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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. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANPSORTATION COMMISSION CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE / SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL NAME z"Z IzgRY 1-gsY-iffE SIGN IN SHEET DATE: kith/ / .2aof e (M,�We,fe �'JA \t'`--Z AGENCY / CITY 2,G TELEPHONE Ce7) 7S -S- - 3 0/0 416 0/9j) J �istf�ct �'. (`�vh�.kr, t ¶;A rt5OcT4,v .1.) 0 (2.,C-G.c ... Sum N,t 9'07 7) 7ci 7-3 969 e6 -3w 7€0 343 - 34-Zb �5 5� 5 (i,,L`toR) i -34'7 1 of ���r�;x (C7'o`(q-2Z�jZ`-I- -sSS V( x2-1T S F:\USERS\AGENDA\CAC Sign In.doc RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANPSORTATION COMMISSION CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE / SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL SIGN IN SHEET DATE: NAM ---14&AP-AP-A 41Z/1P. Pa?a ;6/20 -i�y Pay /lv . ADD/ AGENCY / CITY TELEPHONE rideir / d�J` 0' 0 f ,<1 — V t„ F:\USERS\AGENDA\CAC Sign In.doc