December 17, 2024
Library and Community Services
DATE: December 17, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager – Community
Services
Lori Reese-Brown, Project Manager
Subject:
Second Amended Contract between the City of Richmond
and Trans Metro Inc. for On-Call Paratransit Services
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The contract will be funded through Measure J allocations designated for paratransit services in West Contra Costa County (Fund 1003). Measure J funds are
disbursed biannually by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and are earmarked for transit services supporting seniors and disabled individuals. Funds are
specifically allocated for use by transit providers serving qualified residents in the incorporated and
unincorporated areas of West County.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
September 12, 2023
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The contract between the City of Richmond and Trans
Metro Inc. (TMI) is the second amended contract to
increase the contract amount for the continuation of
ridership support to reduce service gaps in ridership for residents in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of West Contra Costa County.
AGENDA
REPORT
December 17, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the second amended contract with Trans
Metro Inc. (TMI), to support paratransit van services for seniors and individuals with disabilities residing in
Richmond and in municipalities in West County, in an
amount not to exceed $140,000, for a total contract
amount not to exceed $400,000, extending the term
through December 31, 2025 - Community Services
(LaShonda White 510-620-6828/ Lori Reese 510-620-
6869).
DISCUSSION:
Since its inception in 1976, the mission of the R-Transit paratransit service has been to offer safe, reliable transportation to seniors (aged 55 and older) and disabled individuals (aged 18 and older). This service supports individuals’ access to community services and activities, promoting their ability to live independently.
Since March 2018, R-Transit users have been able to utilize LYFT services under a partnership between the City and LYFT, providing riders with multiple transportation options—LYFT, paratransit vans, and Richmond RIDES—to accommodate various travel needs. The LYFT contract was renewed in 2023 to continue these options. For personal and medical appointments, clients may select between LYFT and the City’s paratransit service. Due to the limited number of available City van drivers, clients have increasingly been encouraged to use LYFT. However, as Measure J funding requires annual reporting of ridership data, the City has determined that certain residents in incorporated and unincorporated areas have been underserved. Consequently, the City must provide evidence of outreach and service to eligible residents in these areas to comply with Measure J guidelines.
In April 2023, the city released a Request for Proposals (RFP) twice to seek qualified firms. A selection panel, including Councilmember Zepeda, two members of the Richmond Commission on Aging, and one City staff member reviewed and evaluated the proposals. Trans Metro Inc. received the highest ranking.
The original contract term began on September 13, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
The first amendment extended the contract through December 31, 2024, slightly amended the scope to remove outreach services, and increased the contract by $10,000. The second amendment will increase the contract by $140,000 and extend the term to December 31, 2025. The contract with Trans Metro Inc. will enhance the City’s compliance with Measure J requirements, support the Paratransit Coordinating Council (PCC) recommendations, and fulfill the CCTA’s standards for funding approval. Trans Metro Inc. will supplement the efforts of the City’s two paratransit drivers by providing service across five cities to promote existing services and potentially increase ridership.
December 17, 2024
The amended contract will ensure adherence to Measure J guidelines, and adequate service for users. Trans Metro Inc.’s services will also provide essential coverage during periods when City van drivers are unavailable (e.g., due to vacation or sick leave).
The approval of this contract with Trans Metro Inc. represents a strategic step toward meeting the transportation needs of Richmond’s senior and disabled residents, ensuring continuity and accessibility in paratransit services. By supplementing existing services, the partnership will allow the City to meet its Measure J obligations while supporting the independence and mobility of qualified users in West Contra Costa County. The collaboration with Trans Metro Inc. will enhance service capacity, strengthen compliance with regulatory guidelines, and ensure a reliable transportation network that adapts to the needs of our community.
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
The policies that support this request are found in the City’s General Plan Climate Action Plan and the Circulation Element where it states as follows:
“Richmond is served by a modern, interconnected, multimodal transportation system.
The city builds on its role as a regional transportation hub, connecting people to destinations throughout the Bay Area and maintaining efficient movement of goods through port and rail operations. Richmond’s circulation system links key regional destinations via convenient freeway access, a trail system, public transportation services including bus (AC Transit), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and train (Amtrak).
A bustling ferry terminal provides means for all Richmond residents to travel to and from San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations. Richmond’s grid-based network of streets balances modes of travel, supports pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, transit accessibility and a smooth flow of vehicular traffic. The city is easily navigable with clear directional signage and barrier-free links connecting all neighborhoods. Many residents rely on walking, bicycling and transit. These travel options are supported by attractive streetscapes, pedestrian amenities, connected hubs and reliable bus service.
Crosswalks, sidewalks, traffic calming features, multimodal trails and designated bike routes further provide safe and comfortable conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.”
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Trans Metro Fully Executed Contract (Original Contract) Attachment 2 – Trans Metro Contract Amendment No. 1 ($10,000) Attachment 3 – Trans Metro Contract Amendment No. 2 ($140,000)