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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11122002 - SD5 to: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS `�` O FROM: Mark DeSaulnier Contra Supervisor, District IV Costa DATE: October 31, 2002 County SUBJECT: Report on Status of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Study of Paratransit in Contra Costa County SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter to the Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reaffirming the Board's interest in the study. (Exhibit A) Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter to the Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority requesting that they partner with MTC in the conduct of the pending paratransit study. (Exhibit B) FISCAL IMPACT None. BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS On September 26, 2000 the Board of Supervisors transmitted a letter to MTC requesting that a study of paratransit issues in Contra Costa be performed. The following month the Chair of MTC responded, agreeing to provide assistance and indicating that MTC staff would coordinate with county staff in developing options for proceeding with the study. MTC included an item in their workplan "Paratransit Planning Assistance in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties"and allocated funding for the effort. There has been some communication between staff and several false starts, but little substantive progress. Given the length of time that has passed and the introduction of some new issues (outlined in the attached report—Exhibit C)that underscore the importance of the study, it may be appropriate at this time to expand the original scope of the study as well act on the recommendations listed in the aforementioned report. The issue was referred to my office and I have been working with staff on the matter. I have met with MTC staff to determine how best proceed. This information is contained in the attached report that was prepared by County staff with my input. The report includes the recommendations in this Board Order and comes with my endorsement. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: x YES SIGNATURE RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE (S): ACTION OF ROARD ON NOVEMBER 12.2002 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED :� OTHER I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN x UNANIMOUS (ABSENT NONE ) AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE AYES: NOES: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SHOWN. ATTESTED NOVEMBER 12,2002 Contact: John Cunningham (925-535-1243) JOHN SWEETEN, CLERK OF cc: Community Development Department(CDD) THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Leon Morphew, President-Advisory Council on Aging AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Rick Ramacier, Central Contra Costa Transit Authority 1 BY � VL CG , DEPUTY G:1Transportation\cunninghamlparatransit111_12_02 Board OrderVinaRNov 12_02 Board Order.doc �y •�r�y �a ( ��'� `�" John Sweeten The Board of Supervisors Contra a Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building (" County Administrator 651 Pine Street,Room 105 C4^✓✓o (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94559-1293 Count. Int. / John Giola,1 st District d V 1.t I 1 Gayle B.Ulikema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnler,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District r Donald P. Freitas, Chair November 12, 2042 Contra Costa Transportation Authority 3478 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 100 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Dear Chair Fr/tta's: In September of 2000, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors transmitted a letter to the Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) requesting that MTC study paratransit issues in Contra Costa County. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority's (CCTA) Paratransit Coordinating Council assisted in editing the letter and voted to support sending the letter. MTC saw the value in such a study and the following month Chairman Beall responded, agreeing to provide such assistance. County and MTC staff have had some preliminary conversations on how to proceed. At this time MTC is asking that a local partner be identified to assist in the conduct of the study. The Beard of Supervisor's view is that the most appropriate entity to act in that capacity is CCTA. The Board has authorized me to request that CCTA consider acting as the local partner for this important study. The Board of Supervisors has also authorized me to send you the attached report that details the issues the Board has considered in advocating for this study. Among other issues, the report identifies the upcoming Measure C reauthorization as significantly underscoring the importance of the study. Please call me if you have any questions on this request or the Board's interest in promoting this study. Sinc rely, ohn M. Gioia,Chair Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors JMG\JC:mlk Attachments cc: Members,Board of Supervisors Sharon J.Brown,Chair e Metropolitan Transportation Commission Leon Morphew,President-Advisory Council on Aging Members,Paratransit Coordinating Council Charles Anderson,WestCAT Rick Fernandez,AC Transit Jeanne Krieg,Tri Delta Transit Thomas Margro,BART Rick Ramacier,CCCTA G:\Transportation\Cunningham\paratransit\i 1_12_02 Board Order\Ctnaftecta_itrAoc John Sweeten The Board of Supervisors Contra Clark of the Board and County Administration Building County Administrator 651 Pine Street,Room 106 Costa (925)335.1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County i'1t John Glola,1st District V 1.11 l�f Gayle S.UlIkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnler,4th District --' ' Federal D.Glover,5th Districts Honorable Sharon J. Brown, Chair November 12, 2002 Metropolitan Transportation Commission 101 Eighth Street Oakland, CA 94607-4700 Lear Chair In September of 2000, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors transmitted a letter to your Board requesting that a study of paratransit issues in Contra Costa be performed. The following month Chairman Beall responded, agreeing to provide such assistance and to provide options for proceeding. Some time has passed since this request was made. The Board of Supervisors reconsidered this matter and believes that a study of paratransit issues is as important now, as it was in 2000. The Board of Supervisors authorized me to send you the attached report which details the issues the Board has considered and underscores the importance of the pending study. Please call me or Mark DeSaulnier if you have any questions on this request or the Board's interest in paratransit service in Contra Costa County. Sincerely, 1 Sohn M. Gioia, Chair Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors IMGVC:mik Attachment cc: Members,Board of Supervisors Donald P.Freitas,Chair—Contra Costa Transportation Authority Leon Morphew,President-Advisory Council on Aging Members,Paratransit Coordinating Council Charles Anderson,WestCAT Rick Fernandez,AC Transit Jeanne Krieg,Tri Delta Transit Thomas Margro,BART Rick R.anacier,CCCTA G:\Transportation\Cunninghamiparatransitil 11202 Board OrderTinaIimtc_Itr.doc i � � - • The Advisory Council on Aging(ACA) transmitted a letter to the Board of Supervisors in 2002 urging members to proceed with the planned paratransit study. The ACA letter stated that the Contra Costa County Office on Aging's most recent Key Informant Survey again highlighted transportation as the biggest problem for seniors. • While the typical paratransit patron is elderly, many elderly seniors are not eligible for paratransit service. This fact cannot be ignored. MTC's Older Adults Transportation Study (OATS - September 2002) states, "...age alone does not qualify a person for paratransit. Still, paratransit is an essential service for older adults...." ADA paratransit and non-ADA, social service-type transportation are related. Given the similarities of the service and the target populations, the two service types are inexorably linked. One of the recommendations in MTC's OATS study is to improve senior mobility by the following mechanism, "build on and coordinate with existing services, including ADA paratransit..."At the July 22 Contra Costa Paratransit Coordinating Council meeting, the discussion regarding Measure C reauthorization and unmet paratransit needs resulted in more comments on paratransit service above and beyond ADA paratransit than on issues related to strict ADA defined paratransit service. • MTC's State of the Region 2000 Status of San Francisco Bay Area Paratransit Programs and Report on Status of Travel Training Programs highlights the increasing demand for paratransit that will be seen in the region in the future. Key findings in the report state that the cost and demand for paratransit have been increasing, and in fact, will continue to increase. Equally important is the fact that efficiency,measured by cost per trip and/or trips per hour, is actually declining. The report identifies the East Bay Paratransit Consortium (IBPC) as one of the programs in the region that account for a high percentage of paratransit expenditures. The report goes on to state that, "This suggests that opportunities to demonstrate techniques to improve efficiencies would have the greatest impact for those programs". This highlights not only the need for a study,but specifically identifies a Contra Costa transit provider as ideal for detailed examination. The EBPC provides paratransit service in a portion of Contra Costa County, fulfilling AC Transit and BART's ADA responsibilities. Measure C Reauthorization: The Contra Costa Transportation Authority has recently begun efforts to reauthorize Measure C. Preliminary submittals from all four Regional Transportation Planning Committees (SWAT, WCCTAC, TRANSPLAN, TRANSPAC) all recommend increases in paratransit funding. The average recommended paratransit funding level (4.5%) would result in $72 million in paratransit funding over the life of the measure. This is $24.5 million above what would be generated using the current allocation percentage, 2.97% Janet Abelson, Mayor of El Cerrito and Chair of the Paratransit Coordinating Council, at a recent senior and disabled transportation stakeholders meeting on Measure C Reauthorization, made the point that there is a fixed amount of funding available, priorities have to be set. She emphasized that when one project or program gets funding, another is cut. If a study of paratransit service finds that paratransit service in Contra Costa can make better use of existing funding and highlights the potential to gain access to new sources of funds this would effectively free up Measure C funds for other projects and programs. The proposed increase in Measure C funding for paratransit significantly increases the relevance of a meaningful study of paratransit in the county. SO Equity Issues Given the disadvantaged,protected class of the target population and the issues discussed above that indicate a real need for a paratransit study, it should be noted that there are potential equity and environmental justice issues at stake. Current Status of IV TC's Study of Paratransit In Contra Costa County Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier has recently met with MTC staff to discuss the status of the study. Staff indicated that they are ready to proceed but they feel that it is imperative that they have a local partner to assist in the conduct of the study. Effectively,the only appropriate entity to act as a local partner for a study of this type is the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. Recommendations 1. The Board of Supervisors should reaffirm their request to MTC to study paratransit issues in Contra Costa. 2. The Board of Supervisors should request that the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) act as a local partner with MTC in the conduct of the study. 3. In their request to MTC and CCTA, the Board of Supervisors should ask that the study be initiated by sponsoring a meeting of relevant and responsible individuals. The meeting of this group should produce steps and a timeline on how to proceed. This group should include, at a minimum, MTC, Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, transit operators, Paratransit Coordinating Council and the Advisory Council on Aging. The aforementioned group should draft an RFP for this study. At a minimum the RFP should include: • A comprehensive review of existing ADA paratransit operations in the county; • Transportation issues faced by ADA eligible transit patrons; • Transportation issues faced by non ADA eligible seniors; • Inventory of non-ADA paratransit service being provided in the county • Potential effect that improved transit technology could have on paratransit provision in the county; • Assessment of the effectiveness of travel training on senior utilization of fixed route service • Evaluation of systematic, or administrative changes that could result in lower operating costs, increase efficiency, expanded and safer service; and • An outreach program to ensure meaningful involvement of the target population re,;;t doc The Board of Supervisors Co�ltra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Costa E�, and . , County Administration Building ' County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 Martinez, California 94553-1293 Count. . {925)335-1900 John Gioia, 1st District Gayle B.Uiikema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District Donald P. Freitas, Chair m November 12, 2002 Contra Costa Transportation Authority 3478 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 100 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Dear Chair Freitas: In September of 2000, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors transmitted a letter to the Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) requesting that MTC study paratransit issues in Contra Costa County. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority's (CCTA) Paratransit Coordinating Council assisted in editing the letter and voted to support sending the letter. MTC saw the value in such a study and the following month Chairman Beall responded, agreeing to provide such assistance. County and MTC staff have had some preliminary conversations on how to proceed. At this time MTC is asking that a local partner be identified to assist in the conduct of the study. The Board of Supervisor's view is that the most appropriate entity to act in that capacity is CCTA. The Board has authorized me to request that CCTA consider acting as the local partner for this important study. The Board of Supervisors has also authorized me to send you the attached report that details the issues the Board has considered in advocating for this study. Among other issues, the report identifies the upcoming Measure C reauthorization as significantly underscoring the importance of the study. Please call me if you have any questions on this request or the Board's interest in promoting this study. Sincerely, John M. Gioia, Chair Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors JMG\JC:mlk Attachments cc: Members,Board of Supervisors Sharon J.Brown,Chair—Metropolitan Transportation Commission Leon Motphew,President-Advisory Council on Aging Members,Paratransit Coordinating Council Charles Anderson,WestCAT Rick Fernandez,AC Transit Jeanne Krieg,Tri Delta Transit Thomas Margro,BART Rick Ramacier,CCCTA G:\Trapsportation\Cunningham\paratransit\11_12_02 Board Order\final\cccta_ltr.doc Status of Contra Costa County Paratransit Study Background On September 26, 2000 the Board of Supervisors transmitted a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission(MTC)requesting that a study of paratransit issues in Contra Costa be performed. The following month the Chair of MTC responded, agreeing to provide assistance and indicating that MTC staff would coordinate with county staff in developing options for proceeding with the study. MTC included an item in their workplan"Paratransit Planning Assistance In Alameda and Contra Costa counties"and allocated funding for the effort in their budget. There has been some communication between staff and several false starts,but little substantive progress. Given the length of time that has passed and the introduction of some new issues (outlined below) that underscore the importance of the study, it may be appropriate at this time to expand the original scope of the study as well act on the recommendations listed at the end of this report. Summarized, the recommendations are to forward a request to MTC to proceed with the study as well as make a request to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority asking that they act as the local partner for the study. Issues to Consider Considerable Time Has Passed Since the Last Paratransit Study: A substantive study on paratransit service provision in Contra Costa County has not been done in approximately 12 years. In this time period there has been significant population growth. There has been much advancement in paratransit delivery technology as well as ample time to determine the effectiveness of alternative service models that have been implemented elsewhere. These improvements and alternatives to paratransit service delivery could potentially improve and increase paratransit service to county residents, use existing funding more effectively, gain access to new funding sources and improve the safety and usability of the service. Aging and ADA Eligible Population: • In terms of paratransit, elderly and ADA eligible paratransit patrons are two different populations. Age alone does not qualify an individual for ADA paratransit service. However, observations show that when people get over 80/85 years of age they are typically ADA eligible. • In the next 10 years Contra Costa County residents aged 55+are expected to show an increase of 104%over the 1990 population. Those 85+are projected to increase 237%. As detailed in MTC's Older Adults Transportation Study, Contra Costa County is second behind Solano in. the growth of the older adult population over the next 20 years. Whether it is ADA or non- ADA there will be a dramatic increase in the demand for paratransit service in the future. • The Advisory Council on Aging(ACA) transmitted a letter to the Board of Supervisors in 2002 urging members to proceed with the planned paratransit study. The ACA letter stated that the Contra Costa County Office on Aging's most recent Key Informant Survey again highlighted transportation as the biggest problem for seniors. • While the typical paratransit patron is elderly, many elderly seniors are not eligible for paratransit service. This fact cannot be ignored. MTC's Older.Adults Transportation Study (OATS - September 2002) states, "...age alone does not qualify a person for paratransit. Still, paratransit is an essential service for older adults...." ADA paratransit and non-ADA, social service-type transportation are related. Given the similarities of the service and the target populations, the two service types are inexorably linked. One of the recommendations in MTC's OATS study is to improve senior mobility by the following mechanism, "build on and coordinate with existing services, including ADA paratransit..."At the July 22 Contra Costa Paratransit Coordinating Council meeting, the discussion regarding Measure C reauthorization and unmet paratransit needs resulted in more comments on paratransit service above and beyond ADA paratransit than on issues related to strict ADA defined paratransit service. • MTC's State of the Region 2000: Status of San Francisco Bay Area Paratransit Programs and Report on Status of Travel Training Programs highlights the increasing demand for paratransit that will be seen in the region in the future. Key findings in the report state that the cost and demand for paratransit have been increasing, and in fact, will continue to increase. Equally important is the fact that efficiency, measured by cost per trip and/or trips per hour, is actually declining. The report identifies the East Bay Paratransit Consortium (EBPC) as one of the programs in the region that account for a high percentage of paratransit expenditures. The report goes on to state that, "This suggests that opportunities to demonstrate techniques to improve efficiencies would have the greatest impact for those programs". This highlights not only the need for a study,but specifically identifies a Contra Costa transit provider as ideal for detailed examination. The EBPC provides paratransit service in a portion of Contra Costa County, fulfilling AC Transit and BART's ADA responsibilities. Measure C Reauthorization: The Contra Costa Transportation Authority has recently begun efforts to reauthorize Measure C. Preliminary submittals from all four Regional Transportation Planning Committees (SWAT, WCCTAC, TRANSPLAN, TRANSPAC) all recommend increases in paratransit funding. The average recommended paratransit funding level (4.500) would result in$72 million in paratransit funding over the life of the measure. This is $24.5 million above what would be generated using the current.allocation percentage, 2.97% Janet Abelson, Mayor of El Cerrito and Chair of the Paratransit Coordinating Council, at a recent senior and disabled transportation stakeholders meeting on Measure C Reauthorization, made the point that there is a fixed amount of funding available,priorities have to be set. She emphasized that when one project or program gets funding, another is cut. If a study ofparatransit service finds that paratransit service in Contra Costa can make better use of existing funding and highlights the potential to gain access to new sources of funds this would effectively free up Measure C funds for other projects and programs. The proposed increase in Measure C funding for paratransit significantly increases the relevance of a meaningful study of paratransit in the county. Equity Issues Given the disadvantaged,protected class of the target population and the issues discussed above that indicate a real need for a paratransit study, it should be noted that there are potential equity and environmental justice issues at stake. Current Status of MTC's Study of Paratransit In Contra Costa County Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier has recently met with MTC staff to discuss the status of the study. Staff indicated that they are ready to proceed but they feel that it is imperative that they have a local partner to assist in the conduct of the study. Effectively, the only appropriate entity to act as a local partner for a study of this type is the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. Recommendations 1. The Board of Supervisors should reaffirm their request to MTC to study paratransit issues in Contra Costa. 2. The Board of Supervisors should request that the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) act as a local partner with MTC in the conduct of the study. 3. In their request to MTC and CCTA, the Board of Supervisors should ask that the study be initiated by sponsoring a meeting of relevant and responsible individuals. The meeting of this group should produce steps and a timeline on how to proceed. This group should include, at a minimum., MTC, Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, transit operators, Paratransit Coordinating Council and the Advisory Council on Aging. -The aforementioned group should draft an RFI' for this study. At a minimum the RFP should include: • A comprehensive review of existing ADA paratransit operations in the county, • Transportation issues faced by ADA eligible transit patrons; • Transportation issues faced by non ADA eligible seniors; • Inventory of non-ADA paratransit service being provided in the county • Potential effect that improved transit technology could have on paratransit provision in the county; • Assessment of the effectiveness of travel training on senior utilization of fixed route service • Evaluation of systematic, or administrative changes that could result in lower operating costs, increase efficiency, expanded and safer service; and. • An outreach program to ensure meaningful involvement of the target population C7:i'r r;c,.,Ort-.'h0r)tC.`LInrin02)arII"paratrarIsit`:3`(_.'2 02Sri,r1,11Oclr:;s`;. xr,4sa siir: t<.i Phil Batchelor 4 The Board of Supers cors Contra Clark of the Board and County Adrninistration wilding Costa County(92 335.1900 for 651 Pine Street, Room 10 6 C825j335.1400 .vviartinez, California 94553-1293 County Jahn Glola, 1'District Gayle 9,Ulikerna,V District Donna Garber, 31d District Mark DeSeulnier, 01 District x �" Joe canclarniila, 5'" District - <` James T. Beall,Jr., Chair September 26,20010 Metropolitan Transportation Commission 101 Eighth Street Oakland,CA 94607-4700 Dear Mr.Beall: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is interested in exploring options for improving ADA paratransit service to residents of the County. Based on discussions with the Contra Costa Paratransit Coordinating Council,the Board believes that a study of current paratransit issues may result in the identification of enhancements to paratrarisit service to our constituents as well as improvements in regional paratransit travel. While we are most focused on Contra Costa County, we recognize that these issues may be similar throughout the region. The Board of Supervisors is aware of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's interest in coordinating paratransit services between jurisdictions, improving transit system productivity by sharing resources, and exploring alternative methods of delivering transit service to customers. The Board requests that the Commission undertake a study of ways to improve transit service to our paratransit eligible residents. Specifically,we request that the Commission study potential solutions for the following issues: 1. Contra Costa County has multiple paratransit providers. Paratransit patrons must transfer between different providers in order to travel across the county.The study should explore how paratransit patrons traveling within Contra Costa County can be served without requiring a transfer between operators.These transfers introduce safety issues as well as being time consuming and inconvenient. The study should recognize that West County residents most often travel outside the county to Alameda and San Francisco. The study should include how these trips can be made more efficient and safe. 2. With four paratransit providers operating in the county,the study should examine whether other service models could increase the effectiveness ofpamtransit service.For example, would dispatch, eligibility processing, and vehicle maintenance and operations be more cost effective if consolidated? 3. A variety of public and private paratransit resources exist in Contra Costa County, (e.g. social service,non-profit,public transit,etc).The study should explore if consolidating or coordinating these resources would allow these entities to enhance service to their patrons. Mr:Beall,Jr. September 25, 2000 Page 2 y r. 4. The study should include whether a public taxi or sedan service could be established to operate cost-effective long distance trips, providing better service while using resources in the most effective way. 5. The study should explore whether improved travel training that includes integration of paratransit with fixed route service makes transportation more cost-effective and convenient to paratransit consumers of long-distance trips. 6. The study should examine how increasing demand for paratransit services could be met while simultaneously enhancing service within the existing levels of funding. How can adequate funding allocations be secured to meet paratransit service demands? In studying potential solutions to these problems, it is important the Commission define how implementation would take place given current funding levels. The Commission should disclose the impact of any recommendation on existing levels of service. Furthermore,the Board encourages the Commission to work closely with the County's five transit operators and the Paratransit Coordinating Council in this study. Sincerely, Donna Ce Chair Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Cc: Members,Board of Supervisors Sharon J. Brown,MTC Ann Flemer, MTC Members,Paratransit Coordinating Council Charles Anderson,W estCAT Rick Fernandez,AC Transit Jeanne Krieg,Tri Delta Transit Thomas Margro,BART Rick Ramacier, CCCTA MET R O P O L 1 I Joseph P.Bort.MetroCenter Y 101 Eighth Street t.,.t. TRANSPORTATION Oakland,CA 94607-4700 V COMMISSION Tel.:510.464.7700 t �HT'Tl''/TDD:510.464.7769 01 N 2 AN 10' 33 October 20, 2000 Fox:510.464.7848 ,d',rr:i! ,, e-mail:infbGmtc.ca.gor Web site:w ww'.mtc.ca.gor games T.sedll fi-.,Chair Supervisor Donna Gerber _ RECEIVED)�E Santa Clan CommContra Costa County Board of Supervisors Sbartm.l Brawn,rue Cbair County Administration Building �a 2000 Grier of Coma Com Count} OCT /Al 3 651 Pine Street,Room 106 V (.0 {J cit;`;8�nninia my Martinez, Ca. 94553-1293 CLERK BOARDROTEFETWORS Keirb.Axle!! CONTRA COSTA CO. �y y� U.S.Department of IIw inp Lear Donna. and L:,h.n D—kq—tit and Cumy.15=at Bierman t:in' 5an Franck. I received your letter of September 26,2000 in which you request MTC's help Markto explore paratransit service options in Contra Costa County. MTC staff will C.mr Cnua Cwnty Desaalmbe following up with County staff to discuss this request in greater detail and Goran q Doreee M.Giatnpiui develop options for proceeding. l'.5.llepamnem ar7nnapvtation Mar y cr,;ffin Your letter refers to MTC's interest in coordinating paratransit between S..Mateo r}wan• jurisdictions to improve system productivity and address the difficulties Mary►.Kingparatransit riders can experience when transferring between services. I am M—da County attaching for your information the guidelines for interagency paratransit that Steve xinm have been adopted by the Commission as part of the Transit Coordination \larin Gwnre and Cidn Implementation plan. Implementation of the guidelines is now underway. site Lemperr Citic of Son\iateu Comm JPabn NrLrmurr The possibility of other service models, including consolidation of the fides orSanu aan eonne• paratransit providers and coordination with services provided under separate Cbarlcste B.Powers programs (i.e., aging and nutrition services),has been discussed in recent years Aau dation of Bal Area C vrnmenn with the Contra Costa Paratransit Coordinating Council. While no decision was Joe Rubin made at that time to pursue this strategy, MTC would be willing to facilitate San Pnnessco jLga a Apltu3nter further discussions on this concept. As former Paratransit Council Chair for dngrl03,sirwom San FmmkmBay Cwuervadnn eight years in Santa Clara County, I would be happy to discuss this issue with ami DvWopnem Cmnmiwian you at your convenience. James P.sparing Saha.Canna•and Oda XM*JYft Wins Sincerely, Napa Comm and Cidea Sharon W711ft smoma Goonq•and Gide Harry I'abam State Business,Tm-porndtstt and Homing Agency James T. Beall,Jr. Chair Latur+enre A Debase Esxud,Y Dint- Attachment N1it seve Heabrger J1 /AF/ds Deputy Eae�triro Dirctor cc: Commissioner Mark DeSaulnier Commissioner Sharon Brown J:section\exec\eoVirn Beall\gerber.doc 0 ..3 n a �. Appendix C PICC Guidelines for Interagency ADA Paratransit Services Consistent with the ADA requirement to provide paratransit services that are complementary to fixed-route transit services, Bay Area transit operators have identified a transfer-oriented network of interagency paratransit services. Interagency paratransit trips may require a transfer between connecting paratransit providers at a location specified by the transit operator. The following regional guidelines.are intended to improve connections between paratransit services for both passengers and paratiansit providers. The guidelines establish regional protocol for how the system will operate as well as specify the responsibilities of passengers and paratransit providers to assure an efficient, user-friendly system. Transit operators agree to follow these guidelines to serve the interests of implementing the Bay Area's Transit Coordination Implementation.Plan (SB 1474). 1. All public transit agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area will honor by the regional ADA Eligibility Process when certifying an individual for ADA paratransit services. 2. Eligibility for an individual requesting interagency paratransit services will be verified through the ADA Paratransit Regional Eligibility Database. 3. Transit operators and MTC will develop and make available customer information on how to access and use interagency paratransit services. This information will be made readily available in accessible formats froth both the local transit operator and through regional information programs. 4. Interagency paratransit trips will usually require a transfer between connecting paratransit providers at a location specified by the transit operator. Transit operators will transfer passengers at designated transfer locations which,to the extent possible, are also used as fixed-route transfer sites. For operational efficiency or customer service quality,use of other transfer sites is not precluded. Operators will seek to establish transfer locations which are clean, safe, sheltered and well-lit with accessible telephones and restrooms nearby. Established interagency paratransit transfer locations on transit properties will be clearly marked with a consistent sign designed and adopted at the regional level. (Note: MTC will assist transit agencies in evaluating designated transfer locations for adherence to these guidelines.) 5. Passengers are expected to be capable of transferring between connecting paratransit providers, including waiting without assistance for a connecting vehicle at a transfer location. If unable to wait or transfer without assistance,the passenger is advised to travel with a personal care attendant or companion. For operational efficiency or customer service reasons,transit operators may also: provide through-trip service into an adjoining transit agency's service area(not requiring a transfer) or J:\SECMON\ALLSTAFF\RESOLUTxRESOLtMONS\MTC ResolutidnARes-3055.doc * perform hand-offs at transfer points (waiting with the passenger until connecting provider arrives), and * coordinate their schedules and dispatch procedures with connecting providers) on the day of service 6. Coordinating Bay Area interagency paratransit reservations will be the responsibility of paratransit providers. Subject to availability of rides, a passenger will be able to schedule an interagency paratransit trip (including round-trip service)by contacting a single trip coordinator. For trips requiring coordination between only two transit operators,the operator in whose jurisdiction the trip originates will usually perform the function of trip coordinator to schedule the entire trip and to serve as a point of contact for passenger inquiries. For trips involving three or more paratransit providers, a regional trip coordinator may perform these functions. (Note: MTC is exploring options for providing regional trip coordinator services.) 7. Transit operators will accept reservations for interagency paratransit trips according to their local advance reservation policies. When coordinating a trip, the shorter advance reservation period of the connecting agencies will apply. In some cases,the scheduling operator will be unable to determine the availability of a requested interagency paratransit trip until the shortest advance reservation period is open. If,due to differences in advance reservation periods, trip availability cannot be determined at the time the trip is requested,the scheduling operator will inform the passenger of when to call to complete the trip reservation process. In the meantime,the scheduling operator may book available legs of the requested trip according to local advance reservation policies. 8. Passengers will pay a fare consistent with each individual operator's fare payment policy. All fares will be communicated to the passenger by the operator scheduling the first leg of the interagency paratransit trip at the time the ride is confirmed. Operators and MTC will work toward a regional fare payment method for paratransit services(the TransLink*program may be one such method). :MTC has taken the lead to implement three of the guidelines,which are as follows: It * Conducting an inventory and assessment of the region's designated interagency paratransit transfer points. The inventory,including a survey of the frequency with which individual transfer points are utilized and an assessment of the physical conditions at the transfer points has been completed.Follow-up work related to physical improvements that may be required at the transfer points will be initiated in the Summer 2000. * Assessing the feasibility of establishing a regional trip coordinator that would be responsible for coordinating the provision of all paratransit trips that require travel on three or more providers. MTC staff,in cooperation with the PTCC Accessibility Committee,conducted preliminary analysis regarding the feasibility of establishing a regional trip coordinator that is responsible for coordinating the provision of all paratransit trips that require travel on three or more providers. MTC will implement the 1;1SECTION\ALLS` AFI\RESOLCJ1"TMOT LMONSIMTC ResolutionMes-3055.doc regional trip coordinator-for one year on a demonstration basis to determine its effectiveness. • Assessing the feasibility of establishing a regional fare payment method for paratransit. Whistlestop Wheels,the paratransit provider for Marin County,will participate in the TransLinkS demonstration for the purpose of evaluating the applicability of smart-card fare technology in the paratransit operating environment. 7:MSECTION\ALLSTAFFIMSOLU'I1 LMLUTIONS\MTC Resolutions\R.es-3055.doc Dj- Exhibi t C Status of Contra Costa County Paratransit Study Background On September 26, 2000 the Board of Supervisors transmitted a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission(MTC)requesting that a study of paratransit issues in Contra Costa be performed. The following month the Chair of MTC responded, agreeing to provide assistance and indicating that MTC staff would coordinate with county staff`in developing options for proceeding with the study. MTC included an item in their workplan"Paratransit Planning Assistance In Alameda and Contra Costa counties"and allocated funding for the effort in their budget. There has been some communication between staff and several false starts,but little substantive progress. Given the length of time that has passed and the introduction of some new issues (outlined below)that underscore the importance of the study, it may be appropriate at this time to expand the original scope of the study as well act on the recommendations listed at the end of this report. Summarized,the recommendations are to forward a request to MTC to proceed with the study as well as make a request to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority asking that they act as the local partner for the study. Issues to Consider Considerable Time Has Passed Since the Last Paratransit Study: A substantive study on paratransit service provision in Contra Costa County has not been done in approximately 12 years.In this time period there has been significant population growth. There has been much advancement in paratransit delivery technology as well as ample time to determine the effectiveness of alternative service models that have been implemented elsewhere. These improvements and alternatives to paratransit service delivery could potentially improve and increase paratransit service to county residents,use existing funding more effectively, gain access to new funding sources and improve the safety and usability of the service. Aging and ADA Eligible Population: • In terms of paratransit,elderly and ADA eligible paratransit patrons are two different populations. Agealone does not qualify an individual for ADA paratransit service. However, observations show that when people get over 80/85 years of age they are typically ADA eligible. • In the next 10 years Contra Costa County residents aged 55+are expected to show an increase of 104%over the 1990 population. Those 85+are projected to increase 237%. As detailed in MTC's Older Adults Transportation Study,Contra Costa County is second behind Solano in the growth of the older adult population over the next 20 years. Whether it is ADA or non- ADA there will be a dramatic increase in the demand for paratransit service in the future. • The Advisory Council on Aging(ACA)transmitted a letter to the Board of Supervisors in 2002 urging members to proceed with the planned paratransit study. The ACA letter stated that the Contra Costa County Office on Aging's most recent Key Informant Survey again highlighted transportation as the biggest problem for seniors. • While the typical paratransit patron is elderly, many elderly seniors are not eligible for paratransit service. This fact cannot be ignored. MTC Is Older Adults Transportation Study (CATS - September 2002) states, "...age alone does not qualify a person for paratransit. Still, paratransit is an essential service for older adults...." AICA paratransit and non-ADA, social service-type transportation are related. Given the similarities of the service and the target populations,the two service types are inexorably linked. One of the recommendations in MTC's CATS study is to improve senior mobility by the following mechanism, "build on and coordinate with existing services, including ALTA paratransit..."At the July 22 Contra Costa Paratransit Coordinating Council meeting,the discussion regarding Measure C reauthorization and unmet paratransit needs resulted in more comments on paratransit service above and beyond ADA paratransit than on issues related to strict AICA defined paratransit service. • MTC's State of the Region 2000: Status of San Francisca Bay Area Paratransit Programs and Report on Status of Travel Training Programs highlights the increasing demand for paratransit that will be seen in the region in the future. Ivey findings in the report state that the cost and demand for paratransit have been increasing, and in fact, will continue to increase. Equally important is the fact that efficiency, measured by cost per trip and/or trips per hour, is actually declining. The report identifies the East Bay Paratransit Consortium(EBPC) as one of the programs in the region that account for a high percentage of paratransit expenditures. The report goes on to state that, "This suggests that opportunities to demonstrate techniques to improve efficiencies would have the greatest impact for those programs". This highlights not only the need for a study,but specifically identifies a Contra Costa transit provider as ideal for detailed examination. The EBPC provides paratransit service in a portion of Contra Costa County, fulfilling AC Transit and BART's ADA responsibilities. Measure C Reauthorization: The Contra Costa Transportation Authority has recently begun efforts to reauthorize Measure C. Preliminary submittals from all four Regional Transportation Planning Committees (SWAT, WCCTAC, TRANSPLAN, TRANSPAC) all recommend increases in paratransit funding. The average recommended paratransit funding level (4.5%) would result in $72 million in paratransit funding over the life of the measure. This is $24.5 million above what would be generated using the current allocation percentage, 2.97% Janet Abelson, Mayor of El Cerrito and Chair of the Paratransit Coordinating Council, at a recent senior and disabled transportation stakeholders meeting on Measure C Reauthorization,made the point that there is a fixed amount of funding available, priorities have to be set. She emphasized that when one project or program gets funding, another is cut. If a study of paratransit service finds that paratransit service in Contra Costa can make better use of existing funding and highlights the potential to gain access to new sources of funds this would effectively free up Measure C funds for other projects and programs. The proposed increase in Measure C funding for paratransit significantly increases the relevance of a meaningful study of paratransit in the county. Equity Issues Given the disadvantaged,protected class of the target population and the issues discussed above that indicate a real need for a paratransit study, it should be noted that there are potential equity and environmentaljustice issues at stake. Current Status of MTC's Study of Paratransit In Contra Costa County Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier has recently met with MTC staff to discuss the status of the study. Staff indicated that they are ready to proceed but they feel that it is imperative that they have a local partner to assist in the conduct of the study. Effectively,the only appropriate entity to act as a local partner for a study of this type is the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. Recommendations I. The Board of Supervisors should reaffirm their request to MTC to study paratransit issues in Contra Costa. 2. The Board of Supervisors should request that the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)act as a local partner with MTC in the conduct of the study. 3. In their request to MTC and OCTA,the Board of Supervisors should ask that the study be initiated by sponsoring a meeting of relevant and responsible individuals. The meeting of this group should produce steps and a timeline on how to proceed. This group should include, at a minimum,MTC, Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Transportation Authority,transit operators, Paratransit Coordinating Council and the Advisory Council on Aging. The aforementioned group should draft an RFP for this study. At a minimum the RFP should include; • A comprehensive review of existing ADA paratransit operations in the county; • Transportation issues faced by ADA eligible transit patrons; • Transportation issues faced by non ALTA eligible seniors, • Inventory of non-ADA paratransit service being provided in the county • Potential effect that improved transit technology could have on paratransit provision in the county; • Assessment of the effectiveness of travel training on senior utilization of fixed route service • Evaluation of systematic,or administrative changes that could result in lower operating costs, increase efficiency,expanded and safer service; and • An outreach program to ensure meaningful involvement of the target population C:NTransportationlCunningham\paratransit\11_12_02 Board OrdeAparatransit report.doc