FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM #18
MEETING DATE July 17, 2024
PREPARED FOR Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY Heather Abrams, Town Manager and Christine Foster, Deputy Town Clerk SUBJECT Authorize the Mayor to Send a Letter of Support for Marin Transit’s Applications for Regional Measure 3 (RM3) North Bay Transit Access Improvements Grants.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Town Council authorize the Mayor to send this letter of support for Marin Transit’s RM3 grant applications.
BACKGROUND
Marin Transit, alongside SMART and Golden Gate Transit, is eligible for RM3 transit capital project funds in Marin County. These funds are allocated by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) with recommendations from the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM). The projects for which Marin Transit is applying include:
1. Marin County Priority Bus Stop Improvements
2. Fixed Route Electric Vehicle Charging and Maintenance Facility
3. Local Matching Funds for Transit Bus Replacements
DISCUSSION
The proposed projects align with the goals of improving local transit infrastructure and sustainability:
1. Bus Stop Improvements: Enhancing bus stops will make them safer and more accessible, encouraging more residents to use public transit, thereby reducing traffic congestion and emissions.
2. Electric Vehicle Charging and Maintenance Facility: This facility is crucial for transitioning Marin Transit’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles, promoting long-term environmental sustainability.
3. Transit Bus Replacements: Securing matching funds for new buses will maintain fleet reliability and support the transition to a zero-emission fleet, which is vital for achieving community greenhouse gas reduction goals.
These projects support the broader community by improving transit services for seniors, people with disabilities, youth, commuters, and low-income populations.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. The letter of support does not involve any direct financial commitment from the Town of Fairfax.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft letter of support for Marin Transit’s RM3 applications.
T O W N O F F A I R F A X
142 BOLINAS ROAD, FAIRFAX, CALIFORNIA 94930
PHONE (415) 453 - 1584 / FAX (415) 453 - 1618
July 19, 2024
David Chan
Transportation Authority of Marin
900 Fifth Ave, #100
San Rafael CA 94901
Email: [email protected]
Re: Marin Transit’s RM3 Applications
Dear Mr. Chan,
The Town of Fairfax serves approximately 7,500 people and is the gateway to West Marin County. I am writing to express support for Marin Transit’s three (3) applications for Regional Measure 3 (RM 3) funding: Marin County Priority Bus Stop Improvements, Fixed Route Electric Vehicle Charging and Maintenance Facility, and Local Matching Funds for Transit Bus Replacements. We support funding additional bus stop improvements in the County. Improvements to bus stops in our community benefit all residents and transit riders by making stops more attractive, safe, accessible, and comfortable. By providing more inviting and updated bus stops, more riders are likely to choose transit, which encourages a reduction in congestion and vehicle emissions.
We support providing matching funds to Marin Transit’s $31.5 million grant to build a Fixed Route Electric Vehicle Charging and Maintenance Facility. This project allows Marin Transit to build the infrastructure needed to convert their fleet to zero emission vehicles and ensures the sustainability of local transit in Marin County.
We support providing matching funds to Marin Transit for upcoming vehicle replacement projects. New buses ensure the fleet’s state of good repair and the reliability of service to work, school, shopping and recreation sites. These funds will help Marin Transit transition to a zero-emission fleet and achieve our community’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
These projects are vital to ensure ongoing reliable local transit operations, investment in public infrastructure, and address the growing needs of seniors, people with disabilities, youth, commuters, and low-income and minority populations who rely on Marin Transit programs and services.
Thank you for your full and fair consideration of these very important projects.
Sincerely,
Barbara Coler, Mayor
Town of Fairfax