such subcommittees, and specify the functions, duties, responsibilities,
and terms of service. The Committee shall give due consideration to any
recommendations, advice or proposals received from subcommittees but unless required
by law to do so, shall not be bound thereby.
C. BYLAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS - The Committee may, from time to time,
adopt and amend bylaws, rules and regulations for the administration of its affairs and to
carry out the purpose and directives of the COMMISSION and the County Transportation
Commissions Act. Adoption of amendment of bylaws shall require a majority vote of the
members of the Committee.
ARTICLE IV
MEETINGS
A. G-v�NE[1ALMEETINGS. The COMMISSION shall call the first meeting, and may call
subsequent meetings of the Committee, setting the time and place of said meeting(s) and
designating the agenda for any meetings so called. The Chairman of the Committee,
elected pursuant to Article Ill, Section A herein, may also call meetings of the Committee,
setting the time, place, and agenda for such meetings. The Committee may also hold
subcommittee meetings of any subcommittees it establishes.
RVPUB\DLH\611361 5
B. AGENDA - Matters to be placed on the agenda for any regular meeting may be filed
with the COMMISSION's Executive Director, or his designee, by any member of the
Committee. The Executive Director shall cause the agenda to be prepared and copies
thereof to be mailed or delivered to each member of the Committee, the Executive
Director and the General Counsel three working days prior to the regular meeting date.
Formal action, other than the appointment of a subcommittee, will not ordinarily be taken
with respect to any matter not included on the agenda unless a majority of the members
of the Committee present at the meeting consent to such consideration.
C. REGULAR MEETINGS - Regular meetings of the Committee shall be held at the time
and place established of record in the minutes of the Committee at its first meeting, and
from time to time thereafter, unless such day is a holiday, in which case the meeting shall
be held on the next business day.
D. SPECIAL MEETINGS - A special meeting may be called at any time by the
Chairman, or in his absence by the Vice Chairman, or by a quorum of the members by
delivering personally or by mail written notice to the Executive Director and each member,
or by the COMMISSION or by the Executive Director. Such notice shall be so delivered at
least 24 hours before the time of such meeting as specified in the notice. The call and
notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be
transacted. No other business shall be transacted at such meeting. Such written notice
may be dispensed with as to any member who at or prior to the time the meeting
convenes files with the Executive Director a written waiver of notice. Such waiver may
be given by telegram. Such written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member
RVPUB\DLH\611361 6
who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes.
E. QUORUM - A majority of the appointed members of the Committee shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business. All official acts of the Committee shall require
the affirmative votes of at least six (6) members of the Committee, or of a majority of the
members present, whichever is greater in number.
F. ADDRESSING COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS - No person shall address the
Committee at any meeting until first recognized by the Chairman. The decision of the
Chair to recognize a person may be changed by a vote of a majority of the members of
the Committee present at the meeting. The Chairman, may in the interest of facilitating
the business of the Committee, limit the amount of time which a person may use it
addressing the Committee.
G. MEETING ATTENDANCE - Committee members are expected to attend all regularly
scheduled meetings. Committee members unable to attend a meeting should advise the
Commission staff by telephone and provide a reason for their absence. Any Committee
member missing three (3) consecutive meetings without a reasonable excuse will be sent
a letter by staff requesting their resignation from the Committee. If the Committee
member fails either to respond in writing or to attend the next scheduled meeting, the
Committee will consider at the meeting whether or not to recommend to the Commission
that Committee member should be removed from the Committee.
ARTICLE V
POWERS
A. The Committee is created and given perpetual succession by terms of the County
RVPUB\DLH\611361 7
Transportation Act. The Committee shall, however, have no powers or existence separate
or apart from that of the COMMISSION.
B. The acts and determinations of the Committee shall be expressed by motion.
JUDY NIEBURGER, CHAIRPERSONMAN
SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY
COUNCIL/CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DATE: April 25, 1088 May 16, 2001
RVPUB\DLH\611361 7
Agenda Item #5
RIVERSIDE
COUNTY TRANSPORTA TION COMMISSION
DATE:
May 16, 2001
TO:
Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Services Transportation Advisory
Council
FROM:
Naty Kopenhaver, Director of Administrative Services
SUBJECT:
Proposed Meeting Dates and Locations
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
To review, provide input and make a determination on the Committee's meeting dates
and locations.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
At its meeting on February 14, 2001, members of the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social
Services Transportation Advisory Council were polled as to the date, time and location
that is workable with their respective schedules. The members present at the meeting
agreed on the 3rd Wednesday @ 11:30 a.m. With regards to the location of the meeting,
the members agreed to alternately schedule the meetings between RCTC and a Coachella
Valley site. Kerry Forsythe of SunLine Transit Agency has graciously offered their meeting
room for the Coachella Valley site.
I have developed the attached matrix to show the meeting dates as well as location of
meetings for the Committee for years 2001 and 2002 for review and approval.
Citizens Advis ory Committee/Social S er vi ces Transp ort ation Advis ory Council
M eeting Dates and Loc ations
Wednesday, May 16, 2001
11:30 a .m.
RCTC Offices
3560 University A venue, Ri verside
Wednesday, August 1 5, 2001
11:30 a.m .
SunLine Transit Agency
32-505 Harry Oli ver Trail, Thousand Palms
Wednesday, November 21, 2001
11:30 a.m .
RCTC Offices
3560 Uni versity A venue, Ri verside
Wednesday, February 20, 2002
11:30 a .m .
SunLine Transit Agency
32-505 Harry Oli ver Trail, Thousand Palms
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
11:30 a .m .
RCTC Offices
3560 University Avenue, Ri verside
Wednesday, A ugust 21, 2002
11:30 a .m .
Su nLine Transit Agency
32-505 Harry Oliver Trail, Th ousand Palms
Wednesday, Nov ember 20, 2002
11:30 a.m.
RCTC Offices
3560 University Avenue, Ri verside
RIVERSIDE
COUNTY TRANSPORTA TION COMMISSION
DATE:
May 16, 2001
TO:
Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Services Transportation Advisory
Council
FROM:
Jerry Rivera, Program Manager
SUBJECT:
FY 2001-02 SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
That the Chair appoint three members to review and rank SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian
Facilities Program submittals.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Each year, 2% of the Local Transportation Fund (LTF) revenue is made available for use
on bicycle and pedestrian facility projects through the Commission's SB821 Program.
This is a discretionary program funded by the state and administered by the Commission.
There are three steps to carry out the program:
1. All cities and the County are notified of the SB821 program estimate of available
funding and are requested to submit project proposals (all school districts in the
county are also notified and asked to coordinate project submissions with either
their local city or the county transportation department). The Commission's SB821
Program policies, project application, selection criteria, and Caltrans' Highway
Design Manual are also provided with the notification. The Call for Projects will be
released immediately upon Commission action in April, and respondents will be
given until the end of May to respond.
The Commission's SB 821 Evaluation Committee, comprised of members of the
Commission's Technical and Citizens Advisory Committees (3 each), meets to
review and rank the project applications using the evaluation criteria adopted by the
Commission and recommends projects and funding amounts to the Commission for
approval. The Evaluation Committee will convene as quickly as possible after the
deadline for proposals passes.
3. The Commission reviews the Committee's recommendations and approves the
program of bicycle and pedestrian projects for funding. Staff expects to bring this
item to the Commission in July.
Based on LTF revenue estimates for FY 2001-02 adopted by the Commission on February
14, 2001, the 2% LTF funding for the SB821Program will amount to approximately
$842,000. In addition to these funds, any non -apportioned carryover (receipts of LTF
revenue in excess of the FY 2000-01 apportionment) will not be known until the close of
the fiscal year. Also, there may be an unidentified amount of carryover funds from
projects in the current program as a result of funds which were not claimed or because
time extensions were not requested and granted prior to the expiration of the funding
authorization for FY 2000-01. Since these amounts will not be identified until after the
awards are approved, the excess funds will be carried over to the following fiscal year (FY
02-03) and made available for allocation to local agencies.
Committee members wishing to be appointed to the SB 821 Ad Hoc Committee must be
able to dedicate no less than a full day to review and rank the applications.
Agenda Item #7
(Oral Presentation)
RIVERSIDE
COUNTY TRANSPORTA TION COMMISSION
DATE:
July 16, 2001
TO:
Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation Advisory
Council
FROM:
Tanya Love, Program Manager
SUBJECT:
Unmet Transit Needs Hearing Testimony and Responses
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
This item is to seek the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation
Advisory Council's (CAC/SSTAC) approval of the following:
1) That the CAC/SSTAC reaffirm the Commission's definition of "Unmet
Transit Needs" and "Reasonable to Meet" standards; and
2) That based upon a review of the requests for services received through
the "unmet transit needs" hearing process, review of existing services
and proposed improvements to the available services, that the
CAC/SSTAC make a finding that there are no additional unmet transit
needs which can be reasonably met in the Palo Verde Valley area.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
State law requires that prior to making any allocations of Local Transportation Funds
(LTF) not directly related to public transit, that the Commission must identify the
unmet transit needs in the area and determine those that are reasonable to meet. At
least one public hearing must be held to solicit comments on unmet transit needs. The
only area that this determination of unmet needs is applicable is in the Palo Verde
Valley where it is anticipated that not all funds will be needed for transit. In the
Western County and Coachella Valley, all available local transit funds are being used
for transit service.
The Commission held a public hearing in Blythe on March 1, 2001. Commissioners
Roy Wilson, Robert Crain and Gary Grimm acted as the hearing board. Notice of the
hearing was advertised in the Desert Sun, Palo Verde Valley Times and the Riverside
Press Enterprise and notices were mailed to social service agencies in the area, the
local college, medical facilities, public library, and residents who previously had
expressed interest in transit services. Five (5) people provided comments at the
hearing and five (5) people provided written comments regarding the service needs in
the area.
Attached is a summary of the comments received. Staff worked with City of Blythe
staff to determine what improvements were reasonable to meet based on the projected
productivity. Requests for fixed route, expanded hours and service to the Loma Linda
Veterans Hospital were the primary areas of interest. The following information
provides an up -date as to possible implementation of additional transit services in the
Palo Verde Valley:
• Fixed Route: The Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency recently initiated a
study to determine the feasibility of implementing a fixed route service.
The City of Blythe continues to grow. The opening of a second prison
facility and a new community college supports the need for fixed route
service. Based on the preliminary results of the study, staff will begin
discussions with the City of Blythe's governing board to implement a
fixed route during FY 02. Once a decision is made, additional information
will be presented to CAC/SSTAC; and
• During FY 01, $10,000 in Local Transportation Funds (LTF) was
allocated to the City of Blythe to implement a demonstration program to
support veterans from Blythe to the Loma Linda Veterans Hospital. To
date, that service has not been implemented due to lack of a vehicle.
Staff is currently exploring options including, but not limited to, securing
a surplus vehicle from the Riverside Transit Agency as well as leasing
options.
Given the proposed implementation of fixed route in FY 02 and the LTF funds allocated
for implementation of a demonstration program, there are no additional transit needs
which can be met.
Prior to allocating any Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds for street and road
purposes, the Commission must adopt by resolution a finding that there are no unmet
transit needs that can be reasonably met by existing or proposed service contained in
the Short Range Transit Plan for Riverside County. The Commission previously
adopted a definition of "Unmet Transit Needs" and "Reasonable to Meet". The
definitions are as follows:
"Unmet Transit Needs are, at a minimum, those public transportation or
specialized transportation services that are identified in the Regional Short
Range Transit Plan Report, and the Regional Transportation Plan (Regional
Mobility Plan) that have not been implemented or funded."
"Reasonable to meet shall include the following factors: community
acceptance, timing, equity, economy (both short term and long term), and cost
effectiveness including the ability to meet the required farebox ratios."
Based upon the above definition and the implementation of fixed route service in FY
02, staff recommends that the CAC/SSTAC make a finding that there are no unmet
transit needs which can be reasonably met in the Palo Verde Valley area.
o
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
FY 01/02 UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS
Summary of Testimony, Written Testim ony and Staff Responses
PALO VERDE V ALLEY TRANSIT AGENCY
BLYTHE CITY HALL
March 1, 2001
NAME/ORGANIZATION
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
STAFF RESPONSE
Barbara M iller
Riverside County Cal Works Gain
Need transportati on for Cal Work
participants to get to jobs, training and
child care
A study is currently being conducted to
determine the feasibility of implementing
fixed route ser vice. It is anticipated that
the study will be c ompleted by July,
2001. If fi xed route is implemented,
expanded hours will also be considered .
Mary Ev ans
Children under 12 cannot ride the Dial -A-
Ride unless accompanied by an adult as a
result need fi xed route transportation.
Operating hours needs to be e xpanded to
accommodate shopping, church and after
school schedules.
A study is currently being conducted to
determine the feasibility of implementing
fi xed route service . It is anticipated that
the study will be completed by July,
2001 . If fixed route is implemented,
e xpanded hours will also be considered .
Vickie Clark
Palo Verde Hospital
Need for healthcare in Blythe for the
veterans so residents don't ha ve to lea ve
the area.
The C ommission's role is to determine
what transportation needs are unmet in
the area . The decisi on of health care is
not within RCTC's area of coordination .
Tom Henry
Representing Veterans in Coachella and
Palo Verde Valley
Need transportation services for Veterans
to the Loma Linda hospital.
In FY 00/01, RCTC pro vided $ 10,000 in
TDA funds to implement, on a
demonstration basis, a vet's express from
the Coachella Valley to Loma Linda . To
date, Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency
has not started that servic e.
NA ME/ORGANIZA TION
Bill Densmore
Riverside County Veteran's Serv ices
Johnetta Buchanan (written testimo ny)
Robert Corley (written testimony)
Dollie Irwin (written testimony)
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
Re -e mphasized the need for transportation
services for veterans to Loma Linda
hospital. Concern ov er lack of available
vehicle to implement demonstration
program.
Wants additional service - fix ed route - to
accommodate n eed for weekend and
evening trav el.
Wants to travel after 4:00 p. m.
Wants rail service from Banning area to
Los Angeles and Palm Springs
STA FF RESPONSE
$ 10,000 in funding was provided to begin
a demonstration program for
transportation from Blythe to Loma Linda
Hospital. Riverside Transit Agency may
hav e surplus vehicles that could be used
to run the Dial -A -Ride route. Existing Dial -
A -Ride vehicles used in the Blythe area
may be able to be used for the
demonstration project.
A study is currently being conducted to
determine the feasibility of implementing
fixed route service . It is anticipated that
the study will be completed by July,
2001 . If fixed r oute is implemented,
expanded hours will also be considered.
A study is currently being conducted to
determine the feasibility of implementing
fixed route ser vice . It is anticipated that
the study will be completed by July,
2001 . If fixed r oute is implemented,
expanded hours will also be considered.
No rail ser vice is currently available nor
planned for the Palm Springs area.
However, SunLine Transit Agency
provides transit service from Palm Springs
through Banning connecting to the
Metrolink station located in downtown
Riverside.
N AME/ORG ANIZ ATION
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
STAFF RESPONSE
Harold Jones (written testim ony)
Wants expanded transportation from
A study is currently being conducted to
Blythe to Mesa Verde .
determine the feasibility of implementing
fixed route ser vice . It is anticipated that
the study will be completed by July,
2001 . If fixed route is implemented,
expanded hours will als o be c onsidered.
Als o, wants transp ortation to Loma Linda
$10,000 in funding was provided to begin
Hospital from Blythe.
a demonstration program for
transportation from Blythe to Loma Linda
Hospital.
To date, Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency
has not started the service .
Agenda Item #9
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTA TION COMMISSION
DATE:
June 16, 2001
TO:
Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation Advisory
Council
FROM:
Tanya Love, Program Manager
THROUGH:
Naty Kopenhaver, Director of Administrative Services
SUBJECT:
FY 2002-2008 Short Range Transit Plans
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
This item is to seek the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation
Advisory Council review and approval of the FY 2002-08 Short Range Transit Plans for
the cities of Banning, Beaumont, Corona, Riverside, Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency,
Riverside Transit Agency, SunLine Transit Agency and Regional Commuter Rail as
presented.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Riverside County FY 2002-2008 Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) covers the three
apportionment areas of the county and is comprised of plans for the municipal operators,
the Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency, Riverside Transit Agency, SunLine Transit Agency,
and Regional Commuter Rail.
Staff reviewed the SRTPs according to the guidelines provided through the Triennial
Performance Audit and Productivity Improvement Program. Following is a summary of
service highlights for the eight public transit operators:
City of Banning:
The City of Banning will continue operating two inner city fixed routes serving most
residential and commercial areas within the City. Dial -a -Ride service provides service to
seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals certified under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) as being unable to access the fixed route system.
Transfers are coordinated with the City of Beaumont, Riverside Transit Agency and
SunLine Transit Agency.
City of Beaumont:
The City of Beaumont operates two fixed routes and a Dial -a -Ride service. A third fixed
route service is planned for implementation within the first few months of this fiscal year.
Transfers are coordinated with the City of Banning, Riverside Transit Agency and SunLine
Transit Agency.
Combined Note for the Cities of Banning and Beaumont:
A study of the Pass Area cities of Banning, Beaumont and Calimesa is currently being
conducted by Nelson/Nygaard to determine the feasibility of designing a seamless transit
system within the Pass Area. It is anticipated that the study will be completed by August,
2001. Results of the study will be presented to the Citizens Advisory Committee/Social
Service Transportation Advisory Council (CAC/SSTAC).
City of Corona:
The City of Corona operates a general public Dial -a -Ride program. In addition, a fixed
route system, consisting of two routes, was initiated in February 2001. A third fixed
route will be placed into operations in the fall of 2001.
Transfers are coordinated with the Riverside Transit Agency and RCTC's Commuter Rail.
The system continues to have difficulty meeting the minimum required fare revenue ratio
of 20% due to increasing costs and the proportion of elderly and persons with disabilities
served (approximately 53%). With the implementation of fixed route, City of Corona staff
is currently reviewing the Dial -a -Ride program and may recommend that the system be
designated for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. If changed from a general public
Dial -a -Ride to one for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, the fare box ratio would
change from 20% to 10%.
City of Riverside - Special Services:
Riverside Special Services operates a Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Dial -a -Ride.
Service is provided within the Riverside city limits. The Special Services Program
functions as an alternative to the Riverside Transit Agency's fixed route system for
seniors and persons with disabilities unable to use fixed route service.
Riverside Special Services closely coordinates its services with the Riverside Transit
Agency.
Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency:
Palo Verde operates a General Public Dial -a -Ride in the City of Blythe and adjacent
unincorporated areas within an 18 mile radius of the city. The service is operated Monday
through Friday.
An Unmet Transit Needs hearing was held in the City of Blythe in March 2001. Requests
were made for implementation of a fixed -route service and service for veterans traveling
to Loma Linda Veterans Hospital. A study is currently being conducted to determine the
feasibility of implementing a fixed route service. The City of Blythe continues to grow.
The opening of a second prison facility and a new community college supports the need
for fixed route service. Based on the preliminary results of the study, staff from the City
of Blythe is exploring the possibility of implementing a fixed route service. If approval is
given by the City of Blythe's governing board, information on the proposed fixed route
service will be provided to CAC/SSTAC.
During Fiscal Year 01, $10,000 in Local Transportation Funds was allocated to the City
of Blythe to implement a demonstration program to transport veterans from Blythe to the
Loma Linda Veterans Hospital. To date, that service has not been implemented due to
lack of a vehicle. Staff is currently exploring options including, but not limited to, securing
a surplus vehicle from the Riverside Transit Agency as well as lease options.
Riverside Transit Agency:
The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) provides both local and regional transportation
services with 35 fixed route and demand response Dial -a -Ride services. RTA is the
Consolidated Transportation Service Agency for Western Riverside County and is
responsible for coordinating transit services throughout the approximately 2,500 square
mile service area, providing driver training, assistance with grant applications and
development of SRTPs.
In January 2002, RTA will expand ADA inner-city services on all four lines. In addition,
a regional ADA service will begin for longer trips allowing for fewer transfers.
During FY 02, RTA will celebrate its 25th anniversary of operations. Included in the SRTP
budget is the cost to conduct an anniversary campaign aimed at increasing ridership.
RTA has two facilities: Headquarters is located in Riverside; the second facility is located
in Hemet. Fiscal Year 02 will be the first full year of operation at the Hemet facility.
SunLine Transit Agency:
The SunLine Transit Agency (SunLine) provides both local and regional transportation
services with 14 fixed route and demand response Dial -a -Ride services. SunLine is the
Consolidated Transportation Service Agency and is responsible for coordinating transit
services in the Coachella Valley. SunLine's service area consists of approximately 1,120
square miles
SunLine operates two transit facilities: Headquarters is located in Thousand Palms; the
SunLine Clean Air Center is located in Indio. The Clean Air Center is located on Highway
1 1 1 in Indio's eastern commercial corridor and provides a transfer point for the five fixed
route lines.
Resources in FY 02 will be dedicated to minor changes in fixed route service, balanced
with SunLine's second full year of running SunDial "in house" and the SunLink connector
service to the Inland Empire.
Combined Note for RTA and SunLine:
SunLine and RTA are working in partnership on a joint Intelligent Transportation System
(ITS) project. The ITS project will involve the identification of both the short-term and
long-term ITS technology needs of SunLine and RTA. It is anticipated that this year's ITS
program will provide new radio communication capabilities, Automatic Vehicle Location
utilizing Global Positioning Satellite technologies, Mobile Data Terminals as well as new
computer server capabilities that will allow both SunLine and RTA's dispatch centers to
directly interact with each other. This capability will allow the agencies to take over the
control of the others dispatching in the event of a disaster or other emergency.
Regional Commuter Rail:
RCTC's Commuter Rail consists of the Riverside to Los Angeles Line, the Inland Empire
to Orange County Line and the Riverside to Los Angeles via Fullerton Line. RTA, SunLine,
Corona Dial -A -Ride and Corona's fixed route service provides connections to RCTC's
commuter rail. Metrolink is one of the nations most successful commuter rail services and
provides daily transportation to more than 6,000 passengers from Riverside to Los
Angeles and Orange counties.
In addition to existing lines, RCTC staff is aggressively seeking funding for implementation
of passenger rail service between Riverside and Perris on the San Jacinto Branch Line.
Two new Metrolink stations are planned for the county - totaling five as the number of
stations. The new stations are needed to enhance the Metrolink Service and alleviate
parking problems at the other stations. Both stations will spur new economic
development in the areas adjacent to the stations.
Quarterly Transit Operating Statistics and Performance Indicators Program:
In accordance with Public Utilities Code 99246, the Commission is required to designate
an entity other than itself to conduct a performance audit of its activities and the activities
of each operator to whom we allocate Transportation Development Act funds. The audits
are required to evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness and economy of the Commission and
the public transit operators. The audits were conducted in accordance with the guidelines
set by the State Comptroller General's Office. As part of the audit process, a Transit
Operator Performance Improvement Program was developed.
Transit operators must submit, on a quarterly basis, a transit ridership report consisting
of five of the following eight performance indicators:
1) Operating Cost per Revenue Hour - should increase no more than CPI
2) Farebox Recovery Ratio - per RCTC policy and PUC requirements
4 M •
3) Subsidy per Passenger - should increase no more than CPI
4) Subsidy per Passenger Mile - should increase no more than CPI
5) Subsidy per Revenue Hour - should increase no more than CPI
6) Subsidy per Revenue Mile - should increase no more than CPI
7) Passengers per Revenue Hour - % increase consistent with population
8) Passengers per Revenue Mile - % increase consistent with population growth
or national average, whichever is greater
The first two performance indicators: Operating Cost per Revenue Hour and Farebox
Recovery Ratio are mandatory per the Public Utilities Commission. In preparing SRTPs for
FY 02, transit operators were instructed to meet a minimum of three of the remaining six
performance indicators. Information contained in the operators ridership report will be
presented to the Commission a minimum of twice per year and will assist staff in
monitoring performance.
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CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE /
SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
SIGN IN SHEET
DATE:
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