Sacramento Regional Transit District Board of Directors Meeting - February 28, 2022

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors held a virtual meeting on February 28, 2022, with Chair Miller presiding. The meeting included a consent calendar approval, public comments, a presentation on the Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Plan Phase 2, the General Manager's report featuring the departure of CFO Brent Berniger and an ADA paratransit cost analysis, and closing remarks.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar (items 2.1 to 2.7) was approved unanimously with 8 votes (Directors Budge, Harris, Jennings, Natoli, Shaneer, Cerna, Chair Miller; Directors Hume and Valenzuela absent). No items were pulled for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeffrey Tartagia expressed ongoing concerns about bus cancellations and reported a safety issue at the I-80 light rail station: a plywood ramp over a sidewalk access point had no support underneath, causing it to sag under his wheelchair. He urged maintenance and requested that elevators be repaired and operational by next month. He also invited the board to listen to a MAC meeting report on new buses.
• Glenn Mandelkern thanked staff for a bus sign and for help from Tabitha. He requested that all free ride flyers (proposed under a previous agenda item) consistently include both bus and light rail options, noting that recent flyers only mentioned light rail, which can be inconvenient for riders not living near stations. He argued that including both modes would increase ridership and consistency.
• Ronnie Miranda criticized both bus and light rail services, citing rude security personnel, inconvenient Smart Ride system for disabled passengers, and new schedules on Route 134 that cause missed connections. She rides routes 67/68 and reported drivers switching shifts at 29th and N Street, causing her to miss the light rail connection. She called for improved schedules and more respectful drivers.

Discussion Items

7.1 SacRT Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Plan Phase 2 (Information Item)

• Laura Hamm (staff) introduced the presentation, noting that Caltrans funding requires the plan be presented as an information item with no action required. The plan addresses the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandate for a fully zero-emission fleet by 2040.
• James Boyle (Director of Planning) presented details:
  • The plan builds on the initial CARB ICT rollout plan adopted in October 2020.
  • It proposes three new purpose-built zero-emission bus garages: one in the north, one in the south (both capable of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell), and a smaller one in the east (battery electric only). Exact locations are to be determined.
  • The fleet transition schedule shows ramping up zero-emission buses from 2029 onwards, reaching 100% by 2040.
  • Estimated costs are substantial and depend on property, facilities, and charging infrastructure. Partnerships with SMUD and other agencies are critical.
  • A construction timeline was presented, emphasizing the need to begin property acquisition and coordination with SMUD soon to meet CARB deadlines.
  • Next steps include refining site plans, detailed master planning, and continuing collaboration with regional partners.
• Public comments included two written statements: one from Jaime Lemas (Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District) expressing strong support and commitment to the plan, and another from Steve Johns (SMUD) reaffirming SMUD's partnership and support for electrification. Jeffrey Tartagia asked clarifying questions about fueling (natural gas vs. electrification) and power requirements.
• No director questions were raised.

8.1 General Manager's Report

• General Manager Henry Li announced that CFO Brent Berniger is leaving SacRT for his dream job after nearly 20 years. Li highlighted Berniger's key accomplishments: securing funding for the nation's first unrestricted fare-free program (Ryde Free RT), obtaining hundreds of millions for light rail modernization, growing operating reserves by $30 million (plus $30 million cash), implementing the first fare reduction in 50 years, and accelerating transit-oriented development (TOD) projects (nearly 1,000 units built).
• Li also reported a significant decline in COVID cases and bus trip cancellations, and reminded that the federal mask mandate on public transportation remains in effect through March 18, 2022.
• Brandon Berniger (CFO) expressed gratitude for opportunities at SacRT, thanking the board, GM, and staff. He highlighted the dedication of his team and introduced Jamie Adelman as his successor.
• Directors (Shaneer, Harris, Cerna, Jennings, Natoli) gave farewell remarks praising Berniger's financial stewardship, positive attitude, and contributions. Director Harris joked that the board would not vote to let him leave; Berniger shared that his new job is at a small boutique tax firm in Folsom, allowing him to bike to work.
• Jamie Adelman presented an ADA paratransit (SACRT GO) peer cost analysis:
  • The analysis used FY20 National Transit Database data for agencies with over 225,000 trips, escalated by 6.01% CPI to estimate FY21 costs.
  • Results showed a significant increase in cost per trip for all peers due to ridership declines (51%-73% reductions). SacRT performed well relative to peers but saw similar trends.
  • Costs include fixed overhead (reservations, dispatch, maintenance, software) not directly tied to ridership. Adelman noted that as ridership rebounds, cost per trip should decrease.
  • No board questions followed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (8-0).
• Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Plan Phase 2 was presented as an information item; no action taken. Staff will proceed with site selection, SMUD coordination, and grant pursuit.
• The board acknowledged the departure of CFO Brent Berniger with gratitude; Jamie Adelman will assume the role.
• The ADA paratransit cost analysis was presented for informational purposes; no action requested.
• The meeting adjourned after Director Linda Budge offered sympathy for those affected by the crisis in Ukraine and called for respect among cultures.