SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

                        MINUTES                 January 6, 2021

Present              Voting Attendees:

Ted Ceasar                               Consumer

Mike Hack                               Consumer

Mitzi Perez                               ARC-IV

Sarah Enz                                 Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

Dr. Kathleen Lang                    California Health & Wellness

David Aguirre                         CTSA–ICTC

Maricela Galarza                      CTSA–ICTC

Gustavo Gomez                        CTSA–ICTC

                        Non-Voting Attendees:            

Cesar Sanchez                          IVT/IVTAccess/IVTRide/IVTMedtrans

Helio Sanchez                          IVT

                        Jose Guillen                             IVT MedTrans

                        Karla Pacheco                          IVT Access

                        Karla Aguilar                           IVT Ride

                        Guilllermo Calves                    AECOM

                        Stuart Geltman                         AECOM

                        Liz Sacctuni                             Caltrans

1.       Dr. Lang called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. A quorum was present. Introductions were made.

2.       Minutes were reviewed for November 4, 2020. (Ceasar, Hack), Motion carried.

3.       Minutes were reviewed for December 2, 2020. (Hack, Ceasar), Motion carried.

4.       Fare Study Analysis:

Mr. Aguirre introduced AECOM consultants to present on the ongoing fare study. Mr. Calves presented study findings and recommendations (presentation attached). Mr. Calves clarified that all data and information is based on a pre-COVID pandemic situation.

·         Dr. Lang expressed concern for students that may not use the U pass but still need to pay an additional college fee.

Ø  Mr. Calves agreed that is a concern, thus needs to be piloted. Further outreach with IVC or other campuses is needed to proceed with implementation.

·         Dr. Lang asked Mr. Calves what is the fee paid at UCSD.

Ø  Mr. Geltman stated it is not only dependent on the range of fees but also on how it is funded. In some universities it’s a college fee other is parking revenue or can be a combination of the both. There is no set rule on how to fund the U-pass. The U-pass is a partnership between the transit agency and the University/College, often driven by the University/College. It would be often voted through a student council or union. The fee range could be seen as low as $20 to $120. It all depends if it will be solely funded by the students or if there will be other funding contributions connected to it.

Ø  Mr. Calves added that the UCSD current fee is at $52 per student, per quarter. The student could utilize the whole San Diego transit system. Would expect the IV transit fee not to be as high. Given the Valley's geography, it only makes sense to have all routes included in the pass.

Ø  Mr. Ceasar added that there already fees in universities/colleges that students pay and may never use. For example, at IVC, all students pay a health center fee, but not all students utilize it. Nevertheless, they all have access to it and it's available. There was a lot of controversy on the fee, but now it would be difficult to not have the Health Center available it become such an institution. There would be initial resistance but it’s a great idea and would be helpful to students.

Ø  Dr. Lang asked for the current IVC parking fee is.

Ø  Mr. Calves stated that IVC charges $25 for a semester and $15 for motorcycles.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that there has been a preliminary discussion with IVC on potential U pass but still has a long way to go before its implementation. As it pertains to the recommendations on the fare increase, there are no plans for implementing an increase. As for other recommendations such as mobile ticketing, other payment methods ICTC will continue to explore those options.

·         Ms. Enz wanted to clarify that ICTC will consider the mobile ticketing options.

Ø  ICTC previously has discussed with mobile ticketing providers what it would look like. The potential uses for mobile ticketing would be IVC students. If it is potentially implemented ICTC wants to ensure we can service IVC to the best of our ability. Discussions on mobile ticketing are still ongoing.

Ø  Ms. Enz stated there was a couple of instances that individual tickets were needed for clients. AAA has the booklets, but only need one or two. Ms. Enz asked if mobile ticketing would allow a third party to purchase tickets.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that is one of the concepts that is being looked at. That individuals (third parties) to purchase and be able to distribute. If mobile ticketing will be implemented, ICTC will ensure this function is available and operating properly.

·         Mr. Hack asked if the paper tickets will be still available.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre clarified that there is no intent to remove the options of paper tickets or using cash. The purpose is to expand on more options for passengers.

5.       CTSA Reports:

Mr. Aguirre had the following updates:

-          ICTC is working on a variety of projects, the fare analysis is towards the end.

-          The Coordinated Plan is ongoing that asses transit needs in the Imperial Valley.

-          Software and hardware upgrades are towards the end, in the next month or so the AVL mobile app will be implemented to help passengers with the location of the buses.

-          ICTC is still available remotely. There have been no issues with the remote approach, passengers are still eligible to register or apply for services.

Ms. Galarza had the following updates:

-          In December, there were only two certifications. Holidays and the new stay home order may affect that.

-          Mobility staff is taking the opportunity to attend training on effective post-COVID outreach approaches. The new vaccination should be the initiative on when to begin to promote safety for our passengers to utilize the services.

Mr. Gomez had the following updates:

-          The updated MedTrans brochure will be out soon ready to be distributed to any agencies interested, we are open to various methods to distribute (e.g., via mail, drop off, etc.)

-          Remote sign-ups are still conducted for IVT Ride.

6.       FY 2021-22 Master Needs List:

-          Mr. Aguirre presented the Master Needs List. ICTC encourages SSTAC member feedback to prioritize needs that are not met yet.

Ø  Dr. Lang asked to share the timeline for the UTN process for SSTAC members.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that the timeline falls during the February & March timeframe. Last year it fell during the March & April timeframe which is fine. The purpose is to complete the UTN process before the next fiscal year budget is proposed, June. This year ICTC is looking at the March & April timeframe, the approach towards the hearing and feedback will be different.

-          Mr. Aguirre mentioned that item 11 is ongoing, it has been difficult since the property is privately owned. ICTC is looking at the opportunity to serve the area, once the opportunity becomes available it will be implemented. It will be looked at post-pandemic.

Ø  Mr. Hack on the status for the El Centro Library stop.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that the City of El Centro has a proposed project that will help facilitate the bus stop enhancement.

Ø  Dr. Lang added that the project conceptual drawing conveys a nice bus stop.

Ø  ICTC hopes that it will be part of the project and if not will continue to advocate for a bus stop.

After discussion, STACC members requested to add mobile ticketing as number 12 on the Master Needs List.  Dr. Lang called a motion to approve. (Cesar, Hack) Motion Carried.

-          Adoption of list

UTN Support Letter:

-          After discussion, SSTAC members requested some amendments to the UTN Support letters, they are as follows;

ü  Under the general comments section for fiscal year 20-21, item number one will delete Imperial. The imperial transfer terminal is completed. Calexico is an ongoing process.

ü  Under the priorities section, add mobile ticketing as number two, move other items down the list.

Dr. Lang called a motion to approve all amendments to the letter. (Cesar, Hack) Motion Carried.

-          Adoption of letter

7.       Transit Operator Updates:

IV Transit; Mr. H. Sanchez had the following updates;

-          In December the service has been slow.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that ridership started to pick up before the recent shutdown, but the shutdown decreased the numbers again. Services are still available.

IVT Access; Ms. Pacheco had the following updates;

-          In December, the service has been slow.

IVT Ride; Ms. Aguilar had the following updates;

-          In December, the service has been slow.

IVT MedTrans; Mr. Guillen had the following updates;

-          In December, the service has been slow.

8.       General Discussion

-          Ms. Galarza announced that Ms. Blankenship retired, who was Vice-Chair for SSTAC. There was a name change to our Vice-Chair position, Sarah Enz, the acting Area Agency on Aging Director. To clarify that since the agency is the one that represents at SSTAC there is no need for a motion to approve.

9.       Adjournment

-          The meeting adjourned at 11:17 a.m. (Ceasar, Hack), Motion Carried.

-          The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at the Imperial County Transportation Commission Office, 1503 N. Imperial Ave., Suite 104, El Centro, CA 92243.