Sacramento Regional Transit District Board Meeting - February 23, 2026

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors held a regular meeting on February 23, 2026, at 4:01 PM PT. Chair Sing Allen presided with nine votes constituting a quorum. The meeting was recorded and will be replayed on Metro Cable Channel 14 and streamed online. The board discussed and acted on several items including the Ride Free RT program update, a proposed K-16 educational collaborative, real-time transit information implementation, a revised travel policy, and public concerns regarding the streetcar project. Numerous public comments were received, and the board approved several resolutions and appointments.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the consent calendar, which included routine items and a motion to change the agenda order. Notable discussion occurred on item 2.9 regarding real-time information for trains and buses. Director Dickinson expressed support for the long-awaited project and inquired about the deployment timeline. Staff stated that real-time data would be available in third-party apps within 12 months, with station signage also targeted within that period, though full vehicle deployment is expected by March 2028. The item was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Glenn Mandelkern (on item 2.9): Expressed excitement about real-time train information, urged consistent signage design, and noted that many riders have long awaited this capability. He suggested viewing this as a goodwill opportunity to build trust.
• James Pasarella (resident of 500 N Street): Voiced concerns about the streetcar project removing all parking on N Street, impacting accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. He also questioned the environmental impact study regarding noise from new low-floor vehicles.
• Mike Andrews Pasarella (resident of 500 N Street): Raised safety concerns for senior citizens near proposed streetcar stations, citing existing issues at other stations with homeless populations.
• Pauline Hutton (resident of 500 N Street): Opposed the planned removal of parking and loading zones, stating it would cut off a lifeline for residents, especially contractors performing building renovations. She highlighted the difficulty of finding contractors downtown due to parking restrictions.
• Robert Copeland: Asked about reducing traffic congestion and surplus land sales. He also noted he would review the ballot measure mentioned by Director Maple.
• Nigel Hakins (resident of 500 N Street): Supported public transit but criticized the streetcar plan for eliminating loading zones essential for seniors and paratransit users. He noted that the building has no alley and that emergency vehicle access would be compromised.
• Written public comments were received from Rick Hodgkins on items 2.3, 2.7, and 2.9 regarding underground conduit, fiber public outreach, and audible announcements, and from Lisa and Don Hayward on item 2.7 regarding competitive bidding.

Discussion Items

• Ride Free RT Program Update (Item 3.2): Staff and partners from the Nehemiah Emerging Leadership Program (NELP) presented findings and recommendations. The program has grown from 1 million to 5 million student rides annually. Key recommendations included strengthening data infrastructure and establishing a Youth Advisory Committee. Directors supported the concept but raised concerns about committee size (proposed 20+ members) and suggested leveraging existing youth commissions. Director Dickinson emphasized the need for granular data to demonstrate impact and secure long-term funding, noting school districts benefit financially from increased attendance. The board took no action but received the information.
• K-16 Collaborative (Part of Item 3.2): Alex Tagavian from Capital Impact presented the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative, a regional effort to design career pathways using an $18.1 million grant. The collaborative is forming a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and invited SacRT to join as a non-voting founding member with a financial ask of $200,000 over two years. Directors asked about coordination with existing CTE programs and the role of non-education members. The item was for information only.
• Commendation of Director Rick Jennings (Item 3.1): The board approved a resolution honoring Director Jennings for his service as chair over the past year. He was presented with a resolution and thanked his colleagues.
• Customer Service Response to Feedback (Item 4.1): Lisa Heinz and Chris Flores presented responses to public comments, including issues with wheelchair accessibility on bus barriers, ADA compliance, low-floor vehicle ramps, and technical data errors. Staff announced the acquisition of two drones for safety inspections (thermal imaging and 3D mapping) and outlined plans for a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA). Director Dickinson asked about opportunities for board input on bus route planning.
• Travel Authorization Procedures (Item 4.2): Staff presented a revised travel policy based on previous board feedback, allowing up to four transit conferences per year with a $26,000 annual budget (actual prior year spending was $16,000). The policy prioritized the chair and vice chair and allowed alternates. After discussion, the board approved the policy with a motion and second.
• Appointment to Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (Item 6.1): The board appointed Director Dickinson to serve on the CCJPA, filling a vacancy, and appointed Director Maple as alternate. Both appointments were approved unanimously.
• Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (Item 6.2): Resolution 2026-02016 adopting the revised safety plan was approved without discussion.
• General Manager’s Report: GM Henry Li reported on the first six months’ budget performance ($1.3 million favorable), ridership recovery (bus 109%, rail ~70%, weekend bus 130%), upcoming workshops for Safe Routes to Transit and the SACRT 2050 COA, and a bus bridge closure on the Blue Line from March 16-31. He also announced Transit Employee Appreciation Day on March 18.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar (including real-time information project).
• Approved Resolution 2026-02014 (Travel Authorization Procedures).
• Approved Resolution 2026-02016 (Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan).
• Appointed Director Dickinson to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority and Director Maple as alternate.
• Approved Resolution commending Director Jennings.
• Noted no action on Ride Free RT update or K-16 Collaborative; items were informational.
• Staff directed to consider board input on the Youth Advisory Committee size and use of existing youth commissions.
• Public concerns about the streetcar project's parking removal were acknowledged and referred for follow-up.