Sacramento Regional Transit Board of Directors Meeting - October 26, 2026

This meeting of the Sacramento Regional Transit Board of Directors took place on October 26, 2026, with a quorum of nine votes. Key discussions included a proposed revision to the delegation of authority for property-based business improvement district (PBID) votes, a comprehensive update on security and customer service, and the general manager's report on recent achievements and project delays. The board voted to continue item 2.6 to the next meeting to allow further stakeholder engagement and language clarity.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved as a unit, with item 2.6 (PBID authority revision) pulled for separate discussion and later continued to the next meeting. Approval passed with nine votes.
• A correction was announced: the title of item 6.1 should read "Mobility Advisory Council Meeting Minutes for September 17, 2026" (not "summary").

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dion Dwyer (representing several PBIDs) expressed willingness to collaborate but requested a two-week continuance to clarify language regarding the $50,000 threshold and parcel carve-outs, noting that PBIDs are on tight renewal timelines.
• Rick Hodgkins (online) commented on consent calendar items: advocated for retiring legacy light rail cars with unavailable parts, and questioned the cost-effectiveness of contracted security vs. in-house.
• Dan Allison criticized the fare enforcement policy, stating that transit ambassadors issue tickets without discussion or education, and requested a clear policy on strollers, carts, and bicycles.
• Helen O'Connell reported that multiple friends with physical limitations received citations despite having paid fares, due to difficulties validating tickets.
• Margie Donovan (online) urged better communication to Folsom residents about crossing gate disruptions and emergency response.
• Maddie Parfitt (Strong Sack Towns Transit Team) thanked RT for free fare days but noted that those without phones or computers cannot participate, requesting that fare readers be turned off on those days.
• Evan Siroki (commuter) called for publishing GTFS real-time data to improve trip planning and safety.
• Helen O'Connell (second comment) praised the new policy of bringing operational changes to the Mobility Advisory Council before implementation.
• Rick Hodgkins (second comment) echoed real-time information needs and supported better communication on delays.
• Margie Donovan (second comment) reported air conditioning issues on RT Go buses and raised concerns about driver radio calls disclosing passenger names.
• Rick Hodgkins (closed session comment) opposed closing Jim Boys Tacos and asked about bus service from Sacramento Valley Station to South Lake Tahoe.

Discussion Items

• Item 2.6 – PBID Authority Revision: Staff (Chris Florvis and Olga) presented a revised resolution to rescind the 2012 delegation of authority to the general manager for PBID votes, requiring board approval for annual assessments over $50,000. They cited growth from $27,800/year across four PBIDs in 2012 to $263,000/year across seven PBIDs currently, with 10-year commitments totaling $2.7 million. The staff also proposed a benefit review for parcels like right-of-way tracks that may receive limited PBID services. Board members raised concerns about lack of outreach to affected PBIDs (Director Dickinson), the timing and fiscal context (Director Dickinson), and the need for stakeholder engagement (Chair Sing Allen). Director Budge supported board oversight, noting board members are more attuned to local PBID goals. Director Kennedy saw it as good public policy. After public comment, the board voted to continue the item to the next meeting.
• Item 3.1 – Customer Service & Security Update: Lisa Heinz (SVP Security, Safety, Customer Satisfaction) presented an overview of security units: transit ambassadors (54 of 60 staffed, aiming for one per train), sheriff deputies (11, with 7 more approved), sheriff security officers (8), security guards (58, contract with Blue Knight), and security operations center (12). She reported 417 arrests since January, a crime rate of 2.7 per million riders, and over 40,000 uses of the "Voice of God" PA system with 85% success rate. She highlighted increasing homelessness (40% of riders reportedly unhoused) and employee assaults (e.g., a recent incident). Blanca Arroyo (SVP Operations) addressed Route 84 on-time performance (81%), progress on light rail modernization (funding secured for new vehicles and signal upgrades), and the October 7 crossing gate failure in Folsom, which led to a new action plan for improved communication with the City of Folsom.
• General Manager’s Report: Henry reported the successful opening of the Rail Yards station (now 55 stations system-wide), the decision to delay the airport BRT/light rail study due to changed assumptions (Caltrans HOV study delay and failure of a citizen sales tax initiative), record ridership at the Aftershock music festival (20% increase), attendance at the APTA conference, receipt of a Beacon Leadership Award for climate adaptation planning, and recognition of staff achievements.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2.6 continued to the next board meeting (scheduled for November 9, 2026) to allow collaboration with PBIDs and clean up language. The motion to approve consent carried with 2.6 removed passed 9-0.
• The board received the Mobility Advisory Council minutes (6.1) with no discussion.
• No report out from closed session was announced.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2026 at 4 p.m.