The following items are excerpted from news releases issued by California Transit Association members. If you are a member of the Association and would like to submit an item to be considered for inclusion in the Member News Library, please email your press releases to Managing Editor Stephanie Jordan (sjordan@freelancecomm.com). Photos and cutline information with your news release submissions, when possible, are encouraged.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Monterey-Salinas Transit Announces Launch of Contactless Fare Payment Demonstration
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This month Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) became the first public transit agency in California to implement an open contactless fare payment technology, allowing customers to use their own contactless credit, debit, or prepaid card or a payment-enabled device to pay their fare on any MST bus. The ability to tap and ride removes the need to stand in line to purchase a separate transit card, load a special app, or handle cash while boarding.
Contactless payment readers have been installed at the front of each MST fixed route bus. Riders can simply tap—with a contactless card or device—on the reader when boarding the bus and again upon exit at their destination and be charged only for the distance they traveled.
MST is also implementing “fare capping,” which ensures that a rider will not be charged more than $10 per day, no matter how many times they ride in a day—as long as they pay with the same contactless card or mobile wallet throughout the day. For riders who travel on MST more frequently, there are 7-day and 31-day fare caps as well, when paying with the same contactless card or mobile wallet.
Fare capping enables MST to offer customers the ability to pay as they go, allowing riders to spread over time the equivalent cost of MST’s weekly or monthly unlimited-ride GoPass—after tapping enough times to reach the cost of a 7-day ($50) or 31-day ($95) pass, riders will no longer be charged to ride for the remainder of that time period.
“Paying for public transit can be difficult when compared to other modes of travel, and outdated fare collection systems have not made our job any easier," states MST CEO Carl Sedoryk. “The model we are working on with Visa allows customers to use the same card, or mobile device, that they used to buy a coffee to also pay for rides on public transit. No special card and no custom app is required, Just Tap and Ride. It’s that simple.”
MST’s six-month contactless payments demonstration is the first of many being facilitated by the California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP; www.calitp.org), a Caltrans initiative to enable easy and accessible travel planning and payments. During these six months, MST will evaluate the performance of this fare payment option to determine whether it makes sense for MST and the community it serves.
While adding a contactless payment option, MST will continue to accept all current forms of payment at the bus farebox: cash, GoCards, and monthly/weekly/daily GoPasses. Riders who are eligible for a discount fare can still pay the discount fare with cash, a GoCard, or a GoPass when boarding a bus. MST is working to enable discounted contactless fares.
For complete information about tapping to pay, distance-based fares, and fare capping, visit www.mst.org/contactless-payment.
AC Transit Launches Virtual ‘Transit Talks’ 2021
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) announced last month the launch of Transit Talks, a series of community update meetings featuring AC Transit Board Directors and its internal subject matter experts. In keeping with traditions, each hour and a half Transit Talks event is planned throughout the agency’s two service areas and offers updates on bus service, health and safety initiatives, projects, and serves as a platform to hear from AC Transit riders and the diverse communities it serves.
Due to ongoing public health restrictions, this year, Transit Talks will be hosted virtually. It is important to note, advance registration is required. The community may join the meetings via web conference, watch a Livestream, or dial-in by phone. The virtual sessions will also offer closed captioning and live language translation.
AC Transit at-large Directors Chris Peeples and Joel Young will join each Board Director representing their respective wards.
GCTD Introducing "Late Night Safe Rides" Shared Rides from 8pm - 11pm
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest public transit provider, launched a new “Late Night Safe Rides” shared ride, demand-response service on May 10 for anyone who requires transportation within the GCTD service area from the hours of 8PM to 11PM. The new service is intended to provide passengers an affordable and safe option during late night hours, in particular workers in fields such as hospitality and health care, who may get off from work late at night.
“With this project we will be able to address a gap in late night service, and also be able to learn more about our passengers’ late night travel patterns after most buses stop running,” said Steve Brown, General Manager.
The new demonstration service is funded for one year by Federal Jobs Access Reverse Commute (JARC) grant funds with a specific emphasis on assisting essential workers in their reverse commutes. The curb-to-curb service is offered nightly for a fare of $2/person, each way. Cash (exact fare) and Token Transit e-fares are accepted. E-fares may be purchased using GCTD's Token Transit App.
Requests for transportation may be made the day before or same day (with at least one hour notice), up to 10PM by calling (805) 485-2319. The service uses GCTD’s existing fleet of GO ACCESS paratransit vehicles, some of which are updated with racks to accommodate bicycles. The entire ACCESS fleet was also updated with LED dashboard lights to help passengers identify an approaching ACCESS vehicle to pick up a customer. All passengers are required to wear masks on board.
Temporary HOV Lanes Approved for Historic Pilot Program
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Muni buses and private vehicles with two or more occupants will soon see an innovative solution for San Francisco: High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (HOV) on city streets. Approved by a 5-1 vote in April by the SFMTA Board of Directors, the historic pilot program, in partnership with Caltrans, aims to increase person-carrying capacity and improve transit reliability on several major corridors through Golden Gate Park, the Marina District, and Cow Hollow.
The HOV lanes will be in effect weekdays from 5 am to 8 pm in the far-right lanes on State Route 1’s Crossover Drive (southbound only), Park Presidio Bypass, and Park Presidio Boulevard between Lincoln Way and just north of Lake Street, and on U.S. 101’s Lombard Street and Richardson Avenue between Francisco and Lyon streets and Franklin and Gough streets. Caltrans is currently in the final stages of roadwork on Lombard Street. Once that work is complete and Caltrans grants final approvals of the changes, the new HOV lanes will be striped. Park Presidio Boulevard should be restriped shortly thereafter.
With these changes in place, the far-right lane can continue to be used by motorists for right turns, driveway access and access to curbside loading and parking spaces. No parking and loading spaces will be removed as part of the project.
The pilot will end within 120 days after the city’s COVID-19 state of emergency order is lifted. The project could not be made permanent without an extensive public process and a second round of approvals by the SFMTA Board. A few weeks after implementation, the Agency will begin evaluating the project and gathering community input to determine if the pilot should be made permanent.
Project Benefits
In alignment with the Agency’s mission, the aim of these HOV lanes is to assist in moving more people as quickly and efficiently as possible. Efficient transit brings shorter and more reliable travel times for those who rely on public transit the most. These continued efforts to provide quicker travel times also improve the sustainability of the recovering economy.
Studies conducted late last year show that one-third of vehicles on these routes already carry two or more occupants. As each of the project’s roadways is three lanes, there should only be minimal impact to traffic initially. Over time, if the share of single-occupant vehicles increases, transit and high occupancy vehicles would be protected from increasing traffic congestion. The lanes could be converted from HOV-2 to HOV-3 later, increasing the required occupants per vehicle to three or more people, if both the SFMTA and Caltrans agreed that doing so would further increase the total capacity of the roadway.
NCTD Receives $4 Million Grant to Support Transition to Zero-Emissions Bus Operations
The North County Transit District (NCTD) announced this month that the California Energy Commission (CEC) has awarded the District a $4 million grant to construct a hydrogen fueling station at the agency’s West Division BREEZE Facility in Oceanside. Once constructed, this station will have the capacity to support up to 50 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses bringing the District closer toward achieving its goal of transitioning its entire fleet to zero-emission buses by 2042.
“NCTD remains committed to being on the forefront of zero-emissions technology, providing clean transportation choices for our customers, and improving the air quality in our communities. This grant will enable us to do just that and accelerate our transition to a zero-emission fleet,” said Tony Kranz, NCTD Board Chair and Encinitas Deputy Mayor. “What’s more, this new technology and infrastructure will improve overall BREEZE operations by decreasing the time needed to refuel, expanding the service range, and increasing the fuel economy of our fleet.”
The CEC grant advances NCTD’s transition from compressed natural gas to zero-emissions bus operations by approximately four years, allowing the agency to rapidly scale up and leverage an initial purchase of 25 hydrogen-powered buses set to be placed into service by Spring 2025. The construction of the fueling station and anticipated deployment of new zero-emission buses puts the agency ahead of local, state, and federal goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
“We’re thrilled for NCTD to receive this grant and take significant steps toward improving air quality, public health, and the safety of their community,” said Patty Monahan, Commissioner of California Energy Commission. “The accelerated deployment of zero-emission transit solutions demonstrates NCTD’s commitment to providing the community equitable, clean transportation and supports social mobility through increased access to education, jobs, and community resources. This effort is yet another example how public-interest investment in clean transportation infrastructure catalyzes change in real, tangible ways and drives a transformation in how California moves.”
Zero-emission fuel cell buses run on oxygen and hydrogen, emitting only water vapor while in operation. The new fueling station and buses are estimated to reduce bus service carbon dioxide output by 78,825 metric tons annually – roughly the same amount of emissions from 200 million miles driven by an average passenger car.
The project is funded by the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program, which invests more than $100 million annually to support innovation and accelerate the deployment of advanced transportation and fuel technologies.
NCTD intends to design, construct, and commission the hydrogen fueling station infrastructure at its Oceanside facility by mid-2022.
Tri Delta Transit Seeks Partnerships to Bring Free Summer Program “WiFi on Wheels” to Its Local Communities
Identifying the community need for public Internet services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tri Delta Transit is seeking partnerships with community organizations to launch its summer program “WiFi on Wheels” in the Tri Delta Transit service area of Eastern Contra Costa county.
Tri Delta Transit buses will be driven to community organizations and parked for time slots of three hours in requested locations, providing free WiFi connection for devices within a 200-foot radius around the bus.
“Tri Delta Transit’s WiFi-enabled buses enhance the rider experience by helping riders maximize productivity during their trip,” said Jeanne Krieg, Chief Executive Officer, Tri Delta Transit. “Tri Delta Transit can provide critical internet service to the community by parking our buses throughout the community.”
WiFi connections are provided to riders and community members through a partnership between Tri Delta Transit and Colony Networks. “We’re very happy to be working with Tri Delta Transit while extending our transportation/mobile tier of WiFi access to the Eastern Contra Costa county community,” said Jason Strashek, VP Products at Colony Networks Inc.
WiFi-enabled vehicles are one of many technological advancements for Tri Delta Transit. Tri Delta Transit provides the on-demand transportation option Tri MyRide, which allows passengers to book trips through the Tri MyRide app in limited service areas. The app Tri Delta Watch is available for reporting safety concerns, and the app Transit provides trip planning tools, bus capacity, and real time bus information.
“We want our Tri Delta Transit riders to stay connected wherever they go,” said Maria Arce, Chief Communications Officer for Tri Delta Transit. “Our buses can provide communities with resources beyond ridership, and we look forward to building new partnerships to offer this service.”
Capitol Corridor Expands Its Cleaner Fleet with Environmentally Friendly Engines
Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), which manages Northern California’s Capitol Corridor intercity passenger rail service, is retiring two older F-59 locomotives and swapping them for new, EPA-certified Tier 4 Charger locomotives. Caltrans Division of Rail and Mass Transit purchased the new locomotives to be used specifically for the Capitol Corridor, and the project was funded by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and co-funded by Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and Placer County Air Pollution Control District through the Carl Moyer Grant Program.
The new locomotives are expected to be placed into service along the 170-mile route as early as the end of April and no later than June 1, which is when the two F-59s are required to stop operating. These made-in-the-USA Siemens Chargers meet very stringent emission standards, providing 90 percent reduction in particulate matter emissions and 80 percent NOx reduction compared to the soon-to-be-retired Tier 2 engines. Tier 4 engines are also equipped with electronically controlled, regenerative braking systems that use energy from the traction motors during braking to minimize fuel consumption.
“Thanks to this partnership between CCJPA, Caltrans, California Air Resources Board, and regional Air Districts, we have increased the number of EPA-certified Tier 4 locomotives in our fleet from eight to 10,” CCJPA Board Chair Don Saylor said. “By putting more locomotives into service that emit fewer harmful air pollutants, we are better equipped to minimize our environmental footprint and help meet State and Federal air quality standards.”
Capitol Corridor is on a path to convert all its remaining F-59s in the coming decade to Tier 4 in alignment with a State mandate that calls for 100 percent of off-road vehicles and equipment operations to be zero-emissions by 2035. The mandate includes a ban of any freight or passenger locomotives older than 23 years from operating in California beginning in 2030. In addition, the Capitol Corridor’s future green initiative is to run its trains on Renewable Diesel, which staff is currently testing and hopes to be using on all its trains by 2022.
“Transportation is the largest source of planet-warming greenhouse gases in the United States today, and the bulk of those emissions come from driving vehicles on our streets and highways,” CCJPA Managing Director Rob Padgette added. “Encouraging travelers to choose trains and other forms of public transportation is a big factor in the clean air equation, but operating cutting-edge technology—like locomotives that reduce harmful emissions—is a necessary part of the solution as well.
TRANSIT PEOPLE AND HAPPENINGS
Metrolink Celebrates ‘Essential Worker Day’ to Recognize the Herculean Efforts Made by Real-Life Superheroes: Southern California Essential Workers
Metrolink officially recognized the herculean efforts of the Southern California region’s essential workers by celebrating Essential Worker Day, an annual recognition on April 28, a day historically celebrated as National Superhero Day. The agency invited all riders to thank essential workers on that day.
Recognizing the significance of their contributions, the Board of Supervisors of the five counties Metrolink serves—Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and Ventura County — joined the agency in recognizing essential workers for their service to the region, including frontline transit workers.
“Essential workers are our real-life superheroes who have been putting their lives at stake, while providing critical services across Southern California, ensuring the health, well-being and economic resiliency of local communities,” said Ara Najarian, Metrolink Board Chair and Glendale Councilmember. “I am grateful for them on Essential Worker Day, and every day, for all they do to keep our society functioning safely. Thank you to our counties for joining us in this very special recognition.”
In two customer surveys fielded by Metrolink in April 2020 and in February, nearly 75 percent of current Metrolink riders self-identified as essential workers, and many Metrolink staff continue to be on the frontlines serving riders and the community. #EssentialWorkersDay enabled the agency to say thank you for all they do and let them know their hard work is appreciated.
“Our Metrolink workers are essential to keeping Southern California moving so it is extremely important to recognize the incredible work they make on a daily basis, but especially the sacrifices they are making during the pandemic,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metrolink CEO. “From our conductors and engineers to our maintenance staff and customer relations representatives, they keep us going—and I am so inspired by all they’ve done to ensure riders get to their jobs every single day safely and reliably.”
On Essential Worker Day, Metrolink’s contractors and employees were at stations and on board the trains wearing capes and handing out stickers honoring essential workers. Conductors acknowledged essential worker riders throughout the day with special announcements encouraging everyone to thank their heroic contributions in “serving and protecting” our community. Additionally, Metrolink shared inspirational quotes from frontline workers on its social media platforms about the extraordinary ways they do their jobs every day.
“Essential Workers Are Our Superheroes" stated the motto on the Metrolinktrains.com home page on April 28, accompanied by a special Essential Worker Day/Superhero YouTube video. Additionally, Metrolink curated a Spotify playlist designed to give essential workers music to enjoy during their commute to brighten and energize their day. The tracks, chosen by Metrolink staff, centered around the themes of essential workers as shining superheroes and the agency’s gratitude for their work.
SunLine Transit Agency Named 2021 Southern California Association of Governments Sustainability Award Recipient
SunLine Transit Agency is the winner of the 2021 Sustainability Awards presented by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). This award is given to exemplary and innovative planning projects within six main categories. SunLine is being recognized within the category of “Clean Cities – Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure” for Driving the Future of Hydrogen, including the state-of-the-art hydrogen fueling station and the West Coast Center of Excellence in Zero Emission Technology and Renewable Energy.
SunLine Transit Agency is among five other municipalities, agencies and nonprofit organizations that are being acknowledged for excellence in coordinating land use and transportation to improve mobility, livability, prosperity and sustainability. SCAG’s Regional Conference and General Assembly, where the recipients were honored, was held virtually on May 6.
By 2035, SunLine plans to have its fixed route fleet converted entirely to zero-emissions buses, which puts SunLine five years ahead of state regulations requirements and makes the agency the first in the nation to use only zero-emissions vehicles. By using hydrogen fuel cell technology, SunLine’s only byproduct is water.
“We strive to pave the way to sustainability and, specifically, zero-emissions transportation, and this award re-affirms that we are on the right track,” said SunLine CEO/General Manager Lauren Skiver. “SunLine’s hydrogen electrolyzer and future liquid hydrogen station are an important step for the Coachella Valley and for fuel cell vehicle adoption across the country. It is an honor to be recognized among these other great projects and especially another organization from our region.”
Achieving zero-emissions transportation is good not only for the environment of today and tomorrow, it is also good for the community. With a significant portion of the East Coachella Valley living below the poverty line in what is considered to be a disadvantaged community it is crucial that dependable transportation services are accessible. SunLine’s Clean Fleet initiative guarantees that these services are available and that they are healthy for the environment and community.
It is noteworthy that two of the projects awarded come from the Coachella Valley region and the coordination efforts that take place between respective agencies to create an overall sustainable and environmentally-conscious community for residents to live, play and work in.
“We recognize that SunLine alone cannot achieve a sustainable community. That’s why we hope to set an example for other organizations and to partner with and learn from those who are also pioneers of sustainability. Together, we can make a change,” said Skiver.
As a joint powers authority, the City of Palm Desert is one of SunLine’s member agencies, and was also a recipient of this year’s Sustainability Awards, in the area of “Active, Healthy and Safe Communities” for their San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project. Improvements made through this project include increased safety for pedestrians and non-motorized transportation, expanded sidewalks and seven new pocket parks in two low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods with low Healthy Places Index scores. Not only does this project contribute to a sustainable future by making the community more walkable, but it also improves access to SunLine’s bus Route 1, which offers bus service every 20 minutes.