July 2, 2024
Library and Community Services
DATE: July 2, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager of Community
Services
Lori Reese, Project Manager
Subject:
Agreements with Lyft Inc. and UBER Inc. to Provide
Transportation Services to Ambulatory Richmond
Paratransit Riders
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The revenue for the service agreements will come from Measure J, a revenue allocated by the Contra Costa
Transportation Authority (CCTA), that is received
annually to support Richmond paratransit service and
clients residing in North Richmond, Kensington and El
Sobrante (Account string: 10385051-400201).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The proposed Service Agreements with Lyft Inc. and
UBER Inc. will support transporting ambulatory
Paratransit clients to their trip destinations while allowing Richmond Paratransit drivers to serve non-ambulatory
(wheelchair / ADA) clients.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the service agreements with Lyft, Inc., and
UBER Inc. to provide transportation services for
ambulatory (non- wheelchair) Paratransit clients in an
amount not to exceed $200,000 annually for each
vendor, for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027, with an option for two additional one-year extensions at $200,000 for each option year per vendor – Community Services Department (LaShonda
White 510-620-6828 / Lori Reese 510-620-6512).
AGENDA
REPORT
July 2, 2024
DISCUSSION:
Since 1976, the mission of the R-Transit service is to provide a safe and reliable transportation service for seniors (55 and older), and disabled individuals to improve their access to community services and activities, to decrease social isolation, and to enhance their abilities to live independently.
Since 2019, the City has contracted with Lyft Inc. to provide on-demand, non-ADA transportation services for Richmond paratransit (aka “R-Transit”) clients through a pre- scheduled and dial-a-ride service that operates 24/7 to better assist clients with mobility and travel options while reducing travel times and costs. The existing contract with LYFT Inc. expires on June 30, 2024
The service agreement has long supported R-Transit clients and City staff with scheduling rides more conveniently. Using the Lyft app has assisted our clients with scheduling rides and not having the burden of being charged for cancelling rides.
Within minutes a ride is dispatched to pick-up clients, allowing them to travel to and from their destinations in minutes.
In April 2024, City staff released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to seek proposals from qualified transportation firms to provide ride-share services 24/7 for West County residents that qualify for the Richmond paratransit service. On May 3, 2024, the City received two (2) proposals from qualified entities – Lyft, Inc. and UBER Inc.
On June 3, 2024, a panel consisting of City staff and Richmond Commission on Aging members interviewed Lyft Inc. and UBER Inc. for providing ongoing rideshare service over the next five years. Both vendors submitted responsive proposals and shared their experience in providing rideshare services for Richmond residents. Therefore, the panel recommended both firms to allow clients choices. City staff believe both services would be effective for ensuring clients have supportive travel options and would be a cost saving. The service agreements will continue to be available 24/7, and those clients who have used the existing LYFT service would continue to benefit but also have the option of using UBER if they prefer.
The attached Service Agreements are for a three-year term, with the option of annual extensions for up to a total of five years (June 2029). The benefits of the Service Agreements allow staff to assess if the service is effective for our clients, and the benefits of reducing single occupancy vehicular emissions.
The Service Agreement terms provide the following benefits:
1. Commuter benefit to use pre-tax dollars toward monthly commuting expenses.
2. Free rides for client assistants (those who travel with the client)
3. Shorter Estimated Arrival time (ETA)
4. Cost savings for the client and the city
5. 24 / 7 service days (includes holidays)
July 2, 2024
ADA clients will also receive cost-saving benefits and will also have the option of pre- scheduling trips to certain destinations in Martinez, CA (VA Hospital, County Government building and the County Hospital). Both services will also provide travel training to ensure clients are well equipped and understand how to use the system.
City staff will monitor the contract limits for both vendors and will return to City Council to adjust each vendor’s contract amount based on rider interest, if needed. In addition, City staff will review and monitor ridership data and feedback to ensure participant satisfaction with both programs.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Service Agreement with Lyft Inc.
Attachment 2 – Service Agreement with Uber Inc.
Attachment 3 – Request for Proposals for Paratransit Rideshare Services Attachment 4 – Lyft Rideshare Proposal
Attachment 5 – Uber Rideshare Proposal