AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Bus Transfer Agreement Between the San Joaquin Council of Governments and the City of Lodi for Improved Regional Transportation Connectivity in San Joaquin County (PW)
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MEETING DATE:
August 5, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Sean Nathan, Interim Public Works Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Bus Transfer Agreement between the San Joaquin Council of Governments and City of Lodi for improved regional transportation connectivity in San Joaquin County.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) has developed the Countywide Free Bus Transfer Program, a two-year regional pilot program intended to improve transit connectivity and reduce transportation costs for riders traveling throughout San Joaquin County.
The program is funded through Measure K Renewal under the Passenger Rail, Bus, and Bicycle/Pedestrian funding category of the Local Transportation Improvement Program (LTIP). SJCOG has allocated $600,000 over the two-year pilot period, beginning June 1, 2026, to reimburse participating transit agencies for providing free transfers between participating transit systems. Reimbursements are available on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding is exhausted.
Beginning July 1, 2026, riders who purchase an eligible Day Pass or Monthly Pass from a participating transit provider may transfer to another participating transit provider at no additional cost. Participating agencies include Lodi GrapeLine, San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD), Tracy Tracer, Manteca Transit, Lathrop Transit, Escalon eTrans, and Ripon Blossom Express.
As part of the program, Lodi GrapeLine will accept eligible RTD passes presented by transferring passengers, issue RTD Day Passes to eligible Lodi GrapeLine riders transferring to RTD upon request, accept eligible digital passes through the Vamos Mobility app when available, and track and report program participation to SJCOG for reimbursement.
The Cooperative Agreement establishes the terms and conditions under which SJCOG will reimburse participating agencies for eligible program costs. The City will submit reimbursement requests supported by program participation data in accordance with the agreement. The agreement term is June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
Participation in the Countywide Free Bus Transfer Program supports the City's goal of improving regional mobility by reducing fare barriers for passengers transferring between transit systems. The program is expected to improve access to employment, education, healthcare, shopping, and other essential services while encouraging greater use of public transportation throughout San Joaquin County.
Approval of the Cooperative Agreement will authorize the City to participate in the pilot program and receive reimbursement for eligible free transfers provided by Lodi GrapeLine.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct cost to participate in the program beyond normal administrative implementation and reporting activities. Eligible fare revenues associated with the Countywide Free Bus Transfer Program will be reimbursed by SJCOG in accordance with the Cooperative Agreement and subject to available Measure K Renewal funding. Reimbursement requests will be submitted on a monthly basis.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Reimbursements received under the Countywide Free Bus Transfer Program will be deposited into the Transit Fixed Route Fare Revenue account, consistent with City accounting procedures.