Sacramento Regional Transit Board of Directors Meeting – June 11, 2024

The Sacramento Regional Transit Board of Directors met on June 11, 2024, to consider the consent calendar, adopt the fiscal year 2025 budget, conduct the annual performance evaluation of the General Manager, and receive public comments. The meeting was broadcast on Metro Cable 14 and webcast.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2.1–2.17 were approved by unanimous vote. Two members of the public spoke on item 2.5 regarding the Ride-Free RT youth transit program. Helen O'Connell urged full funding for the program. Dan Allison (Sacramento Transit Advocates and Riders) criticized the board for deferring the matter to the General Manager, calling it unacceptable since the program accounts for one quarter of all riders. Chair Kennedy noted that board members and staff have been working with school districts and that funding discussions are progressing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Item 5.1 (FY2025 Budget): Coco CocoZella (District 4 resident) initially had concerns about capital budget line items but retracted after speaking with staff. Dan Allison (Sacramento Transit Advocates and Riders) criticized the budget document for lacking program-level detail, such as costs, fare recovery, ridership demographics, and program effectiveness for major services like light rail, bus, and community bus. He requested that the budget include more transparent program information.
• On Item 6 (Public Address, Not on Agenda): Michael Bevins identified bus service gaps, urging regular bus lines on all major arterial roads, at every light rail station, and near schools. He called for a north-south spine route on Watt Avenue and an east-west spine on Elkhorn/Greenback. Helen O'Connell raised an ADA accessibility issue regarding the call strip for wheelchair users on new low-floor trains, located under a grab bar and inaccessible. She also expressed concerns about Smart Ride and RT Go service pay disparities. Coco CocoZella requested easier access to public meeting minutes to facilitate cross-referencing. Jeff Tardiya thanked staff for bus shuttle signs, noted confusion at 13th Street station, and urged review of the last two years of General Manager reports. He also raised concerns about the timing of new low-floor vehicle deployment and ADA seating standards (19-inch standard).

Discussion Items

• Item 5.1: Public Hearing and Adoption of FY2025 Operating and Capital Budgets: Staff presented the final budget, highlighting no changes since the May board meeting. The budget is built on the SAC RT strategic plan, emphasizing customer-first and core services without reductions. Staff noted progress on funding the Ride-Free RT program through partnerships with the county, city, and school districts. The board unanimously adopted Resolution 2024-06060.
• Item 7.1: Annual Performance Evaluation for General Manager/CEO Henry Lee: The board reviewed a video summary of achievements in FY2024, including securing $400 million for light rail modernization, delivery of 20 new low-floor vehicles with 25 more in production, completion of station platform phase one along the Gold Line, opening of a high-speed charging hub, 120 affordable homes at Salvatore Apartments, and over 4.2 million student rides through Ride-Free RT. Ridership reached approximately 80% of pre-COVID levels (bus near 100%). The resolution proposed a 4% merit increase, consistent with other employee groups. Comments from Director Budge praised Mr. Lee’s professionalism and accessibility. Two public speakers addressed the scorecard: Coco CocoZella asked about the methodology for determining strategic pillars and cleanliness ratings; Dan Allison requested that the General Manager’s year-end summary letter be shared with the public on a quarterly basis. The board unanimously approved Resolution 2024-06061.
• General Manager’s Report: Mr. Lee announced that all three Sacramento-area congressional representatives (Matsui, Kiley, Bera) each requested $4 million for SAC RT projects in FY2025 community project funding—unprecedented. Both U.S. Senators also submitted requests. He updated on Ride-Free RT: Sacramento City Unified approved $250,000; talks with other districts are advancing; student rides grew from 1.5 million (2019) to 4.3 million now. Events included free rides for the AAPI Night Market (nearly 4,000 attendees), and a low-floor vehicle open house drew over 300 visitors. The manufacturing facility at Siemens in South Sacramento is their largest worldwide. The new farmers market at the Meadville Light Rail Station opened Sundays. Paratransit service (SAC RT Go) carried its one-millionth customer since 2020, with the lowest cost per trip among California peers. Mr. Lee also noted the upcoming community event on Wednesday at Township Line.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (items 2.1–2.17).
• FY2025 Budget: Adopted via Resolution 2024-06060 by unanimous vote.
• General Manager Performance Evaluation: Approved 4% merit increase and accepted evaluation via Resolution 2024-06061 (unanimous).
• Ride-Free RT Funding: Board and staff continue negotiations with school districts and county to secure sustainable multi-year funding.
• Public Comment on ADA: Chair Kennedy assured that ADA concerns about low-floor train call strips would be reviewed by staff.
• General Manager Report: Noted as informational; no formal action required.