Sacramento Regional Transit Board Meeting - January 24, 2018

This meeting of the Sacramento Regional Transit District was called to order on Monday, January 22, 2018 (the transcript date is given as January 24; the meeting was cablecast on January 24 at 6 p.m.). The board addressed a consent calendar, public comments, and discussion items including student fare adjustments, property surplus declaration, and a microtransit pilot launch. Key outcomes included approval of contracts, delegation of authority, board appointments, and reports on finances and legislative affairs.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–10 were approved unanimously, except items 6 and 9 were pulled for separate discussion.
• Item 10 (resolution delegating authority to submit a proposal to YOLO County Transportation District for operation and maintenance of fixed route and paratransit services) had a public speaker, Jeffrey Tardigilla, who expressed concerns about driver poaching and lack of planning; Directors clarified the proposal would fix costs for a 12-year period (7 years initial + 5 years renewable). The item was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Stanton urged the board to consider returning to twice-monthly meetings or changing board composition to include non-elected members, stating that once-a-month meetings delay business.
• Mike Barnbaum (Ride Downtown 916) presented a report on YOLO County Transportation District’s student fare structure as part of the board’s direction from December. He noted that from September to May, cash fare is $1.10, monthly pass $46.75; from June to August, cash fare is $0.50, monthly pass $30. He promised to report on Placer County in March.
• Arthur Ketterling (Citrus Heights) reported ongoing problems with the Connect Card, especially on Route 95 and Citrus Heights City Ride, where card acceptance fails frequently.
• Jeffrey Tardigilla raised multiple issues: failure of Harrison Street elevator, student bus pass impact (urged board to ride routes 218/219/214 to see crowding), need for an oversight committee, property issues at 65th Street Light Rail station, and website inaccessibility for low-income riders.
• Elaine Jackson (North Sacramento district) opposed selling the 2051 Evergreen Street property, stating the district has not received RT improvements and alleging conflict of interest with board members affiliated with the city. She called for a transfer station and equitable funding.
• Patty Taylor (neighbor) urged that the Evergreen property be used for affordable housing, not a homeless shelter, noting proximity to a school and residential area. She asked RT to consider an offer from existing property owners who maintain nearby buildings.
• Karen Redman asked RT to prioritize fiscal responsibility and a use compatible with the nearby Royal Oak Station and the community, such as office or residential.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 – Resolution approving an interagency contract with Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) for Dos Rios Light Rail Station final design. Director Budge requested conceptual graphics; staff showed a concept and explained that final design includes public outreach. The item was moved and seconded, then approved unanimously.
• Item 9 – Resolution amending resolutions to reinstate discount student monthly pass on electronic fare media, allow school ID as verification, and permit semi-monthly sticker on school ID. Director Budge noted that a press release was sent prematurely. Staff (Casey Courtright) explained that the board’s December direction led to early public information. Director Tully questioned logistics of semi-monthly stickers; staff clarified that 90% of sticker sales occur at schools, and unsold media are returned. Director Natoli noted that semi-monthly passes were originally created for affordability. Staff reported student ridership increased 10% in January due to fare reduction, and future plans may include deeper discounts. The item was approved.
• General Manager’s Report – Henry Lee reported on MLK and Women’s March participation (6,600 and 4,000 riders, respectively), new art wraps on light rail, employee awards (40, 20, 30 years of service), and submission of a $400 million TIRCP grant application for rail modernization and expansion. He announced two transit-oriented development sales: one at 65th Street station with Symphony Development for a 600-bed mixed-use project ($2M revenue), and one on Arden Way with Community Housing Works for affordable housing ($1.1M).
  • Microtransit Pilot – Alva Carrasco presented a pilot launched February 12 in Citrus Heights (formerly City Ride), using Transloc’s on-demand platform. Goals include real-time trip tracking, improved connectivity, and better efficiency. The pilot will test same-day scheduling to benefit seniors and disabled riders.
  • Legislative Updates – Mark Watts reported on SB1 implementation: State Transit Assistance funding doubled; AB 709 (RT enabling statute) is moving; ACA 5 lockbox measure on June ballot; cap-and-trade funds likely $1.25 billion. Jeff Booth reported on federal gridlock: continuing resolution extended to Feb 8; infrastructure plan outline released but lacks funding; capital investment grants program may face cuts; and the tax bill undermined commuter benefits for employers.
  • Financial Report – Brent Berniker reported November operating surplus of $244,000 and year-to-date surplus of $1.8 million. Revenues were 2.3% under budget, expenses 4.1% under. Fare revenue was $345,000 under budget; farebox recovery was 18.6% (budget 20.5%). Ridership was down 4.6% in November but December appeared to exceed goals. Director Hansen questioned whether benchmarks should be recalibrated due to national ridership trends; staff agreed to consider mid-year budget adjustments.
• Item 12 – Resolution declaring 2051 Evergreen Street property surplus. Staff (Brent Berniker) explained the statutory 60-day offer period to public agencies and affordable housing sponsors, followed by 90-day negotiation, and eventual board approval for sale. Director Hanson and others emphasized transparency and fair process. The motion passed 96-0 (with an abstention).
• Item 13 – New business: ratifying selection of Chair and Vice Chair for the board beginning the next day. Director Kennedy was approved as Chair, Director Hansen as Vice Chair. Unanimous.
• Item 14 – Appointments to boards and commissions (Capitol Corridor, Sacramento Plaza, Paratransit, Downtown Riverfront Streetcar Policy Steering, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority). All incumbents were reappointed as listed. Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: Consent calendar items 1–10 (with separate votes on 6, 9, and 10), item 6 (Dos Rios design contract), item 9 (student pass changes), item 10 (YOLO proposal delegation), item 12 (Evergreen surplus declaration), item 13 (chair/vice-chair selection), and item 14 (board appointments).
• Student Fare Initiative: Staff will continue to promote electronic fare media (ZipPass and Connect Card) with goal of transitioning schools by fall 2018. Ridership increased 10% in January after fare reduction.
• Microtransit Pilot: Launched February 12 in Citrus Heights; data will inform future route optimization.
• Property Disposition: The 2051 Evergreen Street property will be offered to statutory buyers for 60 days; staff will return to board with offers and final sale approval.
• Governance Change: Starting January 25, 2018, the board will be chaired by Director Kennedy, with Director Hansen as Vice Chair.
• Legislative Priorities: RT will advocate for SB1 funding, ACA 5 passage, federal capital investment grants, and reauthorization of commuter benefits.