30D00819D2BC4CEA87258727006A62A9 Hearing Summary CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf PUBLICBILL SUMMARY For PRESENTATION FROM REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICTINTERIM COMMITTEE TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEEDate Aug 4, 2021 Location Old State Library Presentation from Regional Transportation District - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name Attachment I http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/4A9FA6A64DA1...$File/21TLRC0804AttachI.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachI.pdf 01:22:03 PM Debra Johnson, representing the Regional Transportation District (RTD), provided information about RTD. Ms. Johnson provided a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment I). She indicated that RTD is collaborating with the state by implementing audit recommendations from a 2020 State Audit and looking at recommendations from the Accountability Committee. She stated that the committee made its final report July 20 and board action is expected later this month. Ms. Johnson stated that RTD continues to work through the pandemic and adjust to the effects. 01:26:18 PM Ms. Johnson said that the RTD Board will reivew the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan next week. She stated that the plan looks at the organization's history and current state and ties activities and performance measurements to outcomes. Ms. Johnson indicated that RTD wants to deliver value and excellence to customers and community. With regards to recovery, Ms. Johnson indicated that RTD is currently at 65 percent service and would like to increase to 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels. She stated that service for major activity areas may be a sensible way to expand, such as areas of employment, the Tech Center, downtown Denver, and Boulder. She went on to state that RTD is looking at its hiring practices to have the staff to provide critical services. 01:32:02 PM Ms. Johnson shared that the organization is re-starting the Reimagine RTD program. She stated that the program looks at the organization every five to seven years to optimize the system and plan for the future, balancing monthly needs and fiscal limits. through 2050. Guiding principles were adopted in April of this year, and are the foundation of service delivery decisions. The six critical lensesof the program are: mobility, equity, financial, partnerships, workforce, and sustainability. 01:35:59 PM Ms. Johnson talked about a fare study equity analysis which began in March of 2021. She stated that the study found that users find the fare system cumbersome, expensive, and confusing. She talked about how the study is the first of its kind that includes multicultural outreach. Ms. Johnson talked about the implementation of new fares in 2022 after a benchmark study and creation of a comprehensive fare structure that accomdoates many individuals. 01:39:25 PM There was a discussion about safety for RTD employees. Ms. Johnson stated that polycarbonate barriers will remain for drivers due to some issues with violence. There was a discussion about service reductions. Ms. Johnson said that a service reduction analysis plan was completed to ensure that low income or minority communities were not suffering the brunt of the impact to service. She indicated that additional routes and schedules will be added, depending on ridership flows, with a goal to be at 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2022. 01:47:06 PM Ms. Johnson talked about the Coronavirus Aid Relief that RTD received, includingCoronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act funds of $232,000 for payroll and operations through 2020. She stated that In 2021, RTD received $203,400 from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to restore services that were cut; restore budgeted overtime and extra shift pay for front line operators and maintenance staff; eliminate furlough days; eliminate paycuts for non-represented employees; and allow non-represented employees to cash in 80 hours of paid time off that they were not able to take during the pandemic. Ms. Johnson indicated that RTD will also leverage a money swap of sales and use tax in the amount of $14 million to address state audit recommendations and the recommendations of the Accountability Committee, and ensure adequate employees to provide service. She said that RTD also plans to submit an application for American Rescue Plan Act funds to address salaries and benefits.