To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Continued Participation in Clipper START Regional Means-Based Transit Fare Program
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution approving Sonoma County Transit’s continued participation in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Regional Means-Based Transit Fare Program (Clipper START Extended Pilot Program) through June 30, 2023.
end
Executive Summary:
The Department of Transportation and Public Works is requesting adoption of a Resolution for Sonoma County Transit to continue participating in the Regional Means-Based Transit Fare Program established by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). The Regional Means-Based Transit Fare Program, branded as Clipper START, is a pilot program that seeks to improve affordability for adult transit passengers who earn a lower income. Originally, the program was to end on December 31, 2021. However, MTC recommends extending the pilot period until June 30, 2023 due to the effects of the pandemic on overall transit ridership and program participation. MTC will continue to provide funding from the Regional Means-Based Transit Fare Program to subsidize adult fare discounts offered during the Clipper START pilot program.
Discussion:
The Clipper START program is the first regional means-based transit fare program in the Bay Area. Launched by MTC in July 2020, the program offers a discount on single-ride transit fares for eligible adults who earn under 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Currently, there are 15 bay area transit operators who participate in the program, including Sonoma County Transit.
In response to COVID-19, MTC has recommended that participants extend the Pilot Program until June 30, 2023 to better gauge the level of participation by eligible passengers as Bay Area transit systems continue their recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
As a participant in the Clipper START Pilot Program, Sonoma County Transit offers a 20% per trip discount off its regular adult fare. After providing proof of identity and proof of income, eligible adults receive a personalized Clipper card that can be used for single-ride discounts on all participating transit systems.
MTC is providing funds to participating transit operators to help subsidize Clipper START fare discounts offered during the pilot period.
Prior Board Actions:
11-10-2020: Board approved participation in MTC’s Regional Means-Based Transit Fare Program, through December 31, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY 21-22 Adopted |
FY22-23 Projected |
FY 23-24 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$15,000 |
$45,000 |
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$15,000 |
$45,000 |
|
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
$15,000 |
$45,000 |
|
|
Fees/Other |
|
|
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
|
|
Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Sources |
$15,000 |
$45,000 |
|
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
This program will be funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The expense to Sonoma County Transit will be in the form of uncollected fare revenue, which will be offset by funding from MTC.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.