Sacramento Regional Transit Board of Directors Meeting - March 2, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript begins with "Welcome to the February 23rd, 2026 meeting," but the assigned date for this summary is March 2, 2026, per the instructions. This discrepancy is noted but not resolved.

The board convened with a quorum of nine votes. The agenda order was adjusted to hear item 3.2 (Ride Free RT update) first, then item 3.1 (recognizing Director Jennings), followed by consent calendar, public comment, and other items. Closed session was moved to the end.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2.9 – Real-time information for light rail: Director Dickinson expressed support and noted a long wait for the system. Public comment from Glenn Mandelkern praised the effort and urged consistent signage. Staff clarified that real-time apps will be available within 12 months, and station signage upgrades are also targeted for that timeframe. The item was approved.
• Other consent items were approved without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ride Free RT (Item 3.2): Sue Simonelli (SAC Act Education Committee) expressed strong support for making the program permanent, citing benefits for students beyond school (jobs, internships, extracurriculars). She urged the board to end yearly budget negotiations.
• Item 2.9: Glenn Mandelkern offered supportive comments on real-time information, suggesting consistent signage design and using the system to build goodwill.
• Public addresses on matters not on the agenda (N Street streetcar alignment): Several residents of 500 N Street (James Pasarella, Mike Andrews, Pauline Hutton, Robert Copeland, Nigel Hakins) spoke in opposition to the planned removal of all parking and loading zones along the streetcar alignment. They cited concerns for seniors, disabled residents, emergency vehicle access, contractor access, and safety at stations. They requested that the plan be adjusted to preserve loading zones.
• Item 4.2 (Travel policy): Written public comment from Rick Hodgkins on items 2.3, 2.7, and 2.9 (underground conduit, fiber, audible announcements) and from Lisa and Don Hayward on item 2.7 (competitive bidding) were noted as provided to the board.

Discussion Items

• Item 3.2 – Ride Free RT Update: Chris Flores, Jay Shane, Jasmine Advancla, and Alex Tagavian presented. The Nehemiah Emerging Leadership Program (NELP) study recommended strengthening data infrastructure and creating a youth advisory committee. Jay Shane proposed a structure with appointments from RT board, school districts, and public members. Directors discussed the need for granular data, long-term funding, and the role of school districts. Director Dickinson suggested school districts should invest more due to ADA benefits. Director Budge questioned the committee's heavy adult weighting and suggested one-year terms for students. Director Maple supported the program and noted a ballot measure petition filed in Sacramento. Director Serna recommended using existing youth commissions rather than creating a new body. The item was informational only; no vote was taken.
• Item 3.1 – Recognition of Director Jennings: A resolution commending Director Rick Jennings for his service as chair was presented and approved unanimously. Directors expressed appreciation.
• Item 4.1 – Customer Service Response to Feedback: Lisa Heinz presented responses to public comments, including: health benefits are consistent for full-time employees; bus barriers are being modified to accommodate bariatric wheelchairs; ADA compliance vs. usability is being addressed; used light rail vehicles from Santa Clara VTA were compatible; emergency drills did not include people with disabilities; data errors are being corrected; bus service to Elk Grove is limited by funding; low-floor vehicle ramps were successfully tested; bus bridge performance at 65th Street is being improved; Zip Pass vs. Transit Connect app confusion will be resolved; and a community ballot measure wish list is being developed. She also introduced two drones for thermal imaging and 3D mapping to aid safety and inspections. Director Rodriguez asked about drones replacing human inspectors; Heinz clarified they are additive. Director Dickinson asked about comprehensive operational analysis; Heinz confirmed it includes current route evaluation.
• Item 4.2 – Travel Authorization Policy (Resolution 2026-02014): Shelley Valentin presented a revised policy based on board feedback, allowing up to four transit conferences annually (APTA, CTA, etc.), with a $26,000 budget line item (actuals last year $16,000). International travel is allowed for up to three board members per event, with chair and vice chair priority. Director Serna confirmed zero-based budgeting. Director Dickinson questioned the term "advocating" and sought clarification; staff explained it includes representing RT at events like CAP to CAP or sharing best practices. Chair Singh Allen noted the policy is more permissive than peer agencies. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Item 6.2 – Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (Resolution 2026-02016): Adopted without discussion.
• General Manager's Report: Henry Li reported a $1.3 million favorable budget variance for the first six months. Bus ridership is 109% recovered, rail about 70% recovered, weekend bus 130%. Workshops for Safe Routes to Transit and the SACRT 2050 Comprehensive Operational Analysis were announced. Bus station modernization and a bus bridge on the Blue Line (March 16-31) were noted. Transit Employee Appreciation Day on March 18 was promoted. Director Dickinson raised concerns about the Arden Del Paso and Royal Oaks station closures during the bus bridge; staff clarified the bus bridge will run from Globe to Swanston. Director Rodriguez noted the 200th anniversary of the Sacramento Valley Railroad celebration on March 4.
• Capitol Corridor JPA Report: Director Dickinson reported that ridership is not yet at pre-pandemic levels, and there is a challenge maintaining enough locomotives. A vision planning process will begin, potentially revisiting commuter rail feasibility.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent calendar (including item 2.9 real-time information).
• Approved: Resolution honoring Director Jennings (item 3.1).
• Approved: Revised travel policy (Resolution 2026-02014) – unanimous.
• Approved: Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (Resolution 2026-02016) – unanimous.
• Appointed: Director Maple to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (voting member), Director Dickinson as alternate.
• No action taken: Ride Free RT update (item 3.2) was informational only; board will consider next steps after digesting the report.
• Directives: Staff to address public comments on streetcar alignment and parking removal; operational team to improve bus bridge lighting and signage; continued work on data infrastructure for Ride Free RT.
• Closed session: The board adjourned to closed session for anticipated litigation (one case).