RESOLUTION NO. _____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND,
CALIFORNIA URGING THE CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE BILL 917
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WHEREAS, the San Francisco Bay Area, despite being an exceptional place to live, faces an uncertain future due to several interrelated crises : decreasing housing affordability ; increasing congestion; rising pollution; widening inequality; and the COVID -19 public health crisis , all of which are exacerbated by an inadequate and poorly performing public transportation system; and
WHEREAS, despite billions of dollars of investments in new transportation infrastructure over the past five decades, public transit in the Bay Area has failed to attract large numbers of new riders and has never been used by more than 12% of the population for commute trips since 1970, and by contrast, automobiles have always been used for over 75% of commute trips; and
WHEREAS, the quality of and usage of public transit in the Bay Area has declined in recent years, with transit trips per capita declining by 10%, average bus speeds declining by 9%, and transit commute times increasing by 11% between 2001 and 2016; and
WHEREAS, the California Air Resources Board reported in 2018 that no California regions, including the Bay Area, are on track to meet their greenhouse gas reduction targets, with increasing Vehicle Miles Traveled and declines in transit ridership cited as primary factors; and
WHEREAS, using public transit in the Bay Area is inconvenient and costly for many types of trips, requiring riders to use multiple transit systems operated independently with little coordination, pay multiple separate fares , experience unpredictable transfers, and navigate different wayfinding systems and brand identities; and
WHEREAS, low-income people, many of whom have experienced displacement and have long commutes requiring multiple transit services, are among the most adversely affected by the Bay Area’s poorly integrated public transportation system, experiencing a significant financial burden from needing to pay multiple transit fares or being forced into costly vehicle ownership; and
WHEREAS, regions with high -ridership public transportation systems are, by contrast, characterized by highly integrated networks of quality local and regional transit services that make traveling without a private automobile convenient and easy for all types of trips, featuring: aligned routes and s chedules; coordinated transfers ; high quality transit hubs ; common branding and customer information; and other common regional customer experience standards; and
WHEREAS, regions that successfully integrated and simplified transit fares have experienced many broad social benefits, including a shift in travel from private cars to public transit, an increase in overall public transit usage, and expanded mobility options and cost savings for riders; and
WHEREAS, a well-functioning and coordinated transit system plays a critical role in supporting public health and safety during an emergency, with 31% of Bay Area essential workers relying on public transit to get to work, and an economic recovery; and
WHEREAS, during and in the aftermath of major disruptions to our transit system, close coordination among agencies facilitates prioritization of the most critical needs, efficient deployment of resources, and clear communication to customers; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond affirms commitment to working colla boratively with state agencies, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, municipalities, and other public agencies to develop a highly integrated regional transportation system that provides convenient, seamless, and affordable transit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Richmond City Council urges the California State Legislature to enact without delay California State Senate Bill 917; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution shall be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Nancy Skinner, and Assembly Member Buffy Wicks.
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held __________ by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
Mayor
Approved as to form:
Interim City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. XX-XX, finally passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on __________.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond