HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2013 0116 CCSA REG ITEM 09E ITEM 9.E.
MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Dave Klotzle, City Engineer/Public Works Director
Prepared by: Shaun Kroes, Senior Management Analyst
DATE: January 4, 2013 (CC meeting of 01/16/13)
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
February 11, 2013.
DISCUSSION
On February 4, 2013, VCTC will hold its annual public hearing on Unmet Transit Needs at
Camarillo City Hall. VCTC also scheduled two additional evening sessions (one on
January 23, 2013 at the City of Moorpark Community Center and one on January 24, 2013
at the Oxnard Public Library Community Room 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 until February 11, 2013. The information on how to submit comments
is on the attached flyer, Attachment "B". 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 January 16, 2013 meeting was also
distributed.
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Honorable City Council
January 16, 2013
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Most public transit operators in Ventura County use Local Transportation Funds (LTF) to
support portions of their system. The LTF is authorized by the Transportation
Development Act(TDA) and its revenue is derived from '/4 cent of the 7.50-cent retail sales
tax collected statewide. LTF is distributed to the cities and counties based on population.
This revenue, often referred to as TDA funds, must first be spent on transit needs that are
"reasonable to meet." After those needs are met, any remaining TDA funds may be used
for streets and roads by the receiving jurisdiction.
The specific requirement of the TDA, Public Utilities Code (PUC) Section 99401.5(c),
requires that the local transportation planning agency (VCTC) hold at least one public
hearing each year for the purpose of soliciting comments on the Unmet Transit Needs that
may exist within the jurisdiction 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 deemed reasonable to meet must be
funded before any allocation is made to streets and roads. The definition used to
determine if a need is reasonable to meet is outlined on Attachment "C".
According to 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.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Provide comments and direct staff to forward them to VCTC, prior to the end of the public
comment period.
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Honorable City Council
January 16, 2013
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Attachment A— Report of Performance
Attachment B — Unmet Transit Needs Flyer
Attachment C — Unmet Needs Definition
Attachment D —VCTC FY 12/13 Unmet Transit Needs
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Attachment A
Report of Performance
2012/13 Unmet Transit Needs
Moorpark City Transit
Attachment D identifies all Unmet Transit Needs Findings adopted by VCTC including
the Commission's approved goals for FY 2012/13. 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 May 4, 2012.
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 2011/12
ridership increased 2.2% to 66,480 (from 65,033 in FY 2010/11). The
City's VCTC audited farebox ratio (including Moorpark City Transit, Beach
Bus, and Dial-A-Ride services) has not yet been finalized for FY 2011/12.
The City's self-calculated farebox ratio was 33.7%, meeting the target
farebox ratio of 20.0% for the year. The City's FY 2010/11 audited
farebox ratio was 38.0%.
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
2011/12, 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 increased 14.4% in FY
2011/12 (from 5,321 trips to 6,087 trips). Trips performed on the Intra-City
Dial-A-Ride program decreased 3.4% (from 672 trips to 649 trips) during
FY 2011/12. Trips performed on the Inter-City ADA program increased
31.3% (from 1,348 trips to 1,770 trips) in FY 2011/12.
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.
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• 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
match requirement) to update the Civic Center bus stop area, including a
bus turn out, benches, and sidewalk accessibility to Moorpark Avenue.
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) will enable 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 are 7:00 am to 6:04 pm. Route 2's new service hours
are 6:10 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
sifting 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, will be
implemented later in FY 2012/13 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. Initiate a countywide transit study to identify short range and long range transit
needs.
• VCTC, in preparation for Proposition 1 B funds, previously performed a
transit investment study to determine some transit needs (such as new
buses, additional bus shelters, etc.). During the course of that study,
funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 became
available and funded many of the local transit agencies' short term needs.
• VCTC completed a Regional Transit Study (approved by VCTC April 13,
2012) which examined both the organization and funding of VISTA and
possible organization and funding for all transit services in Ventura
County. The Regional Transit Study called for a Gold Coast Transit
District and the establishment of an East County Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) for the Cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley
and Thousand Oaks. The East County Cities are currently working on the
draft MOU.
9. 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.
10. 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 an increase in
ridership during FY 2011/12 compared to FY 2010/11. Moorpark City
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Transit is seeing a decrease in ridership during the first few months of FY
2012/13. The decrease is attributed to the adjustment in Moorpark City
Transit's hours to accommodate the Moorpark High School. This
decrease (currently at 12.0% compared to the same time last fiscal year)
would likely have been greater if the City had not adjusted its hours, given
that 60.0% to 65% of ridership is generated by high school passengers.
• Moorpark City Transit's new demonstration project (mentioned in Goal 2
above) will also help to increase ridership by offering additional hours of
service on weekdays and on Saturdays. The new service hours should go
into effect by February 2, 2013. The City's new agreement with Thousand
Oaks Transit (implemented in July 2012) also gave the City access to a
transit information line that provides greater customer service to
passengers attempting to find information on using Moorpark City Transit.
11. 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 actually 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
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.
12. 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 already 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.
13. VCTC integrate evening meetings in different parts of the county as part of future
Unmet Transit Needs process.
• VCTC will hold two evening meetings this year, similar to 2012. The first
meeting will be on January 23, 2013 at the Moorpark Community Center
and the second will be on January 24, 2013 at the Oxnard Library
Community Room. Moorpark City Transit will again extend its Dial-A-Ride
service hours on January 23 to accommodate passengers who wish to
come to the evening Moorpark meeting.
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Attachment B
DO YOU HAVE TRANSIT NEEDS?
Ventura County Transportation Commission Announces Its
Public Hearing on Transit Needs
The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC)would like to hear your views on public transit service
needs within Ventura County, and between Ventura County and Los Angeles/Santa Barbara counties as part
of its process to identify unmet transit needs which it can reasonably meet.
Are transit services adequate, or are there specific areas in which unmet transit needs could be reasonable to
meet through the expansion of existing transportation systems, by establishing new systems, or by contracting
for service from private operators? VCTC is especially interested in hearing about the specific transit needs of
senior citizens, persons with disabilities, persons of low income, and for environmentally sensitive areas.
There are several ways you can submit your comments:
Provide comments to us at two evening meetings:
�r� f • Moorpark session will be on Wednesday, January 23`d, 6:30 PM — 7:30
PM at the City of Moorpark Community Center, 799 Moorpark Avenue.
• Oxnard session will be on Thursday, January 24th, 6:30 PM — 7:30 PM
at the Oxnard Public Library Community Room, 251 South 'A' Street.
Send them by mail to the Ventura County Transportation Commission, Unmet
Transit Needs Process, 950 County Square Drive, Suite 207, Ventura CA 93003
E-mail us at vkamhi(a)goventura.org or through our web site at
www.goventura.org
Fax us at(805) 642-4860
Call us at 1-800-438-1112 and ask to make a customer comment.
Come to our public hearing (and check our web site for opportunities to provide
i comments directly to City Councils and the County Board of Supervisors)
Come to the City of Moorpark's Public Meeting:
WEDNESDAY, January 16, 2013 7:00 P.M.
MOORPARK CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
799 MOORPARK AVENUE, MOORPARK, CA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2013
1:30 PM — 3:00 PM °
CAMARILLO CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
601 CARMEN DRIVEF
CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA
We look forward to hearing from you. All comments must be received by February 11, 2012.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Government Code Section 54954.2, if special assistance is
needed to participate in a Commission meeting, please contact the Clerk of the Board at(805) 642-9591 ext 109.
Notification of at least 48 hours prior to meeting time will assist staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be
made to provide accessibility at the meeting.
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LNECESITA SERVICIOS DE TRANSPORTE?
La Comisi6n de Transporte del Condado de Ventura
le invita a presentar sus comentarios ante una Audiencia Publica acerca
de los Servicios de Transporte
La Comisi6n de Transporte del Condado de Ventura (VCTC) le invita a participar en un foro acerca de los
servicios de transporte publicos dentro del Condado de Ventura, y entre el Condado de Ventura y los
Condados de Los Angeles y Santa Barbara. Es parte del proceso para identificar servicios de transportacion
que faltan que pueden proveer razonablemente.
,Son adecuados los servicios de transporte? Son suficientes? �Existen aun sectores especificas que no
cuentan con medios de transporte adecuados? �,Se podria proporcionar un mejor servicio de transporte a
traves de la expansi6n de los sistemas actualmente en existencia, a trav6s del establecimiento de nuevos
sistemas, o mediante los servicios de operadores del sector privado? A VCTC le interesa especialmente saber
cuales son las necesidades de transporte de las personas de la tercera edad, de las personas discapacitadas,
personas de bajos ingresos y la necesidad de transporte en las regiones con condiciones ambientales
vulnerables.
Existen varias formas de presentar sus comentarios:
Proporcionar comentarios para usar en dos reuniones por la noche:
• Sesi6n de Moorpark tends lugar el midreoles 23 de enero, 6:30 a
7:30 PM en el Municipio de Moorpark Sala de reuniones de la
comunidad, 799 Moorpark Avenue.
C6�� •Sesi6n de Oxnard sera el jueves 24 de enero, 6:30-7:30 PM, en la
biblioteca de Oxnard, 251 South `A' Street.
Un mensaje por el correo electr6nico a vkamhi @goventura.org o por
nuestra telarana de pagina a www.goventura.org
Llamenos al 1-800-438-1112
Enienos un Fax al (805) 642-4860
Asista a nuestra audiencia Publica (y visite nuestra pagina electr6nica
Para tener la_oportunidad de hacer comentarios al Conceio Municipal v a
la Mesa Directiva de Supervisores del Condado).
Venga a la Junta Publica de la Ciudad de Moorpark
MIERCOLES, 16 DE ENERO DE 2013 7:00 P.M.
MOORPARK CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
799 MOORPARK AVENUE, MOORPARK, CA
LUNES,4 DE FEBRERO DE 2013 1:30-3:00pm ca
CAMARILLO CITY HALL a�
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - - -
601 CARMEN DRIVE
CAMARILLO, CA
Esperamos su participaci6n. Todos los comentarios deberan ser recibidos para el 11 de Febrero
de 2013.
En cumplimiento de la Ley de Estadounidenses con discapacidades y la Secci6n 54954.2 del C6digo de Gobierno, si se
necesita asistencia especial para participar en una reunion de la Comisi6n, por favor ponte en contacto con el Secretario
de la Junta al(805) 642-1591 ext 101. Notificaci6n de por to menos 48 horas antes de la reunion asistira el personal para
asegurar que los acuerdos razonables se pueden hacer Para facilitar la accesibilidad en la reunion.
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Attachment C
Item#91
December 7, 2012
MEMO TO: VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
FROM: MARY TRAVIS, MANAGER,TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT AND RAIL
PROGRAMS
SUBJECT: FY 2013114 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT(TDA) UNMET TRANSIT
NEEDS PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE, PROCEDURES AND DEFINITIONS OF
"UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS"AND"REASONABLE TO MEET"
RECOMMENDATION:
• Review and approve the schedule, procedures and definitions of"Unmet Transit Needs" and
"Reasonable to Meet"for the FY 2013/14 TDA Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing.
DISCUSSION:
Each year, the State Transportation Development Act(TDA) requires a public hearing be held to discuss
public transit. The purpose of the annual public hearing is to take testimony on local and/or regional
transit needs, and then develop findings that ensure that all reasonable transit needs are satisfied before
TDA funds can be allocated for street and road purposes. The testimony is reviewed against adopted
definitions describing what are"unmet transit needs"and what is"reasonable to met".
A schedule for the FY 2013/14 public hearing is attached. A Hearing Board will be appointed by the
VCTC Chair at the January Commission meeting, and they will hold the public hearing Monday, February
4, 2013 at 1:30 PM at Camarillo City Hall. The Hearing Board will then review the testimony and draft
staff findings/recommendations at the same time and place on April 22, 2013, and forward their
recommendations to the Commission at its May 3, 2013 meeting.
The procedures for the hearing will be the same as in past years, that is, testimony will be collected from
the public and all local agencies interested in transportation. Testimony can be submitted by letter, email,
telephone call to VCTC's toll-free"800" number, by appearing at an East County or West County evening
public meeting and/or at the February 4 public hearing. The testimony will be reviewed by VCTC staff
and transit providers and analyzed in the context of the adopted definitions of"unmet transit needs" and
"reasonable to meet".
At their November 13, 2012 meeting, the CTAC/SSTAC reviewed the schedule, process and definitions
for the 2013/2014 public hearing, and recommended the Commission approve the staff
recommendations. Because of the fiscal year time constraints, staff concurs with the CTAC/SSTAC
recommendation, and the suggested definitions follow.
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December 7, 2012
Item#91
Page#2
"Unmet Transit Need":
"Unmet transit needs"are, at a minimum, those public transportation services that have been identified by
substantial community input through the public hearing process or are identified in a Short Range Transit
Plan, in local Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) paratransit plans and/or in the Regional
Transportation Plan that have not yet been implemented or funded.
"Reasonable to Meet":
Following is the VCTC adopted definition of"Reasonable to Meet" including the recommended
benchmarks for the passenger farebox recovery ratio for new transit services in Ventura County.
An unmet transit need shall be considered "reasonable to meet" if the proposed service (1) is in general
compliance with the following criteria:
Equity
• The proposed service will not cause reductions in existing transit services that have an equal or
higher priority.
• The proposed service will require a subsidy generally equivalent to other similar services.
Timing
• The proposed service is in response to an existing rather than future transit need.
Feasibility
• The proposed service can be provided within available funding. (2)
• The proposed service can be provided with the existing fleet or by contract to a private provider.
Performance
• The proposed service will not unduly affect the operator's ability to maintain the
required passenger fare ratio for its system as a whole.
• The proposed service will meet the scheduled passenger fare ratio standards as described in the
recommended benchmarks for the passenger farebox recovery ratio for new transit services in
Ventura County.
• The estimated number of passengers to be carried will be in the range of other
similar services, and/or, the proposed service provides a"link"or connection that
contributes to the effectiveness of the overall transit system.
Community Acceptance
• The proposed service has community acceptance and/or support as determined
by the unmet needs public hearing record, inclusion in adopted programs and
plans, adopted governing board positions and other existing information.
(1) Proposed Service is defined as the specific transit service identified as an unmet need(as defined)and which requires
evaluation against this definition of"reasonable to meet".
(2) The lack of available resources shall not be the sole reason for finding that a transit need is not reasonable to meet.
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December 7, 2012
Item#91
Page#3
RECOMMENDED BENCHMARKS FOR PASSENGER FAREBOX RECOVERY RATIO FOR NEW
TRANSIT/PARATRANSIT SERVICES IN VENTURA COUNTY
TDA regulations have established a basic requirement in Section 99268 of the Public Utilities Code for all
proposed new transit services in urban areas; this requirement states a 20% passenger fare ration by the
end of the third year of operations. A similar target passenger fare ratio of 10% exists for special services
(for seniors or persons with disabilities) and rural area services.
VCTC has established more detailed interim passenger fare ratio standards, which will be used to
evaluate new services as they are implemented, which are described below. Transit serving both urban
and rural areas, per State law, may obtain an"intermediate" passenger ratio. (1)
AT END OF TWELVE MONTHS OPERATION
Performance Level Recommended Action
Urban Service Special/Rural Service
Less than 6% Less than 3% Provider may discontinue service
6% or more 3% or more Provider will continue service with
modifications if needed
AT END OF TWO YEARS OPERATION
Less than 10% Less than 5% Provider may discontinue service
10%or more 5% or more Provider will continue service with
modifications if needed
AT END OF THREE YEARS OPERATION (2)
Less than 15% Less than 7% Provider may discontinue service
15-20% 7-10% Provider may consider modifying and
continuing service
20% or higher 10% or higher Provider will continue service with
modifications as needed
(1) Per statute the VCTC may establish a lower fare ratio for intermediate area transit services.
(2) A review will take place after 2%years operation to develop a preliminary determination
regarding the modification or discontinuation of the service.
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December 7,2012
Item#91
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NEXT STEPS:
Because of the fiscal year timing, staff recommends that the FY 2013/14 process move forward.
However, the last time the Commission did an extensive review of the VCTC definitions and unmet transit
needs process was in 1998. It is simply good government practice to regularly evaluate how the agency's
responsibilities are fulfilled and to ensure meeting all legal requirements. The unmet transit needs
process review is particularly important within the context of SB 716 and the reorganization of transit
services in Ventura County, and the development of the Ventura County Comprehensive Transportation
Plan. Accordingly, staff will include a task in the FY 2013/14 TDA budget for consultant assistance to
review of the Commission's annual unmet transit needs assessment procedures and definitions.
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Fiscal Year 2013/14 Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearinq and Process Schedule
November 13, 2012 CTAC/SSTAC reviews FY 13/14 unmet transit needs public hearing definitions
December 7, 2012 VCTC approves FY 13/14 unmet transit needs public hearing schedule and
definitions
December 10, 2012 Letters/flyers are sent to community groups, social service agencies, transit
operators, and the general public to announce the public hearing and
information is posted on the www.goventura.org website
January 4, 2013 Legal notice for public hearing published
January 9 and 16, 2013 Display advertisements on public hearing published in local English and
Spanish language newspapers
January 23, 2013 East County public meeting, 6:30 PM, at Moorpark City Hall
January 24, 2013 West County public meeting, 6:30 PM, in Oxnard
January 25, 2013 Reminder notices on the public hearing sent to agencies/citizens
February 4, 2013 Public Hearing, 1:30 p.m. at Camarillo City Hall
February 11, 2013 5 p.m. hearing record closed-no further public testimony accepted
March 14, 2013 Transit Operators Advisory Committee(TRANSCOM) reviews testimony and
makes recommendations regarding the staff proposed findings
March 22, 2013 (Tentative Date) Managers Policy Advisory Committee(MPAC) reviews
testimony and makes recommendations regarding the proposed findings
April 9, 2013 CTAC/SSTAC reviews testimony and makes recommendations regarding the
staff proposed findings
April 22. 2013 1:30 p.m. at Camarillo City Hall - Hearing Board reviews and approves findings
May 3, 2013 9 a.m. at Camarillo City Hall-VCTC adopts Unmet Transit Needs Public
Hearing Findings
May 6, 2013 Adopted findings are forwarded to the State for review
August 15, 2013 Deadline for State review of findings
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Attachment D
bus shelters were also received.
Although not in response to the Unmet Transit Needs process, earlier this year, both VCTC (for VISTA
126)and Gold Coast Transit(for the Channel Island-Victoria line) applied for demonstration funds to
address concerns subsequently addressed in this Unmet Transit Needs process. At the same time,the
"East County Cities" (Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks)are working on a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU)which will serve as the template for core uniform hours of operation, and other
actions to improve coordination of services in the East County.
In general, the verbal and written testimony given through the public hearing process supported the
continuation of existing and programmed transit services and programs. For the most part the people
testifying considered all existing transit services as a"baseline"saying that the services needed to be
kept. It is therefore recommended that all general public bus transit systems and services be found to be
Unmet Transit Needs as part of the FY 2012/13 findings. The exception is Gold Coast Transit Route 40,
which has been specifically identified as a route which was being terminated because of poor
performance and not a lack of transportation funds.
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
increase bike capacity on buses, and improved numbers and quality(protection from elements) at
bus stops. These are not Unmet Transit Needs, but VCTC and the operators have an on-going
interest and efforts of 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 TDA fare box requirements.
6. Comment regarding driver performance.A number of comments were received regarding driver
performance. 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 April 12, 2012. The TRANSCOM supported the
recommended findings. The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee/Social Service Transportation
Advisory Committee (CTAC/SSTAC) met on April 10, 2012 and approved the recommended findings. The
Hearing Board reconvened on April 23, 2012 for a final review of the draft findings and recommended
approval by the full Commission at its May 4, 2012 meeting.
The findings are attached.
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. Discontinue Gold Coast Transit Route 40 due to a failure to meet ridership goals and performance
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productivity objectives of both Gold Coast Transit and VCTC.
4. If awarded grants, monitor the proposed service demonstrations on the VISTA 126(expanded
hours) and the Gold Coast Transit Channel Islands Blvd./Victoria Ave. (new route)to determine if a
transit need which is reasonable to meet exists.
5. Continue the Ventura County interagency bus transfer program.
After adopting the recommendations listed above, and based on the analysis of the written and verbal
testimony provided to the Commission:
6. Find by VCTC Resolution#2012-05 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 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. Initiate 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 countywide transit study to identify short range and long range transit needs.
K. 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.
L. 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.
M. Support cost-effective actions to increase bike capacity on the transit system.
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N. Encourage transit trips over auto usage during this time of heightened public awareness of the cost
of fuel.
O. Seek financial support from the cities/County to provide subsidized fares for low income
passengers who are transferring between local transit systems and VISTA.
P. Work with LOSSAN, Caltrans,Amtrak, and Metrolink to improve rail safety and maintain or increase
speeds on the rail services.
Q. Encourage VCTC and the ADA providers in the county continue to improve transfers and transfer
locations for inter-agency ADA trips.
R. Continue to integrate evening meetings in different parts of the county as part of future Unmet
Transit Needs process.
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 #2012-05 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 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
Improved service quality. Twenty-four persons wanted an increase in bus servicing current stops.
Many complained of long headways, 45 minutes to an hour. Many want to see headway times dropped
to between 15 and 30 minutes. Fourteen persons complained about overcrowding on Gold Coast Transit
buses. Seventeen persons complained about Gold Cost Transit buses running late, causing passengers
to arrive late to work, miss appointments, etc. One person complained about the need for a "Constant
schedule with few disruptions". Also, three requests were made to increase or re-instate the route 6 Line.
Two people asked for more buses to stop at Ventura College. One person said the buses take too long.
One person stated the bus stops too far from their house; another wanted the bus to go into the discount
center to stop at Charter College. One person commented that there was a lack of time built into
schedules to allow for wheelchair boarding's. One person complained about the leg room on the bus.
Gold Coast Transit was aware of the service problems, and since late 2011 was working on a revision to
their schedule to correct these related issues. A major schedule modification was implemented on
February 12,just after community organization groups distributed and collected comment cards. It
appears that the problems identified by the riders have been addressed. These are not Unmet Transit
Needs.
Three people were also complimentary to new GCT regarding their new or modified services.
Service on Victoria Ave. and Channel Islands Blvd. Thirteen people requested Gold Coast Transit
service on Victoria Ave. and Channel Islands Blvd., and two people requested more direct service from
Oxnard/Port Hueneme to Ventura College. While there were not a sufficient number of requests or data
to justify the determination of an Unmet Transit Need, the comments support the analysis done by Gold
Coast Transit, which lead to that agency submitting to VCTC a grant application to implement a
demonstration service from Center Point Mall in Oxnard, down Channel Island Blvd.to Victoria Ave., and
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