TRANSPAC Committee Meeting Summary Minutes
MEETING DATE:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
GUESTS/PRESENTERS:
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
April 11, 2024
Sue Noack (Chair), Pleasant Hill; Carlyn Obringer
(Vice Chair); Peter Cloven, Clayton; Concord; Loella
Haskew, Walnut Creek; Ken Carlson, Contra Costa
County
Abhishek Parikh, Concord; Ryan McClain, Pleasant
Hill; Smadar Boardman, Walnut Creek; Melody
Reebs, County Connection; Jamar Stamps, Contra
Costa County; Kamala Parks, BART; Matt Todd,
TRANSPAC; Tiffany Gephart, TRANSPAC; Irina
Nalitkina, TRANSPAC
Kristen Riker, 511 Contra Costa, Ying Smith, CCTA;
Elaine Welch, Mobility Matters; Jeff Matheson,
Rossmoor; Debbie Toth, Choice in
Aging; Holly Tillman, Choice in Aging; John
Sanderson, County Connection; Jack Hall,
CCTA; Robert Sarmiento, Contra Costa County
Irina Nalitkina
1. Convene Regular Meeting / Pledge of Allegiance / Self-Introductions Chair Noack called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
2. Public Comment
There were no comments from the public.
3. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes:
x Minutes of the March 14, 2023, TRANSPAC Board Meeting. b. CCTA Executive Director’s Report Regarding CCTA Actions/Discussion Items. c. Items Approved by The CCTA For Circulation to the Regional Transportation Planning Committees and Related Items of Interest.
d. RTPC meeting summary letters.
e. CCTA Meeting Updates and Countywide Information Links.
On a motion by Commissioner Haskew seconded by Commissioner Cloven to approve the consent agenda by unanimous vote of the members present (Noack, Haskew, Obringer, Carlson, Cloven).
End Consent Agenda
4. TRANSPAC Workplan for Fiscal Year 2023/2024.
Matt Todd discussed the start of the annual work plan and budget process. The aim is to wrap up the work plan and budget by June. Mr. Todd also mentioned the need to set a closed session date for the annual review of his position and the public employee performance evaluation. He suggested holding this session at 8:30 a.m. before the standard May meeting date and then starting the open session at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Todd commented that he will be distributing forms to the Chair to facilitate the evaluation process.
Mr. Todd noted that the work plan is set to include the accessible transportation strategic plan, which has been gaining attention recently. Commissioner Obringer requested that an item related to the Concord Naval Weapon Station development be added. Additionally, Mr. Todd suggested including the 511 / Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) funding process.
Commissioner Noack and Commissioner Haskew expressed support for including the accessible transportation plan, highlighting its importance and the organization's efforts in making transportation more accessible. There were no further comments from the Board.
5. Measure J Line 20a FUNDS PROGRAM – FY 2024/2025 AND FY 2025/2026 Tiffany Gephart provided an update regarding the scoring committee's progress. She explained that the committee is in the process of scheduling its final meeting. The goal of the meeting is to prepare a draft recommendation for review.
Ms. Gephart introduced Measure J Line 20a grant applicants from the Golden Rain Foundation/Rossmoor, Mobility Matters, Choice in Aging and County Connection.
Golden Rain Foundation/Rossmoor
Jeff Matheson introduced himself as the general manager for the Golden Rain Foundation, which manages the Rossmoor community, a gated private senior community in Walnut Creek. The community has approximately 9,600 residents, all over the age of 55, with an average age of 77.
The community is known for its amenities and affordability compared to other areas in the East Bay, with an average household income of $75,000 to $100,000.
Rossmoor provides a mix of housing options and is known for its shared cost system, where residents pay a monthly fee that covers amenities and services, including a transportation system. Mr. Matheson explained that the transit system does not charge fares; instead, residents pay a monthly fee to support its operation. The system, which has been supported by Measure J funds since 2013, includes a downtown service that connects residents to downtown Walnut Creek, BART, medical facilities, and other services.
Mr. Matheson discussed the transition to a dial-a-bus service during COVID-19, which allows for more efficient and direct service. He also mentioned the challenges faced during COVID-19, such as staff shortages, but noted that the system is starting to stabilize. In 2024, Rossmoor plans to update its transit plan to evaluate the most efficient way to provide service.
The request for support includes $115,000 per year for the next cycle to continue the downtown service, which is estimated to serve just under 30,000 one-way trips annually at an average cost of about $48 per passenger. The conversation included questions from others about the community, transportation options, and future plans for autonomous vehicle partnerships.
Commissioner Noack expressed her excitement about the introduction of autonomous vehicles in the community. Mr. Matheson agreed that the new autonomous shuttle would be a promising addition and mentioned the ongoing partnership with CCTA to bring the shuttle to the community. He anticipated that it would be an interesting and beneficial collaboration.
Commissioner Carlson asked for an update on the number of riders using the transit system, particularly focusing on the downtown service (formerly known as the Green Line). Mr. Matheson responded that the current ridership was in the range of 25,000 to 27,000. He explained that while the transit system faced challenges during the pandemic, such as staffing issues, the numbers were on the rise, and he expected the next cycle to serve close to 30,000 trips to the downtown area.
Commissioner Obringer inquired about the percentage of residents who owned a vehicle versus those who relied on the shuttle. Mr. Matheson did not have precise statistics on the number of residents who no longer drive but emphasized the importance of the shuttle service in helping seniors maintain their independence and continue living in the community. He estimated that about 2,400 residents currently use the system.
Commissioner Haskew commented on the range of incomes within the community, noting that some residents seem to be comfortable while others require outside assistance to manage financially. Mr. Matheson acknowledged that Rossmoor faces challenges due to rising costs, particularly for homeowners' association fees and insurance. He added that these increases have made affordable housing more difficult to find, impacting residents' ability to afford living in the community.
Mobility Matters
Elaine Welch, CEO of Mobility Matters, presented an overview of the nonprofit's work in Contra Costa County. For 20 years, Mobility Matters has been providing transportation services to seniors aged 60 and older and disabled veterans. The organization helps its clients age in place and avoid nursing homes by providing transportation to medical appointments and essential services like grocery shopping. The average age of their clients is 85, with some over 100 years old.
Ms. Welch highlighted the organization's recent move to a safer location in Walnut Creek after their previous building in Lafayette began to slide down a creek, causing concern for their safety.
The move increased their rent significantly, posing a financial challenge.
Mobility Matters has six staff members and a growing number of volunteers, currently at 179, who provide free transportation to approximately 100 homebound seniors and veterans each year. Their services are crucial for those with no other means of transportation and rely on Mobility Matters for their independence and quality of life.
Ms. Welch discussed the challenges of providing escorted transportation, particularly for postanesthesia patients, and the importance of ensuring clients' safety during their rides. Mobility Matters is the only county-wide volunteer program offering door-through-door escorted transport for free, making it a vital service for the community.
Ms. Welch also mentioned the organization's efforts to implement emergency plans for each client, including connections with local fire and police departments, to ensure their safety during emergencies. Additionally, the organization provides clients with weather radios to help them stay informed during power outages.
In conclusion, Ms. Welch expressed gratitude for the community's support and emphasized the importance of their work in maintaining the independence and well-being of vulnerable populations in the county.
Choice in Aging
Debbie Toth is the president and CEO of Choice in Aging, a nonprofit organization that serves a diverse range of people, including seniors, disabled individuals, and children. The organization creates opportunities for individuals to age with dignity and independence within the community. Choice in Aging also focuses on intergenerational programming to promote understanding and respect among different age groups.
Ms. Toth highlighted the history and mission of Choice in Aging, emphasizing the inadequacy of existing transportation services for the older adults they serve. The organization advocates for better access to services, including transportation that is more suited to the needs of frail individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
Through the Community Connect program, Choice in Aging has been able to provide transportation services for older adults and individuals with disabilities, taking them off existing paratransit services and significantly reducing travel times. This allows participants to access adult day healthcare, intergenerational programming, health services, and social services more efficiently.
Choice in Aging faces challenges in staffing and is working to fill key positions, particularly drivers.
However, they have made progress in addressing staffing issues and are working towards providing continuous support and services to the community.
Commissioner Obringer asked Ms. Toth how many unique individuals Choice in Aging serves annually. Ms. Toth explained that prior to the pandemic, the organization served around 10 people daily at the adult day healthcare program, with approximately 40 to 60 unique individuals each year. The same applied to the shopping shuttle, though the program has expanded to Martinez since the pandemic.
Ms. Toth mentioned that their census is currently lower, serving around 30 to 40 people daily at the adult day healthcare program compared to 60 to 70 people before the pandemic. They are working to rebuild their capacity, expecting to serve around 6 or 7 individuals daily, with the goal of reaching ten by the end of the year.
Commissioner Obringer inquired about the locations served by Choice in Aging midday shopping shuttle. Ms. Toth stated that the organization serves Concord and Martinez. In Concord, they provide services to multiple facilities, including The Heritage Downtown, On Broadway, and The Carlton, focusing on independent living residents. In Martinez, they serve a low-income housing complex called Alhambra Palms, which houses a fragile population, including those who were formerly homeless or require skilled nursing care.
Ms. Toth also noted that Choice in Aging used to receive funding from the City of Concord's Community Development Block Grant program and the senior center, but they no longer receive this funding. Nonetheless, the organization continues to provide the Concord shopping shuttle without funding from the City of Concord.
County Connection
John Sanderson, director of ADA and specialized services for County Connection, emphasized the importance of rural lifeline transportation and the need for the group's support in continuing this service.
Mr. Sanderson provided an overview of paratransit, explaining that it was designed in 1990 to complement fixed-route bus service and is meant to be fair but not necessarily comfortable.
Paratransit rides cost riders $5, while the actual cost is around $73 per trip.
Mr. Sanderson highlighted the evolution of paratransit during the pandemic, including the introduction of the one-seat ride program that facilitated cross-border trips without requiring riders to change vehicles. This program involves cooperation between County Connection, WestCAT, Tri Delta Transit, and LAVTA.
Despite these advancements, Mr. Sanderson noted the ongoing challenges, particularly in providing services to rural and unincorporated areas. He asked for support to continue offering trips outside of their typical service area, which could serve as a demonstration of what is possible in expanding paratransit services.
The cost of providing out-of-area trips is an additional $30 per trip, and Mr. Sanderson noted that the hope is to use this program as a springboard to improve paratransit services across the county, further enabling them to operate without service area limitations.
Commissioner Obringer inquired about how the transportation program is being funded and whether other RTPCs are allocating their funds similarly. Mr. Sanderson explained that the trips are provided within the TRANSPAC service area and emphasized his hope that TRANSPAC's support would influence other RTPCs to follow suit. He noted TRANSPAC's process of a Measure J Line 20a call for projects is unique among RTPCs and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present.
Commissioner Carlson asked for more details on the number of trips and how they are promoting the program. Mr. Sanderson explained they provide about two to three trips per day, totaling 50- 70 trips per month, mostly to isolated rural areas like Morgan Territory and Alhambra Valley. The program serves these limited areas, and the costs are kept in check as much as possible.
Commissioner Cloven noted the cost discrepancy between the actual cost of $73 per ride and the $5 fare, which Mr. Sanderson attributed to federal law limiting fares to twice the fixed route fare.
The cost difference is due to the significant expenses associated with providing paratransit services, including labor and vehicles. Mr. Sanderson emphasized the challenges of providing this service due to the high costs involved.
Commissioner Obringer asked Mr. Sanderson about the nature of the paratransit service and the type of support provided. Mr. Sanderson clarified that while they offer assistance from the door to the vehicle, they cannot accompany riders beyond the ground floor of a building due to the nature of the service, which is a shared ride.
Commissioner Noack and Mr. Todd also offered comments and questions regarding the cost per trip and the history of Measure J funding. Mr. Todd elaborated on how the different RTPCs apply
various approaches in allocating their Measure J funding, with TRANSPAC focusing on paratransit as its priority.
6. Travel Demand Management 2.0 and CCTA Transportation Fund for Clean Air Policy.
Mr. Todd introduced the item and Ying Smith discussed the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and 511 programs, focusing on what they accomplish and how to keep them running and funded through the Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) program.
Ms. Smith provided an overview of her role at CCTA and the programs she oversees, including funding for bus operations and services for seniors and disabled individuals. She explained the need to demonstrate tangible benefits such as trip and emission reductions for the funded programs. The proposed TFCA policy will include a call for projects and seeks to ensure geographic equity by balancing countywide and subregional projects. Countywide projects are designed to benefit all residents, while subregional projects cater to local needs and priorities.
The discussion included a timeline for implementing the new policy, including a call for projects, evaluation, prioritization, and approval processes. The discussion touched on the need to maintain the 511 Contra Costa brand and allocate funding fairly across all sub-regions.
Kirsten Riker discussed the plans for new ideas in transportation demand management (TDM) and air quality improvement. She highlighted some ongoing programs they plan to keep, such as the popular "Pass2Class" program. She also mentions the Street Smarts Diablo program, the ebike rebate program, and the school bus program in Swat, which have separate funding.
Ms. Riker introduced a new program idea called the "$511 Spare the Air Transit Challenge". This program includes a $511 prize for a transit rider each week and aims to replace some existing incentives.
Ms. Riker discussed the benefits of the new program, including verifiable trip data, potential for increased transit ridership, and support for transitioning from plastic Clipper cards to mobile Clipper usage. The program offers incentives for existing and new transit users and also supports seasonal programs such as Bike to Work Day, back-to-school carpool promotion, and walking and biking challenges.
Commissioner Obringer expressed gratitude for the continuation of the e-bike rebate program but asked whether there is data on which parts of the county, particularly in the Concord area and the Monument community, are benefiting from the program. Ms. Riker responded that they have robust data on the program. She mentioned that the program has offered varying rebate amounts for different income levels and regions, such as the Monument corridor, which has taken advantage of the program that is wrapping up in May.
Commissioner Obringer then asked about the program's future plans and the approval process.
She and others, including Commissioner Carlson and Commissioner Noack, discussed the policy and its impact on equity across different regions, sub-regions, and county-wide projects. They expressed concerns about balancing cost-effectiveness and supporting beneficial community programs. The conversation also touched on the need to evaluate projects on a case-by-case basis, as well as consider cost-effectiveness while preserving innovative approaches and community benefits.
Ultimately, the discussion highlighted the challenges in balancing various priorities, such as equitable funding distribution, cost-effectiveness, and support for community-oriented projects.
The conversation concluded with an agreement to continue at a later meeting.
7. Innovate 680 – Automated Driving System Project Status Update Due to scheduling constraints, this item will be carried forward to a future meeting.
8. TRANSPAC CCTA Representative Reports.
During the meeting, Commissioner Noack discussed several topics related to transportation legislation and upcoming projects. She discussed SB 1031, the now merged Senate Bill that will enable MTC to release a measure for transportation starting as early as 2026. This bill merged the transportation funding bill authored by Senator Wiener with a bill introduced by Senator Wahab, creating a required consolidation plan and follow-up requirements.
Commissioner Noack also mentioned her involvement in discussions about the distribution of funds, emphasizing the need for sufficient return to source funding to handle safe streets and first and last mile projects within counties. The bill is in its third or fourth version and continues to be fine-tuned.
Commissioner Carlson inquired about the bill's progress in committees, and Commissioner Noack confirmed that the bill will be reviewed in upcoming committee meetings, including transportation and revenue and taxation.
9. Metropolitan Transportation Commission Report.
10. TAC Oral Reports by Jurisdiction
No comments from the TAC.
11. Board member Comments
No comments from the Board
12. Managing Director’s Report
Tiffany Gephart informed the group about an upcoming closure on I-680 southbound scheduled for April 26 through the 29th, between I-580/I-680 connector in Pleasanton and State Route 84 in Sunol.
13. Adjourn / Next Meeting The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. The next regular meeting will be held on May 9, 2024, at the City of Pleasant Hill Large Community Room – 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Remote teleconferencing information for members of the public will be included in the posted meeting materials.