Sacramento Regional Transit District Board of Directors Meeting - September 23, 2024

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors convened on September 23, 2024, with a quorum of eight votes. The meeting covered a safety and security update, a proposal to replace the SmartRide pilot program with a rideshare voucher program, board appointments, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the consent calendar, including item 2.11, by unanimous voice vote. Public speaker Barbara Stanton, on behalf of Helen O'Connell, expressed concern that a previous three-month extension ending in October was unresolved and a new six-month extension was sought, questioning the repeated delays.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Under item 6 (public addresses on non-agenda matters):
  • Michael Bevins proposed a dedicated bike/cargo train running every five minutes to relieve crowding on light rail.
  • Coco Coca-Sella (Sacramento Transit Advocates and Riders) advocated for a citizen advocate as a board member to enhance oversight.
  • Barbara Stanton, on behalf of Gail Morgan, reported that the stop request strip on the new low-floor light rail trains is not working and is inaccessible for power wheelchair users; the issue occurred on three trains.
• Under item 7.2 (rideshare voucher program): Multiple speakers opposed the SmartRide replacement:
  • Michelle Baker, a SmartRide user, stated she cannot afford the proposed $5 per ride and that the current service is vital for her low-income needs.
  • Miguel Pinha described SmartRide as essential for his family's transport and criticized Uber for dropping him at wrong locations; he urged the board not to implement the Uber program.
  • Dan Allison (STAR) argued the new program neglects people with moderate disabilities, seniors, and low-income riders, and noted SacRT lacks a low-income fare program unlike other California agencies.
  • LR Roberts, a retired union leader, opposed replacing unionized SmartRide drivers with Uber drivers, citing safety and labor concerns.
  • Jeff Tardiya questioned why $18 million in funding was exhausted and criticized the short notice and lack of a viable replacement.

Discussion Items

• Item 7.1: Safety and Security Update
  • Chief Safety and Security Officer Lisa Heinz presented accomplishments: six national awards since 2019 (e.g., APTA Rail Safety Gold Award, TSA Gold Standard), a 34% crime reduction, 7.5 incidents per million trips (vs. industry average 246), and a 0.0007% annual crime rate. Employee survey: 82.5% agreed SacRT provides a safe work environment; 84.8% (ATU: 87.5%) agreed they receive enough training.
  • Addressed concerns from ATU employees: bus barriers tested (one ordered per union request), $3 million grant sought but not received; light duty program at WATT/I-80 station praised by passengers; restroom issues at Arden Del Paso (due to water pipe break) resolved with port-a-potty and planned new restroom; de-escalation training planned.
  • Board discussion: Director Kozlowski commended staff for rapidly addressing a fatal incident in Natomas. Director Sing Allen facilitated a meeting with Elk Grove Unified School District to address juvenile behavior. Chair Kennedy asked about bus barriers grant pursuit and restroom break definitions; staff confirmed ongoing efforts and detailed operator restroom locations.
• Item 7.2: Proposed Pilot Rideshare Voucher Program and Elimination of SmartRide
  • Laura Ham presented the proposal: SmartRide costs $8.4 million annually, $47 per trip, carrying <1% of system ridership (180,000/year). The proposed rideshare voucher program would have customers pay the first $5, SacRT pay the next $5, capped at 20 vouchers/month. An 18-month pilot (Jan 2025 – June 2026) would use Uber (with negotiations for other providers for wheelchair access). SmartRide's $14M Measure A grant is expended; STA allocates only $800,000/year going forward.
  • Board discussion raised concerns: Director Kozlowski emphasized wheelchair accessibility; Director Schaefer (former Uber driver) noted drivers may decline low-value rides, issues with car seats, and Uber's limited availability in some zones. Director Budge suggested handing flyers to current SmartRide users. Director Kaplan noted the cost increase for riders (from ~$2.50 to $5+$5?) and worried about equity in underserved areas like Natomas. Director Sing Allen flagged safety and liability risks with gig workers. Public comment echoed affordability and accessibility problems.
  • Staff said the pilot allows for adjustments, will monitor performance, and will register users for feedback.
• Item 7.3: Appointments to Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority
  • Director Schaefer volunteered as a member. The alternate position was tabled pending further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved with one public comment noted.
• No formal action on item 7.2 (information item); board directed staff to incorporate public and board feedback and return for future approval.
• Director Schaefer appointed as member to the Capitol Corridor JPA; alternate appointment deferred to next meeting.
• Closed session (item 13.1, litigation: Castillo v. SacRT) held with no report out.
• The General Manager reported progress on the tap-to-ride payment system (first agency in California to feature it), a veterans discount program for 60,000 county veterans, and the celebration of new S700 low-floor light rail vehicles.