Agenda SISKIYOU COUNTY LOCAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION. December 1, 2015 Time: 6:00 p.m. Board of Supervisors Chambers County Court House, Yreka

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1 Agenda SISKIYOU COUNTY LOCAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION December 1, 2015 Time: 6:00 p.m. Board of Supervisors Chambers County Court House, Yreka The Agenda is located on the County s web site at 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Public Comment 3. Approval of Minutes a. October 6, Presentation/Discussion/Action Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Resolution # Discussion/Action - Regional Surface Transportation Project Selection 6. Discussion/Action 2016 Regional Transportation Improvement Program Resolution # Discussion/Action Resolution Honoring Diana De Rodriguez in Memoriam Resolution # Discussion/Action Amend # 1 FY 2015/2016 Overall Work Program Resolution # Discussion/Action Change Meeting Time 10. Discussion/Action Transit Driver Uniform 11. Discussion/Action Contract with NCE First Addendum 12. Information Only - Staff Report 13. Misc. 14. Adjourn

2 Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission (RTPA) Tuesday, October 6, 2015, 6:00 p.m. Board of Supervisors Chambers, Siskiyou County Courthouse th Street, Yreka, California. The Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chairperson Grace Bennett in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, Yreka, CA. The following Commissioners were in attendance: Joan Smith Freeman Michael Kobseff Grace Bennett Brandon Criss Tom McCulley Marilyn Seward City of Yreka County of Siskiyou County of Siskiyou County of Siskiyou Town of Fort Jones City of Etna Staff Present: Melissa Cummins Nicole Kreider Executive Director Fiscal Technician Also Present: Randy Akana Derek Willis Kelly Zolotoff Paul Eckert John Maxwell Mike Feakes County of Siskiyou Caltrans Caltrans D2 STIP City of Mount Shasta Caltrans Caltrans 1. Call to Order Chairperson Grace Bennett called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Ms. Cummins introduced Nicole Kreider, who will be taking minutes for the Commission. Nicole joined General Services in May. Ms. Cummins asked the Commissioners to introduce themselves so Nicole knows who is speaking. 2. Public Comments There were no public comments. 3. Approve Minutes from August 4, 2015 A motion was made by Commissioner Kobseff and seconded by Chairperson Bennett to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2015 meeting.

3 4. Presentation/Discussion - Caltrans South Mt Shasta/Hwy 89 Intersection Ms. Cummins reviewed the history of the South Mt Shasta Boulevard/Hwy 89 Operational Improvements Project for the Commissioners. Caltrans appeared before the Commission in February 2016 and presented a proposed project at the intersection of South Mt Shasta Blvd and State Route 89. Since then they ve been working on the project initiation document and are about 90% complete. Staff from SCLTC and Caltrans (Derek Willis and Kelly Zolotoff) completed a second presentation on the project to the Mt Shasta City Council on September 28, 2015 and received feedback from them and their constituents. The comments received by staff are included in the Commissioners agenda packet. Derek Willis, Caltrans Project Manager, and Kelly Zolotoff, Caltrans District 2 STIP Coordinator was in attendance to present the item. Ms. Zolotoff starts with reviewing the comments received, ideas considered by Caltrans, and the future of the intersection. The district has acknowledged that the intersection is included and identified in several publications as a bicycle route. Cyclists are allowed on I5 up to the South Mt Shasta Boulevard turnoff and on Hwy 89. Caltrans acknowledges the limited opportunities for bicycles and pedestrian use through this interchange/intersection area in part because this is an expressway access controlled so they are limited with what they can do. Some of the suggestions brought forward were: median refuge islands on Hwy 89, reducing speeds and speed surveys, signalize the intersection and the impact, pedestrian / bicycle tunnels, a pedestrian/bicycle bridge, and flashing beacons. Caltrans has a policy (DD64R2) that requires them to consider opportunities that are available on a project. If the predominance of traffic is bike and pedestrian then that is where the funding will be focused. The latest Transportation Concept Report (TCR) completed by Caltrans for Hwy 89 was in The TCR calls for a four lane expressway through this area and upgrading shoulders to a minimum four foot shoulders and eight foot shoulders in other areas to create Class 2 bike lanes along the entire route. Part of the concern from Caltrans is that there is no regional active transportation plan that evaluated the site and proposed ideas to identify what would be the most appropriate way to fix the intersection for bicycle and pedestrian users. Caltrans is proposing that a Regional Active Transportation Plan (RATP) be developed. Ms. Zolotoff reviews the ways that such a plan can be funded. The RATP would provide Caltrans with data on current usage, times of the year, forecasted usage, different modes of travel and any increase in those, and potential solutions. Absent the RATP Caltrans cannot put transportation dollars to these projects. Chairperson Bennett asks if the public from Mt Shasta and McCloud would be invited to participate in the public comment on such a plan. Ms. Zolotoff responds that they would be invited to participate. Caltrans is looking to the region for someone to lead the project. This could be a city, the County, or the SCLTC. A local agency would have to be lead for the project, but Caltrans would be a partner/stakeholder that would assist with finding solutions. Ms. Zolotoff reviewed the funding options for such a plan. These include the Active Transportation Program (Cycle 3) and the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant program. Active Transportation Program Ms. Zolotoff explains that the ATP Cycle 3 call for projects will be released in the spring of The program is approximately $360 million dollars. The next cycle is approximately two years worth of new funding. Rural areas are able to apply for sixty percent of the funds. Fifty percent of the funds are awarded based on a statewide competitive selection process. Ten percent of the funds are designated for small urban and rural areas. Of the rural funding two percent is specific to planning 2

4 projects such as the proposed Regional Active Transportation Plan. In order for a bicycle/pedestrian project to move forward for funding it will need to be included in an Active Transportation Plan. By completing the plan it shows Caltrans that the region has looked at various alternatives, confirmed the best solution, and involved the public and other stakeholders. Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Ms. Zolotoff states the program is currently in a call for projects. This is an annual grant. Funding is available for these plans through this grant program. Ms. Zolotoff states that we can t include the proposed bike/pedestrian improvements in the South Mt Shasta Boulevard/Hwy 89 Operational Improvements project right now due to the way it is presently scoped. Caltrans does not intend to submit the project for programming until the 2018 STIP cycle. During this time if the RATP is in place prior to starting the environmental they can combine projects for construction if determined in the RATP plan to be a viable option. Mr. Willis advised the Commission that the intent is to complete the Project Initiation Document (PID), which will move the project forward for programming. They originally planned to submit the project in the 2016 STIP. However, due to the STIP funding crisis Caltrans is planning to submit it for the 2018 STIP if agreeable to the Commission. Caltrans is recommending Alternative C which Mr. Willis will be explains later in his presentation. The community of Mt Shasta would like to see more bike/pedestrian facilities in their community and Caltrans understands and agrees. Mr. Willis reviews the history of project from the previous interchange project to the present operational improvements projects. The County and Caltrans agreed to unprogram the interchange project as it was not supported by the region. In that conversation Caltrans recognized that this intersection (S Mt Shasta Blvd/Hwy 89) could be improved. The Setting: - The location of the intersection is in the unincorporated area of the County. - Dotted line to the north is the City of Mt Shasta. - Within the circle on the north side is a local connector with the speed of 35 MPH. - No paved shoulders. - Area around intersection speed is much lower because of curves - South side of 89 Big Canyon Dr is also 35 MPH. Speed limit is less on curves. - On Hwy 89 speeds are posted at 55 MPH, then turns to 65 further up the road on Hwy paved shoulders - Two lane expressway (access controlled) Mr. Willis points out when I5 is closed in the canyon all the traffic is diverted onto Hwy 89. The interchange functions so traffic can continue moving (slowly). Peak Hourly Volume: - Count of 161 is headed toward I5. o The study shows ¼ of the traffic takes ramp back onto South Mt Shasta Boulevard. - Largest turning movement is into Azalea or Big Canyon Drive Accident History The accident history for this area is greater than the statewide average. Caltrans has studied the data, but there is no clear indication of the causes. 3

5 - 4 broadsides - 3 rear ends - 3 sideswipes - No reported bicycle/pedestrian accidents Caltrans filmed traffic activity at the intersection for one week in mid-september. The film showed thirty-one cyclists and eleven pedestrian crossings during the period of time. What is happening? The film showed a lot of traffic coming from I5. Although unclear which direction (NB or SB) traffic would come to the intersection, make a U-turn and head back towards the freeway. Mr. Willis would surmise that instead of going to the South Mt Shasta Boulevard ramp into Mt Shasta they are taking the Hwy 89 exit because the signage is so close together. Mr. Willis states that by putting a safer way to make the left turn onto South Mt Shasta Boulevard people would be able to get to business district without having to make an unsafe U-turn across intersection. Need and Purpose NEED: The present intersection configuration has no dedicated turn lanes to provide refuge to turning vehicles from high-speed through traffic. PURPOSE: To improve operations and safety at the S Mt Shasta Blvd / SR 89 intersection. Mr. Willis states that he will address how they propose to improve safety and operations later in his presentations. Design Considerations Mr. Willis stated Caltrans went over these multiple times and a number of other considerations as they worked on the PID. Geometric standards - curve radius Design speed Traffic volumes AADT volume; Average annual daily traffic Circulation pattern (turning movements) Pedestrian and Bicyclists; Facility Use When we close I5 this becomes the detour for I5. Roadway topography the grades on both sides Snow and Ice Construction Cost Right-of-Way cost Design Standards Facility design speed 55 mph Turn lane geometry Sight distance Ensuring that a vehicle has enough distance see a pedestrian if they were crossing at the worst place possible. Shoulder Widths Mr. Willis moves on to the proposed alternatives. 4

6 Alternative A Includes two left turn lanes 1) Left into S Mt Shasta and 2) Left turn into Big Canyon Drive. This alternative will get traffic out of the way to safely make the turn and through traffic can proceed without having to slow down. If they put a traffic barrier out there they think they would be able to get by without any right-of-way costs, which is part of Alternative C. Estimated Costs: Construction Capital: $1,000.0 K R/W Costs: $ K Total Costs: $1,240.0 K Mr. Willis explains that there are right-of-way costs with the other two Alternatives. The reason is that it moves into Big Canyon Drive. The right-of-way to the South is anticipated at approximately $250,000.00, which includes moving utilities. Alternative B Includes a right turn lane coming from McCloud to I5 and two left turn lanes. This alternative realigns South Mt Shasta Blvd. This would include purchasing right-of-way to the north. Estimated Costs: Construction Capital: $1,300.0 K R/W Costs: $ K Total Costs: $1,415.0 K Caltrans doesn t have any survey data so the right-of-ways costs are estimates at this time. Mr. Willis describes the issue between Alternative A and Alternative B. As traffic is coming off of I5 NB and I5 SB they merge on the west side of this intersection they come together and have to weave through there. If we install a left turn lane the traffic headed northbound that wants to turn left at South Mt Shasta Boulevard will have to merge over and stop suddenly. Alternative C Includes two left turn lanes, a right turn from Hwy 89 onto South Mt Shasta Boulevard and an acceleration lane for northbound I5 through the intersection. Estimated Costs: Construction Capital: $1,250.0 K R/W Costs: $ 25.0 K Total Costs: $1,275.0 K This alternative removes some of the hazards identified in the previous alternative. It allows people to slow down in the lane or move over to allow another car coming from southbound I5 to continue onto Hwy 89. It provides a smoother transition and more time to make a decision without merging immediately. This Alternative shows the traffic barrier. If Caltrans were to proceed with this 5

7 alternative they may not need to purchase any right-of-way. They would probably have temporary construction easements but not a permanent right- of- way take. Rejected Concepts - Roundabouts This concept won t work due to detouring traffic from I5. The speed limits for roundabouts are typically 17 MPH. - Signalizing the Intersection None of the signal warrants are met at this site. - Connector Ramp Reconfiguration Caltrans considered making the northbound I5 off ramp a T and making vehicles stop. Data shows 16% percent of the traffic is truck traffic, which means they would have to start from a complete stop on an uphill grade. - Right Turn Only As presented last time. - Adding Median Islands to SR-89 This option would make snow removal hazardous. Mr. Willis said a great deal of consideration has gone into the development of the project. They have reviewed all the comments received via from the residents and cycling community. They have been in contact with Michael Williams throughout the process. Caltrans District 2 Management is not supporting putting pedestrian and bicycle crossings in at this location. They have considered other locations for the crossing, but without a RATP it will be difficult to identify the best location and best solution. They discussed a flashing beacon as well. Each one of the alternatives mentioned will have lighting at the intersection, which will help with the way finding and sight distance. Signage will be improved throughout the area. The lighting at night will help with safety and assisting travelers with wayfinding. All of the improvements will help keep the ramp operational longer. Commissioner Criss asks when if the construction is scheduled for Ms. Cummins states that there is also the no build option in addition to those presented by Mr. Willis. Ideally Caltrans would like a preferred alternative from Commission and the City Council so they can move forward with completion of the PID. This makes the project eligible for funding when it becomes available. Ms. Cummins advises the Commissioners that the State has notified regions that we have to reprogram 40% of the already programmed projects. This is equivalent to $2.5 million dollars for the region in the next STIP cycle. The expectation is that the project may get programmed in the 2018 or 2020 STIP, which means it may not be funded until Mr. Willis elaborates that if submitted and programmed in the 2018 STIP construction could be in 2021/22. It will ultimately be a funding issue rather than how fast Caltrans can deliver the project. Ms. Zolotoff explains funding for the 2014 STIP cycle was $ 1.2 Billion dollars of new money to the state as a whole. The 2016 STIP cycle is slated to be $ 46.0 Million dollars available statewide. The Board of Equalization (BOE) changed the allocation of the gas taxes. Ms. Zolotoff stated gas prices went down to $2.00 a gallon from over $3.00. The Board of Equalization was giving $ 0.18 per gallon to the CTC, but now they are getting $ 0.12 cents per gallon. This resulted in a shortfall of $140 million in the current fiscal year. The $46 million dollars available in new funding will cover some of the cost. Ms. Zolotoff says that CTC has included it in their fund estimate, which she can provide to Ms. Cummins. CTC discusses this at the beginning of their meeting agenda as part of their transportation funding. Commissioner Kobseff asks if the.18 cents a percentage price like a sales tax or per gallon. Ms. Zolotoff says it is a sales tax on a gallon of gas. BOE did a shift a few years back that was supposed to stabilize the funding, but apparently there is a loophole that BOE can change it based upon the cost of gas as it fluctuates. 6

8 Commissioner Smith-Freemans talks of the League of Cities annual meeting and this same topic of conversation was huge. Senator Bell was a speaker and says there are some alternatives. Ms. Zolotoff agrees there are viable options right now but none of them have moved forward too far. Commissioner Kobseff states that the new proposals appear to take money from rural sans shifts it to the urban areas. Discussion followed between Ms. Zolotoff and the Commission regarding proposed legislation and other funding sources being reviewed at the state level. Commissioner McCulley asks if we are not building until 2025 if there is still time to fund the RATP. Ms. Zolotoff states in order for Caltrans to consider the tunnel as a viable option they have to have something such as a Regional Active Transportation Plan that reviews locations and determines which site is the best option. Once we have the RATP Caltrans can apply funding to the project. Commissioner McCulley asks if there is enough time to do complete the plan prior to the construction of the project. Ms. Zolotoff confirms there could be enough time to complete the plan and identify the correct site. Ms. Zolotoff reiterates in order to move any bicycle/pedestrian improvements forward Caltrans needs a Regional Active Transportation Plan to present to their management team. The lack of a study that identifies the alternatives and forecasted usage makes it difficult to get support for District 2 Management and prevents the use of state or federal transportation funds on the project. Ms. Cummins reminds the Commissioners that this project is funded 50/50 between Caltrans SHOPP and the region s STIP funds up to a total project cost of $2.0 Million dollars. If the total project costs are $ 2.0 Million a) $1.0 Million will come out of the STIP program and b) $ 1.0 Million will come from SHOPP funds. If the total project costs exceed $ 2.0 Million all of the additional costs (above $ 1.0 Million from SHOPP) will come from the region s STIP funds. Ms. Cummins adds that Mr. Willis had been asked in a previous meeting about a ballpark cost for a bicycle/pedestrian tunnel on Hwy 89 near South Mt Shasta Boulevard. The conclusion was it could cost roughly $5 million dollars. Mr. Willis reiterates that we really need to evaluate the sites and identify the right place for a crossing before we spend funds. Commissioner Smith-Freeman asks if there are separate funds from the Active Transportation Planning (ATP) funds that are available to make the area bicycle friendly. Ms. Zolotoff confirms that there are other funds that can be used for the plan and funds available for construction. The plan can be funded from one source. Ms. Zolotoff says there is another source for funding for an ATP project, as a state highway or local project with a sponsor such as city or county. Commissioner Smith- Freeman states that our pot of funding is not big enough to take $5 Million dollars away for a tunnel when the rest of the county needs these funds. Ms. Zolotoff says that if that is the option that comes to the surface, after looking at all the alternatives, then you can apply for ATP program funding. You can get all your support cost, environmental, design, right-of-way and construction cost with certain caveats as well. Commissioner McCulley suggests bringing this up at another meeting and Chairperson Bennett agrees that they need to bring this back and discuss specific bicycle information. Commissioner Smith-Freeman states that Michael Williams (Mt Shasta ATP) has been working on an ATP application. Ms. Cummins advises the Commission that she was notified earlier in the day that Mr. Williams has moved out of the area and is no longer a representative for the City of Mt Shasta. Commissioner Smith-Freeman asks what decision was made by the Mt Shasta City Council during the presentation on September 28, Paul Eckert, City Manager for the City of Mt Shasta, advised the City staff support Alternateive C. The Council values the suggestions including the tunnel, but takes a pragmatic view as well. Mr. Eckert says the City is supportive of Alternative C, but encourages the consideration of the flashing yellow be added and more of a firm recommendation. Mt 7

9 Shasta does not have a plan in place, there are concepts in Mt Shasta, but they haven t been studied. The city would like to see progress and the utilization of the Caltrans funds in our county at that location. The Commission agreed to support Alterative C. Ayes: Bennett, Criss, Kobseff, McCulley, Smith-Freeman, Noes: None Absent: Burns, Valenzuela Ms. Cummins announces the departure of Mr. Willis and the introduction of Mike Feakes. 5. Discussion/Action 2015/2016 Local Transportation Fund Allocation Resolution #15-10 Ms. Cummins reviews the LTF allocation spreadsheet included in the Commission s agenda packet. In years past they have never presented how they calculate the local transportation fund claim. The document shows the balance as of June 30, When staff develops the LTF claims for the next fiscal year we review the historical figures on actual receipts. The actual receipts have been sporadic (one year it went up 4%, the next we saw an increase of 15%, then it dropped back down to 3%). The receipts are often volatile and are 100% based off sales tax. The figures for FY 2015/2016 are based on an estimate of 97% of the prior year receipts. - The current year estimated receipts is $ 1.3 Million plus $ 2, in interest for a total of $1,389, The Commissions budget (identified as Administration Expense) for this year is $48, Funds available for allocation of $ Million - The transit agency requires $ 1.0 Million dollars to balance the budget for the current fiscal year. Ms. Cummins reviews the LTF Apportionment Estimate allocation sheet in detail with the Commission. Commissioner Criss asked if the Cities of Doris and Tulelake had bus service would they be receiving more funds. Ms. Cummins states they would receive less because they would be paying for transit services. Commissioner Criss states that for Doris, Tulelake that SSTAC is recommending looking into bus services for them. Commissioner Criss asks if they would pay less if we only used a van or small vehicle rather than a large bus. Ms Cummins says if they receive services they will pay their proportionate share based upon population regardless of the frequency or type of vehicle used. They are part of the calculations along with the other cities. Ms. Cummins points out the Transit LTF Requirement of $ 1.0 Million. The amount included in the FY 2015/2016 STAGE budget presented to the Board of Supervisors was $950,000. As presented on the LTF Apportionment Estimate staff is requesting the following funds: $25, Reserve for Saturday service implementation $25, Reserve for signage/bus stop improvements The final draft of the Short Range Transit Plan was provided to SSTAC a few weeks ago. In the draft plan, it suggests $50, for bus stop and signage improvements and implementation of Saturday service in the current fiscal year. Ms. Cummins is seeking direction regarding $50, Ms. Cummins states that the Commission has unmet needs that have been identified by the Commission, which still need to be funded. Ms. Cummins refers to section of the Transportation Development Act, which says If the transportation planning agency adopts a finding that there are unmet transit needs, 8

10 including needs that are reasonable to meet, then the unmet transit needs shall be funded before any allocation is made for streets and roads within the jurisdiction. Commissioner Kobseff asks how much will the $25,000 fund for Saturday service. Ms. Cummins states the draft plan says that $20,830 will cover one year of Saturday service once per month. Approximately $ 5,000 of the $ 25,000 will be used for advertising on radios and newspapers to promote the service. In the past they tried Saturday service and it didn t work. She d like to start advertising in January with anticipated implementation the first Saturday in April. It would only be the first Saturday of every month. Commissioner Kobseff questions what happens if it doesn t work again. Ms. Cummins states they will reevaluate it after 6 months. Ms. Cummins reminds the Commission that there are numerous other unmet transit needs that have been identified; this is just one of them. They haven t addressed the Doris and Tulelake issue. Public outreach is still needed. Because of staffing issues these have been delayed until after the first of the year. A motion was made by Commissioner Kobseff to approve the $ 50,000 allocation ($ 25,000 for Saturday service, $ 25,000 for bus stop/signage improvements), seconded by Commissioner Bennett. Ayes: Bennett, Criss, Kobseff, McCulley, Smith-Freeman, Valenzuela Noes: None Absent: Burns, Valenzuela A motion to approve Resolution by Commissioner Kobseff, seconded by Commissioner Criss. Ayes: Bennett, Criss, Kobseff, McCulley, Smith-Freeman, Valenzuela Noes: None Absent: Burns, Valenzuela 6. Discussion/Action State Transit Assistance FY 2015/2016 Claim Resolution #15-11 Ms. Cummins explains this money is only available to transit agencies within the region. The agenda included the history of prior allocations. These funds do fluctuate based upon actions taken by the legislature. The amount of the current year STA claim is $ 246,208. A motion was made by Commissioner Kobseff, seconded by Commissioner Smith Freeman to approve Resolution # Ayes: Bennett, Criss, Kobseff, McCulley, Smith-Freeman, Valenzuela Noes: None Absent: Burns, Valenzuela 7. Discussion/Action SSTAC Application Ms. Cummins states that the Commission directed staff to develop an application for individuals interested in serving on the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council. Staff contacted peer agencies and received the application included in the agenda packet. Staff is proposing to utilize this application for filling future vacancies. If approved by the Commission staff will advertise for the three positions currently vacant on the Council. A motion was made by Commissioner Kobseff, seconded by Commissioner Criss with discussion. 9

11 Commissioner Criss asked if a few of the questions could be redundant. After further discussion between the Commissioners the application was accepted as written. Ayes: Bennett, Criss, Kobseff, McCulley, Smith-Freeman, Valenzuela Noes: None Absent: Burns, Valenzuela 8. Discussion/Action Change Meeting Time Ms. Cummins brought back the issue of changing the meeting date/times as requested at the August 2015 SCLTC meeting. Commissioner Kobseff states they he would like the meetings earlier during the day to encourage more participation. Commissioner McCulley cautions the Commission that other representatives who work during the day may have to take time off or may not be able to attend. Commissioner Smith-Freeman mentions that others have meeting during the day as well. Ms. Cummins states they can change it back at a later time. Chairperson Bennett asks everyone to consider times that would work best for them. We should also consider the new location s busiest time for the busses coming and going. Commissioner Criss points out that the Board of Supervisors meetings are hard set dates and those on the Board have to adjust their schedule. He asks if the Commissioners prefer to be more flexible with each new Commission. He suggested having a form for them as well to identify the best times so they won t feel they are excluded. Ms. Cummins states that staff will bring the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair to the first Commission meeting each calendar year. We could also bring this item to the Commission to set the meeting dates/times for that year. It will re-solidify the meeting dates and times for that calendar year. Commissioner Smith-Freeman asks if the date/time it is part of the by-laws. Ms. Cummins confirms that it is part of the by-laws and will check them prior to the next meeting. This topic will be brought back in the next meeting in December. 9. Information Only Staff Report Ms. Cummins mentions the final draft of the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) was provided to everyone. The SRTP has been posted on the Commission s website, LSC Transportations Consultants website and the STAGE Facebook page. The public comment period starts today (October 6 th ) and ends November 6 th. There are numerous recommendations for changes to routes that will affect staff and passengers. Ms. Cummins will be presenting this to her staff in a meeting on October 10 th so they will be able to review it and make comments as well. Commissioner Kobseff asks if the change in routes and staff are cost efficient or an increase. Ms. Cummins states that it is cost efficient. In one case the route costs $155, a year. The proposal to change that route will provide more service in South County and address an unmet need through the Big Springs area. But the intent is to increase revenue without spending additional funds. 10. Misc Commissioner McCulley asks whether Greyhound will be stopping at the new facility. They haven t had any discussions about it yet, but once the new building is complete staff will contact them to start discussions after the first of January. Chairperson Bennett asks Mr. Akana when the move is expected. Mr. Akana explains the project completion is expected for November 13 th, but an issue arose that may extend it. The moving contract was signed today. If everything goes as planned the non-transit staff will move November 16 th. The transit 10

12 staff will move the following week. Ms. Cummins states that as of this meeting the December 1 st SCLTC meeting will be at the new transit center unless you hear otherwise from her. 11. Adjorn The meeting was adjourned 7:20 pm 11

13 Agenda Worksheet TO: SISKIYOU COUNTY LOCAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION DATE: December 1, 2015 SUBJECT: Agenda Item # 4 Presentation and Adoption of the Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Resolution # SUMMARY (Description of Issue): The Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission contracted with LSC Transportation Consultants Inc. to perform an update to the Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan in the summer of Over the past fifteen months SCLTC staff has worked with LSC staff to complete the necessary surveys, public outreach, stakeholder meetings and public input on the draft plan. The final draft as presented in this agenda packet is being submitted to the Commission for final review and approval. The project has been funded by a Transit Planning Grant awarded by Caltrans to the Commission. Once approved staff will move to finalize all invoicing and close out the grant. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approval of Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan as presented. Approve Resolution #

14 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Presentation to the Siskiyou Local Transportation Commission LSC Transportation Consultants

15 What is a Short Range Transit Plan? A Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) is required to receive funding state and federal agencies look to the SRTP to ensure that individual grant applications are consistent with the overall plan A SRTP is a great opportunity to look at how a transit system is performing and how it can improve over the coming five years, within available funding limits A SRTP helps transit managers and decision makers in coordinating service, capital and management improvements

16 Study Process Kick-off Meeting / Data Gathering Explored Transit Issues Conducted Outreach through Onboard Surveys, Online Surveys, Interviews and Poster Sessions Reviewed transit system and performance Presented early findings to Steering Committee and identified alternatives to evaluate Evaluated alternatives for service, marketing, and capital improvements Developed Draft Plan (also presented to the Steering Committee) Revised Draft to finalized Short Range Transit Plan

17 Overview of Draft Final Plan Community conditions (demographics, economic background, transit demand) Transit Review (overview of STAGE services, system performance, capital equipment, marketing and management) Recommended Plan Service Evaluation and Recommendations Capital Recommendations Marketing and Management Financial Plan

18 Community Conditions: Transit Dependent Population Total Population of County = 44, % are Youths (Age 5-17) 28% are Elderly (Age 60+) 10% Report They Have a Disability 19% Live In Households Below Poverty 8% of Households (Total of 1,593) Do Not Have a Car

19 Overview of STAGE Services I-5 Service: Yreka Weed (Lake Shastina) -- Mt Shasta -- (McCloud) -- Dunsmuir Scott Valley: Etna Ft Jones Yreka Highway 3 / 263: Yreka Montague Hornbrook Happy Camp: Yreka Happy Camp -- Orleans Yreka: Combination of intercity routes overlap to provide local service in Yreka

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21 Figure 9: Historical Ridership - Fiscal Year to ,000 90,000 90,256 87,438 85,751 80,000 70,000 Passenger-Trips 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 FY FY FY

22 Ridership by Community # Of Passengers % of Total Ridership Databar Cove % Dunsmuir 5, % Etna 2, % Fort Jones 2, % Gazelle % Greenview 1, % Grenada 1, % Hamburg % Happy Camp 1, % Hornbrook % Horse Creek % Klamath River % Lake Shastina 1, % McCloud 2, % Montague 2, % Mt Shasta 14, % Orleans % Seiad Valley % Somes Bar % Weed 19, % Weed/C.O.S. 1, % Yreka 28, %

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24 Figure 14: Passenger-Trips per Hour by Corridor Lake Shastina to Weed 2.8 McCloud to Mt. Shasta 3.3 Dunsmuir to Mt. Shasta 6.9 Travel Corridor Orleans/Happy Camp to Yreka Montague to Yreka Hwy 3 Corridor: Etna to Yreka 8.1 I-5 Corridor: Yreka to Mt. Shasta Passenger-Trips per Hour

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26 Transit Issues and Transit Demand Looked at relative need, service requests, input from interviews and surveys, unmet needs hearings Steering Committee Issues: Limit flag stops (safety issue) Better scheduling for transfers More frequent Yreka service; to hospital Intercity service (Medford, Redding, Klamath Falls)

27 Review of Unmet Needs Hearings and Requests for Service Saturday Service Along I-5 Corridor Service to / from Shasta Terrace Apartments in Yreka (W. Miner Street) Non-Emergency Medical Transportation to Redding, Klamath Falls Quartz Valley Rd to Ft Jones Earlier to Yreka for employment

28 Service Evaluation and Recommendations for 5 Years For each alternative, LSC identified: Hours and miles of service, Vehicle needs and operating cost Projected ridership and fare revenue Performance measures Best alternatives selected

29 Recommended Service Elements Earlier Southbound I-5 Service Shift Run 3A 15 Minutes Earlier Saturday Service 1 st Saturday of the Month Only I-5 Corridor Scott Valley/Montague Extend Yreka Service to Grocery Outlet Mid-Morning and Mid-Afternoon Runs Only Modify Route 6 to South County Circulator Route South County Circulator Route

30 Recommended Service Elements (continued) Replace Rt 6 with Yreka Big Springs Lake Shastina Mt. Shasta Lifeline Service Yreka Big Springs Lake Shastina Mt. Shasta Lifeline Service 2 Days per Week Reduce Orleans Happy Camp Service to 2 Days per Week Lifeline / NEMT Service One Day/Week Yreka - Ashland Medford Mt Shasta Redding

31 Performance Analysis of Recommended Service Elements Route / Service Vehicle Hours Operating Costs Change In Annual Passenger- Trips Fare Revenues Subsidy Alternative Performance Measure Passenger- Trips per Vehicle-Hour Subsidy per Passenger-Trip Farebox Return Ratio Earlier SB I-5 Service -- Shift 3A Schedule 62 $1, $400 $1, $ % Saturday Service -- 1st Saturday of the Month 308 $22, $1,700 $20, $ % Extend Yreka Service to Grocery Outlet 83 $2,900 1,000 $1,500 $1, $ % Eliminate Lake Shastina Route -2,877 -$157,600-7,700 -$11,500 -$146, $ % Modify Rt 6 to South County Circulator -154 $800 1,000 $1,500 -$ $ % Replace Rt 6 with Yreka - Shastina - Mt. Shasta Lifeline Svc -1,829 -$81,700-4,400 -$6,400 -$75, $ % Reduce Happy Camp - Yreka Service to 2 Days per Week $27, $1,628 -$25, $ % Yreka - Ashland - Medford Lifeline Service 303 $25, $7,200 $18, $ % Mt Shasta - Redding Lifeline Service 399 $20, $7,200 $13, $ %

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33 Capital Plan (7-Year) Replace 5 vehicles over seven years Miscellaneous Improvements Improve storage at maintenance yard Bus Stop shelters, signage and maintenance Bus Stop shelter at College of the Siskiyous Purchase of Land; Parking Enclosure - Mount Shasta Seven-year Cost = $2.99 million

34 Management & Marketing Recommendations Review and adopt goals and objectives; performance standards Improve Riders Guide: northbound and southbound I-5 on one guide More consistency in online presentation of schedules; smoother navigation Develop testimonial advertising and public presentations

35 Management & Marketing Recommendations (cont) Establish a Bi-Annual Transportation Summit amongst human service organizations, senior centers, churches, and STAGE to: Establish lines of communication Create an inventory of services and needs Identify goals Seek Advocacy Develop a Travel Training Program

36 Financial Plan Operating Costs increase from base of $1.92 million to $2.34 million -- 18% total (10% for inflation, 8% for service improvements) Ridership increases from 87,000 to 108,000 (19% increase); fare revenue increases 15% Plan uses existing funding sources, plus a few new sources. Requires increased LTF for transit. Builds capital reserve

37 Siskiyou County SRTP Financial Plan All Figures in Thousands FY15-16 FY16-17 FY17-18 FY18-19 FY Year Plan Total OPERATING PLAN Base Case Costs $1,917.2 $1,974.7 $2,033.9 $2,094.9 $2,157.8 $10,178.4 Operating Plan Elements Insert (From Plan Table 36) Table $7.7 $82.0 $84.4 $175.9 $181.2 $531.3 Total Operating Costs $1,924.9 $2,056.7 $2,118.4 $2,270.9 $2,339.0 $10,709.7 Operating Revenues Passenger Fares (From Table 38) $243.2 $259.6 $267.6 $280.3 $283.5 $1,334.2 State Transit Assistance $246.2 $253.6 $261.2 $269.0 $277.1 $1,307.2 Local Transportation Funds $1,033.3 $1,129.7 $1,163.6 $1,283.2 $1,327.3 $5,111.2 Low Carbon Transit Operations Program $15.9 $16.4 $16.9 $17.4 $17.9 $84.4 FTA Section 5311 $252.7 $260.3 $268.1 $276.1 $284.4 $1,341.6 Interest $11.5 $11.5 $11.5 $11.5 $11.5 $57.5 Other Service Revenue $57.0 $58.7 $60.5 $62.3 $64.2 $302.6 Administration Services (Reimbursements) $65.0 $67.0 $69.0 $71.0 $73.2 $345.1 Total Operating Revenues $1,924.9 $2,056.7 $2,118.4 $2,270.9 $2,339.0 $10,709.7 Annual Balance $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 CAPITAL PLAN Capital Costs (From Table 35) $39.3 $212.0 $1,599.4 $554.4 $570.8 $2,975.9 Capital Revenues LTF $50.0 $206.0 $949.7 $427.2 $435.4 $2,068.3 Federal (5307,5310,5311,5317) $0.0 $106.0 $799.7 $277.2 $285.4 $1,468.3 Proposition 1B PTMISEA $39.3 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $39.3 Total Capital Revenues $89.3 $312.0 $1,749.4 $704.4 $720.8 $3,575.9 Annual Balance $50.0 $100.0 $150.0 $150.0 $150.0 FTA - Federal Transit Administration Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.

38 Benefits of the Plan Adds services desired by the community: Saturday service (1 day/month, or more if successful) Earlier southbound I-5 service Medical-focused services to Medford and Redding Service to Grocery Outlet Increases efficiency through restructuring routes or reducing poor performing services: South County Circulator Life-line service to Big Springs, Lake Shastina Reduced Happy Camp/Orleans service

39 Benefits of the Plan (continued) Increased ridership outpaces increased operating costs, resulting in improved service effectiveness Provides balanced budget Builds capital reserve

40 Questions? / Comments? / Suggestions? Selena McKinney, LSC selena@lsctahoe.com

41 SISKIYOU COUNTY SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN Final Report Prepared for the Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission Prepared by LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.

42 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Final Report Prepared for the: Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission th Street Yreka, CA Prepared by: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Lake Forest Road, Suite C P.O. Box 5875 Tahoe City, California November 5, 2015 LSC# This Short Range Transit Plan is funded through a Transit Planning Grant awarded by Caltrans to the Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission (SCLTC).

43 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION STUDY AREA CHARACTERISTICS... 3 Study Area... 3 Population Characteristics... 3 Employment and Economy Commute Patterns and Travel Information Major Activity Centers TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Background Existing Public Transit Service STAGE Financial Analysis STAGE Transit System Performance STAGE Capital Assets Other Transportation Providers TRANSIT DEMAND AND NEEDS Unmet Transit Needs Requests for Service Key Person Interviews Summary STAGE Passenger On-Board Survey Results Transit Needs and Transit Demand SERVICE ALTERNATIVES Introduction Performance Analysis of Service Alternatives CAPITAL ALTERNATIVES Introduction Vehicle Needs Passenger Amenities Facility Needs FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Introduction Federal Transit Funding Sources Programs under Map Consolidated Programs under Map State Transit Funding Sources Local Transit Funding Sources Fare Alternatives Funding Strategies Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page i

44 8 INSTITUTIONAL and MANAGEMENT REVIEW Management Establishing Goals, Objectives and Standards Marketing Institutional Alternatives SISKIYOU COUNTY SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN Service Plan Capital Plan Financial Plan Implementation Plan Appendix A Siskiyou Ride Requests Appendix B Onboard Survey Summaries Appendix C Online Survey Summaries LIST OF TABLES TABLE PAGE 1 Siskiyou County Population Characteristics by Census Tract Siskiyou Population Projections by Age Employment Status by Census Tract Siskiyou County Major Employers Siskiyou County Local and Regional Commute Patterns, STAGE Fare Schedule STAGE Historical Transit Ridership STAGE Ridership by Month STAGE Ridership by Community STAGE Operating Revenue Sources STAGE Expenses and Cost Model STAGE Operating Characteristics STAGE Operating Characteristics by Corridor Vehicle Fleet Inventory Mobility Gap Analysis of Transit Need in Siskiyou County Transit Needs Index Siskiyou County Rural Non-Program Transit Demand Service Alternatives Example Yreka Checkpoint Service Schedule Comparable Rural Route Services Example Schedule for Yreka Medford Service Example Schedule for Mt. Shasta Redding Service Example Schedule for Yreka Tulelake Service Example Schedule for Yreka Klamath Falls Service Lake Shastina Route Average Daily Boardings by Run and Community Example Schedule for Lake Shastina Weed Mt. Shasta Lifeline Service Page ii Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.

45 27 Example Schedule for Yreka Big Springs Lake Shastina Weed - Mt. Shasta Lifeline Service Example Schedule for South County Circulator Minimum Sight Distance for Bus Stop Locations Service Alternative Performance Analysis Rural Long-Distance Transit Fare Review, Estimated Ridership Impact of Fare Increases STAGE Goals and Standards for Transit Service Example Schedule Format for STAGE Services within Yreka STAGE Capital Plan Siskiyou County SRTP Estimated Operating Cost Siskiyou County SRTP Estimated Ridership Siskiyou County SRTP Estimated Farebox Revenues Siskiyou County SRTP Financial Plan LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE PAGE 1 Siskiyou County Site and Location Map Total Population by Census Tract Number of Youth by Census Tract Number of Elderly by Census Tract Number of Persons Below the Poverty Level by Census Tract Number of Persons with Disabilities by Census Tract Number of Zero-Vehicle Households by Census Tract STAGE Transit Routes Historical Ridership Fiscal Year to Ridership by Route FY Total Ridership by Month FY Passenger-Trips by Corridor Cost per Passenger-Trip by Corridor Passenger-Trips per Hour by Corridor Passenger-Trips per Mile by Corridor Transit Needs Index by Census Tract Potential Yreka Checkpoint Service Lake Shastina and Big Springs Lifeline Service Checkpoint Locations Annual Ridership Impact of Alternatives Alternative Annual Operating Subsidy Impact Passenger-Trips per Vehicle-Hour of Service for Alternatives Operating Subsidy per Passenger-Trip for Alternatives Organization Chart Siskiyou County General Services Department, Transportation Division Siskiyou Short Range Transit Plan Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page iii

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47 Executive Summary Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan 2015 A Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) study was conducted to assess transit and related transportation issues in Siskiyou County and to provide a road map for improvements to the public transit program over the upcoming five years. The study included a review of existing transit operations, public outreach, evaluation of alternatives, and preparation of a comprehensive strategy of short-range service, capital, and institutional improvements with a supporting financial and implementation plan. EXISTING COMMUNITY CONDITIONS Siskiyou County has a population estimate of 44,673 (2012). The most populated communities are Yreka (7,702), Mount Shasta (3,360) and Weed (2,971). The population has actually declined slightly in the past two decades, but is projected to grow slowly in the next two decades. The elderly population is projected to grow while the youth population and adults aged 50 to 64 will decline resulting in an elderly population in 2020 that is 18.5 percent greater than in Of the total population, 15 percent are youths age 5 to 17, 28 percent are elderly age 65 or above, 10 percent are persons with disabilities, 19 percent are persons living in households below the poverty line, and 8 percent are living in households without a vehicle. EXISTING STAGE SERVICES The Siskiyou Transit and General Express (STAGE) public transit service is operated by the Siskiyou County Department of General Services. Current services can be summarized as follows: Route 1: Dunsmuir Mt. Shasta Weed Yreka Service begins at 6:15 AM in Dunsmuir and ends at 9:10 PM in Mt. Shasta. Service to Grenada is available in the morning only in the northbound direction and in the afternoon only in the southbound direction, while a stop in Gazelle is provided on one afternoon southbound run only. Additionally, McCloud service is offered one time per day in the northbound direction only, and the Cove Trailer Park is served twice per day (midday and afternoon) in the southbound direction only. Route 2: Dunsmuir McCloud Mt. Shasta Weed Yreka The first bus originates in Mt. Shasta at 6:05 AM and continues to provide service until 7:30 PM (route also ends in Mt. Shasta). The bus stops in Gazelle for one morning and one afternoon run in both the northbound and southbound directions only, while service to the other communities is available on each run. Route 3: Yreka Montague Hornbrook Weed Mt. Shasta McCloud Service begins in Yreka at 6:30 AM and ends at 5:55 PM in Hornbrook. Montague service is available through one morning and one afternoon run, while Hornbrook is served through two afternoon runs. Both Gazelle and Grenada are served once in the morning in each direction, while the Cove Trailer Park is served once per day (morning) in the northbound direction. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page ES-1

48 Route 4: Yreka Hornbrook Etna Scott Valley This route starts and ends in Etna, with service between 6:45 AM and 5:54 PM. Service is provided to Yreka, Etna and Montague throughout the day while Hornbrook is only served once in the morning (passengers needing to return to Hornbrook in the afternoon are able to use Route 3). Route 5: Yreka Happy Camp Orleans Route 5 service levels and areas depend on the day. Service on Monday and Wednesday is offered between 5:35 AM and 9:56 AM (Happy Camp to Yreka) and from 3:00 PM to 7:45 PM (Yreka to Happy Camp). On Tuesday and Thursday, the bus only serves Orleans and Happy Camp, with morning service between 5:35 AM and 8:08 AM, and service resuming from 5:10 PM to 7:45 PM. On Friday, the bus only serves Happy Camp and Yreka, with morning service between 7:55 AM and 9:56 AM, and afternoon service from 3:00 PM to 5:25 PM. Route 6: Mt. Shasta Weed Dunsmuir Lake Shastina There are two morning and two afternoon runs operated for Route 6. Service is generally provided between 6:36 AM and 5:59 PM to Lake Shastina, Weed and Mt. Shasta, with only one run (the second morning run) serving Dunsmuir. The first morning run originates in Carrick Addition (Weed), while the second morning run and two afternoon runs begin at Hoy Park (Lake Shastina); each run terminates in Lake Shastina. In short, service can be described as I-5 corridor service; Scott Valley to Yreka service; Happy Camp service; Yreka-Hornbrook and Montague service. Fares are between $1.75 and $10.00 one way, depending on distance, with discounted fares available to low income residents and multi-ride passes for several commuter routes. Because all service is intercity or commuter, there is no complementary paratransit service. Annual one-way passenger trips have declined slightly over the past three years, from 90,256 in to 85,751 in Approximately half of the STAGE ridership occurs in the I-5 corridor, followed by 14 percent on the Scott Valley services and 13 percent from Dunsmuir to Mount Shasta. Only 4 percent occurs on the Happy Camp service, and 3 percent on the Lake Shastina service. In terms of ridership per passenger hour (which measures service efficiency), the most efficient service is the Scott Valley service, with an average of 8.1 passenger trips provided per hour of service operated, followed by Dunsmuir to Mount Shasta with 6.9 passenger trips per hour and Yreka to Mount Shasta with 4.4 passengers per hour. The least efficient is Orleans to Happy Camp to Yreka, which only carries 1.4 passengers per hour of service, followed by Lake Shastina to Weed with 2.8 passengers per hour. The operating costs for Fiscal Year equaled $1,750,268. Personnel costs are just over a million dollars, while vehicle maintenance and fuel costs are just over half a million dollars. The revenue sources required to support STAGE s administration, operations and maintenance total $2,169,152. The largest source of income for STAGE is Transportation Development Act (TDA) Local Transportation Funds (LTF) funds which account for 50.4 percent of the revenues, followed by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5311 grant funds for rural areas (13.6 percent), and TDA State Transportation Assistance (STA) funds (11.3 percent). Passenger fares account for 10.9 percent of the operating budget, with other miscellaneous revenues such as interest, contract revenue, and department reimbursements make up the remainder. Page ES-2 LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

49 As of March 2015, the STAGE vehicle fleet consisted of 15 revenue vehicles, 10 of which have or will expire within the timeframe of the plan period. STAGE has a number of shelters and benches, and most of the bus stops are signed. OUTREACH FOR THE PLAN Throughout the planning process, a number of outreach efforts and events took place, including: Onboard passenger surveys, developed and summarized by LSC Transportation Consultants and administered by STAGE staff. Online community surveys Poster sessions at Walmart, College of the Siskiyous, and the Mount Shasta Shopping Center. Steering Committee Meetings, held to kick-off the study, review interim documents, and provide feedback on transit needs, transit issues and service alternatives. From these outreach efforts, the strengths and weaknesses of the transit system were identified, and desired improvements were discussed. SUMMARY OF TRANSIT DEMAND The demand for transit services was evaluated, focusing on input through outreach efforts, as well as modeling demand using transit index, identifying mobility gaps and estimating nonprogram demand. Demand was found to be relatively high in Weed/Edgewood/Carrick and Mount Shasta, as well as in Yreka west of Main Street and north of South Street. STAGE SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN Service Evaluation and Recommendations For each alternative, LSC identified the hours and miles of service, the vehicle needs and operating cost, and projected the expected ridership and fare revenue. Performance measures were calculated for each alternative to help in the comparison and evaluation of each alternative. The recommended services include the following: Saturday Service 1st Saturday of the Month Only (to be expanded in third or fourth year if successful) I-5 Corridor Scott Valley/Montague Earlier Southbound I-5 Service by shifting Run 3A 15 Minutes Earlier Extend Yreka Service to Grocery Outlet Mid-Morning and Mid-Afternoon Runs Only Reduce Orleans Happy Camp Service to 2 Days per Week Modify Route 6 to South County Circulator Route Replace Rt 6 with Yreka Big Springs Lake Shastina Mt. Shasta Lifeline Service LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page ES-3

50 Yreka Big Springs Lake Shastina Mt. Shasta Lifeline Service 2 Days per Week Lifeline / NEMT Service Yreka - Ashland Medford Mt Shasta Redding Formalize Flag Stops Capital Improvements Plan A total of 5 vehicles will need replacing over seven years, while a total of ten should be retired (the fleet is larger than necessary). No additional vehicles are needed for implementing service recommendations. Other miscellaneous improvements recommended for the plan period include: Improve storage at maintenance yard Bus Stop shelters, signage and maintenance Bus Stop shelter at College of the Siskiyous Purchase land in Mount Shasta and develop (pave, fence, install security cameras) for remote operations. The seven-year cost for capital improvements is estimated at $2,991,900. Management Plan and Marketing Recommendations Review and adopt goals and objectives; performance standards Improve Riders Guide: northbound and southbound I-5 on one guide More consistency in online presentation of schedules; smoother navigation Develop testimonial advertising and public presentations Establish a Bi-Annual Transportation Summit amongst human service organizations, senior centers, churches, and STAGE to: Establish lines of communication Create an inventory of services and needs Identify goals Seek Advocacy Develop a Travel Training Program Financial Plan Operating and administrative costs by the fifth year of the plan will total approximately $2,339,000, which is an 8 percent increase over the base-case cost of $2,157,800 if no service changes are implemented. By FY 2019/20, ridership is forecast to equal 108,500 one-way passenger-trips per year, which is 13,800 trips (15 percent) over the base case forecast of 94,700. The capital costs total $2,975,900 over the five-year period, with an additional $150,000 reserve fund established for future capital purchases. In addition to passenger fare revenues, this Financial Plan incorporates the following funding sources: Page ES-4 LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

51 State Transit Assistance funds are used as funding for transit operations. Local Transportation Funds are used for transit operations, local match for capital improvements, and to build a capital reserve. FTA Section 5311 (Rural Program) is used for operations and the purchase of multiple buses. Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funds are used for operations, and marketing efforts of new services. Reimbursement funds from the County to offset administrative duties of transit staff for other departments. Contract revenue for operating transit services for the Karuk Tribe. Potentially, a fare agreement with the College of the Siskiyous to provide reduced student fares via a lump sum agreement. Proposition 1B PTMISEA (Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement, and Service Enhancement Account) Program funds are used for bus stop improvements. The operating financial plan is balanced in each of the plan years and the capital financial plan generates a reserve fund. No fare increases are recommended. However, STAGE staff is encouraged to work with the College of the Siskiyous administration and student body to determine if a funding agreement offering discounted student passes can be established. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Fiscal Year (Starting January 2016) Establish earlier Southbound I-5 service (shift 3A schedule) Implement Saturday Service the 1st Saturday of each month. Revise Route 4A, including preparation of new schedules Extend Yreka Service to include Grocery Outlet Implement Lifeline service 1 day/week serving Yreka Big Springs - Lake Shastina - Mount Shasta Reduce Happy Camp to Yreka Service to 2 days/week. Establish a Mount Shasta to Redding Lifeline service Adopt goals and objectives; develop tracking of identified standards Plan a Transportation Summit Improve bus stop signs and shelters Fiscal Year Improve bus stop signs and shelters; improve bus stop at College of the Siskiyous and install shelter. Modify Route 6 (Lake Shastina service) to South County Circulator Establish a Yreka Ashland Medford Lifeline service Improve security and storage at the Yreka County Maintenance Yard Purchase land in Mount Shasta and fence for vehicle storage for park out operations. Monitor goals, objectives and standards; adjust as appropriate. Hold a Transportation Summit Develop a Travel Training program LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page ES-5

52 Fiscal Year Improve bus stop signs and shelters Purchase 3 STAGE replacement buses. Monitor goals, objectives and standards; adjust as appropriate. Fiscal Year If 1st Saturday service is successful, implement service every Saturday. Improve bus stop signs and shelters Purchase 1 STAGE replacement bus. Monitor goals, objectives and standards; adjust as appropriate. Hold a Transportation Summit Fiscal Year Improve bus stop signs and shelters Purchase 1 STAGE replacement bus. Monitor goals, objectives and standards; adjust as appropriate. Page ES-6 LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

53 Chapter 1 Introduction Transportation considerations play a key role in the quality of life provided by any region. Access to social and medical services, employment opportunities, educational resources and basic necessities are issues of universal concern, as they have a strong impact on the economy, ease of movement, and quality of life for residents of an area. Mobility is particularly important in Siskiyou County, with a modest population dispersed over a large and rugged terrain and limited commercial, medical, educational, and social service resources. In addition to providing mobility to residents without easy access to a private automobile, transit services can provide a wide range of economic development and environmental benefits. The Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission, aware of the importance of transportation issues, has retained LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., to prepare a Short Range Transit Plan for the next five years for the Siskiyou Transit and General Express (STAGE) public transit program. This study provides an opportunity to develop plans that will tailor transit services to current and near-term future conditions in the study area. This document first presents and reviews the setting for transportation, including demographic factors and the recent operating history of STAGE services as well as connecting services. The document also contains the results of on-board passenger surveys conducted on the STAGE buses and online surveys. The findings of these analyses are then used in subsequent chapters to guide the development of the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), which encompasses the evaluation of service alternatives, capital alternatives, funding alternatives, and managerial alternatives, and ultimately presents a recommended Plan. The overall study affords the leaders and transportation providers of the area an opportunity to take an in-depth look at the transit systems currently in place, identify the optimal manner in which transit can meet the public s needs within this dynamic area, and carefully identify where transit resources should be devoted over the plan period. In total, the study provides a business plan based on public input that can guide the regional transit program to best meet mobility needs within the available resources. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 1

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55 Chapter 2 Study Area Characteristics STUDY AREA Siskiyou County is a largely rural and sparsely populated mountainous area, with small towns and cities separated by long travel distances. The county is bordered by Oregon to the north and is located within the Shasta Cascade area. Mount Shasta, located in the center of the county, is the fifth highest peak in California (and the second highest in the Cascade Mountain Range). Population grew in the mid 1800 s during the California Gold Rush, while tourism increased in the 1880 s after the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. Siskiyou County is home to several Native American tribes, including the Klamath, Karuk, and Shasta. Interstate 5 runs north-to-south through many major communities in the county, including Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta, Weed, Yreka, and Hornbrook. State Route (SR) 97 connects to the northeastern portion of the county (Macdoel) and on into Oregon, while SR 96 connects to the western portion (Happy Camp) along the Klamath River. In the southern area, SR 89 travels from Mt. Shasta southeast to McCloud and on into Shasta County, while SR 3 connects the I-5 corridor with the Scott Valley area to the southwest and on into Trinity County. The study area is shown in Figure 1. POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Population As shown in Table 1, the population of Siskiyou County was approximately 44,673 in 2012, according to the US Census American Community Survey. The highest populations are found in the census tracts associated with Yreka (CT 7.02 and 7.03), Weed (CT 9) and Mt. Shasta (CT 10). Cumulatively, these areas constitute nearly half (49 percent) of the county s total population. Potentially Transit Dependent Population Nationwide, transit system ridership is drawn largely from various groups of persons who make up what is often referred to as the transit dependent population. This category includes youth, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, low income persons, and members of households with no available vehicles. There is considerable overlap among these groups. Table 1 presents the estimated transit dependent population by Census Tract in Siskiyou County, while Figure 2 shows the total population distribution by Census Tract graphically. Youth Population The youth population, ages 5 to 17 years old, are considered to be transit dependent persons. Children of school age that travel independently may need public transit to go to/from school or after school activities, while younger children may be riding with parents or guardians that rely solely on public transit themselves. In Siskiyou County, youths make up roughly 15.2 percent of the County population. Census Tract 9 (Weed / Edgewood / Carrick) has the greatest number of youths, with 1,079 persons, followed by Census Tract 7.02 (central Yreka) with 1,046 youths. Areas such as Hornbrook (Census Tract 4), Dunsmuir (Census Tract 11) and Fort Jones (Census Tract 6) all have relatively low numbers of youths, all with less than 200 persons in this age group. This information is presented in Figure 3. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 3

56 Klamath Arcata Blue Lake UV299 UV Cave Junction 5 S I S K I Y O U UV96 8 UV96 UV299 Willow Creek UV299 Figuire 1 Siskyou County Site and Location Map Talent UV99 UV140 Klamath Falls Altamont Bonanza Merrill 97 Hornbrook 4 Malin Tulelake UV96 UV Fort Jones Greenview 5 UV3 Macdoel 2 Mount Hebron 1 3 Grenada 97 Tennant Gazelle Etna 9 Edgewood Weed 12 UV3 10 Mount Shasta 11 5 UV89 McCloud Dunsmuir UV89 Big Bend UV89 UV299 UV299 UV299 UV299 UV299 Fall River Mills Lakehead-Lakeshore UV299 UV3 I Weaverville Round Mountain Montgomery Creek UV299 UV299 National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, ipc Miles UV299 UV89 LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 4 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

57 TABLE 1: Siskiyou County Population Characteristics by Census Tract Youth (5-17) Elderly (60+) Low Income Disabled Persons Zero Vehicle Households Census Tract Area Description Total Population # of Persons % of Total # of Persons % of Total # of Persons % of Total # of Persons % of Total # of Households % of Total Households 1 Tulelake / Lava Beds National Monument 1, % % % % % 2 Dorris / Macdoel / Mount Hebron 1, % % % % % 3 Montague / Rural Area E. of Montague 3, % 1, % % % % 4 Hornbrook % % % % % 5 Happy Camp / Karuk Reservation / West Rural Siskiyou County 2, % % % % % 6 Fort Jones 1, % % % % % 7.01 Yreka Rural Area / Grenada / Gazelle 3, % 1, % % % % 7.02 Yreka - West of Main Street & North of South Street 4,286 1, % 1, % 1, % % % 7.03 Yreka Area - Other 3, % 1, % % % % 8 Greenview / Etna / Quartz Valley Reservation / SW Rural Siskiyou County 3, % 1, % % % % 9 Weed / Edgewood / Carrick 6,959 1, % 1, % 1, % % % 10 Mt. Shasta 6, % 2, % % % % 11 Dunsmuir 2, % % % % % 12 McCloud / Tennant / SE Rural Siskiyou County 1, % % % % % Total County 44,673 6, % 12, % 8, % 4, % 1, % Source: US Census American Community Survey LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 5

58 UV 96 UV 96 Figure 2 Total Population by Census Tract Merrill 5 6 UV Yreka 7.01 Fort Jones Greenview UV UV3 97 Hornbrook 2 Macdoel Mount Hebron 1 3 Grenada 97 Tennant Gazelle 8 Etna UV 3 9 Edgewood Weed Mount Shasta UV 89 Dunsmuir McCloud UV ,400 1,401-2,800 Total Population by Census Tract 2,801-4,200 4,201-5,600 Service Layer Credits: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, ipc 5,601-7, Census Tract Number I Big Bend UV Miles Malin Tulelake McArthur Fall River Mills LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 6 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

59 UV 96 Figure 3 Number of Youth by Census Tract Merrill 5 6 UV 96 Fort Jones UV 96 Greenview Yreka 7.01 UV UV3 97 Hornbrook 2 Macdoel Mount Hebron 1 3 Grenada 97 Tennant Gazelle 8 Etna UV 3 9 Edgewood Weed Mount Shasta UV 89 Dunsmuir McCloud UV 89 Number of Youth By Census Tract ,100 Service Layer Credits: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, ipc Big Bend UV Miles Census Tract Number Malin Tulelake McArthur Fall River Mills I LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 7

60 Senior Population Seniors over the age of 60 years old are a high transit generating population group, with many transit agencies offering discounted fares for this age group. There are an estimated 12,833 persons aged 60 or over residing in the study area (or 28.7 percent of the total population). The greatest number of elderly persons is located in Census Tract 10 (Mt. Shasta), with 2,275 persons, followed by Census Tract 9 (Weed / Edgewood / Carrick) with 1,719 persons. The census tracts that comprise the city of Yreka (Census Tracts 7.02 and 7.03) also have a high number of senior residents, with 2,139 persons cumulatively. Figure 4 shows the concentrations of elderly persons throughout the study area. Low-Income Population Low-income persons are another likely market for transit services, as measured by the number of persons living below the poverty level. According to the American Community Survey , an estimated 8,610 low-income persons reside in the study area, representing 19.3 percent of the total population. As shown in Figure 5, the greatest numbers of low-income persons are located within the Yreka area, with a combined 1,994 low-income persons in Census Tracts 7.02 and The Weed / Edgewood / Carrick area (Census Tract 9) also has a significant low-income population, with 1,519 persons estimated to be living below the poverty line. Areas with relatively fewer low-income persons include Hornbrook (Census Tract 4), Fort Jones (Census Tract 6) and McCloud / Tennant / SE Rural Siskiyou County (Census Tract 12). Disabled Persons The US Census Bureau defines ambulatory difficulty as persons having a health condition that makes it difficult to walk or climb stairs, and is an important factor when considering transit needs. Many disabled persons may be mobile, but are not able to drive their own vehicle or do not have access to a vehicle. The Census American Community Survey shows that roughly 10.4 percent of the overall population is considered disabled, with the greatest numbers of disabled persons in the more populated areas. The Yreka area has roughly 899 disabled persons (Census Tracts 7.02 and 7.03), and the Weed / Edgewood / Carrick area (Census Tract 9) has roughly 552 disabled persons. Other locations with relatively higher disabled populations include Mt. Shasta (Census Tract 10) with 499 persons and Greenview / Etna / Quartz Valley / SW Rural Siskiyou County (Census Tract 8) with 485 persons. This data is presented in Figure 6. Zero Vehicle Households The last important category to consider is households that do not have a vehicle available, as public transit is likely the only option for travel. The number of households without a vehicle available across Siskiyou County is estimated at 1,593, as also shown in Table 1, representing 8.1 percent of the total households in the area. The greatest number of zero vehicle households are located in the Yreka area, with a combined total of 539 households in Census Tracts 7.02 (395 households) and 7.03 (144 households), as shown in Figure 7. The Mt Shasta area (Census Tract 10) also has higher numbers of households without a vehicle, with 256 households. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 8 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

61 UV 96 Figure 4 Number of Elderly by Census Tract Merrill 5 6 UV 96 Fort Jones UV 96 Greenview Yreka 7.01 UV UV3 97 Hornbrook 2 Macdoel Mount Hebron 1 3 Grenada 97 Tennant Gazelle 8 Etna UV 3 9 Edgewood Weed Mount Shasta UV 89 Dunsmuir McCloud UV 89 Number of Elderly People By Census Tract ,380 1,469-2,300 Service Layer Credits: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, ipc 7.03 Census Tract Number Big Bend UV Miles ,381-1,468 Malin Tulelake McArthur Fall River Mills I LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 9

62 UV 96 Figure 5 Number of Persons Below the Poverty Level by Census Tract Merrill 5 6 UV 96 Fort Jones UV 96 Greenview Yreka 7.01 UV UV3 97 Hornbrook 2 Macdoel Mount Hebron 1 3 Grenada 97 Tennant Gazelle 8 Etna UV 3 9 Edgewood Weed Mount Shasta UV 89 Dunsmuir McCloud UV 89 Number of Persons Below the Poverty Level ,240 1,241-1, Census Tract Number Service Layer Credits: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, ipc Big Bend UV Miles Malin Tulelake McArthur Fall River Mills I LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 10 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

63 UV 96 Figure 6 Number of Persons with Disabilities by Census Tract Merrill 5 6 UV 96 Fort Jones UV 96 Greenview Yreka 7.01 UV UV3 97 Hornbrook 2 Macdoel Mount Hebron 1 3 Grenada 97 Tennant Gazelle 8 Etna UV 3 9 Edgewood Weed Mount Shasta UV 89 Dunsmuir McCloud UV 89 Number of Persons with Disabilities Service Layer Credits: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, ipc Big Bend UV Miles Census Tract Number Malin Tulelake McArthur Fall River Mills I LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 11

64 UV 96 UV 96 Figure 7 Number of Zero-Vehicle Households by Census Tract Merrill 5 6 UV Yreka 7.01 Fort Jones Greenview UV UV3 97 Hornbrook 2 Macdoel Mount Hebron 1 3 Grenada 97 Tennant Gazelle 8 Etna UV 3 9 Edgewood Weed Mount Shasta UV 89 Dunsmuir McCloud UV Number of Zero Vehiole Households Service Layer Credits: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, ipc Big Bend UV Miles Census Tract Number Malin Tulelake McArthur Fall River Mills I LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 12 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

65 Population Projections Population trends can provide great insight into potential future needs that the transit system may need to address. For instance, as the population ages, there may be a greater need for demand response or ADA paratransit services. Table 2 presents the population projections by age for Siskiyou County through 2025, as estimated by the California Department of Finance: TABLE 2: Siskiyou Population Projections by Age 0-4 Years Old 5-19 Years Old Years Old Years Old Years Old Years Old Years Old 85+ Years Old Total Population 2,010 2,459 7,837 6,401 7,642 11,786 4,977 2,654 1,138 44,893 2,015 2,134 7,421 6,465 7,083 11,160 6,448 2,736 1,203 44,649 2,020 2,185 7,390 6,619 7,673 10,208 7,534 3,543 1,216 46,369 2,025 2,208 7,290 7,026 7,902 9,290 7,770 4,750 1,370 47,606 % Change % Change % Change Average Annual % Change % -5.3% 1.0% -7.3% -5.3% 29.6% 3.1% 5.7% -0.5% 2.4% -0.4% 2.4% 8.3% -8.5% 16.9% 29.5% 1.1% 3.9% 3.5% -1.8% 8.7% 11.6% -16.8% 20.5% 73.7% 13.9% 6.6% 0.5% -0.1% 0.5% 1.6% -1.8% 3.2% 5.3% 0.2% 0.8% Source: California Department of Finance, 2014 Total population is estimated to have dropped slightly (0.5 percent) between 2010 and 2015, but is expected to rebound by 3.9 percent over the next five years (by 2020) and 6.6 percent over the next ten years (by 2025). Youth population (Age 5 to 19) is estimated to have dropped by 5.3 percent between 2010 and This decline is expected to continue but at a slower pace in future years, with a 0.4 percent drop between 2015 and 2020 and a 1.8 percent drop between 2015 and Senior population between ages 65 and 74 grew at the greatest rate over the past five years 29.6 percent. This growth is expected to continue, with a 16.9 percent growth between 2015 and 2020 and 20.5 percent growth between 2015 and Senior population between 75 and 84 did not grow substantially over the last five years (3.1 percent) but is expected to grow dramatically in the future as the Baby Boom generation starts to reach this age. Over the coming five years, this age category is forecast to increase by 29.5 percent, while totaling a full 73.7 percent increase over the next ten years. Finally, the Senior population age 85 and above grew by 5.7 percent over the past five years. Growth in this category is expected to continue, though at a relatively modest pace of 1.1 percent in the next five years and 13.9 percent over the next ten years. Overall, these forecasts indicate that the need for transit services will grow faster than the rate of overall population growth, due to the overall aging of the Siskiyou County population. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 13

66 EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY Table 3 presents the unemployment data for Siskiyou County by census tract. Overall, American Community Survey shows that the County s unemployment rate of 14.7 percent is high when compared to the statewide average of 10.4 percent for Areas with the highest rates include Census Tract 5 (Happy Camp / Karuk Reservation), Census Tract 7.02 (Yreka) and Census Tract 11 (Dunsmuir). More recent data shows that countywide unemployment lowered to 13 percent in 2013, and is estimated to be at 8.4 percent in October TABLE 3: Employment Status by Census Tract Census Tract Area Description # of Persons In Labor Force # of Employed Persons Unemployment Rate # of Persons Not in Labor Force 1 Tulelake / Lava Beds National Monument % Dorris / Macdoel / Mount Hebron % Montague / Rural Area E. of Montague 1,835 1, % 1,406 4 Hornbrook % Happy Camp / Karuk Reservation / West Rural Siskiyou County % 1,117 6 Fort Jones % Yreka Rural Area / Grenada / Gazelle 1,598 1, % 1,339 7 Yreka - West of Main Street & North of South Street 1,494 1, % 1,811 7 Yreka Area - Other 1,524 1, % 1,323 8 Greenview / Etna / Quartz Valley Reservation / SW Rural Siskiyou 1,427 1, % 1,367 9 Weed / Edgewood / Carrick 3,235 2, % 2, Mt. Shasta 3,458 3, % 2, Dunsmuir % McCloud / Tennant / SE Rural Siskiyou County % 728 Total County 19,416 16, % 17,210 Source: US Census American Community Survey The County s largest employers are shown in Table 4. The majority of companies with high levels of employees are located in Yreka, including Accenture Limited and Fairchild Medical Center, both of which have between 250 and 499 employees. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 14 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

67 TABLE 4: Siskiyou County Major Employers Company Location # Of Employees County of Siskiyou Yreka 600 Klamath National Forest Yreka 400 Mercy Medical Ctr Mt Shasta Mount Shasta 350 Walmart Supercenter Yreka 300 Fairchild Medical Ctr Yreka 290 Nor-Cal Products, Inc. Yreka 192 Roseburg Forest Products Weed 161 Personnel Preference Inc Weed 150 Scott River Ranger Dst Salmon River Fort Jones 150 Jackson Street Elementary Schl Yreka 120 Lake Siskiyou Golf Resort, Inc. Mount Shasta 120 Timber Products Co LP Yreka 116 College of the Siskiyous Weed 100 US Forestry Dept Happy Camp 100 CA Dept of Forestry & Fire Yreka 100 Lassen Canyon Nursery Inc Macdoel 100 Lassen Canyon Nursery Inc Weed 100 Mt Shasta Resort Mount Shasta 50 Source: California Employment Development Department, Labor Market Info, 2014 COMMUTE PATTERNS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION Commute Patterns The US Census maintains the Longitudinal Employer Household Dataset which provides detailed data on the location of employment for various areas of residence as well as data on the location of residences of a specific area s workers. Table 5 presents commute pattern data for 2011 at the county and city/town level. The top portion of the table presents information about where residents of Siskiyou County work, while the lower portion shows where people live that commute into Siskiyou County. Where Siskiyou County Residents Work Over 65 percent of the jobs in Siskiyou County are held by County residents, while 11.4 percent work in nearby Shasta County. Of the cities noted, Yreka attracts the most Siskiyou County residents for work with 26.8 percent of employed residents. Approximately 11.5 percent of county residents work in Mount Shasta, 8.1 percent in Weed and another 8 percent in Redding. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 15

68 The remaining cities/towns in Siskiyou County, not surprisingly, do not employ many residents; Dunsmuir and Etna were the only other County locations with more than 1 percent of commuting residents. TABLE 5: Siskiyou County Local and Regional Commute Patterns, 2011 *Bold indicates Siskiyou County or place within Siskiyou County Where Siskiyou County Residents Commute To Job Counts in Counties # Persons % of Total Job Counts in Cities/Towns # Persons % of Total Siskiyou County, CA 7, % Yreka, CA 2, % Shasta County, CA 1, % Mount Shasta, CA 1, % Humboldt County, CA % Weed, CA % Jackson County, OR % Redding, CA % Butte County, CA % Chico, CA % Tehama County, CA % Eureka, CA % Klamath County, OR % Medford, OR % Trinity County, CA % Dunsmuir, CA % Del Norte County, CA % Red Bluff, CA % Modoc County, CA % Etna, CA % Remainder of Counties % Remainder of Cities 4, % Total Number of Jobs 11, % Total Number of Jobs 11, % Where Persons Employed in Siskiyou County Commute From County of Residence for Workers # Workers % of Total City/Town of Residence for Workers # Workers % of Total Siskiyou County, CA 7, % Yreka, CA 1, % Trinity County, CA % Mount Shasta, CA % Shasta County, CA % Weed, CA % Tehama County, CA % Redding, CA % Jackson County, OR % Dunsmuir, CA % Klamath County, OR % Hayfork, CA % Humboldt County, CA % Montague, CA % Modoc County, CA % Weaverville, CA % Glenn County, CA % Red Bluff, CA % Del Norte County, CA % Medford, OR % Remainder of Counties 1, % Remainder of Cities 6, % Total Number of Workers 11, % Total Number of Workers 11, % Source: US Census Bureau LEHD Database, 2014 Where Siskiyou County Workers Live Of the 11,215 persons employed within Siskiyou County, roughly 64.6 percent commute internally within Siskiyou County. Only 7.2 percent of workers in the county commute from Trinity County and 6.1 percent from Shasta County. Looking more closely at the city level, 15 percent of workers commute from Yreka, 6.3 percent from Mount Shasta, 5.2 percent from Weed and 2.6 percent from Redding. This data is consistent with the overall population data, showing that the highest populations within the county are located in Yreka, Mount Shasta and Weed. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 16 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

69 Means of Transportation to Work The majority (71.5 percent) of Siskiyou County residents drive alone to work, while 11.8 percent carpool, according to the American Community Survey. Roughly 5.7 percent of persons walked to work and 1.9 percent stated other means, which includes taxicabs. Less than one percent (0.7 percent) of residents takes public transit to/from work. While low, this is on par with other rural communities throughout California, where communities are greatly spread out and may not serve all populations. Approximately 8.4 percent of employed persons work at home and do not have a commute. MAJOR ACTIVITY CENTERS The identification of major transit activity centers is useful in determining where transportation services might be needed. These types of centers include medical facilities, human service organizations, senior apartments and grocery stores. The region s major activity centers are situated in and around Yreka and Mt. Shasta, with other facilities scattered throughout the more rural areas of the County. Major activity centers in Siskiyou County include the following: Activity Centers for Seniors, Persons with Disabilities, Youth and Low-Income Persons Butte Valley Community Resource Center Dunsmuir Community Resource Center Happy Camp Family Resource Center McCloud Community Resource Center The HUB Communities Family Resource Center Mt. Shasta Community Resource Center Scott Valley FOCUS Family Resource Center Tulelake/Newell Family Resource Center Family and Community Resource Center of Weed Yreka Community Resource Center Siskiyou Family YMCA STEP Office (Siskiyou Training and Employment Program) Personnel Preference Express Employment Professionals Mt Shasta Recreation Center Yreka Guest Home Deer Creek Apartments Emerald Point Senior Apartments Eskaton Washington Manor Juniper Terrace Apartments Karuk Tribal Housing Rockfellow House Sierra Vista Retirement Center PSA2 Area Agency on Aging Karuk Tribal Nutrition Center Greenhorn Grange Loaves & Fishes Scott Valley Berean Church Scott Valley Grange Senior Nutrition Karuk Senior Center Mount Shasta Senior Center Madrone Senior Services Tulelake Senior Center Medical Facilities Fairchild Medical Clinic Scott Valley Rural Health Clinic McCloud Health Clinic Yreka Immediate Care Mercy Lake Shastina Community Clinic Mercy Mt. Shasta Community Clinic Fairchild Medical Center Mercy Medical Center Madrone Hospice, Inc. Mercy Hospice Siskiyou Home Health Anav Tribal Health Clinic Butte Valley Health Center Tulelake Health Clinic LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 17

70 Government Siskiyou County Economic Development Siskiyou County Health and Human Services Siskiyou County Veterans Service Office Butte Valley Library Dunsmuir Library Etna Library Fort Jones Library Happy Camp Library McCloud Library Montague Library Mt. Shasta Library Scott Bar Library Tulelake Library Weed Library Yreka Library Educational Big Springs Elementary Bogus Elementary Butteville Elementary Delphic Elementary Dunsmuir Elementary Forks of Salmon Elementary Gazelle Elementary Golden Eagle Charter Grenada Elementary Happy Camp Elementary Hornbrook Elementary Junction Elementary Klamath River Elementary Little Shasta Elementary McCloud Elementary Montague Elementary Seiad Elementary Weed Elementary Willow Creek Elementary Butte Valley Elementary Butte Valley Middle School Butte Valley High School Cascade High School Dunsmuir High School Etna High School Scott River High School Scott Valley Jr High School Happy Camp High School Jefferson High School McCloud High School Mount Shasta High School Weed High School Yreka High School Discovery High School College of the Siskiyous Weed Campus and Yreka Campus Recreational Greenhorn Park (Yreka) Mt. Shasta City Park City Park (Montague) Hoy Park (Lake Shastina) Siskiyou Family YMCA Yreka Splash Public Pool Dunsmuir Community Pool City of Montague Public Pool Weed Community Pool Retail Raley s / Wal-Mart Shopping Center (Yreka) Grocery Outlet (Yreka) Ray s / Mt. Shasta Shopping Center (Mt. Shasta) Ray s Market (Weed, Etna, Fort Jones) LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 18 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

71 Chapter 3 Transportation Services BACKGROUND Public transportation in Siskiyou County is provided by the Siskiyou Transit and General Express, or STAGE, which operates within the Siskiyou County General Services Department. Transit service began in Siskiyou County in 1979 as SCAT, originally consisting of two routes that operated two days per week, with an additional on-call route. Due to poor performance and low farebox revenues, the service was suspended temporarily in early 1981; later in the year, a new system under the current name STAGE began operations. Since that time, service has gradually grown to provide transit to a larger area, serving the needs of the more rural communities. STAGE currently serves communities along the I-5 corridor, including Yreka, Mt. Shasta, Weed, McCloud, Dunsmuir and Montague. Additionally, STAGE operates in outlying communities and corridors, including the Scott Valley corridor (i.e. Fort Jones), Klamath River corridor (i.e. Happy Camp), north valley corridor (i.e. Hornbrook) and the Lake Shastina area. EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE STAGE Fixed Route Services The fixed route system consists of six routes, as described below, which combine to serve specific corridors. These corridors include Dunsmuir to Yreka, Yreka to Scott Valley, Yreka to Montague, Yreka to Happy Camp/Orleans and Dunsmuir to Lake Shastina. While the data in this study is presented as different routes, it is important to note that these routes are interlined and not specifically differentiated from one another on the schedules; rather, they function more as different runs for each of the service corridors. Each route has an A and B component listed on the schedule, with A corresponding to morning service and B corresponding to afternoon/evening service (with the exception of Route 5, which varies depending on the day). All transit services are operated Monday through Friday, with no service on weekends. Figure 8 graphically depicts the STAGE fixed route system. Route 1: Dunsmuir Mt. Shasta Weed Yreka Service begins at 6:15 AM in Dunsmuir and ends at 9:10 PM in Mt. Shasta. Service to Grenada is available in the morning only in the northbound direction and in the afternoon only in the southbound direction, while a stop in Gazelle is provided on one afternoon southbound run only. Additionally, McCloud service is offered one time per day in the northbound direction only, and the Cove Trailer Park is served twice per day (midday and afternoon) in the southbound direction only. Route 2: Dunsmuir McCloud Mt. Shasta Weed Yreka The first bus originates in Mt. Shasta at 6:05 AM and continues to provide service until 7:30 PM (route also ends in Mt. Shasta). The bus stops in Gazelle for one morning and one afternoon run in both the northbound and southbound directions only, while service to the other communities is available on each run. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 19

72 Jack son Roundtree Quail Caroline Carmen 2M015 Silva Lassen Jack son Morris Russ ell Pine Mccloud B Water Smith High Berry B Davis Sisson Sandpiper Hillside 5 Boles Ream Sullivan North Shore Church Jefferson Darlene Eddy Bear Springs Figure 8 S LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. Page 20 Tulelake 97 Hornbrook 4 Macdoel UV 96 2 Mount Hebron 1 UV263 3 UV Yreka Happy Camp Hamburg Grenada STAGE Tennant (Siskyou Transit and General Express) Fort Jones Greenview UV 96 Lake Shastina Route Gazelle S I S K I Y O U McCloud Route Edgewood 9 Etna Dunsmuir Route 12 Weed Hornbrook Route UV 3 Mount Shasta UV 89 McCloud Dunsmuir 10 8 Happy Camp Route UV Knapp Montague Blake Cedar Wetzel Henig Lennox Hill UV UV 299 UV Fall River Mills Pine Ridge Shas ta Ramp Park Maple Foothill Dexter Oak Yama 3Rd North Fairchild Grizzly Ski Bowl 5 Lennox Herzog Howard Hinkley Allen Rockfellow Galletti Kenneth Sierra Vista Ramp Miner West Dewitt Lange Field Hoy Lane Hercules Angel Valley 97 Butte Gold Center South West Washington Spruce Birch Kingston Alder Ivy Dean Castle Jess ie UV 299 UV 89 Big Bend Foothill Annie French Pine Field Hinckley Manzanita California 4Th Birch Chestnut Middle Shas ta UV 96 Merry Hill Mormon Alder Alma Spring UV 299 Union Lincoln Turre Cedar Oak Orem Jess ie Yreka Castle Rose A Lawrence Lewis C Maple Lake Tent Church 5 Main Eiler Ackley Alma Jessie Mill Bruc e Meadowlark Adams A Railroad Ida Ramp UV 299 Burney Hatc hery Liberty Rome Roseburg Payne Eugene Perry Mill UV 299 UV 299 UV 89 Lakehead-Lakeshore Montgomery Creek UV 299 UV 299 UV299 Round Mountain Como Spur Hiram Page Edgewood Bennett White Oberlin Campbell Mill Greenhorn Merritt Woodridge Shasta Alamo UV 3 Placer Flume Comstock Sharps Service Layer Credits: Fairlane Oregon Ranch Elm Dove Fort Jones Miles I Town of Truckee Mobility Needs Assessment Main Old Edgewood Weed Clark Florence Old Mccloud 5 Sheldon UV89 A Brus h Holly Siskiyou Meadow A Barr Park 4H Oak Glen Mar Clay Inez Palmer Grov e Weed Olive Ridge Lake Chaparral Campus Loveta Weed Mt. Shasta Ramp Ramp Old Stage Rolling Hills Outsen Taylor Mobility Needs Assessment Report Valley Shasta Ranch Kelsey Ramp Terrace Arroyo Mount Shasta Ramp Westside Michele College Dollar Singleton

73 Route 3: Yreka Montague Hornbrook Weed Mt. Shasta McCloud Service begins in Yreka at 6:30 AM and ends at 5:55 PM in Hornbrook. Montague service is available through one morning and one afternoon run, while Hornbrook is served through two afternoon runs. Both Gazelle and Grenada are served once in the morning in each direction, while the Cove Trailer Park is served once per day (morning) in the northbound direction. Route 4: Yreka Hornbrook Etna Scott Valley This route starts and ends in Etna, with service between 6:45 AM and 5:54 PM. Service is provided to Yreka, Etna and Montague throughout the day while Hornbrook is only served once in the morning (passengers needing to return to Hornbrook in the afternoon are able to use Route 3). Route 5: Yreka Happy Camp Orleans Route 5 service levels and areas depend on the day. Service on Monday and Wednesday is offered between 5:35 AM and 9:56 AM (Happy Camp to Yreka) and from 3:00 PM to 7:45 PM (Yreka to Happy Camp). On Tuesday and Thursday, the bus only serves Orleans and Happy Camp, with morning service between 5:35 AM and 8:08 AM, and service resuming from 5:10 PM to 7:45 PM. On Friday, the bus only serves Happy Camp and Yreka, with morning service between 7:55 AM and 9:56 AM, and afternoon service from 3:00 PM to 5:25 PM. Route 6: Mt. Shasta Weed Dunsmuir Lake Shastina There are two morning and two afternoon runs operated for Route 6. Service is generally provided between 6:36 AM and 5:59 PM to Lake Shastina, Weed and Mt. Shasta, with only one run (the second morning run) serving Dunsmuir. The first morning run originates in Carrick Addition (Weed), while the second morning run and two afternoon runs begin at Hoy Park (Lake Shastina); each run terminates in Lake Shastina. As a whole, these routes provide the following number of daily runs on each corridor on weekdays (slightly simplified): I-5 Corridor between Yreka and Weed: 10 runs in each direction I-5 Corridor between Weed and Mt. Shasta: 11 runs southbound and 10 runs northbound Dunsmuir Mt. Shasta Corridor: 7 runs northbound and 5 runs southbound McCloud Mt. Shasta Corridor: 6 runs northbound and 5 runs southbound Yreka Etna Corridor: 4 runs in each direction Yreka Montague: 6 runs in each direction Yreka Hornbrook Corridor: 3 runs in each direction Local Yreka Service 15 runs southbound and 16 runs northbound (not all runs serve the entire local corridor) Lake Shastina Weed/Mt. Shasta Corridor: 4 runs in each direction Orleans -- Happy Camp Corridor: 1 morning and 1 afternoon round trip on Mondays through Thursdays Happy Camp Yreka Corridor: 1 round trip on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 21

74 Fares The STAGE fare schedule includes differing fares depending on location, as shown in Table 6. Outlying communities Happy Camp, Orleans and Somes Bar, for example have higher fares when traveling to other rural communities or to/from Yreka. When traveling within one community, fares are $1.75 for the full general public fare and $1.25 for discount fares. Trips to direct neighboring towns are $2.50 one-way, with no discount fare options; the qualifying trip origin/destinations are as follows: Yreka / Montague Yreka / Hornbrook Yreka / Grenada Yreka / Ft. Jones Yreka / Klamath River Cove / Yreka or Grenada Montague / Hornbrook Grenada / Gazelle Weed / Gazelle Weed / Mt. Shasta Lake Shastina / Weed Mt. Shasta / McCloud Mt. Shasta / Dunsmuir Truck Village / Weed or Mt. Shasta Abrams Lake / Weed or Mt. Shasta Dunsmuir / McCloud Etna / Greenview Greenview / Ft. Jones Orleans / Somes Bar Happy Camp / Seiad Valley Seiad Valley / Hamburg Hamburg / Horse Creek Horse Creek / Kamath River Klamath River / Yreka For other trips outside of those within a community or noted above, fares vary as shown in Table 6. In addition to commuter passes / 10-ride passes, passengers are also able to purchase stored value cards with a minimum value of $ TABLE 6: STAGE Fare Schedule Full Fare Discount Fare In Town Fares $1.75 $1.25 Next Town Fares $ Regular One-Way Fares Yrek a to/from Happy Camp, Seiad Valley, Hamburg & Horse Creek $6.00 $4.50 Happy Camp to/from Orleans & Somes Bar $4.00 $2.75 Yreka to/from Orleans & Somes Bar $10.00 $7.25 Other Destination One-Way Fares 1 $4.00 $2.75 Commuter & 10-Ride Pass General Commuter Pass $30.00 $27.50 Happy Camp to/from Orleans & Somes Bar $ Note 1: Excludes the Happy Camp route, and applies to trips not considered "Next Town Fares" Source: STAGE, 2014 LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. Page 22 Town of Truckee Mobility Needs Assessment Mobility Needs Assessment Report

75 Ridership Ridership on the STAGE system has decreased 5 percent over the last three fiscal years, as shown in Table 7 and Figure 9. Not including the charterr service, half of the routes saw ridership increases, while the other half experienced decreases. Route 5 had the greatest level of increase, with ridership up 51.4 percent between Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year , which is likely due in part to additional service being added in February Both Routes 4 and 6 had modest ridership gains, up 6.6 percent and 3..5 percent respectively. While Route 3 has decreased 10.5 percent over the last three years, ridership did begin to increase in the most recent fiscal year very slightly. The trend, however, for Route 1 and Route 2 is a continued slight decline over the last three fiscal years. TABLE 7: STAGE Historical Transit Ridership Fiscal Year to FY FY FY % Change to Route 1 Route 2 Route 3 Route 4 Route 5 Route 6 Charter 21,566 20,742 22,265 14,514 2,031 9, ,966 18,834 19,657 15,191 2,565 10, ,703 18,050 19,920 15,470 3,075 9, % -13.0% -10.5% 6.6% 51.4% 3.5% 59.4% Total STAGE 90,256 87,438 85, % Note 1: A portion of Route 5 began running in February 2012 Source: STAGE Operating Report, 2014 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 23

76 Ridership by Route and Month Table 8 presents monthly ridership data by route for Fiscal Year , and Figure 10 presents the overall yearly ridership by route. As shown,, Route 3 had the highest number of one-way passenger-trips, 5 and 6, both of which serve the more rural areas of the County, had significantly fewer passenger-trips, with 3,075 trips and 9,329 trips, respectively. totaling 19,920 trips, followed closely by Route 1 with 19,703 one-way trips. Routes TABLE 8: STAGE Ridership by Month Fiscal Year Jul Aug 2013 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 2014 Apr May Jun Total FY Route 1 Route 2 Route 3 Route 4 1,513 1,837 1,826 1,808 1,327 1,241 1,676 1, 585 1,759 1,832 1,780 1,342 1,672 1,762 1,845 1,397 1,177 1,594 1, 411 1,401 1,599 1,532 1,279 1,793 1,803 1,836 1,475 1,492 1,614 1, 600 1,706 1,944 1,848 1,149 1,349 1,486 1,520 1,137 1,198 1,350 1, 221 1,258 1,313 1,409 1,519 19,703 1,318 18,0500 1,530 19,920 1,080 15,470 Route ,075 Route ,329 Charter Total Ridership 5,992 7,789 7,977 8,270 6,237 5,993 7,361 6, 891 7,270 7,790 7,770 6,411 85,751 Source: STAGE Operating Report, 2014 LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 24 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

77 On a monthly basis, October had the highest ridership during the fiscal year (8,270 passenger- trips), followed by September (7,977 passenger-trips), April (7,790 passenger-trips), August (7,789 passenger-trips) and May (7,770 passenger-trips). Overall, there is not a great amount of fluctuation in ridership throughout the year, as demonstrated by Figure 11. This suggests that the service is being used by persons that rely upon transit for day-to-day activities. Ridership by Community As shown in Table 9, approximately one-third of the system s ridership is associated with passengers traveling to or from Yreka, followed by another 22 percent in Weed and 17 percent in Mt. Shasta. This is to be expected, as these communities are not only the most populated, but also have the majority of social service and employment centers in the county. Outlying areas such as Cove, Hamburg, Hornbrook, Horse Creek, Klamath River, Orleans, Seiad Valley and Somes Bar all comprise lesss than 1 percent of the system s ridership. STAGE FINANCIAL ANALYSISS Revenues Operating revenues for STAGE totaled $2,169,149 in Fiscal Year , as shown in Table 10. The highest contributing source was Local Transportation Funds (LTF), with $1,092,389, or just over 50 percent of the total revenues collected. FTA 5311 funding represented roughly 13.6 percent of revenues ($295,042), while State Transit Assistance (STA) funds comprised Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 25

78 approximately 11.3 percent ($245,775) and fare revenues totaled 10.6 percent ($229,889) of revenues in Fiscal Year Other service revenues, which totaled $60,315 in the fiscal year, include reimbursements from the Karuk Tribe for contracted services. TABLE 9: STAGE Ridership by Community Fiscal Year # Of Passengers % of Total Ridership Databar Cove % Dunsmuir 5, % Etna 2, % Fort Jones 2, % Gazelle % Greenview 1, % Grenada 1, % Hamburg % Happy Camp 1, % Hornbrook % Horse Creek % Klamath River % Lake Shastina 1, % McCloud 2, % Montague 2, % Mt Shasta 14, % Orleans % Seiad Valley % Somes Bar % Weed 19, % Weed/C.O.S. 1, % Yreka 28, % Total System Ridership 85,747 Source: STAGE Operating Report, 2014 Over the last three years, both STA and LTF revenues have been unsteady. For each source, STAGE saw upswings in Fiscal Year , only to have revenues fall again in Fiscal Year In particular, STA revenues experienced the greatest decline, with current year totals LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 26 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

79 below those from three years ago. FTA 5311 funding, on the other hand, was consistent in Fiscal Years and , and increased in Fiscal Year TABLE 10: STAGE Operating Revenue Sources Fiscal Year Source Funding Amount % of Total Funding Local Funding Fare Revenues $229, % Other Service Revenue 1 $60, % State Funding STA $245, % LTF $1,092, % Federal Funding FTA 5311 $295, % Miscellaneous Other Revenues Other Revenues $237, % Interest $8, % Total Operating Revenues $2,169, % Note 1: Includes Karuk Tribe reimbursements. Note 2: Only operating revenues are included, and excludes STIP funding received for new bus purchases in FY Source: STAGE FY Budget Expenses and Cost Allocation Model In Fiscal Year , STAGE s expenditures for transit totaled $1,750,268, as shown in Table 11. Of this total, $500,015 was fixed costs, $505,841 was per hour costs, and $744,412 was per mile costs. Personnel costs were the greatest expenditure, followed by vehicle costs (maintenance, gas, etc) and administrative expenses. The STAGE operating costs were analyzed to assess those factors that impact cost levels. The costs presented in Table 11 represent those for the Fiscal Year. Each cost item is allocated to that quantity (vehicle service hour, vehicle service mile or fixed cost) upon which it is most dependent. Fuel costs, for example, are allocated to vehicle service miles. When divided by the total quantity of service budgeted, a cost equation can be developed. For STAGE, this equation is: Operating Cost = $25.88 x annual vehicle service hours + $1.42 x annual vehicle service miles + $500,015 in annual fixed costs LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 27

80 TABLE 11: STAGE Expenses and Cost Model Fiscal Year Allocation Fixed Per Hour Per Mile Total Costs Personnel Costs Salaries, Wages and Benefits $185,120 $505,841 $229,653 $920,614 Unemployment Insurance $9,752 Worker's Compensation $94,646 Subtotal: Personnel $289,518 $505,841 $229,653 $1,025,012 Administrative Costs Clothing & Personal $100 Communications $6,711 Household $5,911 Self-Insurance $4,132 Maintenance $5,327 Medical, Dental & Lab Supplies -- Memberships $1,737 Misc Expenses -- Office Supplies $10,300 Professional & Specialized Services $15,324 Prof & Spec Svcs - Substance Abuse $315 Administration $15,500 Data Processing $193 Xerox Contract $8,815 Publications & Legal Notices $334 Rents & Leases $7,200 Small Tools & Instruments $709 Special Departmental Expense $100 Transportation & Travel $462 Training $7,345 Utilities $10,482 Judgments & Damages -- Depreciation -- Cost Allocation Plan $99,625 Contributions to Others -- Land and Improvements -- Fixed Assets - Intangible $9,875 Transfers -- Subtotal: Administrative $210, $0 $210,497 Vehicle Costs Maintenance of Equipment $144,594 Maintenance of Equipment - Auto Service $6,304 Gas & Diesel $271,184 Towing $3,500 Insurance $89,177 Subtotal: Vehicle $514,759 $514,759 Total Expenditures $500,015 $505,841 $744,412 $1,750,268 Service Factors for FY Vehicle Vehicle Service Hours Service Miles 19, ,307 Vehicle Service Hour Cost Factor $25.88 Vehicle Service Mile Cost Factor $1.42 Annual Fixed Costs $500,015 Note: Expenses do not include capital purchases, such as vehicles Source: STAGE Fiscal Year Operating Budget LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 28 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

81 This equation can be used to estimate the cost of any changes in service, such as the operation of additional routes or changes in daily hours of operation. It is used in this study to evaluate the cost impacts of service alternatives. STAGE TRANSIT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE Operating Characteristics Vehicle-Hours and Vehicle-Miles by Route Table 12 presents the vehicle-hours and vehicle-miles for the STAGE system. In total, the system operated a total of 19,542 vehicle-hours in Fiscal Year Routes 1, 2, 3 and 6 all operated over 3,000 vehicle-hours, while Route 4 fell just under this mark. Route 5 ran 2,126 vehicle-hours, which is not surprising given the more limited operating schedule. TABLE 12: STAGE Operating Characteristics Fiscal Year Rt 1 Rt 2 Rt 3 Rt 4 Rt 5 Rt 6 Charter Other 1 Total System Vehicle Hours 3,977 3,416 3,918 2,981 2,126 3, ,542 Vehicle Miles 107,708 98, ,398 84,917 61,075 62, ,307 Passenger-Trips 19,703 18,050 19,920 15,470 3,075 9, ,751 Total Operating Costs $357,601 $315,102 $356,970 $273,999 $196,121 $247,376 $3, $1,750,268 Marginal Operating Costs 2 $255,855 $227,697 $256,731 $197,727 $141,735 $168,336 $2, $1,250,254 Fare Revenue $36,900 $34,027 $42,157 $31,752 $12,515 $14,973 $1,618 $54,175 $228,118 Operating Subsidy $320,700 $281,075 $314,813 $242,247 $183,605 $232,403 $1, $1,522,151 Cost per Passenger-Trip $18.15 $17.46 $17.92 $17.71 $63.78 $26.52 $ $20.41 Subsidy per Passenger-Trip $16.28 $15.57 $15.80 $15.66 $59.71 $24.91 $ $17.75 Farebox Return Ratio 10.3% 10.8% 11.8% 11.6% 6.4% 6.1% 52.2% % Passenger-Trips per Hour Passenger-Trips per Mile Note 1: "Other" includes fare revenue from vouchers that are not route-specific and are obtained by passengers from social service organizations Note 2: Does not include fixed costs Source: STAGE Operating Reports, 2014 Vehicle-miles varied more between the routes than with hours. For the whole fiscal year, STAGE traveled a total of 524,307 vehicle-miles, the majority of which were generated by Route 3 (109,398 vehicle-miles) and Route 1 (107,708 vehicle-miles). Operating Costs by Route Operating costs for the STAGE system were broken down by route, also shown in Table 12. Both total operating costs and marginal operating costs are shown, where marginal operating costs differ by not including fixed costs. The operating costs vary depending upon the levels of miles and hours required to operate, with Routes 1 and 3 generating the highest costs at $356,602 and $356,974 per year, respectively. Route 2 is not far behind, with a total operating cost of $315,108 annually. Services like route 5 have substantially lower operating costs due to much lower levels of service provided. In total, the total operating costs for Fiscal Year were $1,750,268, while the marginal operating costs totaled $1,250,716 for the same year. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 29

82 Fare Revenue by Route Also shown in the table are fare revenues broken down by route. Consistent with ridership totals, fare revenue generated by Route 3 is highest, with $42,157 collected in Fiscal Year , followed by Route 1 ($36,900) and Route 2 ($34,027). Route 5 generated the least fare revenue, with only $12,515 in Fiscal Year In total, for the whole fiscal year, the STAGE system collected $228,118 in passenger fare revenue. The farebox return ratio is defined as the total fare revenues (whether provided by the passenger in the farebox or by a private organization) divided by the marginal operating costs. The farebox recovery ratio is particularly important as a measurement for meeting the mandated minimums required for state funding and is calculated by dividing fare revenue by operating costs. The area-wide farebox recovery ratio is 13 percent. Route by route, all routes achieve a 10 percent minimum, with the exception of Route 5 (6.4 percent) and Route 6 (6.1 percent). Unfortunately, as fare revenue could not be accurately broken out by corridor, this data can only be presented on a route and system level. Service Quantities by Corridor As the individual routes serve various corridors over the course of the operating day, it is also useful for planning purposes to summarize the operating data by individual corridor, as shown in Table 13. It allows for a deeper understanding of ridership patterns and trends, and where service may or may not be warranted. Note that this analysis does not include charter services provided by STAGE. TABLE 13: STAGE Operating Characteristics by Corridor Fiscal Year Annual Values I-5 Corridor: Yreka to Mt. Shasta Hwy 3 Corridor: Etna to Yreka Montague to Yreka Orleans/Happy Camp to Yreka Dunsmuir to Mt. Shasta McCloud to Mt. Shasta Lake Shastina to Weed Total 1 Vehicle Hours 10,507 1,438 1,413 2,126 1,590 1,415 1,017 19,506 Vehicle Miles 219,649 68,173 29,760 61,075 51,485 40,143 53, ,437 1 Way Runs 4,980 1,992 3, ,486 2,988 1,992 19,236 Passenger Trips 46,460 11,590 5,836 3,075 11,020 4,722 2,936 85,547 % of Total Ridership 54% 14% 7% 4% 13% 6% 3% Total Operating Costs $852,650 $170,833 $114,993 $196,121 $154,913 $129,848 $127,810 $1,747,168 Marginal Operating Costs 2 $583,820 $134,027 $78,834 $141,735 $114,242 $93,632 $101,790 $1,248,081 Cost per Passenger Trip $18.35 $14.74 $19.70 $63.78 $14.06 $27.50 $43.53 $20.42 Passenger Trips per Hour Passenger-Trips per 1-Way Run Passenger Trips per Mile Note 1: Does not include charter services Note 2: Does not include fixed costs Source: STAGE Operating Reports, 2014 Ridership Over half of the ridership (54 percent) systemwide was generated by the I-5 corridor between Yreka and Mt. Shasta, with a total of 46,460 passenger-trips. Both they Highway 3 corridor (Etna to Yreka) and the Dunsmuir to Mt. Shasta corridor had moderate ridership, with 14 percent and 13 percent of total ridership, respectively. In comparison, the Lake Shastina to Weed corridor only comprised 3 percent of the ridership, while the Orleans/Happy Camp to Yreka corridor comprised 4 percent. This data is presented graphically in Figure 12. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 30 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

83 Vehicle-Hours and Vehicle-Miles Not surprisingly, the I-5 corridor had the greatest number of vehicle-miles (319,321 miles) and vehicle-hours (10,507 hours) during Fiscal Year Given the distance traveled on Route 5, the Orleans/Happy Camp to Yreka corrido had the second highest totals of both vehicle- miles and vehicle-hours, with 2,126 vehicle hours and 61,075 vehicle-miles. The Lake Shastina to Weed corridor had the lowest totals for vehicle-hours (1,017 hours) and vehicle-miles (9,938 miles) during the fiscal year. Operating Costs Operating costs, both total and marginal, were calculated for each of the corridors as well. Given the high level of service provided along the I-5 corridor, this area generated the greatest operating cost, ($994,166 per year in total operating cost / $735,336 per year in marginal operating cost). The lowest operating costs were associated with the Lake Shastina to Weed corridor, which costss $66,454 per year (total) / $40,434 per year (marginal). Operating Performance Analysis by Corridor The financial efficiency of a transit system can be measured by the operating cost per passenger-trip, as presented in the bottom portion of Table 13 and Figure 13. Systemwide, the operating cost per passenger-trip was $20.42 (exclusivee of charter services). On a corridor basis, the highest cost was for the Orleans/Happy Campp to Yreka corridor, at $63.78 per Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 31

84 passenger-trip, while the lowest was on the Highway 3 corridor, with $10.34 per passenger-trip. The Dunsmuir to Mt. Shasta corridor was also on the more efficient end, costing $12.92 per passenger-trip, as was the Montague to Yreka corridor, which costs $16.84 per passenger-trip. An important measure of servicee effectiveness is productivity, defined as the number of one-way passenger-trips provided per vehicle service hour. As shown in the table and Figure 14, the system as a whole achieved a productivity of 4.4 one-way passenger-trips per vehicle service hour. The Highway 3 corridor served the most passengers per hour (8.1), followed by Dunsmuir to Mt. Shasta corrido (6.9 passengers per hour). The Orleans/Happy Camp to Yreka corridor was significantly lesss productive, carrying only 1.4 passengers per hour. Given the low population served by the route compared to the rest of the system, this is not unexpected. The Weed Lake Shastina corridor also had relatively low productivity, at 2.8 passenger-trips per vehicle service hour. The I-5 corridor fell in the middle range, carrying approximately 4.4 passengers per hour. Another measure of service effectiveness is the numberr of one-way passenger-trips provided per vehicle service mile. The systemwide average during the fiscal year was 0.16, which is to be expected in a rural location where communities are highly spread out over a large area. As shown in the table and Figure 15, most of the corridors had very similar results the Highway 3 corridor (0.36 passengers per mile), Montague/Yreka corridor (0.32 passengerss per mile), Lake Shastina/Weed corridor (0.29 passengers per mile) and Dunsmuir corridor (0.26 passengers per mile) all fell on the higher end, while the I-5 corridor (0.15 passengers per mile) and McCloud/Mt. Shasta corridor (0.12 passengers per mile) ) fell in the midrange. Conversely, the LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 32 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

85 Orleans/ Happy Camp corridor served by Route 5 only carried 0.05 passenger-trips per mile. Again, this route must travel a long distance to serve a relatively low population, so the results are to be expected. Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 33

86 Operating Performance by Corridor Summary Reviewing the operating data by corridor revealed some interesting trends. Of particular note is the high productivity and efficiency currently along the Highway 3 corridor and the Dunsmuir/Mt. Shasta corridor, which suggests that these areas could warrant additional service in the future. One result that was not unexpected was the relatively poor productivity associated with Route 5 and the Orleans/Happy Camp to Yreka corridor, which generally serves low populations over long distances. STAGE CAPITAL ASSETS Vehicles There are a total of 15 vehicles in-service within the STAGE fleet, as presented in Table 14. The vehicles range in capacity from 24 to 32 passengers, and all are wheelchair accessible with a capacity for 2 wheelchairs. STAGE recently acquired five new vehicles in 2013, one in 2012 and another in 2011; the remaining vehicles are older with high mileage, and are due for replacement within the plan period. TABLE 14: Vehicle Fleet Inventory Seating Capacity Make Year # Wheelchair Mileage 1 Blue Bird ,466 Blue Bird ,185 GMCX ,930 GMCX ,047 GMCX ,502 Blue Bird ,341 Blue Bird ,841 Blue Bird ,222 Ford ,957 Ford ,410 Gillig ,398 Gillig ,084 Gillig ,751 Gillig ,042 Gillig ,362 Note: Mileage is as of December 5, 2014 Source: STAGE Weekly Mileage Log, 2014 These vehicles will expire and may need replacing during the plan period. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 34 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

87 Facilities Within the STAGE system, there are 44 total stops that are designated or signed. In addition, there are 12 stops in Lake Shastina that are noted on the schedule but not signed; likewise, in Happy Camp, there are 14 stops that are designated on the schedule, but only 3 are signed. There are roughly 9 benches and 11 shelters (which also have benches), most of which are located within Yreka, at the College of the Siskiyous and in Mt. Shasta. Twelve additional seats are planned to be installed in areas where there currently are no amenities; these seats are bus stop sign posts that have two seats attached. Vehicles are stored in multiple locations to coincide with the schedules. Two vehicles are stored in Mt. Shasta at the City s yard. One vehicle is stored and fueled at the Weed city yard; one at the Etna City yard; and one at the Siskiyou County Road Department yard in Happy Camp. The remaining vehicles are stored and fueled at the Siskiyou County yard in Yreka, where all vehicles are also maintained. OTHER TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS Private and Non-Profit Organizations Madrone Senior Center and Hospice, Yreka The Madrone Senior Center provides curb-to-curb transportation for seniors aged 60 or older, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am (first pick up at 9:15 am) to 3:00 pm (last pick up). The center has three accessible vehicles: two 16-passenger buses, and one 8-passenger van. There is only one driver, so vehicles are rotated based on the needs of the day. The service area is the City of Yreka. Two days per week, Madrone provides a shopping trip to Wal-mart/Raley s, dropping passengers off at approximately 11:30 am and picking them up again around 1:30 pm. Seven people are accommodated per shopping trip, and this is usually booked at least a week in advance and is generally full. Most trips provided by Madrone are booked 24 to 48 hours in advance, but many trips to the pharmacy or appointments are also accommodated the same day as requested. Bookings are heaviest early in the month. Approximately 850 trips are made per month, serving 78 separate individuals ( statistics). A $1.00 donation is suggested for a fare. The program is funded through the Area Agency on Aging, with transportation funded through an FTA 5310 grant. The grant in was $59,062 for transportation, but costs were $64,802. Due to reductions in revenue (a $21,000 reduction last year, followed by a second $10,000 reduction), service area and hours have been reduced. Hours were previously from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the service area included a Monday trip to Hornbrook; Tuesday to Montague; Wednesday to Big Springs; Thursday to Lake Shastina. The Madrone Center coordinates trips with STAGE. Seniors transporting into town on a fixed route can arrange for the Madrone vehicle to pick them up at a bus stop, take them to appointments, and return them to the bus stop for a return trip. Mount Shasta Senior Center: Nutrition Program The Mount Shasta Senior Nutrition Program has provided congregate meals at the City Park Recreation Center / Senior Dining Center since Meals for seniors, ages 60 & over, are served Tuesday-Friday at the City Park site and on Fridays, meals are delivered to the Eagles LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 35

88 Hall in Dunsmuir (reservations required). Meals are delivered to homebound seniors meeting service criteria in the South County (Meals-on-Wheels). The Senior Nutrition Program also offers referrals for other services related to Medi-Care, Social Security, supplemental health plans & prescription coverage, long-term health care, senior housing, tax preparation, and legal matters. The Mt Shasta Senior Center has one 12-passenger, wheelchair accessible El Dorado mini-van. Transportation is available within southern Siskiyou County to and from the Mt. Shasta lunch site by reservation. Currently (and historically), only residents of Mount Shasta have taken advantage of the transportation service. A $2.00 round-trip donation is suggested for a roundtrip to the meal site. Approximately 250 to 300 individuals are served each week at the congregate meal site, with an estimated 3 to 5 individuals using the transportation service weekdays. This is equal to approximately 1,500 to 2,500 one-way passenger trips annually. Major program funding comes from the Older Americans Act (at the Federal level) with matching State grants administered by the California Department of Aging, and USDA meal reimbursement. The meal program budget is approximately $109,000 annually, and while costs for food and labor for the program have gone up, the operating funds have remained the same. Seniors are given the opportunity to support their program with a suggested meal donation of $3.00 for congregate meals (meal sites) and $3.50 for homebound meals. Additionally, the program receives private donations and holds an annual fund raiser each May. Siskiyou Opportunity Center The Siskiyou Opportunity Center (S.O.C.) is a private, non-profit organization which provides job training and placement for individuals with disabilities. The center serves between 50 and 60 adult workers daily in over 20 locations including two industrial woodshops, a certified recycling center and provide Janitorial and landscaping maintenance to various locations throughout the county. S.O.C. has a satellite office in Yreka. S.O.C. has a staff of 20 to 25 people. Transportation is provided between Yreka to Dunsmuir along the I-5 corridor. Outlying areas such as Scott Valley, Happy Camp and Tule Lake are not served. S.O.C. has five vehicles which carry 6 to 12 passengers. Approximately 47 passengers are provided transportation to and from work sites five days per week. Workers in Dunsmuir (only one currently) use the Siskiyou STAGE to get to the rest area in Weed for work. Transportation is supported through the Far Northern Regional Center, which reimburses mileage at a rate of $1.72 per mile. S.O.C. operates approximately 7,000 miles monthly. Clients who use Siskiyou STAGE are reimbursed for fares. Greyhound Lines, Incorporated The Greyhound bus route along I-5 connecting Sacramento to Portland includes a stop in Weed. Northbound service in Weed is available three times per day at 6:50 AM, 2:10 PM and 12:30 PM, and southbound service is available at 8:05 AM, 3:50 PM and 9:50 PM. Amtrak The Coast Starlight route serves Siskiyou County at the Dunsmuir Station, which is the northernmost Amtrak station in California. The route provides service between Seattle and Los Angeles. Southbound trains depart Dunsmuir at 12:35 AM, while northbound trains arrive at 4:56 AM. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 36 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

89 Chapter 4 Transit Demand and Needs This chapter presents a review of the needs for transit service, input from key members of the community, on-board surveys, and a quantitative analysis of overall demand for service. UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS The California Transit Development Act (TDA) requires annual unmet transit needs hearings if a jurisdiction proposes to spend some TDA funds on streets and roads. The TDA is the primary source of funding for public transit in Siskiyou County. Below is a summary of the last three years of Unmet Needs Hearings for the County. Fiscal Year The unmet needs hearing for Fiscal Year was held in June At the hearing, the Commission directed staff to address the following issues: Possibility of adding service for the first Saturday of the month from South County to North County and return. Contact Redding and Medford transit to research coordination of services. Research a Tulelake request for service to determine reasonable to meet criteria. Contact the ski park and see if they could use a shuttle to connect with the STAGE service on Highway 89. Continue to look at route service for the Montague / Grenada Road area to Yreka. Fiscal Year An unmet needs hearing was held in June 2013 to review the unmet needs for Fiscal Year The following unmet needs had been identified at two public hearings: Service to / from the ANAV Clinic in Quartz Valley to Fort Jones Service to / from Redding Service from Hornbrook to Montague in the evening Based on the criteria for unmet needs, none of the requests were deemed reasonable to meet. Fiscal Year The unmet needs findings for the current fiscal year were reviewed in May 2014 by the Social Services Transportation Advisory Committee. There were four requests for STAGE service, including: Service to / from the ANAV Clinic in Quartz Valley to Fort Jones Additional service to the north end of Yreka near the new Grocery Outlet Service to apartments along Foothill Drive in Yreka Service to / from Shasta Terrace Apartments in Yreka (W. Miner Street) Based on applicable findings and criteria, two of the four requests were considered reasonable to meet additional service to the north end of Yreka and service to apartments along Foothill LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 37

90 Drive in Yreka. With respect to the latter (service to apartments along Foothill Drive), STAGE staff has been working on route modifications to add service to this area, including the Short Range Transit Plan update process. REQUESTS FOR SERVICE In addition to the Unmet Needs process, Siskiyou County also allows members of the community to submit ride requests, with specific information on where there may be a need for additional transit service. New service requests received by Siskiyou County include: Non-emergency medical service for medical appointments in Klamath Falls, Oregon and Medford, Oregon was one of the top requests received by STAGE in 2014, particularly from the Tulelake and other northern Siskiyou County areas. Tulelake is roughly 93 miles from Yreka, where most social services and medical clinics are located, while Klamath Falls, Oregon is only 28 miles. Both Klamath Falls and Medford have medical specialists and other services that many low-income and senior residents access, but unfortunately are not available in Siskiyou County. For the same reasons, service was also requested to Redding, California. Another frequent request by residents is for more service along Quartz Valley Road to Fort Jones, including service to the Quartz Valley Reservation. Service to the Big Springs area, which is located north of Lake Shastina. This included requests for service along SR 97 and Road A12, which connects to southern Yreka. Earlier service into Yreka for employment. ADA / paratransit service. New STAGE stop in Weed at the Stringtown Avenue / North Davis Avenue intersection. A copy of the STAGE Request for Service documents can be found in Appendix A. KEY PERSON INTERVIEWS SUMMARY As part of the study, discussions with key persons were conducted to gain a better understanding of the needs present in Siskiyou County. Key issues that were discovered during this process consist of the following: Service to College of the Siskiyou Classes are held until 9:30 PM, which is outside of the current transit service schedule, and most of the school s schedule does not coordinate with the bus schedule. Many students from Yreka must travel to Weed to obtain their degrees, which may not work with current transit service. Additionally, a new police academy program may bring in more students that could increase the need for transit services to the campuses. Lastly, students have expressed interest in having a student fee that allows them to ride for free or at a reduced fare. Flag Stops Traffic and poor visibility of passengers have made flag stops increasingly more difficult, particularly in Yreka and Mount Shasta, as well as at narrow roadway locations along Old US 99. Additionally, drivers conflict with traffic in locations where a lack of pull-outs or curbs forces them to stop in the lane of traffic for flag stops. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 38 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

91 General Route and Scheduling As multiple buses serve the same locations, one late bus can impact the remainder of the routes. The north end of Yreka is in need of extended transit service to the new grocery store on all of the routes, and paratransit has been a frequent request for residents of Yreka and Quartz Valley. Lastly, due to long waits between buses in Yreka, there is a need for additional runs, as well as more service to the hospital. Intercity Service As discussed in the previous section, there are needs for trips to Medford, OR and Redding, CA, primarily to access the airport and medical services. The existing Greyhound service only stops in Weed, which is not helpful since Yreka is the most populated city in the County. Due to new regulations, persons will no longer be allowed to be reimbursed for medical services across state lines, which will impact many Dorris and Tulelake residents the result is a need for intercity service to Yreka and Redding for nonemergency medical transportation. Other Issues New developments and revitalized locations in communities is presenting new needs for transit service. The new casino on Sharps Road may employ as many as persons, and would benefit from transit. Additionally, Miner Street is seeing some economic development that may warrant new transit service. Other possible areas that may develop needs include Quartz / Scott Valley, and possibly the area next to Shasta Forest Products near Montague where more businesses may create employment demand. Lastly, the senior population has expressed a need for transportation services to attend public meetings. STAGE PASSENGER ON-BOARD SURVEY RESULTS Surveys were conducted to assess ridership patterns and the rider s opinion of the STAGE transit service. The surveys were available onboard from mid-october until early November. A total of 365 surveys were collected. Of these, eight were completed in Spanish and the remainder in English. Major conclusions / results from the survey are discussed below, while the full survey result summary, along with associated tables and figures, can be found in Appendix B. Considering responses regarding both trip ends, the following are the proportion of trips with each primary trip purpose: - School / College 23 percent - Shopping 22 percent - Work 20 percent - Personal business 20 percent - Medical / Dental 11 percent - Recreation 4 percent Not all STAGE passengers are dependent on transit. 39 percent indicated that they have a driver s license, and 24 percent indicated they had access to a vehicle that they could have used for their trip. The largest proportion of passengers (56 percent) are between the ages of 25 and 61, followed by 20 percent that are 19 to 24, 12 percent that are 13 to 18, 11 percent that are 62 to 74, and 2 percent that are 75 or older. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 39

92 The majority of riders walk to the bus stop and/or to their destination to complete their trip. This is consistent with the information gleaned regarding vehicle availability, where 76 percent of riders do not have access to a vehicle and 61 percent do not have a driver s license. This indicates that STAGE is providing a much needed service to a significant portion of the population who are not considered choice riders. Roughly 39 percent of passengers use the STAGE services 2 to 4 days per week, while another 23 percent use the service daily. This further supports the notion that STAGE is being used by residents that do not have other modes of transportation to complete necessary daily trips. The College of Siskiyous campus in Weed generates roughly 21 percent of the STAGE ridership, according to the surveys. Passengers were asked to rank a range of service factors on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent), along with an overall ranking for the transit service. Overall, the STAGE system was given a good score of 4.5 out of a possible 5.0. Fully 63 percent of passengers gave a score of 5, and 29 percent gave a score of 4, with only 2 passengers indicating a 1 or 2 score. The highest scores for individual categories were given to driver courtesy (4.8), bus cleanliness (4.6) and system safety (4.5). The lowest score was given for bus stops and shelters (3.8), with 6 percent of passengers giving a score of 1 and 10 percent giving a score of 2. All other categories scored an average of 4.2 or greater. When asked about improvements that could be made to the STAGE services, most passengers stated that weekend service should be implemented, with Saturday service (153 responses) being more popular than Sunday service (85 responses). Another improvement to service noted was to extend service hours in the evenings during the week and weekends. Requests for additional service frequency were greatest for the I-5 corridor (17), and were spread over the day. The greatest number of requests for service to new areas were for Big Springs (5), McCloud (4), Medford Oregon (3), College of the Siskiyous (3), and Grocery Outlet (2). Regarding passenger amenities, many respondents suggested that additional shelters that would protect against inclement weather should be installed, as well as more benches. Multiple requests were made for shelters in Dunsmuir (4) and at the College of the Siskiyous (3) The reader is encouraged to review the detailed comments provided in Appendix B. TRANSIT NEEDS AND TRANSIT DEMAND A key step in developing and evaluating transit plans is a careful analysis of the mobility needs of various segments of the population and the potential ridership of transit services. Transit needs are defined as the number of persons likely to require transportation services. An important consideration is that this does not equate to number of trips or correspond directly to the ridership; rather it is a figure that estimates the potential number of persons that could benefit from transit service, and generally includes disabled and low income populations, as well LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 40 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

93 as zero vehicle households. Transit demand represents the upper bound for an idealized transit service that could serve all of the needs of the community, while transit ridership reflects the number of one-way passenger-trips that can actually be served, given the specific characteristics of a transit system. In many areas, the majority of transit passengers are typically transit dependent, as outlined in Chapter 2. The communities that include the largest number of transit dependent persons are highlighted below: The highest numbers of youth are located in the more populated areas of Yreka, Weed, Mt. Shasta and Montague. The remaining areas of the county have relatively lower youth populations, even where the actual concentrations of youth is higher (such as in Tulelake where 22 percent of the population is youth but the total number is only 304 persons). The elderly population is generally high throughout Siskiyou County, but certain communities have much greater numbers. This includes Yreka, Weed, Mt. Shasta, Greenview / Etna / Quartz Valley, Grenada / Gazelle and Montague. Again, these are primarily the areas that more populated overall within the County. The greatest numbers of low income persons are located in Yreka and Weed, with moderate population also in Happy Camp / Karuk Reservation and Montague. The locations of disabled persons are fairly consistent with the other transit dependent groups, with most disabled persons residing in Yreka, Weed, Mt. Shasta, Greenview / Etna / Quartz Valley and Montague. Zero vehicles households are located throughout the county, however the greatest numbers are found in Yreka and Mt. Shasta. Additionally, Weed and Montague also have substantially more households without access to vehicles when compared with other areas of Siskiyou County. An overall review of the demographic data shows residents with a high propensity to use transit are mostly located within the current service area for STAGE. Overall, the majority of transit dependent residents are located within Yreka, while Weed, Mt. Shasta and Montague also have higher populations of transit dependent residents. Zero Vehicle Households Mobility Gap Analysis The mobility gap methodology is used to identify what amount of service is required to provide an equal amount of service to households that have access to vehicles and those that do not. The National Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS) provides data that allow for calculations to be made relating to trip rates. Trip rates for zero-vehicle households in rural areas of the California region of the nation were determined to be 3.3 daily one-way trips. For rural households with at least one vehicle, the trip rate was 5.8 daily one-way trips. The mobility gap is calculated by subtracting the daily trip rate of zero-vehicle households from the daily trip rate of households with at least one vehicle. Thus, the mobility gap is calculated at 2.5 household one-way trips per day for this region. LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 41

94 To calculate the transit need for each subarea of the study area, the number of zero-vehicle households is multiplied by the mobility gap number. Table 15 shows this information broken out for the Census Tracts in the study area. TABLE 15: Mobility Gap Analysis of Transit Need in Siskiyou County 2012 Demographics Census Tract Area Population Households Households With No Vehicle Mobility Gap Transit Need (Daily Trips) 1 Tulelake / Lava Beds National Monument 1, Dorris / Macdoel / Mount Hebron 1, Montague / Rural Area E. of Montague 3,973 1, Hornbrook Happy Camp / Karuk Reservation / West Rural Siskiyou County 2,205 1, Fort Jones 1, Yreka Rural Area / Grenada / Gazelle 3,627 1, Yreka - West of Main Street & North of South Street 4,286 1, Yreka Area - Other 3,643 1, Greenview / Etna / Quartz Valley Reservation / SW Rural Siskiyou County 3,406 1, Weed / Edgewood / Carrick 6,959 2, Mt. Shasta 6,957 3, Dunsmuir 2,205 1, McCloud / Tennant / SE Rural Siskiyou County 1, Total Transit Need 1,055 Sources: TCRP Web-Only Document 49: Methods for Forecasting Demand and Quantifying Need for Rural Passenger Transportation; 2012 American Community Survey 5-Yr Estimates In general, this approach establishes a level of transit need. As shown, a fairly high level of transit need is identified for the study area based on this method. In total, 1,055 daily one-way person-trips need to be provided via transit to make up for the gap in mobility, or 274,300 oneway trips. In comparison, STAGE s total one-way passenger-trips equated to 85,751 trips in Fiscal Year As such, this level is rather unreasonable to meet, as is expected when talking about need versus demand. One important piece extracted from this analysis is the location of the highest need, rather than the potential number of daily trips needed. As shown in the table, Census Tract 7.02 (Yreka) has the greatest need, followed by Census Tract 10 (Mt. Shasta). Other areas that command a greater need include Census Tract 9 (Weed / Edgewood / Carrick), Census Tract 7.03 (Yreka), Census Tract 11 (Dunsmuir) and Census Tract 3 (Montague). However, because transit service is available through STAGE in the areas with the greatest needs, some of the transit needs identified through the above methodology may already be served. Transit Needs Index To assess the potential high, medium and low areas of transit needs in Siskiyou County, a transit needs index was developed. Data from the US Census American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates ( ) at the Census Tract level was gathered for the senior LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 42 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan

95 population (age 60 and above), disabled and the low income population. Once compiled, the data for each of the three categories disabled, senior and low income were factored using values reflecting the relative need for transit service by demographic characteristic, as presented in The Transportation Research Board s Transit Cooperative Research Program Report B-3: Workbook for Estimating Demand for Rural Passenger Transportation. Each weighted population figure was added together and normalized to a range of 0 (no need) to 100 (greatest need) by dividing by the maximum value and multiplying by 100. The resulting values, as shown in Table 16, reflect the relative need for transit service in each census tract, based upon the number of residents in the demographic categories most in need for transit service. The index was split into three levels high, medium and low and mapped to show the locations and level of transit needs throughout the County. This is shown graphically in Figure 16. The darker shaded areas are considered locations with a high transit need, while the lighter areas have a relatively low transit need. As shown, the census tracts with the highest relative need are Yreka, Weed / Edgewood / Carrick and Mt. Shasta, while areas like Montague, Happy Camp, Greenview / Etna and Dunsmuir have moderate need. TABLE 16: Transit Needs Index Census Tract Area Relative Transit Need on a Range from 0 (No Need) to 100 (Highest Need) 1 Tulelake / Lava Beds National Monument 18 2 Dorris / Macdoel / Mount Hebron 23 3 Montague / Rural Area E. of Montague 56 4 Hornbrook 15 5 Happy Camp / Karuk Reservation / West Rural Siskiyou County 45 6 Fort Jones 25 7 Yreka Rural Area / Grenada / Gazelle 59 7 Yreka - West of Main Street & North of South Street 73 7 Yreka Area - Other 57 8 Greenview / Etna / Quartz Valley Reservation / SW Rural Siskiyou County 52 9 Weed / Edgewood / Carrick Mt. Shasta Dunsmuir McCloud / Tennant / SE Rural Siskiyou County 28 Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.; US Census American Community Survey LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan Page 43

96 UV 96 Figure 16 Transit Needs Index by Census Tract Merrill 5 6 UV 96 Fort Jones UV 96 Greenview Yreka 7.01 UV UV3 97 Hornbrook 2 Macdoel Mount Hebron 1 3 Grenada 97 Tennant Gazelle 8 Etna UV 3 9 Edgewood Weed Mount Shasta UV 89 Dunsmuir McCloud UV 89 Transit Needs Index Low Medium High Service Layer Credits: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, ipc Big Bend UV Miles 7.03 Census Tract Number Malin Tulelake McArthur Fall River Mills I LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc Page 44 Siskiyou County Short Range Transit Plan