CLICS/CLICS2023A/commsumm.nsf
PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For PRESENTATION FROM REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
INTERIM COMMITTEE TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Aug 21, 2023
Location Old State Library
Presentation from Regional Transportation District - Committee Discussion Only
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08:35:56 AM |
General Manager Debra
Johnson and Board Chair Lynn Guissinger, representing the Regional Transportation
District (RTD), presented information about the district, which is included
as Attachment A.
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08:39:48 AM |
There was a discussion
about statistics and outcomes from the RTD Accountability Committee. Ms.
Johnson talked about completion of the systemwide fare study and equity
analysis. The board approved a new fare structure in July 2023, with
fares going into effect in the first quarter of 2024. The new fare
structure will use fare capping, with discounts at 50 percent of the fare.
The discount fare includes seniors 65 and older, people with disabilities,
Medicare recipients, and customers enrolled in the LiVE program.
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08:47:24 AM |
Ms. Johnson outlined
the LiVE program and its expansion. She outlined the Projects Partnership
Program that helps communities meet local needs.
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08:52:50 AM |
Ms. Johnson provided
an update on driver recruitment and retention.
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08:59:50 AM |
Ms. Johnson talked
about the Zero Fare for Youth Pilot, getting kids to school and investing
in youth, as well as gaining future customers.
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09:06:18 AM |
There was a discussion
about the Zero Fare for Better Air program. Ms. Johnson talked about
the goal of changing individual habits to encourage the public to take
public transportation several days a week.
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09:08:00 AM |
The presenters responded to questions from committee members.
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09:08:58 AM |
There was a discussion
about the workforce shortage and changes to address the issue, including
union pension updates and voluntary overtime. Ms. Johnson also talked
about RTD's work-from-home policy.
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09:12:50 AM |
Ms. Johnson talked
about collecting ridership statistics, including the use of automatic counters,
live service monitors, and calculations at the fare box. There was
a request for data about ridership for specific lines.
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09:15:44 AM |
There was discussion about regional bus service to Civic Center.
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09:17:11 AM |
Ms. Johnson talked
about services for rail lines and frequency of travel. She mentioned
that there is still a shortage of employees.
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09:20:39 AM |
The committee discussed
communities that do not have easy access to light rail, as well as service
issues. Ms. Johnson talked about traffic affecting buses, since there
are not always fixed lanes for buses. She mentioned needing to work
with partners for bus lanes for a change in infrastructure.
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09:24:41 AM |
The committee discussed
funding for RTD, the cancellation of the Bronco Ride, free fare for youth,
and working with school districts. Ms. Johnson talked about how federal
funds may often change district goals and programs. The Bronco Ride
did not meet federal fund requirements, specifically Title Three requirements
surrounding equity. She also mentioned that federal funds restrict
the district from providing school bus service.
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09:29:44 AM |
Ms. Johnson discussed
the governing structure of RTD.
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09:31:53 AM |
Ms. Johnson talked
about the Zero Fare for Youth program.
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09:33:44 AM |
Ms. Johnson mentioned
that riders feeling the effects of the driver shortage can sign up to receive
service alerts about issues. She mentioned that the district is also
communicating with local communities. General manager Johnson talked
about the display of updated information on platform signs.
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09:36:42 AM |
There was a discussion about the service optimization plan, including starting up routes that were cut during the pandemic.
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09:38:43 AM |
Ms. Johnson answered
questions about the use of cash for fares.
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09:41:07 AM |
The committee discusssed
service animals and Access-a-Ride with Ms. Johnson.
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