AGENDA ITEM NO.7
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina I Office of the City Manager
DATE: May 3, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: David Carmany
City Manager
SUBJECT: TRANSIT SERVICE EVALUATION
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council provide direction.
BACKGROUND:
The City provides a fixed route shuttle and a demand response Dial -a -Ride service. Both services are experiencing a decline in overall ridership and, for that reason, the City is exploring opportunities to improve overall transit services. Transportation services are provided through a contractor, currently on a month -to -month basis to allow for the evaluation of transit services.
Prior to pursuing alternatives to transit services and/or a Request for Proposals (RFP) to utilize a contractor on a more long-term basis, the City is in the process of evaluating the City's ridership trends and transit demands to identify the best model of service delivery to meet the needs of the community.
This information will then be used for a future RFP for transportation services if necessary. The City contracted with IBI Group ("IBI") to conduct the evaluation.
IBI has been meeting with staff and collecting information relative to existing conditions. IBI has reached out to MV Transportation, the City's current contractor, and Foothill Transit to obtain transportation data on bus lines/ridership. IBI, City staff and Foothill Transit have also met to discuss opportunities for collaboration or partnerships in increasing transit services to our residents.
IBI also conducted a community survey to assess the current transit systems and ridership/usage, obtaining 549 responses. The survey was marketed through the City's website and social media handles, and post cards (with the link and QR Code) were distributed on transit vehicles (GoWest Shuttle and dial -a -ride), delivered with the senior meals, provided to the EDD Office, and available at City facilities including front counters at City Hall. IBI conducted in -person surveying at locations including Plaza West Covina, the Farmer's Market, and Emanate Health - Queen of the Valley Hospital, as well as City events (Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Parade). In addition, two community meetings were conducted (one virtually and one in -person) on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. IBI shared alternative models for transit service delivery and received input from attendees. The presentation has been available on the City's website. The alternatives developed seek to provide improved transit service through reconfiguration of routes or delivery altogether, removing redundancy/overlap, better connection to Foothill and Metro services, and convenience.
DISCUSSION:
At the March 15, 2022 City Council meeting, IBI presented the alternatives. At tonight's meeting, IBI will present a menu of alternatives refined by the City Council's discussion at the March 15, 2022 Council meeting.
Prepared by: Kelly McDonald, Public Services Manager
Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact resulting from this report.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Enhance City Image and Effectiveness Achieve Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Stability