AGENDA TITLE:
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Set Public Hearing for December 20, 2023, to Receive Comments on City of Lodi GrapeLine Fixed Route Service Levels and Proposed General Public Dial-A-Ride/ADA Paratransit Policy Changes (PW)
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MEETING DATE:
November 15, 2023
PREPARED BY:
Julia Tyack, Transportation Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Set Public Hearing for December 20, 2023, to receive comments on City of Lodi GrapeLine Fixed Route service levels and proposed General Public Dial-A-Ride/ADA Paratransit policy changes.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Lodi GrapeLine transit service was significantly curtailed due to operational challenges brought on by the public health emergency. Major changes included reduction of service hours and temporary suspension of Sunday services and express fixed routes. From 2021 to 2023, service was incrementally restored, however certain reductions persist such as the continued suspension of Sunday fixed routes. As ridership patterns have changed since pre-2020, the City is reassessing its current service levels and is seeking public comment on:
1. Current Saturday Fixed Route service hours
2. Proposed re-introduction of Sunday Fixed Route service hours
3. Current Express Fixed Route service hours
The City is also proposing modifications to General Public Dial-A-Ride / VineLine ADA Paratransit policies. These modifications are intended to reduce appointment cancellations and no-shows, which will improve capacity and appointment availability for passengers who regularly complete their trips. The City is seeking public comment on the following policy changes:
1. Proposed reduction of scheduling reservation window from fourteen (14) to seven (7) days.
2. Proposed expansion of the late cancellation window to include trips cancelled within two (2) hours of negotiated pickup time, rather than one (1) hour.
3. Proposed implementation of an excessive cancellation policy for general public Dial-A-Ride (not applicable to ADA paratransit service).
As a recipient of Federal Transit Administration Section 5307 funds, and per 49 CFR § 37.137, changes to transit service levels and ADA paratransit policy require a public hearing (which can be part of a regularly scheduled public meeting) to receive public input. A detailed overview of the proposed changes is attached.
Staff will return to Council for adoption of proposed policy changes once public comment is received.
STRATEGIC VISION:
1D. Downtown: Accessibility for multi-modal transportation and public safety.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No general funds are utilized for transit operations. Transit is funded exclusively with FTA Section 5307, Transportation Development Act (TDA), Measure K, farebox revenue, and other transit-specific revenues. Additional fixed route service results in additional operational costs, however all current and proposed service levels, as presented, are budgeted for in the current FY 2023/24 transit budget.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not Applicable
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Charles E. Swimley
Public Works Director
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Andrew C. Keys
Interim City Manager