HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2014 0219 CCSA REG ITEM 09E ITEM 9_E.
CITY OF MOORPARK,CALIFORNIA
City Council Meeting
MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL of a?-/ -.20/
AGENDA REPORT AG1iON:
GTG.
BY; ate'
TO: Honorable City Council � �
FROM: Dave Klotzle, City Engineer/Public Works Director I�(,
Prepared by: Shaun Kroes, Senior Management A alyst
DATE: February 7, 2014 (CC meeting of 02/19114)
SUBJECT: Consider Providing Comments on Possible Unmet Transit Needs to the
Ventura County Transportation Commission and Receive Report on
Unmet Transit Needs Findings and Goals
SUMMARY
On April 18, 2002, the City Council directed staff to prepare an annual report on the City's
transit performance regarding the findings and goals that the Ventura County
Transportation Commission (VCTC) adopts each year at the conclusion of the Unmet
Transit Needs process. Attachment "A" serves as this year's annual report on the City's
performance. The City Council is being asked to review the annual report, provide
comments, and direct staff to forward the comments to VCTC prior to 5:00 p.m. on March
3, 2014.
BACKGROUND
On December 6, 2013, VCTC approved new Unmet Transit Needs definitions and adjusted
its public participation input program. This revision was in response to VCTC's Regional
Transit Study as well as the impacts of SB 716 and SB 203 (which both become effective
July 1, 2014). The revised definitions and public participation input program are detailed in
Attachment "B" of this report.
California Public Utilities Code (PUC) 99401.5(c) requires that VCTC hold at least one
public hearing pursuant to PUC Section 99238.5 to solicit comments on Unmet Transit
Needs that may exist within the jurisdictions and that may be reasonable to meet by
establishing or contracting for new public transportation, or specialized transportation, or by
expanding existing services. All Unmet Transit Needs that are reasonable to meet must be
funded before any allocation is made from TDA funds to the cities/county for streets and
S'\Public Works\EveryonelReportslStaf Reports @014\February\02-19-2014(Unmet Transit Needs)doe
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Honorable City Council
February 19, 2014
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roads pursuant to PUC 99401.5(e). Effective July 1, 2014, the remaining cities that this is
applicable to are Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark and Santa Paula (all cities with a population
under 100,000 and not a member of the Gold Coast Transit District). Although there are
now a limited number of cities that are affected by PUC 99401.5(e), VCTC must perform a
countywide Unmet Transit Needs process. VCTC may identify an Unmet Transit Need in a
service area not affected by PUC 99401.5(e) (such as Gold Coast Transit or the City of
Thousand Oaks); however, it has no ability to require that Unmet Transit Need be
implemented because the agency is already committing 100% of its TOA funding for
existing transit services).
DISCUSSION
On February 24, 2014, VCTC will hold its annual public hearing on Unmet Transit Needs at
Camarillo City Hall. VCTC also scheduled five additional sessions, including one on
February 18, 2014 at the City of Moorpark Community Center, for members of the public to
participate in the Unmet Transit Needs process. The public may also fax, email,
telephone, or mail comments to VCTC by 5:00 pm, March 3, 2014. The information on
how to submit comments is on the attached flyer, Attachment "C". Staff advertised the
comment period in the City transit buses, on the City cable TV Channel 10, and on the City
website. The public was encouraged to submit their comments to VCTC. Additionally,
information about the City Council's consideration of Unmet Transit Needs at its February
19, 2014 meeting was also distributed.
According to the PUC, VCTC must decide, by adopting a resolution, either that:
1. There are no unmet transit needs;
2. There are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet; or,
3. There are unmet transit needs, including needs that are reasonable to meet.
The resolution must include information that provides the basis for VCTC's decision.
A number of the public comments received over the years do not fall into the category of
Unmet Transit Needs. However, VCTC recognizes that some of them may be attainable
with operational changes. VCTC adopts some of these comments as goals. These goals,
where applicable, are included in the City's Report of Performance (Attachment A) and are
differentiated from the Unmet Needs Findings.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
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Honorable City Council
February 19, 2014
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Provide comments and direct staff to forward them to VCTC, prior to the end of the public
comment period.
Attachment A -Report of Performance
Attachment B -Unmet Needs Definition
Attachment C -Unmet Transit Needs Flyer
Attachment D-VCTC FY 2013/14 Unmet Transit Needs
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Report of Performance
2013/14 Unmet Transit Needs
Moorpark City Transit
Attachment A
Attachment "D" identifies all Unmet Transit Needs Findings adopted by VCTC including
the Commission's approved goals for FY 2013/14. The findings and goals applicable to
Moorpark City Transit and the City's efforts to meet the findings and goals are listed
below.
Findings adopted by VCTC June 7, 2013.
1 . Continue all existing bus services substantially as they exist.
• Moorpark City Transit continued its previous levels of service, operating
two fixed route buses Monday -Friday. Route 1 operated from 6:00 am
to 5:30 pm, and Route 2 operated from 6:40 am to 6:10 pm. FY 2012/13
ridership decreased 6.86% to 61,922 (from 66,480 in FY 2011/12). The
City's VCTC audited farebox ratio (including Moorpark City Transit, Beach
Bus, and Dial-A-Ride services) was calculated at 59.59% for FY 2012/13.
The high farebox ratio is attributed to the City's use of local funds (Traffic
Safety Management Fund 2001) for funding of the City's CNG buses and
CNG fuel). The City's self-calculated farebox ratio was 19.63% for the
City's fixed-route service, which if rounded up would meet the target
farebox ratio of 20.0% for the year.
The decrease in farebox ratio is primarily a result of the higher contract
costs of the City's current contractor, the City of Thousand Oaks
(Thousand Oaks) compared to the previous contractor, CUSA. Thousand
Oaks began providing operational service of Moorpark City Transit
through its contractor, MV Transit, at the end of July 2012 after CUSA
announced in June 2012 that it would no longer provide services as a
result of its bankruptcy. The City's hourly operational cost increased
52.20%, from $28.37/hour to $43.18/hour.
2. Continue all public senior and disabled services in all jurisdictions in the County.
• Moorpark senior and disabled (ADA) Dial-A-Ride services continued in FY
2012/13, including the Inter-City Dial-A-Ride paratransit service.
Transportation to the congregate AAA meal site and discounted rates on
Moorpark City Transit for seniors and disabled continued as well. Senior
and disabled travel on Moorpark City Transit decreased 36.07% in FY
2012/13 (from 6,091 trips to 3,894 trips). Trips performed on the Intra-City
Dial-A-Ride program increased 15.56% (from 649 trips to 750 trips) during
FY 2012/13. Trips performed on the Inter-City ADA program increased
36.00% (from 1,589 trips to 2,161 trips) in FY 2012/13.
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3. If awarded grants, monitor the proposed service demonstration expansions in
transit services in both the City of Thousand Oaks and the City of Moorpark.
• On December 19, 2012, the City of Moorpark approved an extended hours
demonstration project, funded by a 3-year Congestion Mitigation and Air
Quality (CMAQ) grant. The project included the following new services:
1. Extend fixed route transit service and Dial-A-Ride and ADA Paratransit
service hours from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm to 5:00 am to 8:00 pm.
2. Add fixed route transit service on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3. Add Dial-A-Ride and ADA Paratransit services from 8:00 am to 5:00
pm on Saturday and Sunday.
• The City did not receive authorization to proceed with the demonstration
project until June 7, 2013. To accommodate additional adjustments to the
bus schedules the City's transit demonstration project began August 10,
2013, and will be discussed in the FY 2014/15 Unmet Transit Needs
Report.
4. Receive a status report from the East County Cities on process to improve
coordination and rationalization of transit services.
• Moorpark staff continued to work with neighboring cities of Simi Valley,
Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, and the County of Ventura. The group
developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide, enhance
and expand regional and local transit services and connections in Ventura
County, and surrounding areas whenever feasible, possible and mutually
agreed upon.
• The MOU includes a Management Committee which drafts and approves
an annual Implementation Plan. The formal MOU was adopted in FY
2013/14.
After adopting the recommendations listed above and on Attachment D and based on
the analysis of the written and verbal testimony provided to the Commission, the finding
was that there were no Unmet Transit Needs that were reasonable to meet.
In addition to the Unmet Transit Needs Findings, VCTC also adopted transit
goals. The following is the list of adopted goals that relate to Moorpark's transit
programs. Attachment D provides the full list of goals.
1. Continue to pursue and identify funding to allow local agencies to install more bus
benches and shelters, and transit information, where warranted and feasible.
• There are eighteen City bus shelters and twelve private bus shelters along
the bus route-ways. There are two more City bus shelters installed at the
Metrolink Train Station. There are currently funds available to fund
rehabilitation and installation of solar powered lighting at existing bus
shelters.
• The City also applied for and received a FY 2012/13 Transportation
Development Act Article 3 grant for $100,000.00 (with a $100,000.00 local
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match requirement) to update the Civic Center bus stop area, including a
bus turn out, benches, and sidewalk accessibility to Moorpark Avenue.
• On December 18, 2013, the City Council approved a bus shelter artwork
project, including replacing the existing bus shelter perforated steel
paneling with aluminum perforated paneling. The artwork consists of
stenciled animal figures on each bus shelter.
2. Continue to improve schedule coordination and transfer connections between
different bus systems where operationally feasible.
• VISTA East County connects with Moorpark City Transit. The City's
proposed transit demonstration program (approved by City Council on
December 19, 2012 and implemented August 10, 2013) enables Moorpark
City Transit to connect to additional VISTA East buses (during new service
hours of 5:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8:00 am to 5:00
pm Saturday).
3. Continue to adjust fixed route transit services, stops and schedules throughout
Ventura County as needed and operationally feasible.
• On August 27, 2012, Moorpark City Transit implemented new hours to
accommodate Moorpark High School's new hours of 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
(compared to previous 7:30 am to 2:30 pm school schedule). Route 1 's
new service hours were 7:00 am to 6:04 pm. Route 2's new service hours
were 6:10 am to 4:53 pm.
• On August 10, 2013, Moorpark City Transit implemented new hours to
implement the 3-year transit demonstration project. Route 1 's new
services hours are 5:10 am to 8:00 pm. Route 2's new service hours are
5:00 am to 7:50 pm. A new Saturday service operates 8:00 am to 4:53
pm.
4. Continue community outreach and marketing efforts to increase awareness of
the availability of transit services for the general public, seniors and the disabled,
to be coordinated by VCTC.
• The City of Moorpark advertises its transit program in the Moorpark City
Newsletter and Recreation Guide, which comes out quarterly. For $15 the
Summer Youth Bus Pass provides unlimited ridership on Moorpark City
Transit between June and the second Friday of September, giving
Moorpark youth an opportunity to use the bus system for fun, which may
increase their likelihood to continue using Moorpark City Transit
throughout the year.
5. Continue operation of NEXTBUS countywide and provide additional NEXTBUS
signs at appropriate locations.
• The NEXTBUS web pages are promoted on the Moorpark City buses,
website, Ride Guide, and bus stops.
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6. Ensure that bus stops and bus signage, vehicles, and operations are all in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
• All Moorpark City Transit bus stops have updated route maps and
timetables on poles at bus stops to make them readable by a person
sitting in a wheelchair. Bus stops are ADA compliant.
7. Encourage cities and transit providers, and not for profits social service agencies
to implement elements of the VCTC Countywide Human Services Transportation
and Transit Services Coordination Study.
• Staff participated in the Coordination Study in 2006 and 2007. Some
recommendations, such as core weekday operating hours of 7:00 am to
6:00 pm are already met by Moorpark City Transit. Other
recommendations, such as establishing Sunday services, were
implemented in FY 2013/14 under the City's transit demonstration project.
Still additional recommendations, such as changing the definition of
"Senior" to passengers aged 65 or older (instead of Moorpark's current
definition of 62 or older) are still under evaluation.
8. Support cost-effective actions to increase bike capacity on the transit system.
• Moorpark City Transit buses currently have carrying capacity for two
bicycles per bus. At this time, staff is not aware of user demand
exceeding this capacity limitation.
9. Encourage transit trips over auto usage during this time of heightened public
awareness of the cost of fuel.
• This goal was recommended by the Moorpark City Council. Although gas
prices are still high, they have fallen since this original goal was
established. As detailed earlier, Moorpark City Transit saw a decrease in
ridership during FY 2012/13 compared to FY 2011/12. During the first six
months of FY 2013/14, Moorpark City Transit has seen an increase in
ridership of 16.66% (including ridership during the extended hours of
service; 5:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday -Friday and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday) and an increase in ridership of 11.18% during the standard
hours of service (6:00 am to 6:00 pm).
10. Seek financial support from the cities to provide subsidized fares for low income
passengers transferring between local transit systems and VISTA.
• The Moorpark City Council suggested to VCTC that there should be an
agreement between the VISTA bus service and transit agencies in
Ventura County to provide either free or discounted transfers for low
income passengers transferring between transit agencies. On January
17, 2011, a free transfer pilot program between VISTA bus services and
local transit agencies in Ventura County began. The service enables a
VISTA passenger to receive one free transfer between two VISTA bus
routes. The program also enables passengers to receive one free transfer
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between VISTA and a local transit agency (such as Moorpark City
Transit). The pilot program lasted for nine months and was extended by
the City Council on October 10, 2011 as a permanent program.
11. VCTC and the ADA providers in the county continue to improve transfers and
transfer locations for inter-agency ADA trips (Dial-A-Ride service).
• Prior to the establishment of this goal, Moorpark City Transit and Simi
Valley Transit had established a second ADA transfer point at the Simi
Valley Town Center. The other transfer point is located at the Wood
Ranch Shopping Center. Passengers have the ability to request a specific
transfer location. The ADA transfer point between Moorpark City Transit
and Gold Coast Access in Camarillo was updated two year ago to include
a shelter for passengers.
• On December 9, 2013, Moorpark City Transit's ADA Inter-City service
began providing direct service into and out of Simi Valley for Moorpark
ADA card holders. Moorpark will continue to utilize the two transfer points
for Simi Valley ADA card holders traveling into and out of Moorpark.
12. VCTC integrate evening meetings in different parts of the county as part of future
Unmet Transit Needs process.
• As part of VCTC's revised Unmet Transit Needs process, VCTC will hold
five meetings in February, including one evening session (6:30 pm -7:30
pm) on February 18, 2014 at the Moorpark Community Center. In
addition, VCTC intends on having continued discussions with the public
regarding suggested improvements to public transit in Ventura County.
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VCTC: Unmet Transit Needs Definitions&Public Involvement Attachment B
Co - c usion
Unmet Transit \eec
Recommended Definition
Based on a review of the best management practices in California, we recommend using Option 3:
Expanded as the new Unmet Transit Need definition.
Recommended Unmet Transit Need Definition
Option 3: Expanded
Public transportation services identified by the public with sufficient broad-based
community support that have not been funded or implemented. Unmet transit
needs identified in a government-approved plan meet the definition of an unmet
transit need. Sufficient broad-based community support means that
persons who will likely use the service on a routine basis demonstrate support:at
least 15 requests for general public service and 10 requests for disabled service.
Unmet transit needs specifically include:
• Public transit services not currently provided to reach employment, medical
assistance,shop for food or clothing, to obtain social services such as health
care, county welfare programs and educational programs. Service must be
needed by and benefit the general public.
• Service expansions including new routes, significant modifications to
existing routes, and major increases in service hours and frequency.
Unmet transit needs specifically exclude:
• Operational changes such as minor route changes, bus stop changes, or
changes in schedule.
• Requests for extended hours or days of service.
• Service for groups or individuals that is not needed by or will not
benefit the general public.
• Comments about vehicles, facilities, driver performance and transit organiza-
tional structure.
• Requests for better coordination.
• Requests for reduced fares and changes to fare restrictions.
• Improvements funded or scheduled for implementation in the following year.
• Future transportation needs.
• Duplication or replacement of existing service.
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VCTC: Unmet Transit Needs Definitions&Public Involvement
Reasonable to Veet
Recommended Definition
Outcome Definitions Measures &Criteria
The proposed service will not cause Measures:Vehicle revenue service hours and reve-
reductions in existing transit services nue service miles.Criteria:Transit vehicle service
Equity hours and miles will not be reduced on existing
that have an equal or higher priority.
(Note:existing VCTC definition) routes to fund the proposed service.(Note:Newly
proposed)
The proposed service is in response to Criteria:Same as definition that proposed service is
Timing an existing rather than future transit in response to an existing rather than future transit
need. (Note:existing VCTC definition) need;based on public input.
Measure:Vehicle spare ratio.Criteria:Transit sys-
tem must be able to maintain ETA's spare ratio re-
The proposed service can be provided quirement of 20%(buses in peak service divided by
Feasibility
with the existing fleet or under contract the total bus fleet cannot fall below 20%). If less
to a private provider. (Note:existing than 20%,can additional buses be obtained (pur-
VCTC definition) chased or leased)or can service be provided under
contract to a private provider?(Note:Newly pro-
posed)
There are adequate roadways to safely
accommodate transit vehicles.(Note: Measure&Criteria: Route inspection to determine
Feasibility adequacy of infrastructure to accommodate transit
Newly proposed)
vehicles and passengers. (Note:Newly proposed)
The proposed service will not unduly Measure:Total estimated annual passenger fare
affect the operator's ability to maintain revenue divided by total annual operating cost(the
Cost the required passenger fare ratio for its entire service including the proposed service)Crite-
Effectiveness ria:fare revenue/operating cost cannot fall below
system as a whole.(Note:existing VCTC
definition) the operator's required passenger fare ratio. (Note:
Newly proposed)
The proposed service will meet the
Cost scheduled passenger fare ratio Stan Measures and criteria in Attachment A.
Effectiveness dards described in Attachment A. (Note:
existing VCTC definition)
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VCTC: Unmet Transit Needs Definitions & Public Involvement
Outcome Definitions Measures & Criteria
Measure: Passengers per hour. Criteria: Projected
Estimated passengers per hour for the passengers per hour for the proposed service is not
Service proposed service will not be less than less than 70% of the system-wide average (without
Effectiveness the system-wide average after three the proposed service) at the end of 12 months of
years. {Note: Newly proposed) service, 85% at the end of 24 months of service,
and 100% at the end of 36 months of service.
VCTC reserves the right to waive results of the analysis in an effort to fund new service.
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VCTC: Unmet Transit Needs Definitions&Public Involvement
Updated ATTACHMENT A
It is desirable for all proposed transit services in urban areas to achieve a 20% passenger fare ratio by the end
of the third year of operation. A passenger fare ratio of 10% is desired for special services (i.e., elderly and
disabled)and rural area services.a More detailed passenger fare ratio standards,which will be used to evaluate
services as they are proposed and implemented, are described below. Transit serving both urban and rural
areas, per state law, may obtain an"intermediate" passenger fare ratio.
Urban Service Rural Service Recommended Action
New Service Performance Criteria: End of Twelve Months
Less than 6% Less than 3% Provider may discontinue service
6%or more 3%or more Provider will continue service,with modifications if needed
New Service Performance Criteria: End of Twenty-Four Months
Less than 10% Less than 5% Provider may discontinue service
10%or more 5%or more Provider will continue service, with modifications if needed
New.Service Performance Criteria: End of Thirty-Six Monthsb 'y }
_-Xlv .l.>..z. ..j...... r, ..._.. }.iw .-�':._... r..z !3 ..,� :g✓i.1G$.,�^r,...i�-j-:.
Less than 15% Less than 7% Provider may discontinue service
15%to 19% 7%to 9% Provider may consider modifying and continue service
20%or more 10%or more Provider will continue service, with modifications if needed
aper statute the VCTC may establish a lower fare for community transit(dial-a-ride)services.
bA review will take place after 30 months to develop a preliminary determination regarding the discontinuation
of proposed services.
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VCTC: Unmet Transit Needs Definitions & Public Involvement
Public Involvement
Recommended Enhancements
VCTC can improve public involvement both in terms of hearing from more people and reducing the
amount of frustration with the process by:
• Soliciting year-round feedback (through comments and surveys) and sorting responses into
Unmet Transit Needs, Operational Issues, Long-range planning, etc.
• Updating outreach materials to graphically grab people's attention and demonstrate the
effectiveness of the process; then positioning materials where transit users will see them
• Updating outreach lists with current contacts and providing information to interested parties,
such as CTAC members, throughout the year
• Utilizing existing channels of communication with key interest groups and inviting transit
partners to participate in the public process (meetings & public hearing)
• Updating the Unmet Transit Needs report for readablity and to demostrate effectiveness of
public input
Please refer to pages 19 and 20 for a complete list of enhancement recommendations.
Customized Public Partnership
Building on the improvements to public involvement, VCTC has a unique opportunity to partner with
community organizations, elected officials, social service agencies, and transit users to help gather input
for both the Unmet Transit Needs process and long-range transportation planning efforts. Key steps to
create a successful partnership are listed on page 21 and include:
• Holding training workshops to enable interested parties to effectively help VCTC gather input
• Working with local elected officials and media to get the word out before the public hearing
• Holding community meetings sponsored by community organizations that already work with
special needs groups to encourage more people to participate in the process
• Following up with everyone involved to show the effectiveness of the process with the updated
Unmet Transit Needs report
By updating the definitions of Unmet Transit Need and Reasonable to Meet while improving public
involvement in the overall process, VCTC will address key public concerns related to both a lack of
understanding regarding what qualifies as an Unmet Transit Need and how public input can positively
affect transportation planning in Ventura County.
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Attachment C
OR TELL US IN PERSON:
Feb. 5th, 12:00-1 :OOpm I Gold Coast Transit Admin. Headquarters I 30 I E. Third Street, Oxnard
Feb. 5th, I :00-2:00pm I Boardroom Plaza Fountain, 3rd Level of Civic Arts Plaza
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
Feb. 12th, 6:30-7:30pm I Central Station Apartment Community Room I 272 Main Street, Fillmore
Feb. 18th, 6:30-7:30pm I City Hall Community Meeting Room I 799 Moorpark Avenue, Moorpark
Feb. 24th, I :30-3:00pm I Camarillo City Hall, Council Chambers I 60 I Carmen Drive, Camarillo
Attachment D
Finally, VCTC has included in the draft FY 2013-14 budget funds to develop a Short Range Transit Plan.
The last one was completed in 1999, and covered the years through 2004. Along with that planning
effort, the budget includes a proposal to revise the definitions and "unmet transit needs" process.
As noted, the majority of the comments fell into several broad categories. These were:
1. Operational improvements including additional stops or increased frequency on existing services.
These do not represent Unmet Transit Needs, but are referred to the operators to review and
consider in light of funding and operational data.
2. Request for extended hours or days of service. There were a number of requests throughout the
County, but these were limited in number and general in nature, and do not constitute an Unmet
Transit Need.
3. Comments about vehicles and facilities. A number of comments were received requesting
increased bike capacity on buses, and improved numbers and quality shelters (protection from
elements) at bus stops, and the quality of the buses themselves. These are not Unmet Transit
Needs, but VCTC and the operators have on-going efforts to address these concerns.
4. Request for better coordination. These are operational improvements to make the services more
convenient and attractive, and will be referred to TRANSCOM for on-going review.
5. Request for reduced fares and changes to fare restrictions. These are not Unmet Transit Needs,
and in some cases could adversely affect the TOA fare box requirements.
6. Requests for multi-county transit services. Because TOA funds are specifically for use within
counties, and VCTC is not able to direct the use of TOA funds in other counties, comments
asking for multi-county services are not considered unmet needs. VCTC will continue to work
with neighboring counties to forge alliances and shared funding where projections of ridership
appear to justify potential joint funded transit services.
7. Comment regarding driver performance. Some number of comments were received regarding
operational performance of some transit services. These are not Unmet Transit Needs, but do
represent an operational concern and were therefore referred to the appropriate operators.
The recommendations, draft findings, and matrix were reviewed for technical accuracy by the VCTC
Transit Operators Advisory Committee (TRANSCOM) on May 9, 2013. The TRANSCOM accepted the
recommendations without comment. The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee/Social Service
Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC/SSTAC) met on May 14, 2013 and after review, approved the
recommendations and finding and recommended them for action by the Hearing Board and full
Commission. The Hearing Board approved the recommendations on May 20, 2013.
The draft findings are attached. A matrix of the complete testimony given was reviewed by the
CTAC/SSTAC and the Hearing Board, and is available on the VCTC website "Goventura.org" or at the
Commission office.
RECOMMENDED FINDINGS:
1. Continue all existing bus services substantially as they exist.
2. Continue all public senior and disabled services in all jurisdictions in the County substantially as
they exist. Work to implement the recommendations of the VCTC Countywide Human Services
Transportation and Transit Services Coordination Study.
3. If awarded grants, monitor the proposed service demonstrations on the VISTA 126 (expanded
hours) and the Gold Coast Transit Channel Islands Blvd.Nictoria Ave. (new route) to determine if a
transit need which is reasonable to meet exists.
4. If awarded grants, monitor the proposed service demonstrations expansions in transits service in
both the City of Thousand Oaks and the City of Moorpark.
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5. Receive a status report from the East County Cities on process to improve coordination and
rationalization of transit services.
6. Receive quarterly a status reports on the City of Camarillo's service modifications.
7. Continue the Ventura County interagency bus transfer program.
8. Assist the Heritage Valley communities in developing an organizational structure, acquiring
vehicles, and implementing the Heritage Valley transit study.
9. Issue and award a long term VCTC contract for intercity VISTA services.
After adopting the recommendations listed above, and based on the analysis of the written and verbal
testimony provided to the Commission:
10. Find by VCTC Resolution #2013-05 that there are no Unmet Transit Needs that are reasonable to
meet.
In addition to the above findings, VCTC will continue efforts to meet the following goals from prior
hearings:
A. Continue to pursue and identify funding to allow local agencies to install more bus benches and
shelters, and transit information signs, where warranted and feasible.
B. Continue to improve schedule coordination and transfer connections between different bus systems
where operationally feasible.
C. Continue to adjust fixed route transit services, stops and schedules throughout Ventura County as
needed and operationally feasible.
D. Continue community outreach and marketing efforts to increase awareness of the availability of
transit services for the general public, seniors, and disabled, to be coordinated by VCTC.
E. Continue operation of NEXTBUS countywide and provide additional NEXTBUS signs at appropriate
locations.
F. Continue to ensure that bus stops and bus signage, vehicles, and operations are all in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
G. Continue to assist social service agencies in obtaining grant funding for equipment and rolling
stock, utilizing Federal Section 5310, Section 5316 and any other funds available for those
purposes.
H. Encourage cities, transit providers, and social service agencies to implement elements of the VCTC
Countywide Human Services Transportation and Transit Services Coordination Study.
I. Continue discussions and possible studies cooperatively with the City of Santa Clarita to determine
the potential demand and feasibility for transit services connecting Fillmore, Santa Paula, and San
Buenaventura with Santa Clarita.
J. Initiate a VCTC short range transit plan.
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K. Revise the VCTC Unmet Transit Needs definitions and process.
L. Continue to encourage AMTRAK and Caltrans Division of Rail to adjust the schedule times of the
Surfliner to better serve commuters traveling between Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
M. Formally comment during the CEQA process regarding the potential difficulties and costs of
providing transit services to low income housing and other public facilities with high transit
dependent use which are not sited at locations served or easily served by public transit.
N. Support cost-effective actions to increase bike capacity on the transit system.
0. Encourage transit trips over auto usage during this time of heightened public awareness of the cost
of fuel.
P. Seek financial support from the cities/County to provide subsidized fares for low income
passengers who are transferring between local transit systems and VISTA.
Q. Work with LOSSAN, Caltrans, Amtrak, and Metrolink to improve rail safety and maintain or increase
speeds on the rail services.
R. Encourage the ADA providers in the County continue to improve transfers and transfer locations for
inter-agency ADA trips.
S. Continue to integrate evening meetings in different parts of the county as part of the future Unmet
Transit Needs process.
T. Work to improve customer service on weekends and evenings.
After adopting the recommendations listed above, and based on the analysis of the written and verbal
testimony provided to the Commission:
Find by VCTC Resolution #2013-05 that there are no Unmet Transit Needs, including needs that are
reasonable to meet.
Following is a discussion of the comments received, organized by operator, and if appropriate, the
recommended "Finding" associated with each issue. Specific responses to each of the comments
received are contained in the Testimony Matrix. All operational improvements will be forwarded to the
appropriate agency for consideration in upcoming operations and service adjustments. In the case of the
VISTA service improvement recommendations and comments, the different VISTA route advisory groups
will be informed.
1. Gold Coast Transit
Improvements during the year. A significant change in Gold Coast Transit service occurred mid-year,
with the implementation of Route 21 with a grant awarded by VCTC. This route provides service on
Channel Islands Blvd. and Victoria, with service into Ventura. This directly or indirectly addresses several
of the comments received this year, and enhances service to Via Victoria, an area which was identified in
prior "Unmet Transit Needs" processes.
Improved service quality. Seventeen persons wanted an increase in bus servicing current stops, or the
creation of new stops on existing routes. There were three people who wanted later service to RiverPark,
and no other route or comment was made by more than one person. Several of the services already
exist, and appear to be unfamiliar to the commenter. These are not Unmet Transit Needs. Even if they
were Unmet Transit Needs, they are not reasonable to meet since they do not meet the following criteria:
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