RESOLUTION NO. RES-2023-154
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AUTHORIZING CONTINUED PARTICIPATION AND INCREASED DISCOUNT IN THE CLIPPER START PILOT PROGRAM, REQUESTING PROGRAM FUNDS FROM METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION FOR THE CLIPPER START PROGRAM AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the regional transportation planning agency for the San Francisco Bay Area pursuant to Government Code Section 66500 et seq.; and WHEREAS, transit affordability has been highlighted as a regional issue in MTC’s Coordinated Plan, Plan Bay Area and other plans; and WHEREAS, MTC has established the regional framework for the Regional Means-Based Transit Fare Pilot Program to improve transit affordability and access to opportunity for eligible low-income residents; and WHEREAS, MTC has adopted a regional framework for the program, with participating operators, funding guidelines, and program conditions, pursuant to MTC Resolution No. 4320, Revised; and WHEREAS, MTC plans to extend the Clipper START Pilot program for an additional 24-month period ending June 30, 2025; and WHEREAS, MTC used the process and criteria set forth in Attachment A of Resolution No. 4439 to program funds appropriated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for the expansion of Clipper START Pilot to operators (Cohort 2) beyond the four (Cohort 1) operators as established in Resolution No. 4420; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Rosa has followed its Board-adopted fare policies and processes to be in compliance with Title VI analysis prior to implementing the Means-Based Fare Program; and WHEREAS, the Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the City Council authorize a resolution of support for the City of Santa Rosa to continue to participate in the Regional Means-Based Fare Program (Clipper START), to be funded in part under the Regional Means-Based Fare Program; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Rosa agrees to meet project delivery and obligation deadlines, comply with funding conditions placed on the receipt of funds allocated to the Regional Means-Based Fare Program (Clipper START), and satisfy all other conditions set forth in MTC Resolution No. 4320, Revised, and MTC Resolution No. 4439; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Rosa certifies that the project and purpose for which funds are being requested is in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.), and with the State Environmental Impact Report Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations Section 1500 et seq.) and if relevant the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 USC Section 4-1 et seq. and the applicable regulations thereunder; and WHEREAS, there is no legal impediment to the City of Santa Rosa making the funding request; and WHEREAS, there is no pending or threatened litigation which might in any way adversely affect the ability of the City of Santa Rosa to deliver the proposed project for which funds are being requested; and WHEREAS, MTC will reimburse participating operators based on Clipper START ridership actual trips taken and MTC will take programming action to establish the maximum amount for each participating operator.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Santa Rosa authorizes continued participation in the Clipper START Pilot Program through June 2025 at a 50% discount rate starting January 1, 2024, for adult single-ride fares, for as long as approved by MTC (currently through June 2025).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes the City Manager or designee to negotiate, prepare and/or execute and necessary documents related to the Clipper START Program, to MTC, the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, and/or such other agencies as may be appropriate, where such documents are in a form approved by the City Attorney.
IN COUNCIL DULY PASSED this 12th day of September, 2023.
AYES: (7) Mayor N. Rogers, Vice Mayor MacDonald, Council Members Alvarez, Fleming, Okrepkie, C. Rogers, Stapp
NOES: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
ATTEST: _________________________ APPROVED: ______________________________ City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ________________________
Assistant City Attorney
Reso. No. RES-2023-154
Resolution.docx