UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS WITHIN

Transcription

1 UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS WITHIN D MADERA COUNTY NOTICE OF FINDINGS Madera County Transportation Commission 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201 Madera, CA Adopted: June 23, 2010

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section Adopted Resolution (Resolution Defines Unmet Transit Needs and Reasonable to Meet and Resolution of Findings) 2.1 Notice of Public Hearing as published in various county newspapers (Note: the daily general circulation paper, Madera Tribune, was used to legally satisfy Government Code Section ) 2.2 Public Hearing flyers (English & Spanish) 2.3 Public distribution locations 3.1 Staff Report and Recommendations for Unmet Transit Needs (dated June 23, 2010) 4.1 SSTAC Role and Responsibilities 4.2 Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) member list 4.3 Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) Final Recommendation to MCTC regarding Unmet Transit Needs in Madera County (dated June 23, 2010) 4.4 Participation letter to local individuals/organizations 4.5 Participation letter to the SSTAC 4.6 SSTAC meeting sign-in sheets 5.1 Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing sign-in sheet 5.2 Unmet Transit Needs public comments and SSTAC response to each 5.3 Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC) Policy Board appreciation letter to commenters 6.1 Minutes of MCTC UTN Public Hearing May 19, Minutes of MCTC Policy Board Meeting, approving UTN findings June 23, 2010

3 Section 1 Adopted Resolution Resolution Defines Unmet Transit Needs and Reasonable to Meet and Resolution of Findings

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6 Section 2 Notice of Public Hearing as published in various county newspapers Note: the daily general circulation paper, Madera Tribune, was used to legally satisfy Government Code Section Public Hearing flyers (English & Spanish) Public distribution locations

7 Madera County Transportation Commission Definition of Unmet Transit Needs The Madera County Transportation Commission has determined that its definition of the term unmet transit needs includes all essential trip requests by transitdependent persons for which there is no other convenient means of transportation, and the Commission has determined that its definition of the term reasonable to meet shall apply to all related public or specialized transportation services that: (1) are feasible; (2) have community acceptance; (3) serve a significant number of the population; (4) are economical; and (5) can demonstrate cost effectiveness by having a ratio of fare revenues to operating cost at least equal to 10 percent, and the Commission has determined that its definition of the term reasonable to meet shall also apply to all service requests which do not abuse or obscure the intent of such transportation services once they are established.

8 PUBLIC NOTICE MADERA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION GIVING NOTICE OF HEARING The Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC) will hold a Public Hearing to take testimony regarding transportation needs within Madera County. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., in the Madera County Transportation Commission offices, 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201, Madera, CA First Transit will provide free public transportation to the Madera County Transportation Commission offices. Call Michael Johnson at before 5:00 pm, May 12, 2010 to make a reservation. A Spanish language interpreter will be available during the public hearing for those who wish to testify before the Commission in Spanish. If you would like to testify in a language other than Spanish and English or require other special accommodations in order to testify, please contact the Commission by May 12, Under the California Transportation Development Act (TDA), this hearing opportunity is provided annually to take testimony on potential unmet transit needs within the region. The Commission must, subsequent to the hearing, make a determination whether the needs presented are reasonable to meet. After all reasonable needs have been met through the expansion of existing services, or the creation of new transit systems, the Commission may release remaining TDA funds for street and road purposes (repair, reconstruction, etc.). Members of the public, interested agencies, and civic groups are encouraged to appear and testify to any transportation needs not being met by the current system. Testimony should be as specific as possible with regard to those citizens, or groups of citizens, not currently served by transit, the requested type and amount of transit service, the geographic area in which service is needed, and any other supporting evidence of information, which will help in the evaluation of the reasonableness of the requested service. Those wishing to speak are encouraged to contact Mr. Dylan Stone, MCTC Transportation Planner, at 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201, Madera, California, The MCTC telephone number is (559) A request to speak need not be scheduled, individuals may simply appear at the hearing and request to be recognized, however a scheduled appearance is encouraged to help organize the testimony. Those that are unable to attend the public hearing are encouraged to submit their comments in writing prior to May 19, 2010 for inclusion in the public record. ###

9 NOTIFICACIÓN PÚBLICA LA COMISIÓN DE TRANSPORTE DEL CONDADO DE MADERA DA AVISO DE AUDIENCIA La Comisión de Transporte del Condado de Madera (MCTC, por sus siglas en inglés) celebrará una Audiencia Pública para tomar testimonio en cuanto a las necesidades de transporte dentro del Condado de Madera. La audiencia tomará lugar el miércoles, 19 de mayo, 2010 a las 3:00 p.m., en las oficinas de la Comisión de Transporte del Condado de Madera, en el 2001 Howard Road, Sala 201, Madera, CA First Transit proporcionará transporte público gratis a las oficinas de la Comisión de Transporte del Condado de Madera. Llame a Michael Johnson al antes de las 5:00 p.m. del 12 de mayo, 2010, para reservar su espacio. Un intérprete del idioma español estará disponible durante la audiencia pública para aquellos que deseen atestiguar ante la Comisión en español. Si usted desearía atestiguar en un idioma que no sea ni inglés ni español, o si requiere otros arreglos especiales para poder atestiguar, haga el favor de ponerse en contacto con la Comisión antes del 12 de mayo, Bajo el Acta del Desarrollo de Transportación de California (TDA, por sus siglas en inglés), esta oportunidad de audiencia se proporciona anualmente para tomar testimonio sobre las posibles necesidades no cumplidas dentro de la región. La Comisión tiene que, posteriormente de la audiencia, hacer una determinación de si las necesidades presentadas son razonables como para cumplirlas. Después que todas la necesidades razonables han sido cumplidas por medio de la ampliación de servicios ya existentes, o por la creación de nuevos sistemas de tránsito, La Comisión podrá soltar fundos restantes del TDA para propósitos de calles y caminos (reparación, reconstrucción, etc.). A los miembros del público, agencias interesadas, y grupos cívicos se les anima a comparecer y dar testimonio sobre cualquier necesidad de transporte que no se esté cumpliendo por el sistema actual. El testimonio ha de ser tan específico como sea posible en lo que toca a aquellos ciudadanos, o grupos de ciudadanos, que actualmente no sean servidos por el tránsito, el tipo y cantidad de servicio de tránsito que se esté pidiendo, el área geográfica en el cual se necesite el servicio, y cualquier otra evidencia de datos en apoyo, que ayudarán en la evaluación de lo razonable del servicio pedido. A aquellos que desean hablar se les anima a comunicarse con el Sr. Dylan Stone, Planificador de Transportación de la MCTC, en el 2001 Howard Road, Sala 201, Madera, CA El número telefónico de la MCTC es (559) No se tiene que programar una petición para hablar, los individuos pueden sencillamente comparecer a la audiencia y pedir ser reconocidos, sin embargo, se le anima programar una comparecencia para ayudar a organizar el testimonio. A aquellos que no podrán asistir a la audiencia pública se les anima someter sus comentarios por escrito antes del 19 de mayo, 2010 para ser incluidos en el registro público. ###

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12 Sierra Star Public Notice April 15, 2010

13 MADERA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing If you are unable to attend the hearing in person, please send your written comments to the address below or them to Madera County Transportation Commission Board Meeting 3:00 p.m. Wednesday May19, 2010 Madera County Transportation Commission Board Room 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201 Madera, CA Free Transportation Provided by First Transit: Call MAX/Dial-A-Ride at Before Wednesday, May 12, 2010 For More Information Contact: Dylan Stone Madera County Transportation Commission 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201 Madera, CA Phone: Fax: Website: Do you have questions or concerns about public transportation in Madera County? Attend the unmet transit needs public hearing and let your voice be heard. Your input is important! Identifying Madera County s unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet

14 LA COMISIÓN DE TRANSPORTACIÓN DEL CONDADO DE MADERA Necesidades del Tránsito No Cumplidas Audiencia Pública La Comisión de Transportación del Condado de Madera Reunión de la Junta 3:00 de la tarde miércoles, 19 de mayo de 2010 Transportación Gratuita Provista por la Compañia First Transit Llame a Madera County Connection al antes del 12 de mayo de 2010 Las oficinas nuevas de la Comisión de Transporte del Condado de Madera 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201 Madera, CA Un intérprete del idioma español estará disponible durante la audiencia pública. Identificando las necesidades del tránsito no cumplidas del condado de Madera que son razonables para lograr La Comisión de Transportación del Condado De Madera 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201 Madera, CA Teléfono: Fax: dylan@maderactc.org La información presentada por usted es importante! Si usted no podrá asistir a la audiencia en persona, por favor mande sus comentarios escritos a La Comisión de Transportación del Condado De Madera

15 Public Awareness Distribution List (May 7, 2010) Coarsegold (4) Coarsegold Market Ace Hardware Frosty s Thrift Store Oakhurst (9) Oakhurst Community College Oakhurst Community Center Road 426, then right. Oakhurst Library Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce Old Corral Grocery Golden Oak Auto Parts Oakhurst Senior Center Vons Grocery Raley's Grocery North Fork (5) North Fork Library North Fork Rancheria Chevron Station Supermarket Hardware Store Madera Area (10) County Road Department Madera Action Agency Head Start Program 1200 West Maple City of Madera City Hall Madera County Library Madera County Workforce Development Office Downtown Downtown Intermodal Facility Frank Bergon Center County Department of Social Services (720 Yosemite & 629 Yosemite) Madera Community College Madera Ranchos (3) Ranchos Library Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce Supermarket

16 Chowchilla (3) Chowchilla City Hall Chowchilla Library CATX/Chowchilla Senior Center Bass Lake (1) Bass Lake Homeowner s Association The Pines Raymond (1) Raymond General Store

17 Section 3 Staff Report and Recommendations for Unmet Transit Needs (dated June 23, 2010)

18 MEMORANDUM ITEM IV-A DATE: June 23, 2010 TO: FROM: RE: MCTC Policy Board Dylan Stone, Transportation Planner Madera County Transportation Commission Unmet Transit Needs Resolution ITEM IV-A I. Requested Action: Approve 2010/11 Unmet Transit Needs Staff report and SSTAC recommendation by Resolution II. Summary: Included in your package is the Staff Report, SSTAC Recommendation, Chairman Letter to those who testified, and the Public Hearing Comment Summary. On May 19, 2010, the Commission held the annual Unmet Transit Needs public hearing as required under the California Transportation Development Act. This legally noticed hearing was held to receive testimony from the public to determine if public transportation needs within Madera County will be reasonably met in FY 2010/11 prior to approving claims of Local Transportation Funds for street and road purposes. Transportation Development Act - Local Transportation Funds are derived from the state sales tax. Of the six-cent tax per dollar on all sales, ¼ of a cent goes to the local transportation fund and may be used for transportation projects. Of the Article 8 Local Transportation Funds available for public transportation and streets and roads, priority must first be given to public transportation, the net difference is then available for street and road projects. III. Discussion: Pursuant to Section of the California Public Utilities Code, MCTC, as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency, must make a finding after holding a Public Hearing that there are no unmet public transportation needs within the jurisdiction of claimants which can be reasonably met before it may approve Local Transportation Fund claims for streets and roads. The MCTC has determined that its definition of the term unmet transit needs includes all essential trip requests by transit-dependent persons for which there is no other convenient means of transportation, and the Commission has determined that its definition of the term reasonable to meet shall apply to all related public or specialized transportation services that: (1) are feasible; (2) have community acceptance;

19 (3) serve a significant number of the population; (4) are economical; and (5) can demonstrate cost effectiveness by having a ratio of fare revenues to operating cost at least equal to 10 percent, and the Commission has determined that its definition of the term reasonable to meet shall also apply to all service requests which do not abuse or obscure the intent of such transportation services once they are established. The role of the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) is to aid the MCTC Policy Board in its review of transit issues with emphasis on the annual identification of transit needs within Madera County. The establishment of the Madera County SSTAC is consistent with State Law (SB 498, Chapter 673, 1987) which mandates both the purpose and minimum membership of this body. The purpose of the SSTAC is to: A. Annually participate in identification of transit needs (Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing Process). B. Review and recommend appropriate action by the MCTC for a jurisdiction which finds, by resolution, that: (1) there are no unmet transit needs; (2) there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet; (3) there are unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet. C. Advise the MCTC on any other major transit issues, including the coordination and consolidation of specialized transportation services. At the Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, the MCTC Policy Board opened the hearing to receive public testimony. The following staff evaluation was prepared in cooperation with the SSTAC. The Chairman of the SSTAC will submit that body s findings to the Commission under separate correspondence NARRATIVE OF EVALUATION City of Madera 1. There are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet at this time within the City of Madera except for the expansion of Madera Area Express service on Wednesdays. MCTC staff has reviewed and discussed testimony regarding the City of Madera s transit services with the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC). The recommendation from staff and the SSTAC is that there are no unmet transit needs within the City of Madera that are reasonable to meet at this time except for supplementing Madera Area Express (MAX) service on Wednesdays, as needed. The recommendation is based upon the definition of an unmet transit need, which includes any essential trip requests by transit-dependent persons for which there is no other convenient means of transportation. Testimony was received regarding supplementing MAX services on Wednesdays, as needed to alleviate over capacity buses on that day to improve on-time performance. MCTC staff and the SSTAC have determined this is an unmet transit need that is reasonable to meet. MAX should schedule an additional bus on Wednesdays as needed in relief of over capacity on a trial basis.

20 Additional testimony was received regarding the expansion of MAX service into the evenings on days of existing service and the creation of MAX service on Sundays. MCTC staff and the SSTAC have determined this is an unmet transit need however it s reasonableness to meet cannot be determined until an evaluation on the expansion of existing service and creation of Sunday service is undertaken. Testimony was also received regarding bus driver communication and behavior, bus stop infrastructure, signage, frequency, and on-time performance of the MAX and the Madera Dial-A- Ride system; however, the comments reflect operational issues and not unmet transit needs. City of Chowchilla 1. There are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet in the City of Chowchilla. No comments were received regarding service in the City of Chowchilla. County of Madera 1. There are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet in the County of Madera except for the addition of a Madera County Connection bus stop at the Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse. MCTC staff has reviewed and discussed testimony regarding the County of Madera s transit services with the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC). The recommendation from staff and the SSTAC is that there are unmet transit needs within the County of Madera that are reasonable to meet at this time. The recommendation is based upon the definition of an unmet transit need, which includes any essential trip requests by transit-dependent persons for which there is no other convenient means of transportation. Testimony was received regarding the replacement of existing Madera County Connection (MCC) bus stops in the area with a bus stop at the Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse. MCTC staff and the SSTAC have determined this is an unmet transit need which may be reasonable to meet. Testimony was also received regarding bus stop infrastructure, signage, and scheduling information of the MCC, the Senior Bus Program, and the Escort Service; however, the comments reflect operational issues and not unmet transit needs. RECOMMENDATION The MCTC staff and SSTAC considered the hearing testimony and recommend the Commission find the following: 1. That the Madera County Transportation Commission finds there are no unmet transit needs reasonable to meet at this time in the FY 2010/2011 within the jurisdiction of the City of Chowchilla. 2. That the Madera County Transportation Commission has found there are unmet transit needs reasonable to meet at this time in the FY 2010/2011 within the jurisdiction of the City of Madera.

21 An additional bus needs to be put into circulation as needed on Wednesdays to alleviate over capacity of the Madera Area Express (MAX) transit system on a trial basis. The City of Madera transit system needs to evaluate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of expanding existing service into the evenings and creating Sunday service on the MAX. 3. That the Madera County Transportation Commission has found there are unmet transit needs reasonable to meet at this time in the FY 2010/2011 within the jurisdiction of the County of Madera. The Madera County Connection needs to consider the replacement of existing bus stops in that area with a bus stop at the Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse on a six month trial basis to provide better access to service to residents in that area. 4. Maintain existing transit systems in Madera County: Madera Transit System (MAX, JET Express, and Dial-A-Ride) in the City of Madera; Chowchilla Area Express Transit; Madera County Connection; Eastern Madera County Escort Service; and Eastern Madera County Senior Bus. MCTC Staff and the SSTAC recommend that the current public transit systems continue to operate in Madera County. The existing transit systems meet an existing need for public transit services in the county. The existing systems are: City of Chowchilla The Chowchilla Area Transit Express (CATX) provides demand-response transportation to the general public in a service area that encompasses the City of Chowchilla and contiguous unincorporated areas, including Fairmead. City of Madera The Madera Area Express (MAX), the Jobs, Education, and Training (JET) Express, and the Madera Dial-A-Ride provide transportation services that cover the entire City of Madera. County of Madera The Madera County Connection (MCC) provides inter-city transportation from Chowchilla, Fairmead, Madera, La Vina, Madera Ranchos and Eastern Madera County to Children s Hospital Central California where a connection can be made to Fresno via the Fresno Area Express (FAX). The Senior Bus Program and the Escort Service provides transportation to the Eastern Madera County communities, with the Escort Service also serving the Madera Ranchos area. IV. Fiscal Impact: No fiscal impact to the MCTC FY 2010/11 Overall Work Program and Budget

22 Section 4 SSTAC Role and Responsibilities Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) member list Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) Final Recommendation to MCTC regarding Unmet Transit Needs in Madera County (dated June 23, 2010) Participation letter to local individuals/organizations Participation letter to the SSTAC SSTAC meeting sign-in sheets

23 UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS The Unmet Transit Needs process is required by State law to be conducted annually. The process is intended to identify those transit needs in the City of Madera, City of Chowchilla, and the County of Madera that are reasonable to meet. Where an unmet transit need is identified by the MCTC Policy Board to be reasonable to meet, the responsible jurisdiction(s) must develop a plan to provide transit service to meet the need within the following year. Role: Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC): To forward a recommendation to the MCTC Policy Board regarding transit needs and issues. Responsibilities: 1. Annually participate in the identification of transit needs in Madera County, including unmet transit needs that may exist within Madera County and that may be reasonable to meet by establishing or contracting for new public transportation or specialized transportation services or by expanding existing services. 2. Annually review and recommend action by MCTC Policy Board for the area within Madera County which finds by resolution, that (A) there are no unmet transit needs, (B) there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet, or (C) there are unmet transit needs, including needs that are reasonable to meet. 3. Advise the MCTC on any other major transit issues, including the coordination and consolidation of specialized transportation services.

24 Potential Transit User 60 Years or Older (minimum of 1) APPOINTMENT GEOGRAPHIC/AGENCY TERM EXPIRES REPRESENTATION Betty Lyons North Fork, Madera County 6-10 Representatives of the Local Social Service Providers for Seniors (minimum of 2) APPOINTMENT GEOGRAPHIC/AGENCY TERM EXPIRES REPRESENTATION Delores Flores Madera County Connection 6-10 Ellen Moy City of Madera, City of Chowchilla, Madera County 6-10 Potential Transit User Who Is Disabled (minimum of 1) APPOINTMENT GEOGRAPHIC/AGENCY TERM EXPIRES REPRESENTATION Loretta Castro City of Madera, Transit Advisory Board 6-10 Representative of the Local Social Service Provider for Disabled (minimum of 2) APPOINTMENT GEOGRAPHIC/AGENCY TERM EXPIRES REPRESENTATION Kristy Anderson Heartland Opportunity Center 6-10 Monica Castillo Center for Independent Living 6-10 Representative of a Local Social Service Provider for Persons of Limited Means (minimum of 1) APPOINTMENT Linda Clarck GEOGRAPHIC/AGENCY REPRESENTATION Madera County Workforce Development Office TERM EXPIRES 6-10 Representatives from the Local Consolidated Transportation Service Agency (minimum of 2) APPOINTMENT GEOGRAPHIC/AGENCY TERM EXPIRES REPRESENTATION Mary Long Community Action Partnership of Madera 6-10 County Doug Thompson First Transit 6-10

25 Staff APPOINTMENT AGENCY REPRESENTATION TERM EXPIRES Dylan Stone Madera County Transportation Comm. Staff Derek Winning Madera County Transportation Comm. Staff Johannes Hoevertsz Madera County Roads Department Staff

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28 March 31, 2010 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Interested Individuals and Organizations Dylan Stone, Transportation Planner Social Service Transportation Advisory Council Unmet Public Transportation Needs The Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC), as a federally designated regional transportation planning agency (RTPA), is responsible for annually assuring that public transportation needs are being reasonably met. The MCTC s Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) was established, consistent with State Law (SB 498, 1987), to address transit issues within Madera County. It comprises a broad representation of social service agencies, transit operators and users, and is responsible for forwarding recommendations to the MCTC Policy Board regarding transit service deficiencies and issues. Each year the MCTC conducts an extensive process to plan, program, analyze, and evaluate existing and potential general public and social service transit services within Madera County. The results are to be consistent with the adopted Regional Transportation Plan and its supporting implementation, technical, and budgeting documents. Despite thorough involvement from elected officials, administrative staff, technical staff, private and public sector representatives, union representatives, social service agency staff and clients, and general public representatives, we encourage organizations and individuals such as you to contribute comments. If you are aware of a specific transit need that is not currently being met by one of the existing general public, social service, or private sector operators, we request that you submit appropriately detailed documentation to assist staff in evaluating the potential for additional transit service. Our initial evaluation criteria includes: service area boundary; specific origin and destination information; trip times and frequency; estimate of potential patrons or clients who intend to utilize the service on an infrequent, regular, and/or consistent basis; special needs of ambulatory and/or disabled passengers;

29 ability, source of funding, and potential constraints in paying required share of transit expenditures and/or subsidized fares. If adherence to minimum urban/rural performance standards (passenger per hour, passengers per mile, cost per passenger, cost per hour, cost per mile and farebox recovery) is possible, then an in-depth service proposal may be developed by staff for further consideration. Following the May 19, 2010 legally noticed Public Hearing, the SSTAC will consider all information collected during the process and make a determination and recommendation regarding unmet transit needs to the MCTC Policy Board at its next scheduled meeting on June 23, An assurance, or finding, is necessary prior to the approval and allocation of State Transportation Development Act funds for transit and/or street and roads projects to transit operators and MCTC member agencies. If you have any specific written comments, please forward them to me, with the aforementioned supporting information. Dylan Stone, Transportation Planner Madera County Transportation Commission 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201 Madera, California If you have any questions about the Unmet Transit Needs process, please do not hesitate to contact me at: or dylan@maderactc.org. Thank you for your assistance and I look forward to hearing from you.

30 MEMORANDUM DATE: March 17, 2010 TO: FROM: RE: Social Service Transportation Advisory Council Member Dylan Stone, Transportation Planner Madera County Transportation Commission Social Service Transportation Advisory Council Meeting The Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) normally meets prior to the Unmet Transit Needs hearing held annually by the Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC). This year the Unmet Transit Needs hearing will be held on May 19, 2010 at 3:00 PM in the Madera County Transportation Commission Board Room, 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201, Madera, CA The following are important meeting dates for SSTAC: SSTAC MEETING: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 10:00 AM The meeting will be held at the MCTC offices located at 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201, Madera, CA The meeting will: Define the roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Council; Elect Chairman, Vice Chairman; Review transit developments over the past year; Discuss potential transit needs. PUBLIC HEARING: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 3:00 PM The public hearing will be held in the Madera County Transportation Commission Board Room located at 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201, Madera, CA Open Public hearing, hear comments from public; SSTAC members are encouraged to attend this hearing.

31 SSTAC MEETING: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 10:00 AM The meeting will be held at the MCTC offices located at 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201, Madera, CA The meeting will: Review and evaluate comments received by the MCTC during the annual Unmet Needs Public Hearing ; Appoint representatives to the June 23, 2010 MCTC board meeting; Recommend action by the MCTC Policy Board for Madera County which finds by resolution, that (A) there are no unmet transit needs, (B) there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet, or (C) there are unmet transit needs, including needs that are reasonable to meet; and Advise the MCTC on any other major transit issues, including the coordination and consolidation of specialized transportation services and the Short Range Transit Development Plan. The SSTAC will make their recommendation to the MCTC Policy Board at the June 23, 2010 board meeting. The MCTC Policy Board will adopt by resolution a finding for Madera County. Agendas for the April 14, 2010 and May 26, 2010 SSTAC meetings are attached. Also attached is an Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing Flyer for distribution to clients, interested parties, and/or the general public. I look forward to working with each of you. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at (559) or dylan@maderactc.org.

32 Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 Time: 10:00 AM Place: Madera County Transportation Commission 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201, Madera, CA Conference Room Social Service Transportation Advisory Council Agenda Item Description Handout Action I. Introductions II. SSTAC Role and Responsibilities (Stone) Yes No III. Elect Chairman and Vice Chairman (Stone) No Yes IV. Discuss Transit issues (Chairman) Status of Existing Systems Coordinated Plan Update Vanpool Update Yes No V. Discuss Future Meetings (Stone) Unmet Needs Public Hearing - May 19, 2010 SSTAC meeting May 26, 2010 No No VI. Adjournment (Chairman)

33 Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 Time: 10:00 AM Place: Madera County Transportation Commission 2001 Howard Road, Suite 201, Madera, CA Conference Room Social Service Transportation Advisory Council Agenda Item Description Handout Action I. Introductions II. Unmet Transit Needs Response to Comments (Stone) Yes No III. Recommendation to MCTC Board (Chairperson) No Yes IV. Discuss Future Meetings (Chairperson) No Yes Appoint Representatives to attend the MCTC Board Meeting - June 23, 2010 at 3:00pm V. Adjournment (Chairperson)

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37 Section 5 Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing sign-in sheet Unmet Transit Needs public comments and SSTAC response to each Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC) Policy Board appreciation letter to commenters

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40 FY 2010/2011 Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing May 19, 2010 Summary of Comments MADERA Madera Area Express (MAX) and Dial-A-Ride Raymond Perry Resources for Independent Living 1. Attended to listen and take notes. Thank you for your attendance and interest in the unmet transit needs process. Clarence Banks Madera, Dial-A-Ride Rider 1. Dial-A-Ride drivers should have some form of visible identification, like a name plate. Has ridden for 5 years and doesn't know the names of any drivers. The City of Madera transit staff is working with First Transit to ensure that a bus driver name identification slider is installed on all MAX and Dial-A-Ride buses. 2. Any change to Dial-A-Ride subscription service should occur only after consultation with the rider. Unannounced scheduling changes to his subscription service were made. The City of Madera will continue to work with local service providers to ensure increasingly reliable on time performance of Dial-A-Ride. Jennifer Hernandez California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation 1. MAX service needs to be expanded into weekday evening hours (dark or 8:00pm), expanded service on Saturday, and creation of service on Sunday. Many riders are at work during normal weekday operating hours. Many who rely on transit work on weekends as well as the week. The weekend is often the most practical time to run errands. MAX is continually being monitored for its effectiveness and cost efficiency. The expansion of MAX services will depend upon the outcome of further evaluation. Dial-A- Ride currently provides general public, demand-response service seven days a week with service on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 2. Dial-A-Ride service is inconsistent. Pick up times are changed without notice. Arrival/departure times are inconsistent. The City of Madera has been and will continue to work with First Transit to ensure increasingly reliable on time performance of Dial-A-Ride. Most recently, dispatchers and key personnel have undergone training to improve dispatching and customer service.

41 3. More bus shelters are needed along with Spanish language signage and information. Some riders have no choice but to bear inclement weather due to lack of shelters. Many riders do not speak English and are unable to read transit service information at stops or on the buses. The City of Madera has already identified funding for new bus shelters, has selected a preliminary design, and will construct new bus shelters throughout the next fiscal year and beyond. The City of Madera and First Transit will continue to expand signage and information at stops and on buses to include more information in Spanish along with a phone number to reach transit operators. All schedules are printed in English and Spanish. 4. Expanded service is needed in the Fairmead area along with corresponding infrastructure. There is only morning and evening service. There is poor infrastructure in the area as well. Fairmead is currently served by the MCC and the CATX. The MCC is a general public, inter-city, fixed-route weekday service. MCC currently stops at the Fairmead Baptist Mission church and in the future will also stop at the new Fossil Discovery Center. The City of Chowchilla operates the CATX which is a general public, demand-response system serving the City of Chowchilla and contiguous unincorporated areas, including Fairmead. Information about these services can be obtained from local government buildings, the Madera County Transportation Commission website ( and the City of Chowchilla website ( 5. Future Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearings should be held in the evening, have simultaneous translation, increased outreach, and be held in various locations. Many who utilize public transit are unable to attend afternoon hearings because they are working or live too far away. Simultaneous translation is needed for non-english speakers to ensure adequate participation and understanding. Outreach through non-profit organizations and radio advertising The Madera County Transportation Commission will examine the possibility of expanding the unmet transit needs hearing and out reach process. 6. A student and worker vanpool is needed. Fixed route public transit is not suitable for college student s school schedules and those in rural areas. The existing vanpool service should be increased to greater meet the needs of farm workers. Transportation services to Community Colleges in Madera County are currently being served by the Madera County Connection. Additionally, the City of Madera offers Dial- A-Ride demand-response service to the Madera Center and Jobs, Education, and Training (JET) Express with two fixed routes from the City of Madera to the Madera Center. The County of Madera has entered into an agreement with the Kings County Area Public Transit to expand service of their extensive vanpool program into Madera County. Thirty one Kings Area Rural Transit vans currently operate in Madera County. Margarita Contreras Madera 1. Public transit service needs to be expanded into weekday evening hours and creation of service on Sunday. Many riders are at work during normal weekday operating hours. Many who rely on transit work on weekends as well as the week. The weekend is often the most practical time to run errands. MAX is continually being monitored for its effectiveness and cost efficiency. The expansion of MAX services will depend upon the outcome of further evaluation. Dial-A-

42 Ride currently provides general public, demand-response service seven days a week with service on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Martha Moreno Madera 1. Public transit service needs to be expanded to operate seven days a week from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Many riders are at work during normal operating hours. Many who rely on transit work on weekends as well as the week. The weekend is often the most practical time to run errands. MAX is continually being monitored for its effectiveness and cost efficiency. The expansion of MAX services will depend upon the outcome of further evaluation. Dial-A- Ride currently provides general public, demand-response service seven days a week with service on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 2. There is need for more bilingual drivers. Many riders do not speak English. First Transit employs a large number of bi-lingual employees and the majority of their bus drivers speak Spanish. In the event the driver does not speak Spanish, members of transit service dispatch or administrative staff are available for translation. Andrew Viscarra Madera, Dial-A-Ride rider 1. Dial-A-Ride vehicles need to be fully functional at all times. Wheelchair bound riders need lifts to be working on buses. All drivers are required to conduct a thorough daily driver inspection before use. Buses with technical or mechanical issues that arise before daily use or while in operation are replaced with fully functional reserve buses and are repaired expeditiously. 2. Dial-A-Ride service is inconsistent and often late. Has been up to three hours late before. The City of Madera will continue to work with First Transit to ensure increasingly reliable on time performance of Dial-A-Ride. Most recently, dispatchers and key personnel have undergone training to improve dispatching and customer service. 3. Dial-A-Ride drivers need better training. Drivers are inconsistent with their policy on anchoring potential projectiles (wheelchairs, strollers, packages, etc.). Drivers need to understand that broken wheelchairs take time to be fixed sometimes. The City of Madera will continue to work with First Transit to improve the consistency of bus driver operations and on-board rider policies and procedures. 4. Design of buses in uncomfortable. Has been hurt by seatbelts that were difficult to distinguish from their chair. First Transit will place red reflective tape on seat belts in the center of seats to help distinguish them from the seats themselves.

43 Katherine Garcia Madera, MAX and Dial-A-Ride rider 1. The bus stop at National and Schnoor is not safe. There are no sidewalks here and the area can be flooded when wet. First Transit and the City of Madera have evaluated the area of National and Schnoor. The existing property adjacent to the stop is private and lacks pedestrian facilities. The City, however, wishes to continue to provide service to this location and will continue to monitor it for feasible opportunities to add a transit bus stop pad here in the future. 2. There is need for additional Dial-A-Ride service on Wednesdays. There are usually more riders on Wednesdays and the buses become overcrowded and behind schedule. MAX is continually being monitored for its effectiveness and cost efficiency. First Transit will be supplementing MAX service on Wednesdays, as needed, to alleviate over capacity to the system. This expansion will take place on a trial basis. 5. Dial-A-Ride service is inconsistent. Dial-A-Ride arrives early, late, or not at all. The City of Madera will continue to work with First Transit to ensure increasingly reliable on time performance of Dial-A-Ride. Most recently, dispatchers and key personnel have undergone training to improve dispatching and customer service. Bill Hyatt Central Valley Regional Center 1. First Transit needs to work together with Hartland to maximize service for the clients at Heartland. The City of Madera and First Transit will be working together with Heartland Opportunity Center to determine the feasibility of providing service to those affected by any Heartland service retractions. CHOWCHILLA Chowchilla Area Transit Express No comments were received from Chowchilla area residents. The City of Chowchilla operates the CATX which is a general public, demand-response system servicing the City of Chowchilla and contiguous unincorporated areas, including Fairmead. The Madera County Connection (MCC) provides inter-city transportation from Chowchilla, Fairmead, Madera, La Vina, Madera Ranchos and Eastern Madera County to Children s Hospital Central California where a connection can be made to Fresno via the Fresno Area Express (FAX). EASTERN MADERA COUNTY Madera County Connection (MCC), Eastern Madera County Senior Bus and Escort Program Shauna Potocky Oakhurst 1. Public transit service is needed in the mountain area. The Madera County Connection (MCC) provides inter-city transportation from Chowchilla, Fairmead, Madera, La Vina, Madera Ranchos and Eastern Madera County

44 to Children s Hospital Central California where a connection can be made to Fresno via the Fresno Area Express (FAX). The Senior Bus Program and the Escort Service provide transportation to the Eastern Madera County communities, with the Escort Service also serving the Madera Ranchos area. 2. Public transit is needed to Yosemite National Park. Students, workers, social clubs, and those who cannot transport themselves need a way to access the park. MCTC is participating in a study to determine the feasibility of providing transit to Central California National Parks. State Route 41 is being examined for this study as it is one of four access points to Yosemite National Park. 3. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are needed along SR 41 near the old Midway Market. This area is unsafe to pedestrians and bicycle riders, last year a person was killed here. MCTC will continue to work with the County of Madera Roads Department to in examining the possibility of increasing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along this portion of SR 41 in Oakhurst. Tom Swire Coarsegold, Yosemite Lakes Park 1. Public Transit service is needed to Oakhurst and Children's Hospital. YLP residents need transit service to Oakhurst and Children's Hospital for medical reasons and as a ride to jobs. The Madera County Connection (MCC) provides inter-city transportation from Chowchilla, Fairmead, Madera, La Vina, Madera Ranchos and Eastern Madera County to Children s Hospital Central California where a connection can be made to Fresno via the Fresno Area Express (FAX). The Senior Bus Program and the Escort Service provide transportation to the Eastern Madera County communities, with the Escort Service also serving the Madera Ranchos area. 2. The YLP Clubhouse should be a MCC stop. YLP residents are aging and will rely more on public transit for medical, business, and shopping trips. The current MCC stop at SR 41 and Yosemite Springs Parkway lacks adequate parking, shelter, an intersection crosswalk, and is too far from those in the area it serves. The MCC will conduct a trial expansion of service by moving the existing YLP stops to the YLP Clubhouse beginning July 1, This service will be closely monitored for productivity and will be operated for no more than six months if found to be unproductive. Ken Bailie Coarsegold, Yosemite Lakes Park 1. The YLP Clubhouse should be a MCC stop. YLP residents are aging and will rely more on public transit for medical, business, and shopping trips. The current MCC stop at SR 41 and Yosemite Springs Parkway lacks adequate parking, shelter, an intersection crosswalk, and is too far from those in the area it serves.

45 The MCC will conduct a trial expansion of service by moving the existing YLP stops to the YLP Clubhouse beginning July 1, This service will be closely monitored for productivity and will be operated for no more than six months if found to be unproductive. Susan Wardlow Coarsegold, Yosemite Lakes Park 1. Park and ride needs to be at safer location. The park and ride nearest to YLP is located near a high school and may not be safe There is no significant data pointing to this park and ride location as being unsafe. 2. Transit service information needs to be more accessible and legible. Doesn't know where to obtain a bus schedule and has difficulty with the size of the schedule. Bus schedules and information about service can be obtained at local government buildings. Also, all information about public transit in Madera County can be found at the MCTC website ( 3. There needs to be transit service to Community Colleges in Oakhurst, Madera, and Clovis. Transportation services to the Madera and Oakhurst Community Colleges in Madera County are currently being served by the MCC system. Additionally, the MCC stop at Children s Hospital transfers with Fresno Area Express providing service to locations served by that system. The City s Dial-A-Ride and JET Express also currently serve the Madera Community College. 4. Dial-A-Ride needs to serve the entire county. Had a 30 mile commute and has put over 66,000 miles on her vehicle. Relying on existing services is too limiting. With a farebox recovery rate of 8.7%, Dial-A-Ride serving the entire county would be an unreasonable expansion of that service. MCC provides inter-city transportation from Chowchilla, Fairmead, Madera, La Vina, Madera Ranchos and Eastern Madera County to Children s Hospital Central California where a connection can be made to Fresno via the Fresno Area Express (FAX). The Senior Bus Program and the Escort Service provide transportation to the Eastern Madera County communities, with the Escort Service also serving the Madera Ranchos area. 5. There needs to be a bus shelter. Those in the YLP area who ride MCC have no bus shelter while waiting. Exposure to inclement weather is a deterring factor for usage of transit services. The MCC will conduct a trial expansion of service by moving the existing YLP stops to the YLP Clubhouse beginning July 1, This service will be closely monitored for productivity and will be operated for no more than six months if found to be unproductive. The YLP Clubhouse offers adequate protection from inclement weather. WRITTEN COMMENTS M. S. Marx Madera

46 1. Drivers need to be trained to stop buses a comfortable distance from curbs for passengers boarding and disembarking. It is difficult and in some situations dangerous to not be able to enter or exit a bus from the curb or sidewalk. The bus often stops too far from the curb making for a large last or first step. Also, Drivers need to be trained on wheelchair lift operation. Drops should be level. The City of Madera will continue to work with First Transit to improve the consistency of bus driver operations and rider policy implementation. Most recently, dispatchers and key personnel have undergone training to improve dispatching and customer service. 2. Dial-A-Ride phone operators need to be more polite to customers. The City of Madera transit staff has been working very closely with First Transit to improve phone operator service. Operators have recently undergone phone sensitivity training on how to be more polite to customers and will continue to be monitored for quality customer service. Rude dispatchers or operators will not be tolerated. The City of Madera will continue to work with local service providers and make retraining staff and drivers a top priority. 3. On bus commercial radios should not be permitted. They are too loud and a distraction to the duties of the driver. What is acceptable on the radio to one rider might be offensive or unwanted by another. The City of Madera is closely monitoring First Transit s use of commercial radios. There is a zero tolerance policy for abuse of radio usage and violations of this policy will lead to radio disconnections. 4. Drivers need to pay more attention to on board passenger behavior in regards to the safety of all. There often many items brought on to buses by riders that are not properly secured or anchored. There are also many small children who are allowed to ride in a dangerous manner. The City of Madera will continue to work with local service providers to improve the consistency of bus driver operations and rider policy implementation. 5. Drivers and dispatchers need better knowledge of Madera region geography. Dispatchers have poor orientation in giving their directions causing drivers to get lost. Time is wasted consulting maps. The City of Madera will continue to work with First Transit to ensure that drivers are familiar with the service area and to ensure increasingly reliable on time performance of Dial-A-Ride. Drivers need to stop at 108 South P Street every time. Drivers should stop at every stop because some people arrive right on time. First Transit has recently addressed this issue with drivers for the P Street stop. 6. There needs to be a bus shelter at 108 South P Street. Many riders wait in the shade along the building here or enter the lobby of the A-Building (a non-public building, secure residence for seniors) and look for water, restroom, or telephone. Buses have driven by passengers who were waiting in areas not near the stop. The City of Madera has identified funding for bus shelters, has selected a preliminary design and will construct new bus shelters within the city throughout the next fiscal year and beyond. 7. The 108 South P Street should be put on Route 2 and made into a timed stop.