TRINITY COUNTY. Board Item Request Form Phone x3425

Transcription

1 County Contract No. Department Transportation Commission TRINITY COUNTY 4.01 Board Item Request Form Contact Richard Tippett Phone x3425 Requested Agenda Location Transportation Commission Requested Board Action: Adopt a resolution which finds that there are no unmet transit needs in Trinity County that are reasonable to meet. Fiscal Impact: No fiscal impact. Motion: Second Roll Call: Ayes: Nays: Tabled To: Action: Notes:

2 STAFF REPORT Subject: Unmet Transit Needs Date: April 21, 2015 ISSUE: Should the Transportation Commission adopt a resolution which makes a finding regarding Unmet Transit Needs? BACKGROUND: In order to make any allocations not directly related to public transportation services, specialized transportation services, or facilities provided for the exclusive use of pedestrians and bicycles, the Transportation Commission shall annually do the following within its jurisdiction: Consult with the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC). Identify transit needs including. o Size and location of identifiable groups likely to be transit dependent or transit disadvantaged such as the elderly, handicapped and individuals eligible for paratransit and other special transportation services. o Analysis of the adequacy of existing public transportation services and specialized transportation services. o Analysis of potential alternative public specialized transportation and specialized transportation services and service improvements that would meet all or part of the transit demand. Hold at least one public hearing to consider if there are unmet needs that are reasonable to meet based on the adopted definitions of "unmet transit needs" and "reasonable to meet". Adopt by resolution a finding for the jurisdiction, after consideration of all available information regarding transit needs. (If the Commission determines that there are unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet, then these transit needs must be met prior to allocating funding for 'streets and roads'). DISCUSSION: SSTAC Meeting: On March 5, 2015 the SSTAC held a publicly advertised meeting in the Human Response Network conference room (see minutes-attachment A). No members of the public attended the meeting. Two items were discussed and acted on regarding unmet transit needs: Discussion and recommendation to the TCTC regarding the definitions for unmet transit needs and reasonable to meet. No recommended changes were requested and a motion was made by SSTAC to accept the terms as presented. The TCTC adopted the definitions for unmet transit needs at the April 7, 2015 meeting. Discussion of existing transit service and any unmet transit needs that have not been met. SSTAC discussed two correspondences that were received: One was from the Roderick Senior Center expressing a need for funding to provide transportation service for seniors in the Hayfork area to travel to Redding and Weaverville for non-emergency medical appointments (Attachment B). Discussion: Margie Lee of HRN commented that seniors of the Roderick Senior Center can use the Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) for their non-emergency medical transportation

3 needs to Weaverville and Redding. The SSTAC felt that the TAP is an effective way to support seniors in Hayfork and other areas as well for their transportation needs to qualifying appointments. After the SSTAC meeting Margie contacted Rose Owens to discuss this option and remind her of this service. Between July 1, 2014 and February 2015, sixty-five seniors of the Hayfork area have been served by the TAP, which indicates many already use it. One was received from Jaime Green of Trinity Union High School requesting that the Weaverville to Redding Trinity Transit bus reach Redding by 8AM so high school students have an opportunity to use public transportation to attend Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) (Attachment C). Discussion: Staff went over the current schedule with SSTAC, noting that the Redding bus connects with the Hayfork bus in Douglas City at 7:48AM and it is one of the most popular connections between Trinity Transit buses. For the Redding bus to reach Redding by 8:00AM it would have to depart Weaverville by 6:30AM, meaning it would miss the connection with the Hayfork bus in Douglas City. Connections between these two routes is what qualifies the County for the 5311F funding through the Intercity Bus Program, therefore, changing the departure time of the Weaverville to Redding bus in the morning would reduce operational funding amounts for the Hayfork route. Short Range Transit Development Plan: SSTAC also discussed unmet transit needs that were identified during the update of the Short Range Transit Development Plan (adopted October 2014), and have become goals: 2014/2015: Implementation of First Saturday of the month service, route deviation at key stops in Redding, coordination with Southern Trinity Health Services to implement Hyampom to Hayfork service, and an application for 5310 funding for a mobility management position. 2015/2016: Start first and last Redding route run from and to Junction City, reduce service to Lewiston if performance measures are not met, and continue upgrading bus stops. Discussion: Staff plans to apply for funding to expand the Redding route by beginning and ending the route in Junction City at least two days per week. The Lewiston route is being reviewed monthly and was reported to SSTAC. If performance measures are not met for the midday route, service should be reduced to two days per week. Currently, $65,000 of Article 8 funds are distributed, $40,000 to Human Response Network, and $25,000 to Southern Trinity Health Services. Additional funding needs have not been identified at this time. One of the transportation needs that was identified in the SRTDP has already been met by implementing Saturday service for all Trinity Transit routes on the first Saturday of each month. Trinity Transit has also improved circulation within Redding by deviating to key stops for Trinity County passengers who need to reach non-emergency medical appointments. Current Transportation Programs: Trinity Transit's eight month farebox recovery and ridership report for FY 2014/2015 is as follows: Route Lewiston Willow Creek Redding Hayfork Trinity Transit 8 Month Totals Farebox 5.08% 19.98% 19.88% 10.90% 14.99% Ridership 1,168 4,304 3,017 3,222 11,711

4 Southern Trinity Health Services continues to provide public transportation service between Mad River and Ruth on Mondays, Mad River and Hayfork on Tuesdays, and Mad River to Eureka on Wednesdays. The Human Response Network continues to administer the Transportation Assistance Program. This is a far reaching program serving many residents of Trinity County that do not have access to Trinity Transit or cannot coordinate Trinity Transit service with their medical or social service appointments. SSTAC Motion: After discussing existing transit services and any unmet transit needs that have not been met, a motion was made and adopted by SSTAC to recommend that the TCTC find that there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet at this time. Public Hearing: A public hearing was held on April 7, 2015 by the TCTC to provide an opportunity for the public to comment to the TCTC regarding unmet transit needs. Only one member of the public commented. John Hamilton asked if Trinity Transit has coordinated with Humboldt Transit Authority in an effort to come up with a combined ticket that passengers can purchase that allows them to transfer from one system to the other. Staff commented that some of the social service agencies are looking into purchasing tickets from the Humboldt Transit Authority for their clients, but Trinity Transit has not coordinated that service. Public Participation: The Commission's Unmet Needs Public Hearing of April 7, 2015 and the SSTAC public participation meeting of March 5, 2015, were provided as a display and legal ad in the Trinity Journal on February 11, 2015, in the Advertiser on February 17, and on the Transportation website (Attachment D). A notice was also posted on all of the buses (Attachment E). A final display and legal ad were provided in the Trinity Journal on March 25, 2015 announcing the April 7 public hearing. ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING FINANCIAL IMPLICATION: 1) Adopt a resolution that there are no unmet transit needs. 2) Adopt a resolution that there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet. 3) Adopt a resolution that there are unmet transit needs, including needs that are reasonable to meet. If the TCTC finds there are unmet transit needs, including needs that are reasonable to meet, this item should be continued to the next meeting. RECOMMENDATION: It is Staff's recommendation that the Commission adopt a resolution finding that there are no unmet transit needs in Trinity County that are reasonable to meet. Respectfully Submitted Richard Tippett Executive Secretary-Trinity County Transportation Commission CAO RECOMMENDATION: Concur: Yes No Comments:

5 Attachment A TRINITY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Human Response Network Conference room 113 Mountain View Street, Weaverville March 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Polly Chapman SSTAC Member Present: Marjorie Lee, Rick Walton, Jennifer Addison, Steve Mitchell, Anne Lagorio, Bill Burton, and Jose Acosta Also in Attendance: Tamara Rich (Caltrans); Polly Chapman, TCTC Staff; Michael Coulter, Transit Staff No members of the public present Item 1- Trinity Transit Report FY 2013/14: Polly went over the 2013/14 yearend report for Trinity Transit, noting that farebox recovery was made and that ridership was down from the prior year. FY 2014/15 through January: Ridership is up this year and it is projected to be around 18,000 by the end of the fiscal year. Lewiston route report: Staff is keeping close track of the Lewiston route since it began operating five days per week in November of The ridership numbers are going up and compared to previous years it is much better, however, Polly talked about the possibility of cutting the mid-day Lewiston back to 2 days per week if the ridership is not up by the end of the fiscal year. Farebox recovery for Lewiston as of January 31st is 5.63%. Staff asked SSTAC members if there was any particular day that was better than others for those traveling to Weaverville on the mid day Lewiston route for social service appointments. SSTAC members suggested that Trinity Transit complete a survey of Lewiston riders this spring to see which days are the most popular. The survey will be prepared and completed. Data shows the Lewiston mid-day service between September 2014 and February 2015 as follows: Monday-35; Tuesday-39; Wednesday-44; Thursday-35; Friday-45. First Saturday of the month service: Polly went over the ridership report for the First Saturday of the month service, which shows that the Redding and Willow Creek routes have the highest ridership. Some SSTAC members noted that they did not realize the Saturday service was in operation. They will encourage their clients to use it more. SSTAC members also commented that food stamps are issued between the 1st and 10th of the month, so a second Saturday of the month may generate more ridership. HRN Report: Margie gave a brief overview of how the Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) is administered by HRN and how often their clients can use the program. TAP works well for those who

6 are not able to drive themselves or use public transportation for their appointment due to illness or distance of their trip. The program has helped people going as far away as Sacramento and the bay area for appointments. A lot of the use is for folks who are 55 or older. Polly noted that this program is funded through the TCTC with LTF funds. Margie also noted that they are administrating funding that is available for homeless people who want to leave the county, but don't have funds for a Trinity Transit ticket. This is a onetime use program and HRN keeps track of who they sponsor. Bill Burton added that it would be nice if HRN could make this program available for outside of Weaverville in places such as Junction City where he often sees homeless people stuck who want to leave but don't have funds for a bus pass. Staff said they will get together with HRN and Trinity Transit to figure out a way to administer and/or expand the program. STHS: There was not a representative from STHS to discuss their program so Polly gave a brief description of how funding is used to transport clients in the southern Trinity area to appointments at their clinic and to the coast one day per week. Update Unmet Transit Needs Recommendation: Polly explained the unmet needs process; that prior to making any allocation not directly related to public transportation services, specialized transportation services or facilities provided for the exclusive use of pedestrian and bicycles, the transportation planning agency shall annually go through a process which includes meeting several TDA requirements, including meeting with SSTAC to discuss any unmet transportation needs that they feel there are. The unmet transit needs SSTAC meeting was advertised on the buses, the Transportation Commission website, the Trinity Journal, and the agenda was posted at the Court House. Update Unmet Needs Recommendation 1) Discussion and recommendation to the Commission regarding the definitions for "unmet transit needs" and "reasonable to meet" - Staff asked the Council if there were any changes that they would like to discuss regarding the existing terms. Bill Burton mentioned that next year he would like to add language that includes coordination for schools to use Trinity Transit when it is convenient. MOTION: Rick Walton made a motion to accept Exhibit A, the terms for "unmet needs" and "reasonable to meet". Seconded by Bill Burton Approved 5-0 (Note: Anne Lagorio had to leave the meeting before a motion was made) 2) Discussion of existing transit services and any unmet transit needs that have not been met. - Staff noted that the unmet transit needs public hearing will be on April 7 with the TCTC, and adoption will be at the following meeting (April 21). Two comment letters have been received so far: 1) Rose Owens of the Roderick Senior Center sent an to express that seniors in Hayfork would benefit from increased funding for trips to Redding for nonemergency medical appointments. Some seniors are not comfortable riding the bus to Redding due

7 to the difficulty of making transfers onto other buses and there is always the fear of missing the last bus leaving Redding and returning to Hayfork. Margie Lee said she would contact Rose to see if they could be of assistance with the Transportation Assistance Program that they administer. Michael Coulter also mentioned the service that the Shasta Senior Nutrition Program offers in Redding to transfer seniors from the RABA transfer center to their appointments and back to RABA. 2) Jamie Green of Trinity High School sent an to request that the bus to Redding get there by 8:00AM so high school students can attend ROP classes there. Bill Burton mentioned that he knows other people who would like to get to Redding by 8:00AM for work. Staff noted that if the bus departed Weaverville that early it would miss the Hayfork connection in Douglas City, which gets there at 7:24AM and connects with the bus to Redding at 7:48AM. This would also reduce 5311F funding for the Hayfork route as that connection is required. SSTAC felt that at this time the need for a bus to Redding by 8:00AM is not reasonable to meet operationally or financially. Staff referred to the Short Range Transit Development Plan and Coordinated Plan, which were adopted October 28, 2014, to review service and capital requests that were identified during that process. Projects were shown in the Recommended Action Plan (attached). Some projects noted were the Redding bus route starting in Junction City, the Transit Maintenance Facility site development, a Trinity Transit fare adjustment, posters for the senior centers, expansion of the bus stop shelter at Martin Road and Hwy 299, and applying for funds for a mobility manager in the next 5310 cycle. MOTION: A motion was made by Margie Lee that there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet at this time. Seconded by Rick Walton Approved 5-0 Polly noted that letters may be receive up to March 27th. Staff will prepare a report for the April 7, 2015 Public Hearing Trinity Transit Fare adjustment Staff updated the Council that a Trinity Transit fare adjustment is being prepared that will go to the Board of Supervisors in May as an amendment to the existing code. Polly asked the Council if they would like to meet to go over the proposed fares prior to the public hearing. Steve Mitchell said it would be good to review the new fares when they are ready, but the adjustment is being done under the recommendation from the recently updated SRTDP so a meeting to discuss it is not necessary. Polly said she would send the adjustment out to all members when it is ready for review. Meeting adjourned.

8 Attachment B Polly Chapman From: rsc@com-pair.net Sent: Thursday, February 19, :35 PM To: Polly Chapman Subject: RE: Annual Unmet Transit Needs Commenting period. Hey Polly, The one need I see as very important is Redding and Weaverville Doctor appointments. It is very difficult, physically, for our seniors to make connections on the Trinity Transit. Getting to and from Dr, Appointments in a timely manner is very difficult. We have an answer to this, but do not have the funds. We would pay mileage and time to an employee but cannot afford it at this time. If you have any questions please call. Thanks Rose From: Polly Chapman [mailto:pchapman@)trlnitycounty.org] Sent: Thursday, February 19, :53 AM To: Margie Lee; Christine Zoppi; Amanda Huber; Jennifer Addison; Julie Ashton-Boyd-Kingsview; Kit; Marlinda Butler- Kingsview; jgreen@tcoekl2.orq; rpena@sthsclinic.org; j edwards001@yahoo.com Cc: qoldenaqecenter@com-pair.net; rsc@com-pair.net; Rose Subject: Annual Unmet Transit Needs Commenting period. The Trinity County Transportation Commission (TCTC) is going through the annual "Unmet Transit Needs" process. This is the time of year that you and or your clients can write letters, send s, or contact me by phone to comment on any transit needs that should be considered by the TCTC. Transit needs must be "reasonable to meet" to be considered, For example a new bus route to Reno one day per week would not be reasonable to meet, however, extended bus service, new bus shelters, etc could be considered if funding were available. Letters should be addressed as follows: Richard Tippett Executive Secretary P.O. Box 2490 Weaverville, CA Or you can me at pchapman@trinitycountv.org Comments must be received by March 20, 2015 to be considered. Please forward this to anybody that you feel may want to comment on unmet transit needs. Thank you, S'otly.Qhaymait State Hwy 3 P.O. Box 2490 Weaverville, CA Trinity County Department of Transportation (530) Ext. 3427

9 Attachment C Polly Chapman From: Jaime Green [jgreen@tcoek12.org] Sent: Monday, February 23, :50 AM To: Polly Chapman Subject: RE: Annual Unmet Transit Needs Commenting period. Thank you. We would like a bus to arrive in Redding at 8 am. I will see if the interest is there from the people that have asked. How would we find out if people in the community would benefit from a Redding Sam arrival? From: Polly Chapman [mailto:pchapman@trinitycounty.org] Sent: Thursday, February 19, :53 AM To: Margie Lee; Christine Zoppi; Amanda Huber; Jennifer Addison; Julie Ashton-Boyd-Kingsview; Kit; Marlinda Butler- Kingsview; igreen@tcoekl2.org; rpena@sthsclinic.ora; 1 edwards001@vahoo.com Cc: goldenagecenter@com-pair.net; rsc@com-pair.net; Rose Subject: Annual Unmet Transit Needs Commenting period. The Trinity County Transportation Commission (TCTC) is going through the annual "Unmet Transit Needs" process. This is the time of year that you and or your clients can write letters, send s, or contact me by phone to comment on any transit needs that should be considered by the TCTC. Transit needs must be "reasonable to meet" to be considered. For example a new bus route to Reno one day per week would not be reasonable to meet, however, extended bus service, new bus shelters, etc could be considered if funding were available. Letters should be addressed as follows: Richard Tippett Executive Secretary P.O. Box 2490 Weaverville, CA Or you can me at Dchapman@trinitvcountv.org Comments must be received by March 20, 2015 to be considered. Please forward this to anybody that you feel may want to comment on unmet transit needs. Thank you, g'oui^eftopman, State Hwy 3 P.O. Box 2490 Weaverville, CA Trinity County Department of Transportation (530) Ext. 3427

10 Attachment D PUBLIC NOTICE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS PUBLIC HEARING The Trinity County Transportation Commission will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday April 7, 2015 at 10:00AM, or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in the Trinity County Library meeting room in Weaverville, to receive public testimony identifying or commenting on "Unmet Transit Needs" that may exist within Trinity County. The Transportation Commission will identify, and if found to be "reasonable to meet", provide funding for those unmet transit needs. If you can't make it to the meeting, please send a letter by March 27, Address correspondence to: Richard Tippett, Executive Secretary; P.O. Box 2490; Weaverville, CA Contact Polly Chapman, Senior Transportation Planner at (530) if you have questions. By: Richard Tippett, Executive Secretary

11 Attachment E Do you have transportation needs that are not being met? Your input is very important so please tell us what public transportation means to you and if you have transportation needs that are not being met. How does Trinity Transit make a difference in your life? If the bus route that you most often use did not operate, how would you get to work, doctor appointments etc? Are there any changes that you would make to Trinity Transit, like adding bus stops, bus shelters, more service? To comment: Send a letter to Richard Tippett, Trinity County Transportation Commission, P.O. Box 2490, Weaverville, CA or Polly Chapman at pchapman@trinitycounty.org. Or write your comments down and give them to one of the bus drivers. Please include your contact information. Comments must be received by March 27, 2015 to be considered by the Trinity County Transportation Commission at the "Unmet Transit Needs" Public Hearing on April 7, 2015.

12 RESOLUTION NO XX A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF TRINITY SITTING AS THE TRINITYCOUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION WHICH FINDS THAT THERE ARE NO UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS IN TRINITY COUNTY THAT ARE REASONABLE TO MEET WHEREAS, Section of the California Public Utilities Code (PUC) requires transportation planning agencies to annually conduct a public hearing to determine unmet transit needs; and WHEREAS, the Trinity County Transportation Commission has adopted definitions for the terms unmet transit needs and reasonable to meet at the April 7, 2015 meeting. (Resolution No ); and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed current transit services; and WHEREAS, the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council has met to consider transit service within Trinity County; and WHEREAS, interested persons were notified of, and invited to participate in, the public hearing pursuant to PUC, Section ; and WHEREAS, the Trinity County Transportation Commission has reviewed the information provided by the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC); and WHEREAS, the Trinity County Transportation Commission conducted a public hearing on April 7, 2015 to determine if there are any unmet transit needs in Trinity County which are reasonable to meet; and WHEREAS, the Trinity County Transportation Commission recognizes that, while additional transportation needs have been identified by the SSTAC and general public, these needs do not meet the definitions for both unmet transit needs and reasonable to meet contained in Resolution No NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Trinity County Transportation Commission, does hereby find that at the time of the annual public hearing on transit needs that there were no unmet needs in the County of Trinity which were reasonable to meet. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of April, 2015 by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Trinity sitting as the Trinity County Transportation Commission by motion, second (/), and the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: RECUSE: ATTEST: JUDY MORRIS, CHAIRMAN Board of Supervisors, sitting as the Transportation Commission, County of Trinity, State of California WENDY G. TYLER Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: Deputy