To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Public Infrastructure
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
FY 2022-23 Abbreviated Short Range Transit Plan
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a resolution approving and adopting Sonoma County Transit’s FY 2022-23 Abbreviated Short Range Transit Plan.
end
Executive Summary:
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration requires Sonoma County Transit to prepare, adopt and submit a Short Range Transit Plan to remain eligible to receive federal transit funding.
Discussion:
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Sonoma County Transit’s fixed-route ridership and farebox revenue. Changes in travel patterns due to the pandemic have also created planning and operational challenges for Sonoma County Transit and all public transit operators in the Bay Area. To help plan through this period of uncertainty, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) restructured the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) process. The abbreviated approach for the FY 2022-23 SRTP narrowed the planning period scope from ten years to five years with a focus on financial and service planning.
Sonoma County Transit’s FY 2022-23 Abbreviated SRTP responds to MTC’s request for information consisting of various questions regarding its pre-pandemic state of service, current state of service and the development of three possible planning scenarios going forward over the next five years. While this fiscal year’s SRTP effort is much less than that of prior years, it is anticipated that Sonoma County Transit will prepare a full ten-year SRTP for FY 2023-24 that further considers its operations funding and long-range planning for service expansion and progress towards fleet electrification.
Over the next three years, Sonoma County Transit is projected to continue to return to pre-pandemic level of ridership while providing approximately 90% of its total in-service hours operated pre-pandemic. State Transportation Development Act (TDA) and State Transit Assistance (STA) funds are projected to remain flat in FY 2023-24 but regain a 3.5% increase each fiscal year thereafter. Federal funding assistance for operations beyond FY 2024-25 will only be for preventive maintenance expenses. Remaining operating assistance will be derived from State TDA, STA, local Measure M funds and farebox revenues. Farebox revenues are anticipated to remain below pre-pandemic levels through FY 2025-26.
At the projected level of service through FY 2025-26, Sonoma County Transit will continue its efforts to electrify its fixed-route fleet using State capital funds largely for this purpose. In FY 2022-23, approximately $6 million in State Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funds were secured to assist with the purchase of ten 40’ electric coaches and charging equipment. In early 2023, Sonoma County Transit submitted another request for TIRCP funds to assist with the purchase of an additional thirteen 40’ electric coaches for delivery in FY 2025-26. If successful in securing these additional State capital funds, Sonoma County Transit’s fixed-route fleet will be approximately 68% electric by FY 2026-27.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Prior Board Actions:
2/26/13: Board adopted Sonoma County Transit’s FY 2012 - 2021 Short Range Transit Plan Update. Resolution No. 13-0078.
4/08/08: Board adopted Sonoma County Transit’s FY 2008-2017 Short Range Transit Plan Update. Resolution No. 08-0324
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
All projects and operational costs included in the Short Range Transit Plan will be brought to the Board of Supervisors through the annual budget process or as individual Board items. Transit operates as an Enterprise Fund and does not receive General Fund contributions. Transit revenues are sourced through Transportation Development Act funds, grants, charges, and fares.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Resolution
Draft FY 2022-23 Sonoma County Transit Abbreviated Short Range Transit Plan.
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.