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
SacRT Offers Contactless Fare Payment On Board Green Line Light Rail
Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is partnering with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Visa, Littlepay, and SC Soft to add a contactless method for payment on board light rail trains, which will help improve the customer experience. The innovative touch-free fare payment technology will allow riders to tap a contactless credit, debit, prepaid card, or contactless-enabled mobile or wearable device (e.g., smartwatch) to pay fare when boarding light rail trains.
As part of a phased rollout, contactless fare payment is initially available only on the Green Line. Throughout the rest of the summer, SacRT will be installing the contactless fare payment readers aboard the full light rail fleet. During installation periods, the payment readers will display a “testing in progress” screen, which means they are not yet activated for use.
SacRT is the first transit agency in California to introduce a contactless payment solution on a light rail train system as part of the California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP), a Caltrans initiative to facilitate easy and accessible travel planning and payments.
During the initial demonstration period, only the basic single ride fare is available. SacRT is looking into discount fare options in the future. The contactless payment option will be limited, initially, to the light rail system (it will not be available on buses) and will focus on establishing an improved rider experience.
MTS Board Approves Ride Free in September with PRONTO
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors approved a plan for passengers to ride free in September with PRONTO to help riders smoothly transition from Compass Cards to the new PRONTO fare collection system. The PRONTO system is scheduled to launch in September. Critical to the success of changing the fare system is distributing PRONTO cards to riders.
"Providing free rides during the entire month of September to those who switch to PRONTO accounts is a good way for riders to familiarize themselves with the new system and get the new PRONTO cards into their hands," said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board Chair and Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. "This Board of Directors is committed to making transit in San Diego more convenient; and this new system will help increase accessibility to our trolleys and buses. Riders who participate in the free ride program this September will quickly realize the new system is easy to use and convenient, making for a better user experience."
MTS is planning an aggressive campaign in August to make it easy for riders to transition.
"It will be a big effort to transition hundreds of thousands of people to PRONTO. But offering riders with a free PRONTO card and free rides during the launch is a great incentive," said Sharon Cooney, MTS Chief Executive Officer. "Once they start using PRONTO regularly, riders will quickly realize how much better and easier the experience is, and they will also see some of the other exciting enhancements we have waiting for them."
Ridership on MTS buses and Trolleys has been slowly increasing since it hit a low point in April 2020 at the height of the Stay-at-Home order. MTS is currently carrying approximately 134,000 passenger trips per weekday - approximately 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels. At its May meeting, the Board of Directors directed staff to report back with a comprehensive plan designed to attract riders back to the system. The centerpiece to the agency's plan is offering those who have either a PRONTO card or mobile app for the ability to ride free of charge for the entire month of September.
MTS plans to conduct more than 50 outreach events in August at transit centers seven days a week giving away PRONTO cards, helping riders download the app and setting up accounts to aid the transition.
In September riders can begin downloading the PRONTO app to smartphones. The app is free to download for Apple and Android devices.
Other MTS efforts to increase ridership back to pre-pandemic levels and connect riders to the new PRONTO system include:
- Marketing efforts to take advantage of MTS operating 100 percent of service
- Capitalizing on the reopening of schools and businesses
- Building excitement about transit with the 40th Anniversary of the Trolley
- Celebrating the grand opening of the Mid-Coast extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line
- Launching new bus service to serve the UC San Diego Trolley extension
- The continued commitment to expanding the zero-emission bus fleet
- Enhancing the rider experience through technology such as a WiFi pilot program onboard vehicles and new applications to allow MTS passengers to see real time passenger loads in vehicles
- An aggressive advertising effort that focuses on the established success of a "Choose Transit" campaign, as well as efforts that feature “real riders” and MTS employees to welcome back riders to the MTS system.
A comprehensive FAQ about the new fare collection system is available on the PRONTO webpage with the latest information about how the new system will work.
GCTD Introduces "Late Night Safe Rides" Shared Rides 
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County’s largest public transit provider, launched a new “Late Night Safe Rides” shared ride, demand-response service available to anyone who requires transportation within the GCTD service area from the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. 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 will be 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 new 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 by phone the day before or same day (with at least one hour notice), up to 10:00 p.m. The service will use 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.
All Youth Can Ride CityBus Free Starting July 1
Santa Rosa CityBus launched this month a new Unlimited Rides (UR Free), pilot program providing fare-free rides for Santa Rosa youth on any of CityBus’s regular fixed routes, seven days a week. CityBus’s program is available to the approximately 30,000 youth grades TK through 12 who reside in Santa Rosa, including those who are home-schooled or are homeless. Fare-free transit helps remove a key financial barrier for youth going to school, working at a job or internship, or participating in an enriching extracurricular opportunity.
CityBus is also rolling out a second new UR Free program, which offers an opportunity for local employers, residential development groups, and other community organizations to provide their employees, residents, and/or members unlimited free access to public transportation on CityBus. This new program is meant to expand access to fare-free transit to a wider range of the community, including residents of both affordable and market-rate housing developments.
Both programs, named Unlimited Rides (UR Free), are subsidized by funds from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) grant program, which is managed locally by the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA). Funding for the youth UR Free Program will fully cover an 18-month pilot program. The other UR Free program will offer employers, residential groups, and other community organizations, deeply discounted fare rates for the next three years so that they may in turn provide free rides to their employees, residents, and/or members. This initial subsidy will provide the opportunity for CityBus ridership to grow and the benefits of the program to be demonstrated.
“Providing the Unlimited Rides programs creates multiple benefits to our community, including immediately providing an economic benefit as families recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said City of Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Rogers. “Expanding free transit to youth further reduces greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion, while supporting return to school efforts and ultimately increasing the profile of public transportation in Santa Rosa.”
Students and youth in grades 9 through 12 can simply show a student ID or special pass when boarding the bus to take advantage of the UR Free program. Students and youth who need a replacement card or who do not have a student ID can visit the CityBus Transit Mall kiosk located on Second Street with proof of age to be issued a temporary pass until school starts. A student ID is not required for youth in grades TK to 8. CityBus will be working directly with the schools and programs serving youth to ensure that all youth have access to the Unlimited Ride program. Youth who are experiencing homelessness are also eligible to participate in the program, regardless of current residence or school address.
For more information about CityBus UR Free programs, visit srcity.org/Fares. 
Golden Gate Ferry Weekend Service Resumes
Beginning this month, Golden Gate Ferry will again offer regular weekend service between San Francisco and the North Bay with ferry service to and from San Francisco, Larkspur, and Sausalito resuming with trips throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Golden Gate Ferry suspended weekend service during the pandemic due to decreased rider demand. Since the June 15 regional reopening, weekday and special event ferry ridership has grown steadily along with demand for weekend service. Golden Gate Ferry provided special holiday service over the Fourth of July weekend and saw its highest ridership since the start of the pandemic.
Community Workforce Agreement Highlighted in VTA Projects
For the first time, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has included an element in a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) specifically designed to lift people out of poverty.
“The new Project Labor Agreement will open new doors to our local diversity businesses and workers in Santa Clara County in underserved demographics,” said John Wesley White, VTA’s Deputy Director and Chief Procurement Officer. “This PLA will create more economic opportunities than any project like it ever before”.
The Community Workforce Agreement within the PLA promotes careers in the construction industry for underrepresented workers, while allowing VTA’s construction projects to proceed without labor disputes, in a timely and economically efficient manner.
“Underrepresented workers” include U.S. military veterans, those currently receiving public assistance, those emancipated from the foster care system or currently participating in a reentry program or were formerly incarcerated or are currently homeless, among others.
Working Partnerships USA’s (WPUSA) Trades Orientation Program is just the training ground for workers who could join VTA construction projects that pay well and provide valuable skills.
“Our program receives hundreds of applications from under-represented community members who are looking for a hands-on, skilled, family-supporting career,” said Louise Auerhahn, Director of Economic and Workforce Policy for WPUSA. “By creating more entry-level apprentice job opportunities, VTA’s new Community Workforce Agreement will open doors for new workers to get their start, helping to expand and diversify our local skilled construction trades workforce.”
VTA has established PLAs in the past, specifically for Phase One of the BART Silicon Valley Extension. Now, for BART Phase Two, and all other VTA construction projects over $2 million, the new PLA is establishing a robust pipeline to recruit and train underrepresented workers into pre-apprenticeship programs, where they can then move into full apprenticeships at unions, thus getting on a pathway to stable, well-paying jobs.
SFMTA Releases Next Round of Powered Scooter Share Permits 
Scooters remain a sustainable mode of travel and a complement to Muni and public transit service as the city recovers from the pandemic and San Franciscans begin to travel more. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) Powered Scooter Share Program is essential in ensuring that shared scooter operations support the city’s economic recovery in a safe, sustainable, and equitable way.
The SFMTA received four submittals for the permit program and will issue permits to two operators: Spin and Lime. Permits will be in effect for a one-year term, with the option to extend for another year at the discretion of the SFMTA based on compliance with various program metrics.
While the new permit program does not set a limit on the number of scooters each operator may deploy, it does limit the overall citywide fleet size at 10,000. Starting at a base of 2,000 scooters per operator, permittees will be encouraged to apply for permission to add scooters in 500 increments every several months. Fleet size increases will be predicated on compliance with SFMTA defined metrics and policy outcomes, including those focused on equity, access, and sustainability.
The SFMTA also received an application for the 2021 Powered Scooter Share Permit Program from Scoot. The Agency recently learned of revelations, confirmed by Scoot, that the company has been using unauthorized subcontractors in violation of the terms and conditions of the 2019 permit program. The SFMTA takes these issues very seriously, and will defer a decision on 2021 permit issuance to Scoot to allow time for full investigation and complete its evaluation. Scoot services were paused on July 1.
The 2021 Powered Scooter Share Permit program builds on the lessons learned from current permit program with the goal of creating a more useful, safe, and equitable program. Adaptive scooters will become a permanent part of the citywide scooter fleet. Additionally, operators will continue their on-demand adaptive programs.
TRANSIT PEOPLE AND HAPPENINGS
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Last month the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) marked its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of improving the region’s transit, streets and freeways and ongoing work toward a balanced and sustainable transportation system.
In June 1991, OCTA was formed through the consolidation of seven different agencies that focused on various aspects of transportation across the county. The move to streamline efforts into a single agency allowed for coordination of transportation planning for the county’s growing population, greatly increasing efficiency and saving millions of dollars in taxpayer money by eliminating duplication of efforts. Since then, Orange County residents have gotten to know OCTA, not only by the familiar blue, orange and white logo on OC Buses, but also through the agency’s many efforts to connect them to employment, education, medical needs, and entertainment.
“When you look back at the 30 years OCTA has been in existence, we can take pride in so many accomplishments to improve Orange County’s freeways and streets, provide reliable transit, protect the environment, and so much more,” said OCTA Chairman Andrew Do, also the county’s First District Supervisor. “With the strong support of the public, who overwhelmingly voted to approve Measure M to fund many of those improvements, we will continue to have a bright future with a balanced and sustainable transportation network.”
Back in 1991, Orange County had about 2.4 million residents. Since then, the population has grown by more than 700,000 residents – or approximately 30 percent – and the county has increasingly become an important employment center and tourist destination, making the goal of keeping Orange County moving even more important.
OCTA’s successes would not be possible without the vision and support of local voters, who passed the Measure M half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in 1990 and then renewed it with 70 percent of the vote in 2006. Since then, funds from Measure M, also known as OC Go, have led to a wide range of transportation improvements, with funding help from OCTA’s state and federal partners. Those improvements included:
- Major expansions of Orange County freeways, improving traffic flow on Interstate 5, widened from six to 10 lanes, and improvements to State Routes 55, 22, and 91, among others.
- Metrolink commuter rail was added to Orange County. Prior to 1991, Amtrak was the only passenger rail service, operating one train daily between Los Angeles and San Juan Capistrano. Now OCTA works with Metrolink to fund 54 weekday and 16 weekend trains serving the county.
- Bus transit was expanded and tailored to fit the county’s needs, including nearly 60 routes and 5,400 stops, as well as paratransit. OCTA also piloted microtransit with the OC Flex service and works with cities to provide shuttle services.
- In 2003, OCTA purchased and began operating the 91 Express Lanes, 10 miles of tolled express lanes between Anaheim and Riverside County that give commuters a reliable time-saving transportation option and have led to improvements throughout the 91 freeway corridor.
- More than $1 billion in OC Go funds have gone back to cities and the county for street improvements and local transportation needs.
- More than 3,000 traffic signals have been synchronized, leading to more green lights and more efficient travel.
Just as importantly, OCTA has worked to preserve what makes Orange County such a special place to live by protecting the environment. OCTA has purchased more than 1,300 acres of open space from willing landowners to protect valuable plant and animal life forever. And more than $55 million has been awarded in competitive grants to fund projects that trap and clean up transportation-related pollution before it reaches local waterways, leading to cleaner waterways and oceans.
While taking time to mark the accomplishments of the past 30 years, OCTA, led by its 18-member Board of Directors, continues to look toward a bright transportation future. That includes work on a 16-mile, $2 billion improvement to the I-405 between Costa Mesa and the county’s border with Long Beach, scheduled to be completed in 2023.That same year, OC Streetcar, the county’s first modern, electric streetcar along a 4.1-mile route in Santa Ana and Garden Grove, is also set to open.
“We’ve come a long way in these first three decades,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “While we take a moment to reflect, there’s plenty to be excited about as we look ahead at expanding on OCTA’s accomplishments and keeping our residents, workers, and visitors moving safely and efficiently.”
To see more about OCTA’s first 30 years, visit octa.net/30years.
GET Receives Grant for Zero Emission Buses
Golden Empire Transit announced last month the receipt of the Competitive FY2021 Low or No Emission Bus Grant -- the project title: Golden Empire Transit District Hydrogen Fueling Station in Support of Zero-Emission Buses. The hydrogen fueling station will support GET’s plan to have a fleet of 12 fuel cell electric buses by 2023.
GET received $3,048,000 in federal funds to assist in the construction of a hydrogen fueling facility. The facility will use liquid hydrogen as its source, which is based on a modular design. This provides scalability, allowing for future expansion as GET moves forward acquiring its fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) fleet to meet 2030 zero emission transition goals and complete conversion by 2040 under the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation in California. The deployment of FCEBs is the first step in GET’s strategy to comply with the State of California’s ICT Regulation, which requires all public transit agencies to gradually transition to a 100 percent zero-emission bus fleet by 2040.
“GET is thrilled to be awarded this grant. It is one step closer to a cleaner transit future at GET,” said Karen King, CEO of GET. The Board approved the purchase of five (5) 40-foot Hydrogen Fueled Cell Buses using federal funding. The new buses will replace the 2009 CNG buses that are nearing the end of their useful service life as defined by the FTA.
$85.9 Million Federal Grant Awarded to YCTD to Improve I-80 Corridor in Yolo County
The Yolo County Transportation District (YCTD) in partnership with the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) District 3 was awarded $85.9 Million in United States Department of Transportation Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant funding to improve and expand 17 miles of the Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 corridors in Yolo and Sacramento Counties.
A truly collaborative and coordinated effort, the INFRA application was developed and submitted by YCTD and Caltrans staff, and included extensive support from Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA), YCTD member jurisdictions, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), regional Air Quality Management Districts, Chambers of Commerce, and local private associations and advocacy groups.
The grant funding will be leveraged by the project team to reduce congestion on Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 by creating new managed lanes along 17 miles of highway. New pedestrian and bicycle facility improvements, as well as intelligent transportation system elements such as ramp meters and changeable message signs, will also be installed.
“Yolo County Transportation District has a broad responsibility to act as a congestion management agency in addition to operating Yolobus. This project will reduce congestion on a critical segment of our region’s highways. It will improve on time performance for transit, including the new Causeway Connection service and other Yolobus routes,” said Don Saylor, Yolo County Supervisor and 2021 Chair of Yolo County Transportation District. “We appreciate the active partnerships with Caltrans District 3 and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the leadership of Congressman Garamendi in bringing this funding to our region.”
“This grant award is a major step forward for Caltrans and its partners to develop an innovative project to increase traffic flow and safety, while reducing vehicle emissions along the Interstate 80 corridor,” said Caltrans District 3 Director Amarjeet S. Benipal. “Our goal is to provide multiple options for every traveler ranging from transit bus commuters to bicyclists to carpoolers.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement notice of the grant award can be viewed here.
Friends of the Children-Los Angeles, L.A. Co. Bicycle Coalition, and Metrolink Provide Day of Fun for Foster Families
In a partnership with Friends of the Children-Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and Metrolink, children in foster care and their parents from Palmdale enjoyed an afternoon of touring along historic locations in Newhall.
On June 26, 30 foster children and family members participated in a scooter tour of the Walk of Western Stars that honors legends of Western film, television and radio who have contributed to America’s heritage in Old Town Newhall. The adventure began with a ride on the Metrolink Antelope Valley line to the Newhall Station. Upon detraining, the group was met by the Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition for their days’ trek. Participants were provided with a complimentary Lime scooter for the tour.
After a 45-minute tour, the families enjoyed lunch at Newhall Park, sponsored by Bucca di Beppo restaurant and Earle Enterprises.
“For a young person, spending a carefree day enjoying the outdoors with an adult can be a life-changing event and especially so for children in the foster care system,” said Friends of the Children-Los Angeles Executive Director Thomas Lee. “Our goal is to support children and parents impacted by foster care, and a day of fun goes a long way toward helping families bond.”
The families rode back to the Metrolink Newhall Station for the return to Palmdale.
On July 10, 40 foster children and their families from Central Los Angeles boarded a Metrolink train at historic Union Station for the one-hour trip to Claremont. Lime scooters were provided for a 45-minute ride through the Claremont Colleges and the Claremont Village with a lunch waiting at Cahuilla Park. After lunch, the families returned to the Claremont Station for the return trip to Union Station.
“Introducing young people to the fun of physical activity can start a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle and good habits,” said Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Senior Director, Policy and Partnerships Kevin Shin. “These trips might be the impetus for a young person to open his or her horizons to future success.”
Metrolink supports organizations such as Friends of the Children-Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition through its Metrolink Cares initiative.
“Demonstrating to families in the foster care system that there are people who care and can help them could be enough to get them through the rough patches that we all face,” said Metrolink Interim CEO Arnold Hackett. “Facilitating this day of fun is a simple gesture, but it means we care.”
Metrolink Cares partners with community-based groups to mentor young people at risk of falling into a life of gangs and violence, trains persons with developmental disabilities to connect with employment opportunities, and assists fundraising efforts to improve health and wellness for all people.