MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HELD MARCH 18, 2021

CALL TO ORDER

Tony Kranz, Board Chair, called the Regular Meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS

1. Priya Bhat-Patel (City of Carlsbad) – Participated via teleconference. 2. Dan Quirk (City of Del Mar) – Participated via teleconference. 3. Tony Kranz (City of Encinitas) – Participated via teleconference. 4. Paul McNamara (City of Escondido) – Absent. 5. Esther Sanchez (City of Oceanside) – Participated via teleconference. 6. Marni von Wilpert (City of San Diego) (Advisory Member) – Absent. 7. Jim Desmond (County of San Diego) – Participated via teleconference. 8. Sharon Jenkins (City of San Marcos) – Participated via teleconference. 9. Jewel Edson (City of Solana Beach) – Participated via teleconference. 10. Corinna Contreras (City of Vista) – Participated via teleconference.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG

Board Chair Kranz led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

SAFETY BRIEF

Anthony Flores, Clerk of the Board, provided emergency evacuation procedures.

CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

None.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

Anthony Flores, Clerk of the Board, informed the Board that all written public comments received prior to the deadline were submitted to the Board for review and consideration prior to the Regular Board meeting. Additionally, Mr. Flores informed the Board that all public comments are available for public inspection on the District website at: https://gonctd.com/about-nctd/board-information/

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 18, 2021 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

ON THE MOTION OF BOARD VICE-CHAIR JEWEL EDSON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 18, 2021 REGULAR BOARD MEETING, SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER ESTHER SANCHEZ.

AYES: QUIRK, KRANZ, SANCHEZ, DESMOND, JENKINS, EDSON, CONTRERAS NOES: NONE ABSENT: MCNAMARA ABSTAIN: BHAT-PATEL MOTION CARRIES.

CONSENT ITEMS 1-10

1. Receive the Monthly Intergovernmental Affairs Reports 2. Receive the Monthly Transit Operations Performance Report for January 2021 3. Receive the Fiscal Year 2021 April Service Change Report 4. Approve Amendment No. 02 to Task Order Agreement No. 02 to Agreement No. 18030 with Southwest Strategies, LLC for Additional Marketing and Communications Consulting Services 5. Receive Committee Chair Reports 6. Approve Task Order Agreement No. 01 to Agreement No. 19067 with HNTB Corporation for Right-of-Way Embankment Monitoring and Mitigation Program 7. Approve Job Order No. 009 to Agreement No. 21009 with Exbon Development, Inc. for the Replacement of Palm Trees at Santa Fe Depot 8. Set Public Hearing for June 17, 2021 to Consider Adoption of the FY2022 Operating Budget and FY2022-FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan and Authorize Certain Related Actions 9. Authorize the Executive Director to Negotiate and Execute Task Order Agreement No. 14 to Agreement No. 17000 with Pacific Railway Enterprises for Positive Train Control Design Services 10. Approve Task Order Agreement No. 06 to Agreement No. 19033 with CBRE, Inc. for Redevelopment Support of the Carlsbad Village and Poinsettia Stations

ON THE MOTION OF BOARD MEMBER JIM DESMOND TO APPROVE CONSENT ITEMS 1- 10, SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER DAN QUIRK.

AYES: BHAT-PATEL, QUIRK, KRANZ, SANCHEZ, DESMOND, JENKINS, EDSON, CONTRERAS NOES: NONE ABSENT: MCNAMARA ABSTAIN: NONE MOTION CARRIES.

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CONSENT ITEM 11

11. Authorize the Executive Director to Enter into an Option Agreement and Related Disposition and Development Agreement and Ground Lease with Toll Bros., Inc. for the Redevelopment of the

ON THE MOTION OF BOARD VICE-CHAIR JEWEL EDSON TO APPROVE CONSENT ITEM 11, SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER SHARON JENKINS.

AYES: BHAT-PATEL, QUIRK, KRANZ, DESMOND, JENKINS, EDSON, CONTRERAS NOES: NONE ABSENT: MCNAMARA ABSTAIN: SANCHEZ MOTION CARRIES.

OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS 12-14

12. Conduct Public Hearing and Approve Continuation of Reduced Service

Kimberly Tucker, Director of Service Planning, reviewed Agenda Item 12.

ON THE MOTION OF BOARD VICE-CHAIR JEWEL EDSON, TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEM 12, SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER PRIYA BHAT-PATEL.

AYES: BHAT-PATEL, QUIRK, KRANZ, SANCHEZ, DESMOND, JENKINS, EDSON, CONTRERAS NOES: NONE ABSENT: MCNAMARA ABSTAIN: NONE MOTION CARRIES.

13. Adopt Position on Proposed Changes to the San Diego Association of Governments’ Comprehensive Fare Ordinance

Eun Park-Lynch, Chief Financial Officer, reviewed Agenda Item 13.

Board Member Contreras made a motion to modify staff’s recommendation as follows:

Adopt the following position on the proposed changes to the San Diego Association of Governments’ Comprehensive Fare Ordinance:

1) Support the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board recommendations as follows: • Implement fare policy change to allow “best-fare”; • Reduce youth one-way fare to align with Senior/Disabled/Medicare (SDM);

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• Keep all other fares at the current rate; and • Allow free transfer with one-way fare with PRONTO card (except COASTER) within a two-hour window of first ride.

ON THE MOTION OF BOARD MEMBER CORINNA CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEM 13, SECONDED BY BOARD VICE-CHAIR JEWEL EDSON.

AYES: BHAT-PATEL, QUIRK, KRANZ, SANCHEZ, DESMOND, JENKINS, EDSON, CONTRERAS NOES: NONE ABSENT: MCNAMARA ABSTAIN: NONE MOTION CARRIES.

14. Receive Update on NCTD Zero Emission Bus Program and Authorize the Exercise of Options for the Purchase of a Charging System for Battery Electric Transit Buses Pursuant to Agreement No. 051017-CPI Between the State of Minnesota and ChargePoint, Inc.

Damon Blythe, Chief Operations Officer-Bus, reviewed Agenda Item 14.

ON THE MOTION OF BOARD MEMBER DAN QUIRK, TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEM 14, SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER PRIYA BHAT-PATEL.

AYES: BHAT-PATEL, QUIRK, KRANZ, SANCHEZ, DESMOND, JENKINS, EDSON, CONTRERAS NOES: NONE ABSENT: MCNAMARA ABSTAIN: NONE MOTION CARRIES.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 15 AND 16

15. Receive Update on NCTD’s Microtransit Service Plans and BREEZE Speed and Reliability Study

Katie Persons, Senior Strategic Planner, reviewed Agenda Item 15.

16. Receive Update on Recent Del Mar Bluffs Failure

Tracey Foster, Chief Development Officer, introduced John Haggerty, Director of Engineering and Construction-SANDAG, who reviewed Agenda Item 16.

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CLOSED SESSION ITEM 17

17. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Surface Transportation Board Docket No. FD 36433 – Petition for Declaratory Relief

Board Member Dan Quirk recused himself from Closed Session Item 17.

The Board went into Closed Session at 4:13 p.m. Anthony Flores, Clerk of the Board, conducted a roll call and confirmed all eligible Board Members were connected to the Closed Session meeting, with the exception of Board Member McNamara and Board Member Jim Desmond who were absent, and Board Member Dan Quirk who recused himself.

The Board returned from Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. At the conclusion of Closed Session, Lori A. Winfree, General Counsel, reported the following:

The Board met in Closed Session to discuss the declaratory relief action filed with the Surface Transportation Board. All Board members were present with exception of Board Member McNamara, Board Member Quirk and Board Member Desmond. The Board authorized staff to request a further extension to the stay of the proceedings at the Surface Transportation Board through December 31, 2021 to allow the parties to continue efforts toward a mutually acceptable resolution.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

See attached Executive Director’s Report for the month of March 2021.

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND CORRESPONDENCE

Board Vice-Chair Edson reported that on Monday, April 15, 2021, the -San Diego- San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN) Board approved their 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 business plan submittal which provides for their annual budget. In addition, Board Vice-Chair Edson informed the Board that she was appointed to serve as the fourth Executive Committee Member on the LOSSAN Board.

REMAINING PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m. Submitted by Anthony Flores, Clerk of the Board for North County Transit District.

BOARD CHAIR North County Transit District

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CERTIFICATION

I, Anthony Flores, duly appointed and qualified, Clerk of the Board of the North County Transit District, do hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on March 18, 2021 approved by the Board of Directors of the North County Transit District adopted at a legally convened meeting of the Board of Directors of the North County Transit District held on April 22, 2021.

CLERK OF THE BOARD North County Transit District

For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document is available in alternate formats. For information, please contact the Clerk of the Board at 760/966-6553. Persons with hearing impairment, please use the California Relay Service (CRS): 800/855-7100 TTY; 800/855-7100 voice; 800/855-7200 Spanish. CRS Customer Service: 877/546-7414 or 800-867-4323 TTY.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S March 18, 2021 REPORT

Message from the Executive Director: About one year ago, the world as we knew it changed. The way we travel changed. The way we do business changed. The way we communicate changed. Our way of life changed. However, on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the unprecedented stay- at-home order due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I have excitement for our community and our organization. The collective resiliency shown by our team of staff and contractors carried us through this extraordinary year and showed our community that we are part of the solution. Our team is already playing an active part in the recovery process, by providing clean, safe, reliable rides that continue to take essential workers to their jobs, connect people with their families, and remove barriers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine by way of free transit rides. Spring is the season for new beginnings. The launch of our new COASTER locomotives and passenger cars this past February was just the start. In April, we are bringing back four mid-day, weekday COASTER services as part of our April service update. Later this year we will say good-bye to and welcome the new PRONTO system, and we are proactively working on a ridership recovery campaign so that we are ready to strike when the when the time is right. Despite the pandemic and amid these new beginnings, NCTD has never strayed from our focus on the mid- and long-term goals of improving the customer experience, making it easier to ride transit, and meeting regional expectations for future transit ridership. NCTD continues to make significant progress on our strategic five-year initiatives to improve service, upgrade our infrastructure, and modernize and expand technology integration. It is through the ingenuity and perseverance of our team that we stand strong today, prepared for the brighter future just on the horizon COVID-19 Updates: February 2021 ridership levels show a 59.4% decline year-over-year compared to February 2020 (versus the 72.5% decline experienced in April 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic). However, as eligibility and vaccination rates continue to increase, NCTD anticipates ridership beginning to increase at a slightly faster pace as well. In preparation, NCTD is beginning to strategize on proactive ridership recovery efforts for later this year. Additionally, on Monday, March 8, 2021, NCTD, in partnership with Scripps Health, began providing free, direct shuttle service between the and the Scripps Del Mar Fairgrounds Vaccination Super Station. This shuttle expands upon last month’s partnership between NCTD and MTS to provide free transit rides for people going to and from their

NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT 1 MARCH 18, 2021 COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Riders will board the shuttle on a first-come, first-served basis and will be required to show confirmation of their vaccine appointment in the form of a print-out or on their smartphone. The shuttle service will operate seven days a week aligning with the current Super Station service hours (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.). Hours may be extended in the future if the Super Station hours expand.

Update on Del Mar Bluffs: As previously reported to the Board, and as discussed in recent news reports, a new slide occurred along the Del Mar Bluffs, south of 4th Street, on Sunday, February 28, 2021. Rail operations were immediately suspended until engineering and geotechnical experts determined operations could safely resume. Upon determination that significant repairs were needed due to the collapse of a 1912-era seawall, NCTD and SANDAG authorized initial funding, and the mobilization of the Del Mar Bluffs IV project contractor, to perform critical, immediate repair work without delay. However, while a review is currently underway to determine the full repair needs, early estimates for the work is anticipated at $6 million. NCTD will work with SANDAG to request emergency funding from the state at the March 24, 2021 meeting of the California Transportation Commission. NCTD, SANDAG, the City of Del Mar, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department are working together on an anti-trespassing campaign in the unstable area.

Executive Director Matthew Tucker appointed Vice Chair of APTA: NCTD Executive Director Matthew Tucker has been appointed Vice Chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said, “I’m excited to welcome Matt Tucker as vice chair of the APTA Board of Directors. Matt brings to his role years of experience in the industry and a dedication and passion for innovation that will be vital as we move our communities and the nation forward.” Matt Tucker currently serves as chair of the Commuter Rail Committee, and chair of the Commuter Rail CEOs Subcommittee for APTA. In addition, he is currently a member of the Commuter Rail Positive Train Control (PTC) subcommittee, and Recovery and Restoration of Service and Mobility Recovery and Restoration task forces.

California Energy Commission Notice of Proposed Award for Hydrogen Fueling Station: California Energy Commission Notice of Proposed Award for Hydrogen Fueling Station: On February 22, 2021, the California Energy Commission (CEC) released its Notice of Proposed Awards for the Zero-Emission Transit Fleet Infrastructure Deployment program. NCTD was awarded $4,013,750 for the design and construction of a hydrogen fueling station at NCTD’s West Division facility in Oceanside. The fueling station will have capacity for up to 50 fuel-cell electric buses and is a critical component of NCTD’s transition to zero-emission bus operations. NCTD intends to utilize Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funding to fund the remaining cost associated with the fueling station. NCTD staff is currently working with the CEC on finalizing the grant agreement. The CEC is expected to formally approve all proposed grant awards at its May 2021 Business Meeting.

NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT 2 MARCH 18, 2021 Rail Closures/Absolute Work Window (AWW) Weekends: To facilitate infrastructure improvements along the coastal rail corridor, there will be a planned full closure along the COASTER rail line on the weekends of March 13-14 and March 20-21, 2021. Weekend closures like these, referred to as Absolute Work Windows (AWWs), occur periodically during the year on a pre-determined schedule. AWWs provide construction crews the opportunity to work safely and unimpeded on and along the rail line to perform improvements and maintenance work. The March rail closures will also be utilized to begin emergency repairs on the Del Mar Bluffs (Bluffs) due to the recent bluff collapse. Members of the public are reminded not to trespass along the railroad right-of-way, and due to the danger of an additional bluff collapse, not to sit, stand, or walk within 50 feet of the work zone on the beach below. Being caught in a bluff collapse can cause serious injury or death. During construction, beach access will be limited and depending on construction activity and tides, there may or may not be beach access between Del Mar and Torrey Pines State Beach. California State Parks will have monitors in place during construction to assist park visitors. Additionally, law enforcement will be present along the top of the Bluffs near 4th Street to educate the public about the inherent risks of walking along the railroad tracks and bluffs. Signage is also posted to remind the public about the dangers in this area. On Friday, March 12 and Friday, March 19, 2021, preceding the closures, southbound Amtrak Rail 2 Rail (R2R) train A796 will be serviced by bus from Los Angeles to San Diego, making stops at Oceanside, Solana Beach, Old Town San Diego, and Santa Fe Depot. During the closure weekends, neither the Amtrak nor will service the Oceanside Transit Center. Amtrak bus services will require an Amtrak reservation and R2R passes will not be honored. Replacement bus service connecting COASTER stations will not be available. Alternatives for some COASTER passengers may include BREEZE Route 101 or MTS connections. After the closures, coastal rail service will re-open for regularly scheduled trips in time for the Monday morning commute. Passengers should note that trains may be delayed up to 15 minutes on Monday, March 15, and Monday, March 22, 2021.

Annual April Service Change: Twice a year, NCTD considers making updates to BREEZE, COASTER, , and FLEX services, as recommended by passengers, operators, and staff, and evaluated against on-time performance metrics and passenger data. On Sunday, April 4, 2021, NCTD intends to make the following service changes: COASTER: • As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, NCTD suspended 10 of its 22 weekly trips and weekend service due to the stay-at-home order and drops in ridership. • NCTD is planning to reinstate four (4) mid-day weekday trips starting Monday, April 5, 2021. • In addition to the four (4) mid-day trips, NCTD will modify the COASTER 636 departure time from 6:33 a.m. to 6:13 a.m.

NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT 3 MARCH 18, 2021 BREEZE: • Route 323: Will have modified routing at the southern end of the route due to roadway configuration changes (no impacts to stops). • Route 332: Will no longer enter the Vista Courthouse parking. Customers may continue to access the Vista Courthouse using stops on Melrose Drive and the County Complex driveway. • Route 351/352: The City of Escondido is constructing roadway improvements on Grand Avenue that will constrain bus access; therefore, Route 351/352 will operate along Valley Parkway and 2nd Avenue instead of Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido. • Route 445: Routing through the Carlsbad Business Park will be modified so that the eastbound and westbound Route 445 trips will operate along the same street segments in both directions. It will no longer serve a 0.3-mile segment of Loker Avenue East in the Carlsbad Business Park. FLEX: • Route 371: Beginning April 5, 2021, NCTD will operate FLEX Route 371 with a 35-foot bus to improve vehicle reliability and accommodate passenger overloads that have previously occurred when schools are in-session. SPRINTER: • There are no proposed changes to SPRINTER service as part of the April service update.

Upcoming Procurements: The following key procurements are anticipated to be presented to the Board in the coming months: • Revenue Vehicle and Station Disinfection Cleaning Services – April 2021 • Battery Electric Bus Infrastructure – April 2021 • Fareboxes – April 2021 • Learning Management System and Support Services – May 2021

NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT 4 MARCH 18, 2021 Public Comments - General

Anthony Flores

From: Suheil Rodriguez Sent: Monday, March 1, 2021 11:16 AM To: Anthony Flores Subject: FW: Oppose parking lots between Cassidy and Morse

For public comment

From: Tracie Engel Sent: Monday, March 1, 2021 11:14 AM To: Matthew Tucker Subject: Oppose parking lots between Cassidy and Morse

I am a single mother with two boys who have lived here for 11 years. I have worked very hard to own a home and this would take everything away..We strongly OPPOSE putting parking lots between Cassidy and Morse on Broadway. This will devalue property, bring additional theft and crime to the area and invite homeless living. We have already been dealing with an excess of people living in their cars, depositing trash on our streets and breaking into our cars. Please do not pass this additional parking. Thank you for your time.

Tracie Engel

1

Anthony Flores

From: Lynn Selzer Sent: Monday, February 22, 2021 8:13 PM To: Public Comment Subject: Concerned citizen of NW Leucadia

NCTD: I feel compelled to write on the matter of public safety in the neighborhood that I live. I have been following the rail fencing agreement between you and the City of Encinitas- the implementation of the more sightly option of a 4 foot post/cable that is seen elsewhere along the tracks in south Encinitas/Cardiff. Good job and good teamwork!! Now it seems like the time to address the safe rail crossing in our neighborhood. We have many projects in our area which will greatly increase our density and so it seems that the perfect storm is coming. Without a safe crossing in our densely populated corridor it is going to create more traffic, accidents and casualties. I personally have seen a giant accident on La Costa, multiple cars involved last week and another train strike just north of La Costa in the last few months. These were both seen by me while riding my road bike home in the later part of the day. What is going to happen when Alila Marea Beach resort opens next month and the construction begins on the large Vulcan project (1967 N. Vulcan Avenue)? Without a safe rail crossing in Northwest Leucadia, we will be forced to walk on Vulcan and La Costa or we will be forced to get in our cars further impacting streets that have already grown noticeably busier in the last few years. Bicycle safety is another concern. It is going to be a scary ride home with the increase in traffic, especially on 101, at La Costa and Vulcan. I know there are future plans to improve that area but going a bit south to Hillcrest/Vulcan is the focus of my email today. This is where I live and I see bikes, walkers, joggers, moms with strollers and surfers with their boards being blocked both ways. Beaches and businesses on 101 on one side and Leucadia Oaks Park and many homes on the other. If your position is that the obligation to provide safe passage across the rail lies with the City then it is imperative that you work with the city to move this crossing to the forefront. I know that there is another crossing approved for Cardiff at Verdi but they have a lower density then NW Leucadia and we are clearly going to be negatively impacted by the multiple new projects in our area. I don’t want to see any more accidents and/or deaths in my neighborhood. Please help us to get our safe crossing approved before that happens. Thank you for your attention to this very urgent issue. Lynn Selzer

Projects of concern less than 1 mile from the proposed Hillcrest/Grandview rail crossing: Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas 2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024(La Costa Avenue & Highway 101)—130-135 rooms, with restaurant(s) and bar(s) Opening March, 2021 AD8 Affordable Housing (La Costa Avenue & Vulcan)—68 units 1967 N. Vulcan Avenue (but additional units have been added to the plan) Construction to begin shortly- land is being cleared And 3 more projects in planning- Affordable Housing (Jackel Site 07)—94 units next to the Alila Marea- Marea Village, 1900 & 1950 North Coast Highway, Encinitas CA 92024 The Weston Subdivision Project (the proposed project) proposes the subdivision of an approximately 13.9- acre site into 48 single-family residential lots, And a Boutique Hotel (La Costa Avenue, near the Chevron Station)—17 rooms

1

Public Comments - Agenda Item 12 Anthony Flores

From: Robert Acton Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2021 6:23 PM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Subject: RSVP by emailing servicechanges

Hi my name is Robert Acton Jr I am big on public transportation and am asking myself, why would we reduce even more now than ever. We must understand that during the Covid-19 pandemic many people went through hardships where people may have lost their cars due to the pandemic crisis. There needs to be more than ever public transportation for new potential riders who do not know how to manage public transportation. Because sooner or later the time table is unknown the people of California are not going to continue to let the government dictate their way of life. Because of interference of the federal and state and City governments to close down business which deemed not essential to remain open during the Covid-19 closure. WE must remember that more important loss of life outweighs anything and even though the loss of value of possions or material things can not be unnoticed nor compared to each other. My point is people lost cars/jobs/homes and business during these testing times public transportation must if anything increase even more at a Metro level 24hr service level, sounds crazy but as myself a true blood root has seen the county of San Diego go big. As the secret is out that San Diego County is truly in the talking of America's top 10 if not the 3 cities to live and visit. Transportation must focus on more safer / consistent /hospitality services which means more riders and more revenue. As San Diego slowly opens restriction lifted this In my opinion and my concern is San Diego's public transportation board members should you this slow time to pre prep the steady flow that consist of no delays that evolve breakdowns or signal malfunctions basically there is no reason why people should wait no more than 20 min tops for there transport to arrive.people live in short time windows for traveling and when that window becomes not reasonable or a problem actions happen like moving and relocating let's draw people in not push them away Sincerely a native San Diegan Roberto Acton Jr

1 Anthony Flores

From: Patrick Colwell Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 12:51 PM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Subject: COASTER Service Reduction Comment

Hello,

I live in Oceanside and was looking to purchase the 2 zone COASTER monthly pass for commute to work for connection to Sorrento Valley from Oceanside. The first Southbound 630 train works great for my schedule, but the afternoon Northbound trains start far too late for my commute back so I have to drive as it currently stands as I get off of work around 2:30p. I'd like to propose an earlier afternoon train that leaves San Diego-SF Depot Northbound at 3:00p. Currently taking the 5 freeway back home takes forever, but it still gets me home an hour before the train # 655 would if I were to take the earliest afternoon train Northbound. Understood that limited ridership calls for limited routes, but this is the only thing keeping me from using the COASTER.

Thank you, Patrick Colwell

Oceanside Resident

-- Patrick Colwell

1 Anthony Flores

From: Oscar Gonzalez Sent: Friday, February 26, 2021 2:41 PM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Subject: Additional Coaster Service

Dear NCTD

Can All Weekend Coaster Service return between Oceanside, and San Diego Santa Fe Depot on Saturdays, and Sundays? Because All Weekend Coaster Service temporarily service reductions and being Suspended until further notice takes too long because of the Riderships were too low from the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic Quarantine! That makes me upset! I am sick and tired of Service Reductions! My 2020 Year is RUINED, and it's ruining my life, and u all guys, governors, and public health order officials kept worrying about this all the time way too many, and I am sick, and tired of Service Reduction Policies! What if u guys can bring back all the weekend Coaster Service on Saturdays, & Sundays, and add a late night weekend Coaster service every Fridays?

From Oscar Gonzalez

1 Anthony Flores

From: Gregory Isaac Sent: Monday, March 1, 2021 3:12 PM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Subject: Coaster Service Reduction

Hi NCTD Team,

I saw that you were soliciting comments ahead of the upcoming meetings. I agree that it is necessary to reduce service temporarily due to COVID-19 but I urge you to reinstate some weekend service. Perhaps one train set making three round trips - morning, mid day, and late afternoon. Just enough that there are some options.

Thank you.

-Greg

Sent from my iPhone

1 Anthony Flores

From: Sent: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 1:44 PM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Cc: ; Subject: Comments of Coaster Schedule Changes and Growing Ridership

Dear Sir:

I am a longtime Coaster commuter. I have been commuting from Old Town to Poinsettia and back every work day since 1998.

The most important schedule gap for me and other San Diego riders is the end-of-work-day southbound train. The only option now is Coaster 662, arriving at Old Town at 6:38. The train prior to that , 656, departs Oceanside at 3:32 pm. Therefore, workers only have one late train home. I wish to encourage the addition of a 5 pm departure from Oceanside.

Regarding growning the ridership, I think a more intense marketing effort is needed to increase ridership.

Here are some ideas for promoting the Coaster.

Run ads comparing the cost of driving to the cost of riding the train. To figure the cost of driving, use the government rate for privately owned vehicles ($0.56/mile, see https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/transportation-airfare-pov- etc/privately-owned-vehicle-pov-mileage-reimbursement-rates). Showcase the coach office resources, including power outlets and wifi. Announce the many modes for ticket purchase. Appeal to drivers who experience rush hour traffic. Show the carbon footprint reduction. Provide Coaster location tracking in NCTD and MTD apps.

Coaster marketing has not succeeded in reaching my neighbors in San Diego or my workmates in Carlsbad. In general, A LARGER MARKETING BUDGET IS NEEDED.

Use strategically placed billboards at traffic jams, “If you rode the Coaster, you’d be home by now.” Publicize Coaster special events more widely. Even though I ride the Coaster every day, I was not aware of the “Santa Train” until after the fact. I have never seen any attempt to market to northbound commuters, such as downtowners who might ride to Sorrento Valley.

I think that NCTD is missing the perspective of the San Diego market. It would help if NCTD marketing had a satellite office in San Diego.

Sincerely, and best regards- Jim

Jim Menders

1

Be the engineer you want to work with.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email and any attachments are for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain material that is proprietary, confidential, privileged or otherwise legally protected or restricted under applicable government laws. Any review, disclosure, distributing or other use without expressed permission of the sender is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and delete all copies without reading, printing, or saving.

2 Anthony Flores

From: Ted Mudge Sent: Monday, March 1, 2021 4:32 PM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Subject: Coaster service resumptions

I am s-o-o-o looking forward to Trains 644, 651 & 653 restarting.

Ted Mudge

O'side

1 Anthony Flores

From: Patrick Pun Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 9:01 AM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Subject: Proposed Coaster Reduction

Hello,

I would also like to see Coaster weekend service to resume at some point this fall especially when the San Diego MTS begins the Mid Coast Trolley Extension.

Thank you,

Patrick

1 Anthony Flores

From: Elaine Regan Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 10:26 AM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Subject: Additional mid-day trains

After commuting from downtown San Diego to Carlsbad Poinsettia for over 12 years (prior to my retirement), I haven’t ridden the Coaster for a year. I miss my Coaster Family and would love to take morning trips up to North County for breakfast and walks, but the current schedule, with no mid-day return trips, isn’t workable for us.

Please add at least one mid-day run ASAP so we may check out those new locomotives and remodeled cars, and enjoy the people and the ride once again.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Elaine Regan San Diego

1 2 --

Elaine Regan

3 Anthony Flores

From: Dennis Wheeler Sent: Monday, March 8, 2021 5:43 PM To: Distribution Group - Service Changes Subject: Please add afternoon services

I would like to request afternoon services from San Diego back up to to Oceanside. There is a large gap in afternoon services. I am sure there are/will be a lot of people wanting mid afternoon (3-4 pm) services.

Thank you, Dennis Wheeler

1 Public Comments - Agenda Item 13 Circulate San Diego 233 A Street, Suite 206 San Diego, CA 92101 Tel: 619-544-9255 Fax: 619-531-9255 www.circulatesd.org

March 9, 2021

Chair Nathan Fletcher Board of Directors Metropolitan Transit System 1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 1000 San Diego, CA 92101

RE: Item 30 – Free Transfers for Bus and Trolley and Fare Policy Update (Support)

Dear Chair Nathan Fletcher:

On behalf of Circulate San Diego, whose mission is to create excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods, I am writing to urge the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board to adopt the Executive Committee’s fare policy recommendation to include free transfers for the bus and trolley.

Circulate San Diego has advocated for free transfers since 2018. In recent years, MTS has been one of only two of the twenty largest transit agencies in the United States to not provide free or reduced-price transfers (Attachment A). Requiring extra costs for transfers creates friction, and discourages use of the transit network. This inequity also disproportionately impacts low-income riders, who can be stuck paying twice for a one-way trip.

The MTS Executive Committee’s recommendation will create a progressive and cutting edge fare policy. Circulate especially commends the MTS staff or their proposal to include fare-capping, and expanding access for non-cash payments through the PRONTO system. Fare policies that are predictable, equitable, and easy to use will help more riders access the region’s transit system.

The MTS staff report proposes to limit free transfers to users of a smart card, similar to other peer agencies. While there are Title VI concerns for cash-only riders, other agencies successfully addressed these by expanding access to smart cards and non-cash payments, just as MTS staff is proposing to do.

Accessing public transit should be seamless, to make it attractive and affordable for all riders. Circulate urges the MTS Board to adopt the recommendation from the Executive Committee to implement a progressive and cutting edge fare policy.

Sincerely,

Colin Parent Executive Director and General Counsel

Creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy communities.

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CC: MTS Board of Directors SANDAG Board of Directors SANDAG Transportation Committee Members NCTD Board of Directors Hasan Ikhrata, Executive Director – SANDAG Sharon Cooney, Chief Executive Officer – MTS Matthew O. Tucker, Executive Director – NCTD Coleen Clementson, Principal Regional Planner – SANDAG Brian Lane, Senior Transit Planner – SANDAG Israel Maldonado, Fare Systems Administrator – MTS

Attachment A – Letter: Bus and Trolley Transfers in the Regional Transit Fare Study Update, dated October 17, 2018

Creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy communities.

2 Circulate San Diego 1111 6th Avenue, Suite 402 San Diego, CA 92101 Tel: 619-544-9255 Fax: 619-531-9255 www.circulatesd.org

October 17, 2018

To: Chair Terry Sinnott, SANDAG Board of Directors; Chair Georgette Gómez, MTS Board of Directors

CC: SANDAG Board of Directors; Transportation Committee Members, Kim Kawada, Interim Executive Director; Charles “Muggs” Stoll, Director of Land Use and Transportation Planning; Coleen Clementson, Principal Regional Planner; Brian Lane, Senior Transit Planner; MTS Board of Directors; Paul Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer; Sharon Cooney, Chief of Staff

From: Circulate San Diego

RE: Bus and Trolley Transfers in the Regional Transit Fare Study Update

Chairs Sinnott and Gómez,

On behalf of Circulate San Diego, whose mission is to create excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods, I am writing to urge the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors to revise the proposed fare changes to include free or discounted bus transfers and reinstate free transfers for the Trolley.

MTS is one of only two of the twenty largest transit agencies in the United States that does not provide free or reduced-price transfers for bus riders (Attachment A). Adding costs for transfers reduces the utility of the transit network. Accessing transit should be seamless, to make it attractive and affordable.

This inequity disproportionately impacts low income riders, the most transit-dependent of all, who cannot afford the 30-day pass but still ride transit regularly. Instead of working towards finding a way to provide free or reduced bus transfers, like almost all other transit agencies have been able to do, the fare update proposes to instead remove the free Trolley transfers that many riders utilize in addition to no proposed solution to provide bus to bus transfers.

MTS staff previously brought forward a proposal for a new pass, the 3-Hour $3 Pass, however that was not ultimately included in this update. We ask that the SANDAG and MTS Boards consider incorporating this or a similar transfer system as well as reincorporating the already existing free Trolley to Trolley transfers into the Regional Transit Fare Study Update as a means to allow greater access and ease of use for our region’s transit system.

Sincerely,

Creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy communities.

1

Maya Rosas Director of Policy

Attachment A—Transfer Policy Comparison - Top 20

Creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy communities.

2 Attachment A – Transfer Policies for Top 20 United States Transit Agencies (Ridership Source Data from: http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/FactBook/2016-APTA-Fact-Book.pdf.)

Yearly Unlinked Transfer Free Largest city Rail Transfer Rank Agency Passenger for Local Transfer Card Name Bus Transfer Policy Notes served Policy Trips Bus for Rail? (Thousands) When paying with MetroCard, passengers http://web.mta.inf 1 http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus may transfer free from

1 MTA 3,861,099 Free Free MetroCard o/nyct/bus/howto /howto_bus.htm bus to rail, rail to bus, or _bus.htm bus to bus within two hours. When paying with http://www.transit http://www.transitchicago.c , a transfer is 25c,

2 CTA 514,217 Discount Free Ventra chicago.com/fare om/fares/ valid for 2 additional s/ rides within 2 hours. When paying with TAP card, free transfer for 2 https://www.metr hours, additional charges TAP (Transit https://www.metro.net/riding

3 LACMTA Los Angeles 479,654 Free Free o.net/riding/fares apply for express buses Access Pass) /fares/ / or metro silver line, 50c transfer available to some non-metro buses. Rail is paid by number of stops travelled https://www.wma independent of transfers. Washington, https://www.wmata.com/rid ta.com/rider- Rail to bus and bus to

4 WMATA 411,324 Free Distance SmarTrip

D.C. er-guide/transfers.cfm guide/transfers.cf rail transfers are m discounted. Bus to bus is free for unlimited transfers within 2 hours. Must use CharlieCard for transfer. Rail to bus includes one free bus http://www.mbta. http://www.mbta.com/fares_ transfer. Bus to bus

5 MBTA 409,248 Free Free CharlieCard com/fares_and_ and_passes/subway/ transfer is free. Bus to passes/subway/ rail transfer requires an upgrade to rail fare. Transfers valid for 2

1 MTA includes MTA New York City Transit, MTA Bus, MTA Long Island Rail Road, MTA Metro-North Railroad, and MTA Staten Island Railway. Calculated by Circulate from dataset.

Creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy communities.

1 Yearly Unlinked Transfer Free Largest city Rail Transfer Rank Agency Passenger for Local Transfer Card Name Bus Transfer Policy Notes served Policy Trips Bus for Rail? (Thousands) hours. Free rail transfers are only offered at limited Discount, SEPTA Key http://www.septa.org/fares/t http://www.septa. locations. Otherwise,

6 SEPTA 347,178 Discount limited Card ransit/ org/fares/transit/ transfers are $1 and free must be in the same direction of travel.

http://www.njtran Transfer discounts are http://www.njtransit.com/sf/ sit.com/sf/sf_ser available, but discount

7 NJ Transit New York City 270,958 Discount Distance N/A sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageActi vlet.srv?hdnPag varies by number of on=MainTo eAction=MainTo zones travelled.

https://www.sfmt https://www.sfmta.com/getti a.com/getting- A rider may transfer any ng-around/transit/fares- around/transit/far

8 Muni San Francisco 228,749 Free Free Clipper number of times within a passes/single-rides- es- 90 minute period. transfers passes/single- rides-transfers MARTA partners with other agencies. Transfers are free without card MARTA to http://www.atltra MARTA. Transfers are http://www.atltransit.org/far

9 MARTA 129,123 Free Free nsit.org/fares/tra free with a card for other es/transfers/ nsfers/ agencies, but the trip must start or end with MARTA. Trip up to 3-4 hours and 3-4 transfers depending on agency. https://www.bart. Fare is calculated by gov/sites/default/ distance regardless of

10 BART San Francisco 228,749 N/A Distance Clipper N/A files/docs/Basics transfer. BART does not Guide_ENG_De operate buses. c%202014.pdf https://www.soundtransit.or https://www.soun Transfer value is stored King g/sites/default/files/docume dtransit.org/sites/ for two hours on the

11 County 125,340 Free Free ORCA Card nts/pdf/about/board/resoluti default/files/docu ORCA card, and is Metro ons/2014/Resolution_R201 ments/pdf/about/ credited in full for

Creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy communities.

2 Yearly Unlinked Transfer Free Largest city Rail Transfer Rank Agency Passenger for Local Transfer Card Name Bus Transfer Policy Notes served Policy Trips Bus for Rail? (Thousands) 4-27.pdf board/resolutions transfers. The net result /2014/Resolution is the rider pays the _R2014-27.pdf highest individual fare of the rail or bus ridden. Unclear from website, https://mta.maryl MTA https://mta.maryland.gov/re had to call (410)-539-

12 113,996 None None CharmCard and.gov/regular-

Maryland gular-fares 5000 to confirm no fares transfers are offered. Transfers require an and are free from bus to bus or rail to - http://www.miami http://www.miamidade.gov/t rail. Bus to rail or rail to

13 Dade Miami 110,771 Free Free EASY Card dade.gov/transit/t ransit/transfers.asp bus costs 60c. Transfers

ransfers.asp Transit must be made within three hours and are not for return trips. Transfers are valid for http://www.rtd- http://www.rtd- three hours and may not

14 RTD Denver 104,291 Free Free MyRide denver.com/HowToTransfer denver.com/How be used in the opposite .shtml ToRideLR.shtml direction. One way ticket is a 2 ½ https://trimet.org/

15 TriMet Portland 99,494 Free Free n/a https://trimet.org/fares/ hour pass to ride fares/ anywhere on Trimet No transfers involving https://www.sdmt Compass https://www.sdmts.com/fare buses. Rail to rail

16 MTS San Diego 91,870 None Free s.com/fares- Card s-passes transfers are free for two passes hours. http://www.ridem METRO Q http://www.ridemetro.org/Pa Free transfers in any

17 METRO 85,370 Free Free etro.org/Pages/F Card ges/Fares.aspx direction for 3 hours. ares.aspx Free transfer unlimited rides at the same fare https://www.metr Metro https://www.metrotransit.or level in any direction for

18 Minneapolis 84,536 Free Free Go-To Card otransit.org/trans

Transit g/transfers up to 2½ hours. fers Surcharges apply for higher fare levels. PATH does not operate https://www.pany buses. A one way rail

19 PATH New York City 84,168 N/A Free SmartLink N/A nj.gov/path/fares. ticket is valid for 2 hours html from time of purchase.

Creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy communities.

3 Yearly Unlinked Transfer Free Largest city Rail Transfer Rank Agency Passenger for Local Transfer Card Name Bus Transfer Policy Notes served Policy Trips Bus for Rail? (Thousands) https://metrarail.c Metra is commuter rail om/tickets/ticket-

20 Metra Chicago 74,382 N/A Distance N/A N/A only. Fares are paid by options#One- distance. Way-Ticket

Creating excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy communities.

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