May 6, 2025
Library and Community Services
DATE: May 6, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager – Community Services Gabino Arredondo, Project Manager
Subject:
Third amended contract between the City of Richmond and Trans Metro Inc. for on-call paratransit services
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The contract amendment 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
December 17, 2024
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The contract between the City of Richmond and Trans Metro Inc. (TMI) is the third amended contract to increase the contract amount and extend the termination date 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
May 6, 2025
RECOMMENDED
ACTION:
APPROVE the third amended contract with Trans Metro Inc., 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 $250,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $650,000, and extend the
contract term through June 30, 2026 - Community Services (LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
DISCUSSION:
Since its inception in 1976, the mission of Richmond’s paratransit service, branded R- Transit, has been to offer safe, reliable transportation to seniors (aged 55 and older) and individuals with disabilities (aged 18 and older). This service supports individuals’ access to community services and activities, promoting their ability to live independently. The program utilizes wheelchair accessible vans operated by both city staff and a contractor – Trans Metro, Inc.. Van ridership for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 is projected to be 2,700. In 2018, the City added a ride-hailing service through Lyft with ridership for FY 2024-25 projected to be 25,000 (in May 2025, clients will also have access to Uber).
In April 2023, the City released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek qualified firms to provide on-call wheelchair accessible van service. Trans Metro Inc. received the highest ranking and began providing on-call services to support the City’s two (2) full-time drivers on an as-needed basis. Trans Metro’s services provide essential coverage during periods when City van drivers are unavailable (e.g., due to vacation or sick leave or City holidays) or busy with their own routes.
Trans Metro’s 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 not to exceed amount by $10,000, for a total amount not to exceed $260,000. The second amendment increased the contract by $140,000, for a total amount not to exceed $400,000 and extended the term to December 31, 2025. The third amendment to the contract will increase the contract not to exceed amount by $250,000, for a total amount not to exceed $650,000 and extend the term to June 30, 2026.
May 6, 2025
Paratransit Performance Improvement Plan
At its February 21, 2024 meeting, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board approved funding an audit of the City’s Paratransit program. The audit findings validated the need for a Performance Improvement Plan and for the City to make significant changes to its delivery of Paratransit services. On May 20, 2024, the Paratransit Coordinating Council (PCC) approved the audit and recommendations, and on June 12, 2024, the CCTA Board approved the draft audit report including recommendations.
On July 20, 2024, the City provided CCTA the required letter citing its interest and intent to continue operating its paratransit program. In August 2024, the City submitted a draft Performance Improvement Plan addressing the recommendations of the audit. On October 1, 2024, Richmond City Council acknowledged receipt of the audit recommendations, and approved the Paratransit Performance Improvement Plan and a cap of 20 percent for Cost Pool expense to the FY24/25 program in line with audit recommendations.
In November and December 2024, respectively, the PCC and CCTA Board approved Richmond’s Paratransit Service Performance Improvement Plan, and the Paratransit Service Plan Review: Requirements and Metrics. Together, these documents serve to detail the condition of continued Measure J Program 15 funding. In December 2024, the CCTA Board also approved the release of ~$1.1 million in funding to support Richmond’s paratransit program for FY 2024-25. On May 2, 2025, the City submitted its Measure J Program claim form for continued funding for FY 2056-26, which aligns with the proposed end date of the Trans Metro contract amendment.
Next Steps for Richmond’s Paratransit Program
During the paratransit performance improvement period (January – December 2025), City staff is evaluating service delivery models and implementing strategies that are strengthening the paratransit program. The contract with Trans Metro Inc. will enhance the City’s compliance with Measure J requirements, support recommendations from the PCC and CCTA, 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 to promote existing services and potentially increase ridership.
During the calendar year 2025 performance improvement period, City staff will (1) analyze the continued need for the contract with Trans Metro (through improvements, paratransit is currently reducing its need for on-call services), (2) provide monthly and quarterly updates to CCTA, (3) release a new RFP for on-call, as-needed paratransit
May 6, 2025
services to supplement City services, if deemed necessary, and (4) provide a comprehensive update on paratransit services to City Council in September 2025, after City Council returns from recess and the City has completed the first six months of the performance improvement plan period.
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 paratransit users. 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) Attachment 4 – Trans Metro Contract Amendment No. 3 ($250,000)