Sacramento Regional Transit District Board of Directors Meeting – October 27, 2025

This meeting of the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors was held on October 27, 2025, with a quorum of seven votes present. Directors Hume, Kennedy, Maple, and Cerna were absent. The meeting included a consent calendar, discussion items on customer service, a joint powers agreement, and a funding strategy update, along with extensive public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2.1 through 2.6 were approved unanimously after public comment.
• Public Comment on Consent Calendar:
  • Helen O'Connell spoke on Item 2.2 (budget amendment for Connect Card replacement) urging that new materials be reviewed by the Mobility Advisory Council before implementation. On Item 2.3 (security service budget), she expressed hope that security personnel are paid fairly but noted some riders feel intimidated by officers.
  • Crystal McGee Lee (President, ATU Local 256) thanked RT for helping enforce a passenger ban under SB 616 but raised concerns about how security funding is allocated, arguing that transit ambassadors (starting at $23.19/hr) should receive a larger share.
  • Tamika Atterbury Scrivens (Transit Ambassador/Fare Inspector) stated that ambassadors deserve higher pay due to dangerous duties, including dealing with weapons, spitting, and assault.
  • Brandon Gibson (Transit Ambassador) supported hiring more ambassadors and increasing pay to reduce turnover, noting the high-risk environment.

Discussion Item 3.1: Customer Service Response to Feedback

• Lisa Heinz (VP of Security, Safety, and Customer Satisfaction) presented responses to public comments:
  • Bus router failures cause buses not to appear on dispatch; 5G router upgrades are underway with completion expected in 6–12 months.
  • Holiday service software issues are being investigated with the provider.
  • Transit ambassador performance: perception of low fare-checking is being addressed with new app feedback alerts and increased supervision.
  • A video highlighted ambassadors' roles beyond fare enforcement: customer service, safety, assisting with bikes, priority seating, and bus bridges.
  • At Watt/I-80, pedestrian circulation detours will be in place until mid-November 2025; station reopening set for November 2026.
  • Bike share and charging hubs: three pilot “Sac Hub” locations at Marconi, Globe, and Alpali Flat; SACOG grant sought for scooter subsidy.
  • Airport connectivity: improving Route 11 frequency to every 15 minutes and extending to airport would require funding.
  • Elk Grove: better bus frequency is needed before BRT or light rail.
  • A permanent restraining order was obtained against a passenger who harassed employees, thanks to RT’s attorney and union collaboration.
• Board Questions:
  • Director Maple asked about the time delay in law enforcement response to problem passengers. Heinz acknowledged delays and said remaining police resources will be focused on supporting transit ambassadors, with calls for service dispatched to local agencies.
  • Director Brewer inquired about banning policies. Heinz reported a banning policy will be brought to the board in a few months, with 30–90 day bans after three offenses.
• Public Comment on Item 3.1: Several transit ambassadors and operators spoke, emphasizing the dangerous conditions they face, insufficient pay, lack of timely police backup, and the need for more ambassadors and compensation.

Discussion Item 3.2: Approval of Amended JPA for Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor

• Chris Flores (Chief of Staff) presented a resolution to approve an amended Joint Powers Agreement adding the City of Rancho Cordova as a member. The JPA preserves the rail corridor for future transportation uses.
• Board Discussion:
  • Director Dickinson questioned the value to RT of continued membership, suggesting the JPA may have outlived its usefulness. He supported approval but asked for future reexamination.
• Vote: The motion to approve passed unanimously (all ayes, no abstentions).

Discussion Item 5.1: Educational Outreach and Funding Strategy Update

• Deborah Salinas presented an update on outreach efforts and polling results. SacRT contracted with Meraki Public Affairs (led by Cherry Sprigs) to gauge community support for a potential funding measure.
• Key Findings from Community Outreach (Phase 1):
  • Seven “Transit Idea Exchanges” and tabling at 30+ events. Top priorities: frequency/reliability, affordable fares for seniors/disabled/veterans/students, service expansion (airport, Elk Grove), air quality, and transit-oriented housing.
• Quantitative Polling (August–September 2025):
  • Survey of 1,000 likely 2026 voters in Sacramento County.
  • 68% see some or great need for transportation funding.
  • Initial support for a two-thirds sales tax measure was 49%; after follow-up, total yes at 56%, still far from the required 67%.
  • Support is highest in Sacramento City (61%) and lower in suburban areas.
  • Top investment priorities: repairing streets in worst condition (87%), emergency responder access (82%), keeping senior/disabled/veteran/student fares affordable (77%).
• Conclusions:
  • A countywide measure at two-thirds is not viable in 2026; a city-only measure might be closer but still challenges exist.
  • STA and SacRT subcommittees agreed to explore a potential city of Sacramento half-cent sales tax with 50% for transit, 50% for roads; further polling recommended.
• Board Comments:
  • Director Maple (funding subcommittee chair) noted the data shows no path for a countywide measure soon and urged caution.
  • Director Schaefer highlighted voter fatigue and the need to “tell our story.”
  • Director Sing Allen noted Elk Grove’s existing 1% sales tax meeting local needs, but stressed regional cooperation.
• Public Comment on Item 5.1:
  • Steve Cohn (Sacramento Transit Advocates and Riders) expressed willingness to help with a citizen-led initiative if financial support and volunteers materialize.
  • Helen O’Connell urged sticking to realistic, local promises.
  • Dan Allison urged inclusion of sidewalk repairs in any measure and opposed large capital projects.
  • Glenda Marsh and others praised RT’s recent work and called for more public outreach and transparency.

Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items

• Margie Donovan (paratransit user) criticized the service of contractor UZURV, citing language barriers, missed pickups, and safety concerns.
• Helen O’Connell raised accessibility issues with new security doors on buses that block wheelchair controllers; stated 170 doors were purchased without vetting by the Mobility Advisory Council.
• Kay Crum reported several no-show incidents on Bus 81, asking for real-time cancellation alerts.
• Troy Wilkinson and Jenny Meidel urged prioritizing reliability and addressing known issues before new projects.
• Dan Allison criticized cancelled board meetings and urged stronger governance.
• Jeffrey Tartaglia asked about bus operator safety devices (OSHA approval) and low-floor vehicle door signage issues.
• Michael Bevins encouraged incremental transit-oriented development at stations like Marconi.
• Aaron Jefferson asked for more school bus service in his neighborhood.
• Robert Copeland noted the difficulty of citizen-led ballot measures and called for strong oversight.

Key Outcomes

• The Consent Calendar (Items 2.1–2.6) was approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-10-114 approving the amended JPA for the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor was adopted unanimously.
• Item 3.1 and Item 5.1 were informational; no votes taken.
• The board directed staff to continue educational outreach and to explore a potential city of Sacramento ballot measure in coordination with STA.
• Next steps include further polling in Sacramento City and development of a banning policy for disruptive passengers (to be presented at a future meeting).