SORTA BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017 - 9:00 A.M. SORTA/METRO BOARD ROOM 602 MAIN STREET, SUITE 1100 CINCINNATI, OHIO
General Items: Call to order Pledge of Allegiance Hearings from citizens (3 minutes per person)
Action Items: 1. Approval of Board Minutes: September 19, 2017
Finance (Kreg Keesee) 2. Proposed Resolution No. 2017-28: Approval of On-Board Audio Advertising Services (Dave Etienne)
Planning & Operations (Ken Reed) 3. Proposed Resolution No. 2017-29: Approval of MV Transit Contract Extension for Access Services (Lisa Aulick) 4. Proposed Resolution No. 2017-30: Approval of Queensgate Garage Boiler System Replacement (Carlos Rowland) 5. Proposed Resolution No. 2017-31: Approval of AECOM Contract Extension and Service Plan Update (Ted Meyer) 6. Proposed Resolution No. 2017-32: Accepting Public Meeting Comments and Title VI Service Equity Analysis and Approval of Services Changes (Ted Meyer) 7. Proposed Resolution No. 2017-33: Approval of Authorization to Hold Public Meeting for Fare Increase (Ted Meyer)
Briefing Items: 8. Draft Report: UC Economic Impact Study (UC Economics Center Home for Education & Research) To be presented at meeting… 9. Financial Reports for September 2017 (David Riposo) 10. Ridership Reports for September 2017 (Mark McEwan) 11. Rail Update for September 2017 (Paul Grether) 12. CEO Board Update (Dwight Ferrell)
Other Items: Executive Session- Section 121.22(G)(1) “To consider appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee…;” and Section 121.22(G)(4) Preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees”
New Business
Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the SORTA Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 9:00 AM, the SORTA/Metro Board Room, 602 Main Street, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio
The SORTA Board of Trustees may go into Executive “Closed” Session under the Ohio Open Meetings Act: Section 121.22(G)(1) To consider appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee…; Section 121.22(G)(2) To consider the purchase of property for public purposes….; Section 121.22(G)(3) Conferences with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action; Section 121.22(G)(4) Preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees…, Section 121.22(G)(5) Matters required to be kept confidential by federal law or regulations or stat statues; Section 121.22(G)(6) Details relative to the security arrangements and emergency response protocols for a public body or a public office; Section 121.22(G)(8) To consider confidential information related to the marketing plans, specific business strategy, production techniques, trade secrets… BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF: Regular Meeting of the SORTA Board of Trustees
DATE: Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 9:01 AM SORTA/ Metro 602 Main Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
BOARD MEMBERS Jason Dunn, Maurice Brown, Brendon Cull, Gary Greenberg, Ron Mosby, Gwen PRESENT: Robinson, Karl Schultz, and Daniel St. Charles
BOARD MEMBERS Heidi Black, Kreg Keesee, Mary Miller, and Ken Reed ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS: Dwight Ferrell, Donna Adkins, Dave Etienne, Paul Grether, Darryl Haley, Adriene Hairston, Mary Huller, Brandy Jones, Maria Jones, Mark McEwan, Carla McHale, Ted Meyer, Julie Motsch, Demarcus Peters, John Ravasio, David Riposo, Carlos Rowland, Ronnie Salerno, Shannel Satterfield, TJ Thorn, and Mike Weil
OTHERS: Chrissey Barnett-Haslain (Children’s Hospital), Mike Cussen &Tom Gruber (McCaslin, Imbus, & McCaslin) Reginald Harris (HSC), Shalita McDaniel and family (Metro Bus Operator), Nestor Melnyk, Troy Miller (ATU), Chris Moran ( Citizen), Kimberly Schaefer (Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP),Darcy Schwass (Vehr Communications), Jahad Washington (Metro Bus Operator),
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Dunn, SORTA Board Chair, called the meeting to order.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
HEARINGS FROM CITIZENS
Mr. Dunn asked if there were any citizens present who would like to address the Board.
See attachments comments from citizens.
BRIEFING ITEMS
Monthly Financial Report for August 2017
Mr. Riposo presented the August 2017 financial reports. Total revenues were $ 8.2 million, which is slightly favorable to budget by $2,000. Total expenses were $8.1 million, which is favorable to budget by $11,000 or 0.1%. The end result was a net favorable variance of $12,000 or 0.2% for the month. Fare revenue was unfavorable to budget by $38,000 or 2.2%. Mr. Riposo then reviewed the contributing factors to these variances.
He also presented the Cincinnati Bell Connector financial report for August 2017. Total revenues were $309,352, which is unfavorable to budget by $17,733 or 5%. Total expenses were $304,000 which is favorable to budget by $23,085 or 7%. The end result is a net favorable variable of $5,352 for the month. Mr. Riposo then reviewed the contributing factors to these variances.
Ridership Report for August 2017
Mr. McEwan presented the August 2017 ridership reports. Total ridership for the month of July was 1,242,607, which was -1.1% below budget. On-time performance was 84.7% for local routes, against a goal of 88%. Local routes are carrying 19.7 passengers per hour, against a goal of 20.7 and express routes are carrying 14.7 passengers per trip, against a goal of 16.2.
1 SORTA Board of Trustees September 19, 2017
The August 2017 Access ridership report; total ridership for Access was 20,899, 8.6% above projections. Year-to-date Access ridership was up 3.1% or 4,576 rides. On-time performance was 92.5% against a goal of 93%.
The Cincinnati Bell Connector ridership report for August 2017; total preliminary ridership was 55,049, -1.6% below and -920 from budget. On-time performance was 39.8% against a goal of 95.0%. Passengers per hour were 47.9 against a goal of 52.8. The Committee recommended that Average Headway was a more suitable measure of performance than On-Time Performance (OTP) and staff will revise subsequent reports accordingly.
Rail Update for August 2017
Mr. Grether presented the August 2017 rail update. The report includes safety metrics, marketing communications highlights, ridership & operations summaries, and the current fleet status. In August, 56 citations were issued.
July’s ridership summary includes; weekday ridership at 28,791 riders, Saturday’s 19,792, and Sunday’s ridership 9,720, with a preliminary total of 59,703 for the month of July. The key statistics for the streetcar, included trips scheduled (2,283), trips operated (1,964), missed trips (319), blockages (54), signal failures (10), close calls (35), TAA (4) and charters (0). Current fleet status car 1176 is out of service due to an articulation bearing failure.
CEO BOARD UPDATE
Mr. Ferrell provided his CEO Board Update with a PowerPoint presentation. He informed the Board on topics such as: collaboration with Business Transit Coalition (BTC) to produce an independent financial review, focusing on reinventing Metro system design criteria for rider satisfaction, an overview of competitive capital funding, and updates on the Oakley transit centers. He also, briefed board members on impactful itemto be presented in future meetings.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. St. Charles reported on the Finance Committee meeting that was held on September 12, 2017, and presented the following to the Board:
Proposed Resolution No. 2017-24: Approval of 2018 Healthcare Program
Mr. Cull moved for adoption and Mr. Mosby seconded the motion. Mr. St. Charles discussed a brief overview of the proposed 2018 Healthcare Program plan to the Board. He recommended SORTA staff to execute one (1) year contracts with Humana, Sun Life, and Enrollment Management Services (EMS) on behalf of SORTA.
By roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2017-24.
Proposed Motion: Legal Service Expenditures
Mr. Greenburg moved for adoption and Mr. Mosby seconded the motion. Mr. St. Charles recommended expends funds for legal services in the Committee approved amount of $120,000 for the remainder of 2017 only. He encouraged staff to continue to pursue cost containment strategies and alternative fee arrangements for 2018 and beyond.
By roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved the motion.
Proposed Resolution No. 2017-25: Approval to Modification to an Agreement with Antonelli College
Mr. Cull moved for adoption and Mr. Mosby seconded the motion. St. Charles presented a brief overview of a modified agreement between SORTA and Antonelli College. The new estimated revenue contract value is $6,000 for the academic school year 2017-2018.
2 SORTA Board of Trustees September 19, 2017
By roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2017-25.
PLANNING AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Ms. Cull reported on the Planning and Operations committee meeting that was held on September 12, 2017 and presented the following to the Board for approval:
Proposed Resolution No. 2017-26: Approval of MSA Contract Extension for Northside Transit Center
Ms. Schultz moved for the adoption and Mr. St. Charles second the motion. Ms. Cull recommended an extension between SORTA and Michael Schuster Associates (MSA) Architects until June 30, 2020 at a cost of $81,355. Due to environmental approval, property acquisition and exchange, and early demolition, issues the project encountered numerous delays.
By roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2017-26.
Proposed Resolution No. 2017-27: Approval of Contract for Security Services at Riverfront Transit Center
Ms. Cull moved for the adoption and Mr. Mosby second the motion. Mr. Cull proposed a renewal with Corps Security Agency to provide security services at the RTC to ensure the safety of staff in case of fire, rescue and law enforcement agencies if needed. This is a two (2) year contract with one (1) option year, at a cost not to exceed $183,032.
By roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2017-27.
APPROVAL OF AUGUST 15, 2017 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Schultz made a motion that the minutes of the August 15, 2017 meeting be approved as previously mailed and Mr. Cull seconded the motion.
By voice vote, the Board approved the minutes.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
The meeting adjourned at 10:12 AM.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of the SORTA Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2017 at 9:00 AM, the SORTA/Metro Board Room, 602 Main Street, Suite 1200, Cincinnati, Ohio.
APPROVED: ATTESTED:
Jason Dunn David A. Riposo Chair, SORTA Board CFO/Secretary Treasurer
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Attachments: Action Item Procurement Summary
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-28
APPROVAL OF ON-BOARD AUDIO ADVERTI SING SERVICES
WHEREAS:
1. SORTA currently has 357 buses and 46 routes serving Hamilton County and portions of Butler, Clermont and Warren Counties. These buses use an on-board annunciator system to provide audio messages about stop locations, service, safety etc. for customer convenience and ADA compliance.
2. In an effort to increase revenue, SORTA staff prepared a request for proposal for on-board audio advertising services, which was sent to eight (8) advertising agencies.
3. SORTA received one (1) proposal that was evaluated by a staff committee. The Committee then negotiated with CommuterAds for a 3-year revenue contract beginning November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2020 with an option for two additional 1-year terms, whereby SORTA would receive an estimated $172,850 in revenue for the five (5) year term.
4. SORTA staff recommends a contract for on- board audio advertising services be awarded to CommuterAds as the proposal most advantageous to SORTA, revenue and other factors considered.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
5. The SORTA Board hereby authorizes the CEO/General Manager, EVP/COO or CFO/Secretary- Treasurer to execute a contract with Commuter Advertising on behalf of SORTA.
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MOVED BY: Ken Reed SECOND BY: Gary Greenburg
VOTE Aye: Mr. Dunn, Ms. Black, Mr. Brown, Mr. Cull, Ms. Miller, Ms. Robinson, Mr. Schultz
Nay: None
Abstain: None
ABSENT AT THE TIME: Mr. Keesee, Mr. Mosby and Mr. St. Charles
APPROVED: October 17, 2017
Attachments: Procurement Summary
October 2017
ACTION ITEM- APPROVAL OF ON-BOARD AUDIO ADVERTISING CONTRACT
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS/OBJECTIVES
• Operational excellence • Strategic partnering
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of a resolution authorizing the CEO/General Manager, EVP/COO, or the CFO/Secretary Treasurer to execute a revenue contract for three (3) year and an additional two (2) option years with CommuterAds, on behalf of SORTA for the sale of audio advertising on Metro buses using the on-board annunciator system.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• This is a revenue contract between SORTA and CommuterAds with the revenue based on a percentage of annual sales. Projected revenue shares paid to SORTA are as followed: - The first three (3) years will be 35% of gross sales. - The additional two (2) option years will be 38% of gross sales, increasing by 3%. - Total revenue to SORTA for a five (5) year term is $172,850.
• CommuterAds will be responsible for all sales and production of ads and will reimburse Metro for staff time to upload the ads to the system.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• SORTA currently has 357 buses and 46 routes serving Hamilton County and portions of Butler, Clermont and Warren Counties. These buses use an on-board annunciator system to provide audio messages about stop locations, service, safety etc. for customer convenience and ADA compliance.
• CommuterAds will sell audio ads to be played using this annunciator system; the GPS capabilities of Metro’s Trapeze software allows these ads to be triggered at specific locations along a route, further enhancing their value to potential advertisers. CommuterAds will also use the LED signs on buses so equipped to provide a corresponding visual message.
• Proceeds from these ad sales will generate revenue to SORTA to offset operating expenses.
PROCUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• This is a revenue contract for three (3) years. • The procurement summary is attached.
D/M/WBE CONSIDERATIONS
• There were no D/M/WBE firms identified to which to send this solicitation.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Section 306.43 of the Ohio Revised Code authorizes SORTA to contract for the provision of goods and services.
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT OPTION
David A. Etienne Dwight A. Ferrell Director, Communications & Marketing CEO/General Manager
Attachments: Action Item
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-29
APPROVAL OF MV TRANSIT CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR ACCESS SERVICES
WHEREAS:
1. By Resolution No. 2012-34, the SORTA Board approved a contract with MV Transportation, Inc. for the operation and management of the Access services. This contract expires February 28, 2018 and includes two (2) one year extension options.
2. This contract extension is requested in order to avoid an interruption in Access services, in order to maintain a high quality of service to the community and people with disabilities.
3. Staff recommends a contract extension between SORTA and MV Transportation Inc. to execute a two (2) one year options to February 2020 and additional funding for the remainder of 2017 and early 2018 at a cost not to exceed $15,559,868, bring the total contract amount to $42,833,496.
4. Funding for this contract is available in SORTA’s local operating budget.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
5. The Board hereby approves the contract extension between SORTA and MV Transportation, Inc. for access services and authorizes the CEO/General Manager, EVP/COO, or CFO/ Secretary- Treasurer to execute such contract extension on behalf of SORTA at a cost not to exceed 15,559,868, for a total contract amount of $42,833,496.
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MOVED BY: Ken Reed SECOND BY: Mary Miller
VOTE Aye: Mr. Dunn, Ms. Black, Mr. Brown, Mr. Cull, Mr. Greenburg, Ms. Robinson, Mr. Schultz
Nay: None
Abstain: None
ABSENT AT THE TIME: Mr. Keesee, Mr. Mosby, and Mr. St. Charles
APPROVED: October 17, 2017
Attachments: N/A
ACTION ITEM- APPROVAL OF MV TRANSIT CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR ACCESS SERVICES
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE
• Operational Excellence
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of a resolution authorizing the CEO/General Manager, EVP/COO or CFO/ Secretary- Treasurer to execute a two (2) one year extension options and additional funding for the remainder of 2017 and early 2018 with MV Transportation Inc. on behalf of SORTA for a total contract cost of $42,833,496.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• This is a 2 year extension agreement/amendment with a total expenditure of $15,559,868 as follows:
- 11/2017- 2/2018 additional funds for the current contract estimated cost is $2,368,455 - 3/2018 - 2/2019 contract extension year $6,533,743 - 3/2019 – 2/2020 contract extension year $6,657,680
• This expenditure will be funded with local operating money.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• SORTA provides mass transportation service to the people of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, both those with disabilities and those without disabilities. SORTA has provided service for those with disabilities for many years under the name “Access”. The current agreement which was a 5 year contract that totaled $27,273,628 for operation and management of Access services expires February 28, 2018.
• Additional funding is requested for the current contract as ridership has exceeded what was originally budgeted in 2012.
• This contract extension is requested in order to avoid an interruption in Access service and maintain a high quality of service to the community and people with disabilities.
PROCUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• This is a modification and extension of a current contract.
D/M/WBE CONSIDERATIONS
• None
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
• None
SUBMITTED BY:
Lisa Aulick Dwight A. Ferrell Director, Accessible Services CEO/General Manager
Attachment: Action Item Procurement Summary
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-30
APPROVAL OF QUEENSGATE GARAGE BOILER SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
WHEREAS:
1. SORTA’s existing boilers are over 30 years old and now need to be replaced.
2. A request for proposals (RFP) based on a scope of work developed by staff was released to 46 potential bidders, including 6 D/M/W/SBE firms.
3. Four (4) proposals were received. Staff reviewed the proposals and recommends the Board accept the proposal of Peck, Hannaford and Briggs Co. (PH+B) as the proposal most advantageous to SORTA, price and other factors considered, at a total cost not to exceed $796,474 plus a 10% contingency.
4. Funding for this project is from SORTA’s local funds contained in the capital budget.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
5. The Board hereby finds the proposal of Peck, Hannaford and Briggs Co. (PH+B) as recommended by the SORTA staff to be the proposal most advantageous to SORTA, price and other factors considered and awards to it a contract for the replacement of the existing boiler with 4 new boilers, oil centrifuge and heater equipment, and controls at a total cost not to exceed $796,474 plus a 10% contingency.
6. The Board authorizes the CEO/General Manager, EVP/COO, or CFO/Secretary Treasurer to execute a contract with Peck, Hannaford and Briggs Co. (PH+B)
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MOVED BY: Ken Reed SECOND BY: Karl Schultz
VOTE Aye: Mr. Dunn, Ms. Black, Mr. Brown, Mr. Cull, Mr. Greenburg, Ms. Miller, Ms. Robinson
Nay: None
Abstain: None
ABSENT AT THE TIME: Mr. Keesee, Mr. Mosby, and Mr. St. Charles
APPROVED: October 17, 2017
Attachments: Procurement Summary
October 2017
ACTION ITEM- APPROVAL OF THE QUEENSGATE GARAGE BOILER SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE • Operational Excellence
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of a resolution authorizing the CEO/General Manager or EVP/COO to approve the purchase of the Queensgate Garage Boiler System replacement at a cost not to exceed $796,474. This includes funding for a contract with Peck, Hannaford and Briggs, Co (PH+B) as a 10% contingency of $79,647 will be kept in the budget for unforeseen costs that may be encountered during the construction phase, bringing the total funding for approval to $876,121.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• The contract amount, including the contingency, is $28,879 less than the Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) of $905,000, or 3%.
• The new boilers will cost less to maintain and operate due to the fact that they are new and that there is a five year parts and labor warranty included in the price. The existing boilers require a significant amount of maintenance to keep running.
• A slight savings will be realized in efficiency. The boilers with the new system have an efficiency rating of 85% versus the current boilers which are at about an 80% efficiency rating.
• This project will be funded with local capital.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• To replace the Queensgate Warehouse boiler system with a new system that is more dependable and efficient than the existing antiquated system.
• The new boiler system may reduce SORTA’s natural gas fuel costs by an estimate $80k+ per year based on an estimated 30% increase in boiler system efficiency and the current market pricing for natural gas. (The actual amount of dollar savings will depend on actual usage and actual gas pricing at the time of use.)
• The contract will start roughly 8 weeks after award, largely due to the lead time needed for the boilers. One boiler will be replaced at a time, leaving the others available for heating the Queensgate facility during the winter months. It is expected that all new boilers will be in place by the end of February, with the entire contract complete by the end of April 2018. There is no additional charge for this phased installation. • SORTA is able to purchase a dual fuel option for the new boilers and still remain within budget. The dual fuel option will reduce the risk associated with fuel price volatility in the future.
PROCUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• Peck, Hannaford and Briggs, Co (PH+B) submitted the proposal most advantageous to SORTA, price and other factors considered.
• The contract Procurement Summary is attached.
D/M/WBE CONSIDERATIONS
• This solicitation was sent to 46 potential vendors, including 6 D/M/W/SBE firms
• 2 of the 4 proposals used 6 D/M/W/SBE subcontractors.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Section 306.43 of the Ohio Revised Code authorizes SORTA to contract for the provision of goods and services.
SUBMITTED BY:
Carlos Rowland Dwight A. Ferrell Director of Maintenance and Facilities CEO/General Manager
Attachments: Action Item
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-31
APPROVAL OF AECOM CONTRACT EXTENSION AND SERVICE PLAN UPDATE
WHEREAS:
1. In July 2015, based on a scope of work comprised of tasks structured to evaluate service performance, propose alternate short and long-term service changes in consideration of a future funding plan, and to assess current system assets in regard to current and future scenarios, SORTA staff approved a contract with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) for a Service Evaluation, Development, and Management Action Plan.
2. In June 2016, the SORTA Board approved Resolution No. 2016-23, directing staff to take appropriate action to prepare for a ballot initiative in 2017.
3. In order to meet the Board’s directive, SORTA staff requested AECOM to provide updated and improved transit service plans in preparation of the proposed November 2018 sales tax levy.
4. Staff recommends that the Board approve a contract extension with AECOM in substantially the form attached through November 30, 2018 at a total cost not to exceed $98,743, bringing the total contract amount to $348,058
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
5. The Board hereby approves the contract extension as recommended by SORTA Staff and authorizes the CEO/General Manager, EVP/COO, or CFO/Secretary- Treasurer to execute a contract extension with AECOM on behalf of SORTA at a total cost not to exceed $98,743.
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MOVED BY: Mary Miller SECOND BY: Karl Schultz
VOTE Aye: Mr. Dunn, Ms. Black, Mr. Brown, Mr. Cull, Mr. Greenburg, Mr. Reed, Ms. Robinson
Nay: None
Abstain: None
ABSENT AT THE TIME: Mr. Keesee, Mr. Mosby, and Mr. St. Charles
APPROVED: October 17, 2017
Attachments: Proposed Contract Amendment
October 2017
ACTION ITEM- APPROVAL OF AECOM CONTRACT EXTENSION AND SERVICE PLAN UPDATE
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE
• Operational Excellence • Sustainability
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the SORTA Board of Trustees approve the Contract Amendment between SORTA and AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) in substantially the form attached and authorize the CEO, CFO, or Executive Vice President to execute it on behalf of SORTA. The additional not to exceed cost of the Contract Amendment is $98,743. This amendment will extend the current contract between SORTA and AECOM until November 30, 2018.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• In July 2015 SORTA approved a contract with AECOM for a Service Evaluation, Development, and Management Action Plan. The amount of this contract was $96,129. This management plan updated SORTA’s service standards and key performance indicators and set the stage for the development of future transit service plans. In July 2016 SORTA awarded a contract to AECOM for the development of transit service plans for a possible transit sales tax levy in November 2017. This Board approved contract, with a cost of $249,315, expires on November 30, 2017.
• We have recently been informed that SORTA is eligible for up to $100 million of federal New Starts/Small Starts grant funding for a qualified Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Plan. The service plans developed by AECOM identify local funding available for BRT, but, they do not include a BRT service plan, which is required to apply for New Starts/Small Starts grants.
• The attached contract amendment with AECOM for updating and modifying the Reinventing Metro Service Plans includes a feasibility study for potential BRT corridors. This feasibility study will develop the initial information required for a grant application for BRT. The attached contract amendment also includes an optional task for a more detailed BRT study. This optional task would only be performed if the selected sales tax level has sufficient funding for BRT service. The optional task would develop more detailed information for BRT service in the SORTA service area. The attached contract amendment has a not to exceed cost of $98,743. The cost of the optional BRT task is included in the $98,743 cost. The not to exceed cost of the contract amendment is $63,999 if the optional task is not performed. The amended contract will expire on November 30, 2018.
• The Reinventing Metro Service Plans were developed for three possible sales tax funding levels, .5 percent, .75 percent and 1 percent. These service plans were completed in early 2017 and presented to the SORTA Board and the public in spring of 2017.
• In the summer of 2017 the State of Ohio made a change that permits sales tax increases to occur in one tenth of a per cent increments. Quarter per cent increments are no longer allowed. The Reinventing Metro Service Plans need to be modified to accommodate the new sales tax levels.
• Staff recommends that SORTA amend the contract with AECOM to include the BRT feasibility study and to include updating and modifying the transit service plans that were completed in the spring of 2017.
• The service plan updates and modifications will allow plans to be developed for alternate funding levels and will incorporate comments received from the public, the SORTA Board and staff over the past six months. The alternate sales tax funding levels are .6%, .7%, .8% and .9%. The current contract with AECOM expires on November 30, 2017.
The following table is a breakdown of the contract amendment costs by the major tasks.
Activity Hours Cost Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study for Grant 84 $14,901 BRT Route Planning & Design (Optional) 208 $34,744
BRT Sub-Total, Including Optional Task 292 $49,645
Complete Current Contract Tasks 14 $2,075 Develop Service Plans for New Tax Levels 107 $15,821 Prepare Graphics for Selected Plan 84 $8,928 Refine Selected Plan Based on Board and Public Response 160 $22,274
Service Plan Update Sub-Total 351 $47,023
Total, Excluding Optional Task 449 $63,999
Total, Including Optional Task 657 $98,743
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• The recommended contract amendment will provide a BRT service plan and updated and improved transit service plans in preparation of the proposed November 2018 sales tax levy.
PROCUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
D/M/WBE CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Ted Meyer Transit Services Planning/Development Director
Attachments: Action Item Public Meeting Comments and Summary Title VI Service Equity Analysis
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-32
ACCEPTING PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS AND TITLE VI SERVICE EQUITY ANALYSIS AND APPROVAL OF SERVICE CHANGES
WHEREAS:
1. In May 2017, the Board requested a review of all underperforming routes. The report provided a summary of ridership on Routes 1, 28, 29X, 32, 49 and 50, all performing below the Board approved key performing indicators (KPI) standard.
2. By Resolution 2017-18, the Board authorized staff to conduct a public meeting on August 23, 2017, at the Duke Energy center from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., for the purpose of receiving public comments on the proposed service changes planned for implementation in December 2017.
3. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. As a recipient of funds administered by the US Department of Transportation, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is subject to the regulations and guidelines set forth under Title VI. This includes the requirement to conduct a service equity analysis whenever a major service change is proposed.
4. Staff recommends that the Board accept the August Public Meeting Comments and Summary, and the attached Title VI Service Equity Analysis. Staff also recommends the Board approve the services changes as proposed, as these modifications will increase ridership and passenger revenue and reduce operating expenses.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
5. The Board hereby accepts the attached transcript of the August 23, 2017 Public Meeting Comments and Summary and the attached Title VI Service Equity Analysis, and directs that the acceptance for the transcript be properly documented in the minutes of the SORTA Board meeting. The Board hereby receives and considers the public comments noted therein.
6. The Board approves the proposed service changes and authorizes the CEO/General Manager and staff to implement such changes effective December 3, 2017.
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MOVED BY: Brendon Cull SECOND BY: Gwen Robinson
VOTE Aye: Mr. Dunn, Ms. Black, Mr. Brown, Mr. Greenburg, Mr. Keesee, Ms. Miller, Mr. Reed, Mr. Schultz
Nay: None
Abstain: None
ABSENT AT THE TIME: Mr. Mosby and Mr. St. Charles
APPROVED: October 17, 2017
Attachments: Public Meeting Comments and Summary Title VI Service Equity Analysis
October 2017
ACTION ITEM – ACCEPTING PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS AND TITLE VI SERVICE EQUITY ANALYSIS AND APPROVAL OF SERVICE CHANGES
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE
• Sustainability • Operational Excellence
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the SORTA Board accept the attached public meeting summary and comments and the attached Title VI Service Equity Analysis. Staff further recommends the SORTA Board approve the service changes proposed for Routes 1, 28, 29X, 32, 49 and 50 for implementation on December 3, 2017.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• The proposed service changes will increase ridership and passenger revenue and will reduce operating expenses. The revenue and expense changes will be included in the 2018 budget estimate.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• The proposed service changes will improve key performance indicators for the underperforming routes. These changes will increase ridership and passenger revenue and reduce operating expenses. New service will be provided to the Red Bank Road commercial district.
PROCUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
D/M/WBE CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Ted Meyer Transit Services Planning/Development Director Final Recommendations for Route Restructuring
www.go-metro.com Recommendations to Route Restructuring
Final recommendations to low performing routes based on: - Public meeting(s) – August 23rd, 2017 (Duke Energy Center) - Public comments – 156 official comments - Title VI Service Equity Analysis – Required for a major service change
2 Title VI Service Equity Analysis
• A mandated Title VI Analysis was done in coordination with the route restructuring due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 • To ensure there is no disparate impact to minority and low income populations • Each of the three routes have “major changes” proposed and are therefore required to have an equity analysis • The analysis and report was done by a third-party consultant (WSP USA) • No disparate impacts or disproportionate burdens were found in the analysis.
3 Original Proposal: Rt. 50 Sayler Park & Rt. 32 Delhi
• Continue weekday peak-period service
• Discontinue off-peak and weekend service for Riverside and Sedamsville
• Extend Rt. 32 Delhi to serve Addyston and Sayler Park
• New connections: Sayler Park to Delhi Plaza, Mount St. Joseph, Price Hill
• Impacts Access service
4 Original Proposal: Rt. 28 East End-Milford
• Discontinue local weekday service from Fairfax to Milford (Rt. 29X Milford Express would continue to serve this area on weekdays during peak times only)
• Add new service along Red Bank Rd. and more service to Madisonville
• New connections: Walmart, Medpace, Rt. 11 Madison Rd.
• Discontinue weekend service for Rt. 28
• Impacts Access service
5 Original Proposal: Rt. 1 Mt. Adams-Eden Park-Museum Center & Rt. 49 Fairmount-English Woods
• Serve Walnut Hills/Mt. Adams via Rt. 1 on weekdays only
• Discontinue all weekend service on Rt. 1
• Re-route Rt. 49 English Woods to serve Museum Center and West End portion of Rt. 1
• Remove Rt. 49 service along John/Central and Findlay St.
• No impact on Access service
6 Public Comments Summary
Total Official Comments - 156
Top Public Comments Number of Comments Keep service between downtown and Fairfax, Mariemont and Milford 40 midday (Route 28 and Route 29X riders) Keep weekend service (Route 1) 18 Do not reduce service in Sedamsville and Riverside (Route 50) 18 Keep weekend service (Route 28) 17 Service Options to Consider Based on Public Comment
• Rt. 28 – Have some service later in the morning, and early in the afternoon on the Route 29X to offset loss of midday trips
• Rt. 28 – Add Saturday service to the existing proposal
• Rt. 1 – Add Saturday service to the existing proposal
• Rt. 50 – No new options to this route are recommended
8 Route 28 Option A – Add trips to 29X, slight 28 route change
• Public request to have some options for loss in midday trips out to Fairfax/Milford • Add 5 trips to the 29X to better fill in the loss of service and midday trips • A later inbound trip from Milford to downtown in the morning • An earlier outbound trip from downtown to Milford in the afternoon • 3 reverse commute trips (2 in morning and 1 in afternoon) • Add routing to go to Fairfax (Wooster Road) for easier transfer from the 28 and 29X as requested from public comments Estimated Net Estimated Net Estimated Change in KPI Proposal Cost Savings Ridership Change (New/Current) Original Proposal $143,254 2,328 (3.6% gain) 12.1/8.8 (Rt. 28) Add Option A -$51,915 11,950 (20.3% gain) 13.4/15.8 (Rt. 29X)
Revised Proposal $91,339 14,278 (24.2% gain) 12.1 (Rt. 28) / 13.4 (Rt. 29X) 9 Route 28 Option B – Add Saturday service, slight 28 route change
• Public request to keep weekend service on the Route 28 • Option to add just Saturday service with a 90 minute frequency • Add routing to go to Fairfax (Wooster Road) for easier transfer from the 28 and 29X. Estimated Net Estimated Net Estimated Change in Proposal Cost Savings Ridership Change KPI (New/Current) Original Proposal $143,254 2,328 (3.6% gain) 12.1/8.8 (Rt. 28) Add Saturday -$75,111 9,790 (16.6% gain) 10.7/8.8 (Rt. 28) Revised Proposal $68,143 12,118 (20.2% gain) 10.7 (Rt. 28) (Weekday and Saturday)
10 Route 1 Option – Add Saturday Service
• Public request to have service on Route 1 weekends for access to Cincinnati Art Museum • Option to add Saturday service with an abbreviated schedule running approximately 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Estimated Net Estimated Net Estimated Change in Proposal Cost Savings Ridership Change KPI (New/Current) Original Proposal (Route 1 $212,820 -38,150 (52.2% loss) 10.5/9.9 (Rt. 1) only) Add Saturday -$45,616 3,677 (5.1% gain) 9.6/9.9 (Rt. 1) Revised Option $167,204 -34,473 (47.2% loss) 9.6 (Rt.1) (Weekday and Saturday)
11 Recommendations
Estimated Estimated Estimated Net Route Option Recommendation Net Cost Change in KPI Ridership Savings (New/Current) Change Add 5 trips to 29X to accommodate some loss in midday service, route modification to serve Fairfax 14,278 12.1/8.8 (Rt. 28) 28/29X Option A $91,339 and allow for better connection between the 28 and (24.2% gain) 13.4/15.8 (Rt. 29X) 29X. Due to the availability of more frequent service 12,266 10.4/9.9 (Rt. 1) 1/49 Original Proposal within a quarter of a mile of the Cincinnati Art $186,654 (17% gain) 18.6/12.0 (Rt. 49) Museum, the original proposal is recommended Due to the low amount of ridership in the areas 7,448 15.6/9.5 (Rt. 50) 50/32 Original Proposal seeing reduction of service during those specific $193,070 (11.6% gain) 16.7/17.6 (Rt. 32) times of day, the original proposal is recommended.
Total Original Proposal From July board meeting $522,978 +22,042
Route 28/29X Option A with the original Total Recommendation $471,063 +33,992 proposals for Routes 1, 49, 32, and 50. 12
TITLE VI SERVICE EQUITY ANALYSIS
Proposed Service Changes Volume I
Prepared for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority
Prepared by: WSP USA
October 4, 2017 This page intentionally left blank
Title VI Service Equity Analysis
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ...... i What Routes are Proposed to Change?...... i What Methodology was Used for the Analysis?...... ii What are the Service Equity Analysis Results? ...... ii SORTA Title VI Service Equity Analysis ...... 1 Introduction ...... 1 Summary of Proposed Changes ...... 1 Route 1: Mount Adams – Eden Park – Museum Center AND Route 49: Fairmount – English Woods .. 2 Route 28: East End – Milford ...... 3 Route 50: Sayler Park and Route: 32 Delhi – Price Hill ...... 4 Public Engagement ...... 5 Major Service Change ...... 6 Methodology ...... 7 Disparate Impact Policy ...... 7 Disproportionate Burden Policy ...... 7 Methodology Description ...... 8 Service Equity Analysis ...... 9 Equity Analysis for Proposed Changes in Service Span ...... 9 Equity Analysis for Proposed Alignment Changes ...... 11 Impacts to Minority and Low Income ...... 17 Route 1 and Route 49 ...... 17 Route 28 ...... 17 Route 32 and Route 50 ...... 17 Alternatives and Justifications...... 17 Conclusion ...... 20
TABLES
Table 1: Existing and Projected Total Annual Hours and Miles of Service by Route ...... 7 Table 2: Population Statistics for SORTA Service Area ...... 8 Table 3: Adversely Impacted Population Statistics for Proposed Service Span Reductions ...... 9
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Table 4: Adversely Impacted Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 1 ...... 12 Table 5: Adversely Impacted Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 28 ...... 13 Table 6: Benefitting Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 28 ...... 13 Table 7: Benefitting Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 32 ...... 15 Table 8: Adversely Impacted Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 49 ...... 15 Table 9: Benefitting Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 49 ...... 16 Table 10: Passengers per Hour ...... 18 Table 11: Cost per Passenger ...... 18
FIGURES
Figure 1: Route 1 and Route 49 Proposed Restructure ...... 2 Figure 2: Route 28 Proposed Restructure ...... 3 Figure 3: Route 50 and Route 32 Proposed Restructure ...... 4 Figure 4: Total Comments Received by Route ...... 5 Figure 5: Routes with Proposed Service Span Reductions ...... 10 Figure 6: Proposed Alignment Change for Route 1 ...... 11 Figure 7: Proposed Alignment Change for Route 28 ...... 13 Figure 8: Proposed Alignment Change for Route 32 ...... 14 Figure 9: Proposed Alignment Change for Route 49 ...... 16 Figure 10: Proposed Alignment Changes for Routes 1 and 49 ...... 19
APPENDICES (VOLUME II)
Appendix 1: Public Meeting Presentation Appendix 2: Public Comments Record
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. As a recipient of funds administered by the US Department of Transportation, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is subject to the regulations and guidelines set forth under Title VI. This includes the requirement to conduct a service equity analysis whenever a major service change is proposed.
WHAT ROUTES ARE PROPOSED TO CHANGE? SORTA is proposing restructuring, through elimination of weekend and/or midday service or restructuring a route, of three routes that exhibit the lowest productivity in the overall transit system. The proposed changes are scheduled to be implemented on December 2, 2017. Changes are proposed to the following routes:
Route 1: Mount Adams – Eden Park – Museum Center and Route 49: Fairmount – English Woods Route 28: East End – Milford Route 50: Sayler Park and Route 32: Delhi – Price Hill
Route Proposed Changes Route 1 and Route 49 Service to Walnut Hills/Mt. Adams via Route 1 to weekdays only, with all weekend service discontinued. Route 49 English Woods rerouted along Spring Grove Avenue and Ezzard Charles Drive to serve the Cincinnati Museum Center and West End portion of Route 1. Route 49 service reduced along John Street/Central Parkway and Findlay Street. There would be no impact on Access service. Route 28 Local weekday service discontinued from Fairfax to Milford. Route 29x Milford Express continue to serve this area on weekdays during peak times only. New service added along Red Bank Road and Madison Road to provide more service to Madisonville. New connections: Walmart, Medpace, Route 11 on Madison Road Weekend service discontinued on Route 28. The service changes would impact Access service. Route 50 Off-peak and weekend service for Riverside and Sedamsville discontinued on Route 50. Weekday peak-period service continue on Route 50. Route 32 Delhi extended to serve Addyston and Sayler Park. New Route 32 connections: Sayler Park to Delhi Plaza, Mount St. Joseph, Price Hill. The service changes would impact Access service.
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WHAT METHODOLOGY WAS USED FOR THE ANALYSIS? Using the 2011-2015 American Community Survey (ACS), compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, the following base assumptions were made:
. Minority population was assumed to be the total population less the non-Hispanic white population. . Low-income population was assumed to be the population with income in the past 12 months below the poverty level.
The service equity analysis was conducted in three steps:
1. The population that would be adversely impacted by the proposed changes in service hours (span) was calculated by analyzing the existing service area populations for those routes together. 2. The population that would be adversely impacted by the proposed changes in alignments was calculated by analyzing the existing population served by the stops that would be eliminated on a route-by-route basis. 3. The population that would benefit from the proposed changes in alignments was calculated by analyzing the population that would be served by new or previously unserved stops on a route-by- route basis.
WHAT ARE THE SERVICE EQUITY ANALYSIS RESULTS? The potential adverse impacts and benefits of the proposed service changes were assessed to determine if any of the proposals would have a disparate impact on minority populations or a disproportionate burden on low-income populations in accordance with SORTA’s policies.
When the proposed alignment changes to Routes 1 and 49 were considered independently, both were found to disparately impact the minority population, and the proposed change to Route 49 was found to disproportionately burden the low-income population. However, when Routes 1 and 49 were considered in combination, the only adversely impacted population was found to be located along the Findlay Street and Central Avenue/John Street corridors in an area that is served by several other local SORTA routes. While the elimination of Route 49 service on these segments would disparately impact the minority population and disproportionately burden the low-income population in this neighborhood, the proposed restructuring of Route 49 to serve Ezzard Charles Drive was considered the best way to mitigate the impacts of the proposed Route 1 segment elimination.
The proposed alignment change on Route 32 was found to provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-minority population, but the proposed extension was considered the only practicable solution for maintaining midday and weekend service to the highest ridership segments of Route 50.
Therefore, the conclusion of the service equity analysis is that there are no disparate impacts or disproportionate burdens associated with the proposed service span reductions on Routes 1, 28, and 50 or the proposed alignment change on Route 28.
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Service Equity Analysis: Process and Findings
Disparate Impact or Disproportionate Burden? Routes Assessed Individually Disproportionate burden on low income Disparate impact on minority populations? populations? Route 1: Yes Route 1: No Route 28: No Route 28: No Route 50: No Route 50: Yes
Disproportionate Benefit? Routes Assessed Individually Disproportionate Benefit to Non-Minority Disproportionate Benefit to Non-Low Income Populations? Populations? Route 1: No Route 1: No Route 32: Yes Route 32: No Route 49: No Route 49: No
Routes Assessed in Combination
Has SORTA Analyzed Alternatives Has SORTA determined that the selected action or policy is the least discriminatory alternative?
Yes: Trips Added to Route 29X, Route Modified to Yes: The proposed alignment changes were analyzed Provide Better Connections and considered to be the best way to mitigate the impacts of service reduction on the minority and low- income populations served by these routes, while still accomplishing SORTA’s goal of avoiding a budgetary deficit in 2018. The restructured routes and recommended service spans revision, assessed in combination and with the addition of trips to Route 29X, are anticipated to increase ridership by approximately 34,000 rides per year and reduce costs by approximately $470,000, in contrast to the estimated ridership and cost savings presented originally.
Conclusion: No disparate impacts or disproportionate burdens associated with the proposed service span reductions on Routes 1, 28, and 50 or the proposed alignment change on Route 28.
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SORTA TITLE VI SERVICE EQUITY ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. As a recipient of funds administered by the US Department of Transportation, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is subject to the regulations and guidelines set forth under Title VI, including the requirement to conduct a service equity analysis whenever a major service change is proposed. This document describes the service equity analysis conducted for a set of service changes which are proposed to be implemented in December 2017, including a summary of the proposed service changes, definition of SORTA’s major service change and disparate impact/disproportionate burden policies, description of the equity analysis methodology and results, and discussion of the substantial legitimate justifications for the changes in instances where there are no practical alternatives that would have less of an impact on minority and low-income populations and still accomplish the agency’s goals.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
SORTA is proposing restructuring of three routes that exhibit the lowest productivity in the overall transit system. The proposed changes are scheduled to be implemented on December 2, 2017. Changes are proposed to:
Route 1: Mount Adams – Eden Park – Museum Center and Route 49: Fairmount – English Woods Route 28: East End – Milford Route 50: Sayler Park and Route 32: Delhi – Price Hill
The restructured routes were anticipated to increase ridership by approximately 22,000 rides per year and reduce costs by approximately $523,000, as originally proposed.
Specific changes to each route are described and shown in the following sections.
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ROUTE 1: MOUNT ADAMS – EDEN PARK – MUSEUM CENTER AND ROUTE 49: FAIRMOUNT – ENGLISH WOODS The proposed changes to Route 1 and Route 49 are shown on Figure 1 and include:
Service to Walnut Hills/Mt. Adams via Route 1 would be changed to weekdays only, with all weekend service discontinued. The routing would remain the same except in Downtown near Government Square for the eastern portion of the route. Route 49 English Woods would be rerouted to along Spring Grove Avenue and Ezzard Charles Drive to serve the Cincinnati Museum Center and West End portion of Route 1. Route 49 service would be reduced along John Street/Central Parkway and Findlay Street. The remaining portions of Route 49 would remain the same. There would be no impact on Access service.
Figure 1: Route 1 and Route 49 Proposed Restructure
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ROUTE 28: EAST END – MILFORD The proposed changes to Route 28 are shown on Figure 2 and include:
Local weekday service would be discontinued from Fairfax to Milford along Wooster Pike. However, Route 29x Milford Express would continue to serve this area on weekdays during peak times only. The service between downtown Cincinnati and Fairfax would remain the same on weekdays only. New service would be added along Red Bank Road and Madison Road to provide more service to Madisonville. The new route would add connections to Walmart and Medpace on Red Bank Road and to Route 11 on Madison Road. Weekend service would be discontinued on all of Route 28. The service changes would impact Access service.
Figure 2: Route 28 Proposed Restructure
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ROUTE 50: SAYLER PARK AND ROUTE: 32 DELHI – PRICE HILL The proposed changes to Route 32 and Route 50 are shown in Figure 3 and include:
Off-peak and weekend service for Riverside and Sedamsville would be discontinued on Route 50. Weekday peak-period service would continue on Route 50. Route 50 would be rerouted from 8th Street to River Road for weekday peak-period service. This access would be made available through existing Route 32. Route 32 Delhi would be extended to serve Addyston and Sayler Park. Access to Covedale and Westwood on Route 32B would remain the same. New Route 32 connections: Sayler Park to Delhi Plaza, Mount St. Joseph, Price Hill. The service changes would impact Access service.
Figure 3: Route 50 and Route 32 Proposed Restructure
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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
A public meeting was held on August 23, 2017 from 4pm to 8pm at the Duke Energy Convention Center, Room 206, in downtown Cincinnati to receive public comments concerning the proposed service changes. A brief presentation was made; it is included in the Appendix of this report. The presentation noted which routes were performing below Metro’s benchmarks for ridership and costs per passenger, which routes were being proposed for restructuring and how they would be restructured, and the anticipated results of the restructuring. Advertisements for the public meeting were posted on Metro’s website, mentioned on local news programs and newspapers, posted on social media platforms prior to the meeting, and announced on the Duke Energy Convention Center event calendar.
Comments could be made during the public meeting digitally or written on comment forms. Comments could also be made at Metro’s website (www.go-metro.com), by email (routecomments@go- metro.com), or by fax. Comments submitted by 8pm on August 23 were included in the official public record for consideration by the SORTA board. A total of 156 public comments were received concerning route restructuring. A breakdown of the number of comments received by route is shown in Figure 4. Some commenters provided comments on multiple routes.
Figure 4: Total Comments Received by Route
90 83 80 70 60 50 40 31
30 25 Comments Received Comments 20 10 10 3 4 0 Route 1 Route 32 Route 49 Route 28 Route 50 All/General Route
A copy of all comments received is attached in the Appendix. The public comments are summarized as:
Route 28 o The reduction of Route 28 from Fairfax to Milford is unacceptable o Weekend service is needed o Positive responses to the restructuring o The restructured route should extend to Dragon Way
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o Revisions should be made to Route 29x and Route 11 to accommodate the restructuring of Route 28 Route 1 and Route 49 o Weekend access to the Cincinnati Museum Center is needed o Positive responses to the restructuring o Access to Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired does not correspond with work shifts o Make the route go to the Zoo; Glenway Crossing; or southern part of Walnut Hills Route 50 and Route 32 o The reduction in access on weekends to Sedamsville and Riverside is unacceptable o Weekend service is needed o Do not cut midday service or Access service
Based on public comment, alternatives to the service spans recommendations were developed and considered. To alleviate the loss of midday service on Route 28 from Fairfax to Milford, five trips would be added to Route 29x. This alternative recommendation would serve Fairfax better and allow for a better connection between Route 28 and Route 29x.
MAJOR SERVICE CHANGE
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI Circular 4702.1B, Chapter IV specifies the requirement that transit providers located in urbanized areas with a population greater than 200,000 and operate 50 or more fixed route vehicles in peak service must conduct a service equity analysis whenever a major service change is proposed. SORTA defines a major service change as:
A major service change is defined as any change in service on any individual route that would add or eliminate more than twenty-five percent of the route revenue miles or twenty-five percent of the route revenue hours. In addition, adding a new route or reducing or eliminating service in jurisdictions where minority and/or low-income populations exceed twenty-five percent the transit system service area average would also be considered major service changes.
Table 1 lists the existing and projected total annual hours and miles for each route with a proposed service change in December 2017. As illustrated in the table, the proposed changes for Routes 1, 28, 32, and 50 meet the threshold for a major service change based on the projected change in annual hours or miles for each route.
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Table 1: Existing and Projected Total Annual Hours and Miles of Service by Route
Current Projected % Change Current Projected % Change Route Annual Annual Annual Annual Miles Annual Miles Annual Miles Hours Hours Hours 1 75,511 35,701 7,581 3,692 -53% -51% 28 135,178 100,704 7,113 5,563 -26% -22% 32 209,720 278,611 14,844 17,322 33% 17% 49 125,141 138,460 11,548 12,975 11% 12% 50 142,993 67,103 7,430 3,049 -53% -59%
While the proposed service change for Route 49 would not generate a sufficient change in annual revenue hours or miles to constitute a major service change in and of itself, the route serves a high minority and low-income jurisdiction and is therefore subject to the second clause of SORTA’s major service change policy. The geographic service area of the entire route, defined as the area within ¼ mile of the route’s existing bus stops, as well as the area where service is proposed to be eliminated, defined as the area within ¼ mile of the bus stops that would no longer be served by the route, include minority and low-income populations that exceed 25 percent of the transit system service area average. Therefore, the proposed service change for Route 49 also constitutes a major service change and is included in the service equity analysis.
METHODOLOGY
The potential adverse impacts and benefits of the proposed service changes were assessed to determine if any of the proposals would have a disparate impact on minority populations or a disproportionate burden on low-income populations in accordance with SORTA’s disparate impact and disproportionate burden policies, as stated below.
DISPARATE IMPACT POLICY A disparate impact occurs when the minority population adversely affected by a fare or service change is twenty-five percent more than the average minority population of SORTA’s service area. Disparate impacts on routes with span of service and/or frequency changes will be determined by analyzing all routes with such changes together. Disparate impacts on routes with segment elimination, re-routing, or route elimination will be determined on a route by route basis.
DISPROPORTIONATE BURDEN POLICY A disproportionate burden occurs when the low-income population adversely affected by a fare or service change is twenty-five percent more than the average low-income population of SORTA’s service area. Disproportionate burden on routes with either span of service changes and/or frequency changes
Page 7 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis will be determined by analyzing all routes with such changes together. Disproportionate burden on routes with segment elimination, re-routing, or route elimination will be determined on a route by route basis.
METHODOLOGY DESCRIPTION For this analysis, the general population was used as the comparison population, and block group level data from the most recently available 5-year averages of the American Community Survey (ACS) were utilized as the data source. To compare the adversely impacted or benefitting populations from each service change with the SORTA service area population, the population statistics for SORTA’s service area were first updated with the 2011-2015 ACS data. SORTA’s service area is defined as the area within ¾ mile of an existing SORTA stop; the population for this area was calculated by summing the total population for block groups completely within the ¾ mile buffer and a proportion of the population (equivalent to the proportion of the block group area within the service area) for block groups partially within the ¾ mile buffer. The minority and low-income populations for the SORTA service area were calculated in similar fashion. For this analysis, the minority population was assumed to be the total population less the non-Hispanic white population, as reported in Table B03002 of the 2011-2015 ACS. The low-income population was assumed to be the population with income in the past 12 months below the poverty level, as reported in Table B17021 of the 2011-2015 ACS. The resulting population statistics for the SORTA service area are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Population Statistics for SORTA Service Area
Total Population for Population with Percent Total Minority Percent whom Poverty Status Income below Poverty Population Population Minority is Determined Poverty Level Status 697,291 258,060 37.0% 680,332 138,167 20.3%
As shown in the table, the minority population average for the SORTA service area is 37.0 percent; the low-income population average is 20.3 percent. These averages were utilized to determine the thresholds for disparate impact or disproportionate burden in accordance with SORTA’s policies. For example, a disparate impact occurs when the minority population adversely impacted by a service change is 25 percent more than the average minority population of SORTA’s service area; therefore, a disparate impact will occur when the adversely impacted population is greater than 62.0 percent minority, or the benefitting population is less than 12.0 percent minority. Similarly, a disproportionate burden occurs when the low-income population adversely impacted by a service change is 25 percent more than the average low-income population of SORTA’s service area; therefore, a disproportionate burden will occur when the adversely impacted population is greater than 45.3 percent low-income, or the benefitting population includes no low-income individuals.
For routes where changes in service span are proposed, e.g. elimination of midday or weekend service, the adversely impacted population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of an existing stop served by that route. For routes where alignment changes are proposed, the adversely impacted population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of a stop that would no longer be served by
Page 8 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis that route; conversely, the benefitting population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of a stop that was not previously served by that route. In accordance with SORTA’s disparate impact and disproportionate burden policies, the impacted population for routes with proposed service span changes was calculated by considering all such routes together. The impacted population for routes with proposed alignment changes were calculated by considering the route in isolation of other proposed changes. The following section provides a more detailed explanation of the analysis and calculation of impacted populations for each proposed service change.
SERVICE EQUITY ANALYSIS
The service equity analysis was conducted in three distinct steps to determine if any of the proposed service changes would disparately impact or disproportionately burden the minority or low-income populations served by those routes. In the first step, the population that would be adversely impacted by the proposed changes in service span was calculated by analyzing the existing service area populations for those routes together. In the second step, the population that would be adversely impacted by the proposed changes in alignments was calculated by analyzing the existing population served by the stops that would be eliminated on a route-by-route basis. In the third step, the population that would benefit from the proposed changes in alignments was calculated by analyzing the population that would be served by new or previously unserved stops on a route-by-route basis.
EQUITY ANALYSIS FOR PROPOSED CHANGES IN SERVICE SPAN Three of the five routes for which changes are proposed include a change in service span. Weekend service is proposed to be discontinued on Routes 1, 28, and 50, and weekday off-peak service is proposed to be eliminated for Route 50. These proposed reductions in service span would adversely impact the existing populations served by these routes; therefore, the impacted population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of stops which are currently served by Routes 1, 28, and 50. In accordance with SORTA’s disparate impact and disproportionate burden policies, the adversely impacted population was calculated by analyzing all three routes together. The three routes in consideration are shown in Figure 5, and the adversely impacted population statistics are shown in Table 3.
Table 3: Adversely Impacted Population Statistics for Proposed Service Span Reductions
Total Population Population Percent Total Minority Percent for whom Poverty with Income Route Poverty Population Population Minority Status is below Poverty Status Determined Level 1, 28, 50 34,435 11,009 32.0% 33,893 8,097 23.9%
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Figure 5: Routes with Proposed Service Span Reductions
As shown in the table, the existing service area population of these three routes is 32.0 percent minority and 23.9 percent low-income; therefore, the proposed changes in service span for Routes 1, 28 and 50 will not disparately impact the minority population (as the minority population is less than the SORTA service area average) and will not disproportionately impact the low-income population (as the low- income population is less than 25 percent greater than the SORTA service area average).
As noted in the public engagement section, to alleviate the loss of midday service on Route 28 from Fairfax to Milford, five trips would be added to Route 29x. A later inbound trip would be added in the morning and earlier outbound trip would be added in the afternoon between Downtown and Milford. Additionally, three reverse commute trips (two in the morning and one in the afternoon) would be added. This recommendation would serve Fairfax better and allow for a better connection between Route 28 and Route 29x. This change in service span would not change the results of the disparate and disproportionate analysis for Route 28.
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EQUITY ANALYSIS FOR PROPOSED ALIGNMENT CHANGES
Four of the five routes for which changes are proposed include a change in alignment. For these routes, both the adversely impacted population and benefitting population were analyzed on a route-by-route basis, independent of other proposed changes in the system.
ROUTE 1 In addition to the proposed elimination of weekend service, the segment west of Vine Street is proposed to be eliminated from Route 1. The discontinued service on Ezzard Charles Drive and the Central Avenue/Plum Street/Elm Street corridor is proposed to be served by the realigned Route 49; however, SORTA’s disparate impact and disproportionate burden policies state that route realignments and segment eliminations are to be evaluated on a route-by-route basis. Therefore, the population that would be adversely impacted by the proposed change to Route 1 was analyzed independently of the proposed change to Route 49. The adversely impacted population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of an existing stop that is currently served by Route 1 but would no longer be served by the proposed alignment. This area is illustrated in Figure 6 and the adversely impacted population statistics are shown in Table 4.
Figure 6: Proposed Alignment Change for Route 1
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Table 4: Adversely Impacted Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 1
Total Population Population with Percent Total Minority Percent for whom Poverty Route Income below Poverty Population Population Minority Status is Poverty Level Status Determined 1 6,366 4,143 65.1% 6,291 2,584 41.1%
The adversely impacted population for Route 1 is 65.1 percent minority and 41.1 percent low-income; therefore, the proposed alignment change for Route 1 will disparately impact the minority population (as the minority population is more than 25 percent greater than the SORTA service area average), but will not disproportionately impact the low-income population (as the low-income population is less than 25 percent greater than the SORTA service area average).
ROUTE 28 In addition to the proposed elimination of weekend service, the segment east of Red Bank Road is proposed to be eliminated on Route 28. The route would instead extend north on Red Bank Road to Madison Road to provide additional service to Madisonville. The eliminated segment of Route 28 would continue to be served on weekdays during peak periods by Route 29X. For this proposed alignment change, there is both an adversely impacted population – those who would experience a decrease in service – and a benefitting population – those who would experience an increase in service resulting from this change. The adversely impacted population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of an existing stop that is currently served by Route 28 but would no longer be served by the proposed alignment. The benefitting population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of a new or existing stop that is not currently served by Route 28 but would be served by the proposed alignment. The adversely impacted and benefitting areas are illustrated in Figure 7. The population statistics for the adversely impacted area are shown in Table 5; the population statistics for the benefitting area are shown in Table 6.
Page 12 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis
Figure 7: Proposed Alignment Change for Route 28
Table 5: Adversely Impacted Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 28
Total Population Population with Percent Total Minority Percent for whom Poverty Route Income below Poverty Population Population Minority Status is Poverty Level Status Determined 28 8,064 711 8.8% 8,026 940 11.7%
Table 6: Benefitting Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 28
Total Population Population with Percent Total Minority Percent for whom Poverty Route Income below Poverty Population Population Minority Status is Poverty Level Status Determined 28 2,162 1,403 64.9% 2,141 681 31.8%
Page 13 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis
The adversely impacted population for Route 28 is 8.8 percent minority and 11.7 percent low-income; therefore, the proposed alignment change for Route 28 will not disparately impact the minority population or disproportionately burden the low-income population (as the minority and low-income populations are less than the SORTA service area average). The benefitting population for Route 28 is 64.9 percent minority and 31.8 percent low-income; therefore, the proposed alignment change will not provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-minority or non-low-income population (as the minority and low-income populations are greater than the SORTA service area average).
ROUTE 32 Route 32 is proposed to be extended to the west along Bender Road and Gracely Drive to serve the communities of Addyston and Sayler Park. This extension would provide midday and weekend service to the highest ridership segments of Route 50 on which midday and weekend service are proposed to be eliminated. There is only a benefitting population for this proposed alignment change. The benefitting population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of a new or existing stop that is not currently served by Route 32, but would be served by the proposed alignment. This area is illustrated in Figure 8 and the benefitting population statistics are shown in Table 7.
Figure 8: Proposed Alignment Change for Route 32
Page 14 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis
Table 7: Benefitting Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 32
Total Population Population with Percent Total Minority Percent for whom Poverty Route Income below Poverty Population Population Minority Status is Poverty Level Status Determined 32 2,651 263 9.9% 2,650 539 20.4%
The benefitting population is 9.9 percent minority and 20.4 percent low-income; therefore, the proposed alignment change for Route 32 will provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-minority population (as the minority population is less than 25 percent less than the SORTA service area average), but will not provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-low-income population (as the low-income population is approximately equivalent to the SORTA service area average).
ROUTE 49 Route 49 is proposed to be re-routed to serve the Ezzard Charles Drive segment that is proposed to be eliminated from Route 1; however, SORTA’s disparate impact and disproportionate burden policies state that route realignments and segment eliminations are to be evaluated on a route-by-route basis. Therefore, the population that would be adversely impacted by or benefit from the proposed change to Route 49 was analyzed independently of the proposed change to Route 1. The proposed re-routing would eliminate service on the Findlay Street and John Street/Central Avenue segments of the existing route and extend service along Dalton Avenue to Ezzard Charles Drive. This route realignment would retain service to the Cincinnati Museum Center and various social service offices located along Kenner Street, including the Cincinnati Job Corps Center and Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. For this proposed alignment change, there is both an adversely impacted population (i.e. those who would experience a decrease in service) and a benefitting population (i.e. those who would experience an increase in service as a result of this change). The adversely impacted population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of an existing stop that is currently served by Route 49, but would no longer be served by the proposed alignment. The benefitting population was calculated as the population within ¼ mile of a new or existing stop that is not currently served by Route 49, but would be served by the proposed alignment. The adversely impacted and benefitting areas are illustrated in Figure 9. The population statistics for the adversely impacted area are shown in Table 8, and the population statistics for the benefitting area are shown in Table 9.
Table 8: Adversely Impacted Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 49
Total Population Population with Percent Total Minority Percent for whom Poverty Route Income below Poverty Population Population Minority Status is Poverty Level Status Determined 49 3,084 2,651 85.9% 3,074 1,643 53.4%
Page 15 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis
Table 9: Benefitting Population Statistics for Proposed Alignment Change on Route 49
Total Population Population with Percent Total Minority Percent for whom Poverty Route Income below Poverty Population Population Minority Status is Poverty Level Status Determined 49 1,582 1,507 95.2% 1,578 767 48.6%
Figure 9: Proposed Alignment Change for Route 49
The adversely impacted population for Route 49 is 85.9 percent minority and 53.4 percent low-income, therefore the proposed alignment change for Route 49 will disparately impact the minority population and disproportionately burden the low-income population (as the minority and low-income populations are more than 25 percent greater than the SORTA service area average). The benefitting population for Route 49 is 95.2 percent minority and 48.6 percent low-income; therefore, the proposed alignment change will not provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-minority or non-low-income population (as the minority and low-income populations are greater than the SORTA service area average).
Page 16 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis
IMPACTS TO MINORITY AND LOW INCOME
ROUTE 1 AND ROUTE 49 The service span change to Route 1 would adversely impact the existing population. However, the service span change to Route 1 would not have a disparate impact on minority populations or a disproportionate burden on low-income area. The proposed alignment change for Route 1 will disparately impact the minority population but will not disproportionately impact the low-income population.
The proposed alignment change for Route 49 will disparately impact the minority population and disproportionately burden the low-income population. The proposed alignment change for Route 49 will not provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-minority or non-low-income population since the minority and low-income populations are greater than the SORTA service area average.
ROUTE 28 The service span change to Route 28 would adversely impact the existing population. However, the service span change would not have a disparate impact on low minority area or a disproportionate burden on low-income area.
The proposed alignment change for Route 28 will not disparately impact the minority population or disproportionately burden the low-income population. Additionally, the proposed alignment change will not provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-minority or non-low-income population since the minority and low-income populations are greater than the SORTA service area average.
ROUTE 32 AND ROUTE 50 The change in service span to Route 50 would adversely impact the existing population. However, the service span change would not have a disparate impact on minority or a disproportionate burden on low-income area.
The proposed alignment change for Route 32 will provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-minority population, since the minority population is less than 25 percent less than the SORTA service area average, but will not provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-low-income population.
ALTERNATIVES AND JUSTIFICATIONS
As stated in FTA Title VI Circular 4702.1B, if the equity analysis indicates that a disparate impact and/or disproportionate burden exists, the agency may still implement the proposed service change if there is a substantial legitimate justification for the change and the agency can show there are no practical alternatives that would have less of an impact on the minority and/or low-income populations and would still accomplish the agency’s legitimate programs goals.
Page 17 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis
SORTA’s goal for the proposed service changes to be implemented in December 2017 is to eliminate or restructure low productivity service in anticipation of a $30.9 million operating and capital budget deficit in the coming year. As shown in Table 10 and Table 11, Routes 1, 28, and 50 are the least productive local routes in the transit system, with performance measurements that fall well below SORTA’s defined benchmarks for passengers per hour and cost per passenger. The goal of the proposed service changes is to reduce the amount of unproductive service operated on these routes, by either eliminating weekend and midday service (Routes 1, 28, and 50), or restructuring the route to serve new markets or provide access to new destinations (Route 28). In addition, the proposed alignment changes to Routes 32 and 49 are intended to minimize the impact of the proposed service reductions on Routes 50 and 1, respectively.
Table 10: Passengers per Hour
Passengers Deviation from Local Routes per Hour Benchmark Benchmark 15.9 - 28 8.8 -45% 50 9.5 -40% 1 9.9 -38% 49 12.0 -25% 24 14.3 -10% 90 15.3 -4% 31 15.4 -3% 41 15.5 -3%
Table 11: Cost per Passenger
Deviation from Local Routes Cost/Passenger Benchmark Benchmark $6.30 - 28 $ 15.18 -141% 50 $ 14.52 -130% 1 $ 10.06 -60% 90 $ 8.44 -34% 49 $ 8.27 -31% 24 $ 8.09 -28% 41 $ 8.06 -28% 31 $ 6.57 -4%
As discussed in the previous sections, the proposed reductions in service span for Routes 1, 28, and 50 and the proposed alignment change on Route 28 would not have a disparate impact on the minority
Page 18 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis population or disproportionate burden on the low-income population. However, the service equity analysis indicated that the proposed alignment changes for Routes 1 and 49 would disparately impact the minority populations, the proposed alignment change for Route 49 would disproportionately burden the low-income population, and the proposed alignment change for Route 32 would disproportionately benefit the non-minority population.
The proposed alignment changes for Routes 1 and 49 were analyzed independently in accordance with SORTA’s disparate impact and disproportionate burden policies. However, it is more appropriate to consider the adverse impacts of the proposed changes to these two routes in combination, as the proposed alignment change on Route 49 is a direct response to the segment elimination proposed for Route 1. Figure 10 illustrates the relationship between the two routes.
Figure 10: Proposed Alignment Changes for Routes 1 and 49
As shown in Figure 10, the segments of Route 1 that are operated on Central Parkway/Plum Street, Elm Street, and Race Street are already served by several other routes in the SORTA system, including Route 49. Only the stops along Ezzard Charles Drive and Kenner Street would lose access to transit service if no other changes to the system were made. However, the proposed alignment change to Route 49 ensures that these stops, which serve the Cincinnati Museum Center and various social service offices located
Page 19 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis along Kenner Street, including the Cincinnati Job Corps Center and Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, will continue to be served and will have a higher level of service on Route 49 than on Route 1. With the proposed alignment change to Route 49, all stops that are currently served by Route 1 would either be directly served or within ¼ mile of a stop served by Route 49. Therefore, there would be no adversely impacted population by the proposed change to Route 1 when the proposed changes to Route 1 and 49 are analyzed in combination.
The proposed alignment change to Route 49 will eliminate service on Findlay Street and Central Avenue/John Street, but this change will impact very few existing riders. Eleven stops (five inbound and six outbound stops) that are currently served by Route 49 along Findlay Street, Central Avenue or John Street would be more than ¼ mile from a stop served by the proposed alignment. These eleven stops account for approximately 57 daily boardings on weekdays, or approximately five boardings per stop. In addition, the neighborhood where Route 49 service is proposed to be eliminated is served by several other local routes in the SORTA system, including Routes 16 and 67 on Liberty Street and Route 27 on Linn Street, such that all stops that are currently served by Route 49 would be within ¼ mile of another SORTA bus stop. Finally, while the neighborhood surrounding the Findlay Street and Central Avenue/John Street segments that are proposed to be eliminated has a very high minority (85.9 percent) and low-income (53.4 percent) population, the area where this service is proposed to be reallocated, or the benefitting area, has similarly high levels of minority (95.2 percent) and low-income (48.6 percent) populations.
As with Routes 1 and 49, the proposed changes to Routes 32 and 50 are more appropriately considered in combination, as the proposed alignment change on Route 32 is a direct response to the proposed reduction in service span on Route 50. Route 50, which serves the very low density communities along the riverfront west of Cincinnati, would continue to operate during peak periods on weekdays, but weekend and midday service are proposed to be eliminated. Route 32, which has one of two branched termini at Bender Road, is proposed to be extended so that the communities of Sayler Park and Addyston would retain off-peak and weekend service. This proposed extension was found to disproportionately benefit the non-minority population because the benefitting area has a minority population less than 25 percent less than the SORTA service area average. However, the entire corridor served by Route 50 has a very low minority population, such that any effort to serve these communities would likely result in a finding of disproportionate benefit. In addition, with no other local routes in the vicinity, the proposed extension of Route 32 is the only practicable solution for maintaining all-day and weekend service to the majority of existing riders on Route 50. With the proposed extension, 76.8 percent of existing riders on Route 50 would be within ¼ mile of a stop served by Route 32 on weekdays, and on Saturdays and Sundays, 74.6 percent and 75.3 percent of existing riders, respectively, would be within ¼ mile of a stop served by Route 32.
CONCLUSION
The service equity analysis found that there were no disparate impacts or disproportionate burdens associated with the proposed service span reductions on Routes 1, 28, and 50 or the proposed alignment change on Route 28.
Page 20 October 2017 Title VI Service Equity Analysis
When the proposed alignment changes to Routes 1 and 49 were considered independently, both were found to disparately impact the minority population, and the proposed change to Route 49 was found to disproportionately burden the low-income population. However, when Routes 1 and 49 were considered in combination, the only adversely impacted population was found to be located along the Findlay Street and Central Avenue/John Street corridors in an area that is served by several other local SORTA routes. While the elimination of Route 49 service on these segments would disparately impact the minority population and disproportionately burden the low-income population in this neighborhood, the proposed restructuring of Route 49 to serve Ezzard Charles Drive was considered the best way to mitigate the impacts of the proposed Route 1 segment elimination.
Finally, the proposed alignment change on Route 32 was found to provide a disproportionate benefit to the non-minority population, but the proposed extension was considered the only practicable solution for maintaining midday and weekend service to the highest ridership segments of Route 50.
The proposed alignment changes were analyzed and considered to be the best way to mitigate the impacts of service reduction on the minority and low-income populations served by these routes, while still accomplishing SORTA’s goal of avoiding a budgetary deficit in 2018. The restructured routes and recommended service spans revision, assessed in combination and with the addition of trips to Route 29X, are anticipated to increase ridership by approximately 34,000 rides per year and reduce costs by approximately $470,000, in contrast to the estimated ridership and cost savings presented originally.
Page 21 October 2017 Summary of Aug. 23, 2017 Route Restructuring Public Meeting
Location: Room 206 of the Duke Energy Convention Center
Time: 4 – 8 p.m.
Number of attendees at meeting: 47 based on sign-in sheet
Comments solicited by email, online and on-bus and by digital recording the day of meeting
Comments received: Email: 12 On-bus: 12 Online: 91 Digital: 21 Written day of: 19 Total: 155
Meeting publicized by: • Legal ad in Cincinnati Enquirer and general ads in CityBeat, La Jornada Latina and Cincinnati Herald • On-bus communications (flashes) • Posters in sales office • On-bus audio announcements • Push notification through Cincy EZRide and Cincinnati EZAlerts • Social media • News release • Metro web site • Letters to registered Access customers and agencies serving people with disabilities • Frequently asked questions distributed to call center and sales office personnel to assist with customer questions
Metro employees were notified of the meeting by internal communications.
Information presented at the meeting in Spanish and Braille for the blind and visually impaired. An ASL interpreter was also present at the meeting to assist those who were speech and/or hearing impaired.
October 13, 2017
Dear Mayor, Commissioners, Councilmembers:
Earlier this year, in an effort to meet key performance indicators, reduce operating costs, and serve more residents, the SORTA Board instructed the Administration to consider adjustments to under-performing routes. The Administration reviewed three key routes and made recommended changes to the routes.
As you know, SORTA is required to follow a very specific process outlined in federal law to implement changes and adjustments to routes. We completed that process, which included several opportunities for public comment. Notably, after this robust public engagement, the Administration adjusted its original recommendations to incorporate suggestions and address concerns. We also completed the required Title VI analysis to ensure that there are no disproportionate burdens or disparate impacts on low-income or minority populations.
Today, after reviewing the final adjustments to the routes and the entirety of the public comment, the SORTA Planning and Operations Committee forwarded a final decision to the full SORTA Board which meets on Tuesday, October 17.
Taken together, the changes that the full board will consider will save SORTA nearly half-million dollars and increase ridership by 34,000 rides per year. This is a positive outcome and I'm proud of the work of the METRO team.
While these decisions are never easy and all of us consider the effect on Cincinnatians who rely on our service, I'm confident these changes are in the best interest of the entire system. METRO is consistently ranked as one of the most efficient public transit systems in the United States, and these route optimizations show that we continue to earn that ranking.
A summary of the specific changed is attached.
Dwight, Darryl or I am available at any time to answer questions about these changes. Please do not hesitate to call if you have questions.
Jason Dunn
Cc: Dwight Ferrell, CEO & General Manger Darryl Haley, EVP/Chief Operations Officer
ROUTE RESTRUCTURING PROPOSAL Effective Dec. 3, 2017
Rt. 1 Mt. Adams-Eden Park-Museum Center Rt. 49 English Woods • Operate Walnut Hills/Mt. Adams portion of route to downtown on weekdays • Discontinue weekend service on Rt. 1 • Re-route Rt. 49 English Woods to serve Museum Center portion of Rt. 1 • Discontinue Rt. 49 service along John/Central and Findlay St. • No impact on Access service
Rt. 28 East End-Milford Rt. 29X Milford Express • Discontinue local weekday service from Fairfax to Milford (Rt. 29X Milford Express would continue to serve this area on weekdays during peak times) • Add five one-way trips to the Rt. 29X Milford Express (requested in public comments), including one later morning and one earlier afternoon trip • Add new service along Red Bank Rd. and more service to Madisonville • New connections: Walmart, Medpace, Rt. 11 Madison Rd. • Discontinue weekend service for Rt. 28 • This change will affect Access service
Rt. 50 Sayler Park Rt. 32 Delhi • Continue weekday peak-period service on the route, but discontinue off-peak and weekend service for Riverside and Sedamsville • Extend Rt. 32 Delhi to serve Addyston and Sayler Park • New connections from Sayler Park to Delhi Plaza, Mount St. Joseph, Price Hill • This change will affect Access service
These changes are projected to increase ridership by about 34,000 rides per year and reduce costs by about $470,000.
A federally required Title VI analysis was done to assure that there was no disproportionate burdens or disparate impacts on low-income or minority populations. A public meeting was held about these changes in August, and comments received were reviewed before bringing the final recommendation to the SORTA Board.
The SORTA Board will vote on these proposed changes on Oct. 17, 2017.
Attachments: Action Item Presentation
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-33
APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZATION TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING FOR FARE INCREASE
WHEREAS:
1. SORTA’s Public Participation Policy states that SORTA encourages community comment on proposed major services changes and fare increases.
2. SORTA staff recommends that in order to provide notice to the public staff be authorized to release a legal notice to run prior to December 2017 of a public meeting to receive public comments on the fare changes proposed for implementation June 1, 2018.
3. SORTA staff recommends that it also be authorized to proceed to conduct a public meeting in December 2017 at a location still to be determined, for the purpose of receiving public comments on the proposed fare changes, and to take all other actions necessary to carry out the public hearing.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
4. The SORTA Board hereby authorizes staff to release a legal notice of a public meeting for fare increase. The legal notice should run two weeks prior to December 2017 public meeting.
5. The SORTA Board further authorizes staff to proceed to conduct a public meeting in December 2017 at a location still to be determined, for the purpose of receiving public comments on the proposed fare changes planned for implementation June 1, 2018, and to take all other actions necessary to carry out the public meeting.
**************
MOVED BY: Ken Reed SECOND BY: Gwen Robinson
VOTE Aye: Mr. Dunn, Ms. Black, Mr. Brown, Mr. Cull, Mr. Greenburg, Mr. Keesee, Ms. Mille, Mr. Schultz
Nay: None
Abstain: None
ABSENT AT THE TIME: Mr. Mosby and Mr. St. Charles
APPROVED: October 17, 2017
Attachments: Proposed SORTA Board Resolution
October 2017
ACTION ITEM - APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZATION TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING FOR FARE CHANGES
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE
• Sustainability
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the SORTA Board authorize staff to release a legal notice regarding a public meeting to receive public comments about proposed fare changes. The public meeting will be held at a date to be determined in early December at a location to be determined in downtown Cincinnati.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• The proposed fare changes will increase passenger revenue and will be included in the 2018 budget estimate. The fare changes, if approved by the SORTA Board of Trustees and Cincinnati City Council, would be implemented on June 1, 2018.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• The proposed fare changes would increase the amount of passenger revenue available to fund SORTA’s operations.
PROCUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
D/M/WBE CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
• N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Ted Meyer Transit Services Planning/Development Director
Attachments: Presentation
October 2017
BRIEFING ITEM – DRAFT REPORT: UC ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE
• Operational Excellence
RECOMMENDATION
This is a briefing item. No action required.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• Presentation is to provide findings from the Analysis of Reinventing Metro regarding the impact Metro has and can have on the quality of life enjoyed in the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, completed by the Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati.
SUBMITTED BY:
David R. Riposo CFO/Secretary-Treasurer
Analysis of “Reinventing Metro” (2017) Focus Points
+ Ridership and Job Access
+ New Money to the Hamilton County Economy
+ Economic Impact within Hamilton County
This analysis was completed for a baseline (current earnings tax or 0.50-Cent sales tax), 0.75-Cent sales tax, and 1.00-Cent sales tax. All analysis was completed using November 2016 data. Ridership and Job Access
+ Ridership (2018-2027): Increase from 13.6 million at baseline to 20.3 million (+55%) at 0.75-Cent and to 22.9 million (+75%) at 1.00-Cent
+ Footprint: Increase job access via ped-shed from 80% at baseline to 82% at 0.75-Cent and 86% at 1.00-Cent
+ Service: Increase Job access of high-frequency routes at peak from 261,000 jobs at baseline to 288,000 at 0.75-Cent (+10%) and 379,000 at 1.00-Cent (+45%) Annual Ridership by Scenario, 2018 and 2027
22,859,000
20,269,000
13,601,000 13,601,000 13,601,000
12,075,000
2017 Baseline/0.50-Cent Sales Tax 0.75-Cent Sales Tax 1.00-Cent Sales Tax 2018 2027 Annual Ridership by Scenario, 2018 and 2027
22,859,000
20,269,000
68% 49% 13,601,000 13,601,000 13,601,000 -11% 12,075,000
2017 Baseline/0.50-Cent Sales Tax 0.75-Cent Sales Tax 1.00-Cent Sales Tax 2018 2027 Summary of Job Access by Industry, All Scenarios* Summary of Job AccessTboytalI nCodunustyt ry, A201ll S7c Baensealirnieo/s * Industry 0.75-Cent 1.00-Cen Total CEomunpltyoy Emmepnlto yme nt 0.50-Cent Covered by Transit 2017 Baseline/ t 0.75-Cent 1.00-Cent Industry Manufacturing 46,987 20,855 19,501 18,25 0.50-Cent 1 Finance andE duInscuatriaonncael Services, Health Care, and Social 27,615 92% 94% 95% Public Administration 123,18612 ,762 19,415 88% 1790%,902 93%12,2 26 Assistance Arts, EntertParionfmesseniont aanld, SRceiecrnetaiftiico, na nd Management, and 9,952 87% 82% 83% 90,458 InformationA dministrative and Waste Management Services 8,931 16,488 86% 1188%,467 91%10,0 6 6 AccommodCaotinosnt rauncdti oFoon d Services 20,71741 ,019 7,651 85% 786%,239 91%5,8 0 7 EducationaRl eSetarivl iTcreasd, eH ealth Care, and Social Assistance 40,141234 ,186 6,787 84% 685%,348 90%3,6 8 7 Retail TradeA ccommodation and Food Services 41,01940 ,144 6,080 83% 584%,870 91%3,5 2 9 TransportatWiohon alensda Wle aTrreadhoue sing 22,34615 ,107 5,788 82% 584%,379 86%4,5 6 1 ProfessionaOtl, hSecire Snetrivfiicc,e asn (exd Mceapnta Pubgemliecn At,d amnidn istration) 14,989 2,988 82% 287%,883 89%1,9 8 90,458 5 AdministraTtirvaen sapondr tWataiosten a Mnda nWaagreemhouenst iSnegr vices 15,107 2,725 2,350 2,15 1 Other Services (except Public Administration) 14,989 Finance and Insurance 27,615 2,145 80% 181%,769 87%1,2 5 4 All Other 2,684 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 6,782 1,726 76% 182%,326 84%1,0 2 0 Real EstatePub andli Rc eAndtmali nanisdtr Laetiaosnin g 12,762 6,782 1,524 75% 180%,302 85%9 2 Wholesale ATratsd, eE ntertainment and Recreation 9,95222 ,346 1,290 1,826 2 1,70 9 74% 76% 80% ConstructioInf ormation 8,93120 ,717 1,262 1,040 8 1 63% 65% 72% ManufacturAinllg Ot her 2,68446 ,987 643 478 4 7 Total 483,679 97,367 86,680 46886 ,%42 Total Jobs and Share covered 483,679 56%80% 58%82% 61% 6 Share of Total Employment Not Covered 20% 18% 14%1 Share of Total Employment Not Covered 20% 18% 1 4% Source: Economic Center Analysis of ES-202 data, Q1.2016 and Metro route structures, November 2016 *Numbers and Percentages may not sum to totals due to rounding Route and Job Access, 0.50-Cent Route and Job Access, 0.75-Cent Route and Job Access, 1.00-Cent • Metro currently reaches 80% (386k) of total jobs in Hamilton County (483k total)
• However, only 54% of jobs (261k) have wait times of less than 20 minutes of headway during peak weekday service
• Increased frequency would result in 59% of jobs (288k) covered with high-frequency service at 0.75-Cent and 78% (379k) at 1.00-Cent New Money to the Hamilton County Economy + In 2018, the 2017 baseline will leverage approximately $12.1m of Non-Hamilton County tax revenue (12% of total revenue)
+ 0.50-Cent would expand to $34.3m Non-Hamilton County tax revenue (29% of total revenue)
+ 0.75-Cent would expand to $58.7m Non-Hamilton County tax revenue (33% of total revenue)
+ 1.00-Cent would expand to $79.2m Non-Hamilton County tax revenue (36% of total revenue) Total, Earnings or Sales Tax, and Non-Hamilton County Funding, 2018 ($M)
Non-Hamilton County Tax Revenues Hamilton County Tax Revenues All Other Revenues $100.0 $194.8
$156.1 $45.3
$117.6 $45.3 $79.2 $44.7 $58.7
$44.7 $38.7 $70.3 $52.1 $34.3 $43.2 0.50-Cent Sales Tax 0.75-Cent Sales Tax 1.00-Cent Sales Tax
$12.1
2017 Baseline (Earnings Tax) Source: Economics Center calculations of Metro provided budget data, November 2016 estimates. Total, Earnings or Sales Tax, and Non-Hamilton County Funding, 2018 ($M)
Non-Hamilton County Tax Revenues Hamilton County Tax Revenues All Other Revenues
$194.8
$156.1 $45.3
$117.6 $45.3 $100.0 $79.2 $44.7 $44.7 $58.7
$38.7 $43.2 $70.3 $52.1 $34.3 $12.1 2017 Baseline (Earnings Tax) 0.50-Cent Sales Tax 0.75-Cent Sales Tax 1.00-Cent Sales Tax Source: Economics Center calculations of Metro provided budget data, November 2016 estimates. Economic Impact (2017-2028)
+ From $877m in Total economic impact, ridership benefits, and congestion reduction at 2017 Baseline
+ To $1,243m at 0.50-Cent (+40% over baseline)
+ To $1,659m at 0.75-Cent (+87% over baseline)
+ To $2,031m at 1.00-Cent (+129% over baseline) Economic Impacts, Rider Benefits, and Congestion Savings, 2018 (Year-one, $M) $185
$154
$122
$85
2017 Baseline 0.50-Cent 0.75-Cent 1.00-Cent Economic Impact Rider Benefits Congestion Savings Economic Impacts, Rider Benefits, and Congestion Savings, 2018 (Year-one, $M)
$185
$154
$122
$85
2017 Baseline 0.50-Cent 0.75-Cent 1.00-Cent
Economic Impact Rider Benefits Congestion Savings Key Takeaways
+ Job Access: Substantially increase with expansion of footprint and service
+ Leverage additional non-Hamilton County dollars
+ Ten-year economic impact increases by 40% at 0.50-Cent, 87% at 0.75-Cent, and 129% at 1.00-Cent Christopher Nicak Co-Director of Research Economics Center [email protected] 513-556-9053 REFERENCE SECTION
Additional information, data, and maps to follow. I I
2017 Baseline/0.50-Cent System N - - 0.75-Cent System - - 1.00-Cent System 0- - -2====4-- -6==:::::J8Miles A l((f ECONOM ICS CENTER 0.50-Cent Maximum Headway by Route, Frequency in Minutes 0.75-Cent Maximum Headway by Route, Frequency in Minutes 1.00-Cent Maximum Headway by Route, Frequency in Minutes
Attachments: Executive Summary Financial Report
October 2017
BRIEFING ITEM – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS – AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE
• Operational Excellence
RECOMMENDATION
This is a briefing item. No action is required at this time.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• As part of the monthly closing of the general ledger, the Accounting Department prepares various financial reports.
• One of the key reports is the Statement of Revenues and Expenses, also known as an Income Statement.
• This report gives summary information about how actual SORTA revenues and expenses in the newly closed month (as well as calendar year-to-date) compare with budgeted and prior year values.
• A separate Executive Summary is also prepared to give narrative descriptions behind key favorable and unfavorable actual results compared with budget values.
• Attached are Monthly Financial Reports for SORTA and the Connector as of October 30, 2017.
SUBMITTED BY:
David A. Riposo CFO/Sr. Vice-President, Finance
SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
September 2017
SORTA’s financial report for the month ending September 30, 2017 is attached.
• Total Revenues were approximately $7.8 million, which was slightly unfavorable to budget by $48,000 or 0.6%; • Total Expenses were approximately $7.6 million, which was favorable to budget by $229,000 or 2.9%; • End result was a net favorable variance of $181,000 or 2.3% for the month and $2,078,000 or 2.9% year- to-date.
Below is a summary of the most significant factors driving results for the month:
• Fare Revenue: Unfavorable to budget by $20,000 or 1.3% for the month.
• CPS Contract Revenue: Favorable to budget by $57,000 or 7.1% for the month.
• Non-Transportation Revenue: Unfavorable to budget by $76,000 or 56.8% almost entirely due to unfavorable advertising revenue due to bad debt expense recorded on uncollectible accounts.
• Employee Wages: Favorable to budget by $106,000 or 2.8% primarily due to 24 salaried positions of $96,000 and favorable maintenance wages of $64,000 due to open positions, offset by unfavorable operator wages of $31,000.
• Employee Benefits: Favorable to budget by $30,000 or 1.5% primarily due to lower OPERS of $15,000 and vacation of $19,000.
• Parts & Supplies: Favorable to budget by $40,000 or 8.8% due to favorable revenue vehicle parts expense of $53,000.
• Fuels & Lubricants: Favorable to budget by $31,000 or 5.5% primarily due to diesel fuel which was favorable $27,000.
• Salary Headcount: Four positions filled (2 in Operations and 2 in Administration), one vacancy on an existing position and one vacancy from the unbudgeted addition of an Operations Training Manager resulted in a decrease to the open positions from 26 at the end of August to 24 at the end of September:
Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Monthly Financial Report as of September 2017 ($ in thousands)
Curr Mo Curr Mo Month Variance YTD Variance Prior Year Actual Budget Fav / (Unfav) YTD Actual YTD Budget Fav / (Unfav) Actual
Fares Regular Fares & Passes $1,385 $1,396 ($11) (0.8%) $12,603 $12,615 ($12) (0.1%) $13,359 Fare Deal $71 $76 ($5) (6.8%) $720 $727 ($7) (1.0%) $764 Special Program Fares (1) $20 $28 ($8) (29.7%) $163 $232 ($68) (29.5%) $230 Access Fares $78 $73 $5 6.5% $709 $689 $21 3.0% $691 Total Fares $1,554 $1,574 ($20) (1.3%) $14,196 $14,263 ($68) (0.5%) $15,045
CPS Contract Revenue $857 $801 $57 7.1% $5,756 $5,464 $292 5.3% $5,354 Non-Transportation Rev (2) $58 $134 ($76) (56.8%) $1,044 $1,308 ($264) (20.2%) $1,193 Transit Fund Operating $4,988 $4,988 ($0) (0.0%) $40,759 $40,759 ($0) (0.0%) $37,812 Federal Subsidies $64 $64 $0 0.0% $7,895 $7,856 $39 0.5% $7,550 State Subsidies $67 $69 ($2) (2.8%) $580 $587 ($6) (1.1%) $589 Other Subsidy Revenue (3) $176 $183 ($7) (4.0%) $1,660 $1,644 $16 1.0% $1,461
Total Revenue $7,763 $7,811 ($48) (0.6%) $71,890 $71,881 $8 0.0% $69,004
Expenses Employee Wages $3,623 $3,729 $106 2.8% $32,728 $33,818 $1,089 3.2% $32,510 Employee Benefits $1,985 $2,016 $30 1.5% $17,844 $18,313 $470 2.6% $17,679 Purchased Transportation $492 $506 $14 2.8% $4,651 $4,626 ($24) (0.5%) $4,492 Fuel & Lubricants $526 $556 $31 5.5% $4,803 $4,958 $155 3.1% $5,369 Parts & Supplies $408 $447 $40 8.8% $4,405 $4,174 ($232) (5.5%) $4,149 Services $285 $301 $16 5.3% $2,606 $2,896 $290 10.0% $3,303 Utilities & Phone $73 $56 ($17) (29.4%) $749 $891 $141 15.9% $728 Casualty & Liability $45 $38 ($7) (19.6%) $501 $500 ($1) (0.3%) $515 Taxes $68 $72 $4 5.0% $619 $621 $2 0.3% $625 Leases $36 $46 $9 20.7% $330 $411 $82 19.9% $282 Miscellaneous Exp (4) $41 $45 $4 8.5% $576 $673 $97 14.4% $501
Total Expenses $7,582 $7,811 $229 2.9% $69,812 $71,881 $2,069 2.9% $70,153
NET INCOME / (DEFICIT) $181 $0 $181 2.3% $2,078 $0 $2,078 2.9% ($762)
Notes: (1) Special Program Fares include UC and Cincinnati State drops and passes, and Duke Energy shuttle. (2) Non-Transportation revenues include advertising, investment income, parking revenue, warranty recoveries and fee SORTA receives from the City to manage the streetcar. (3) Other Subsidy Revenue includes county contracts, and payments from 5/3 Bank, Duke Energy, UC and Cincinnati State. (4) Miscellaneous Expenses include advertising, training, dues and subscriptions, travel and incentive fares.
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SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY CINCINNATI BELL CONNECTOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SEPTEMBER, 2017
The Cincinnati Bell Connector financial report for the month ending September 30, 2017 is attached.
Total Revenues were $313,337 which is unfavorable to budget by $17,191 or 5%; Total Expenses were $329,157, which is favorable to budget by $1,371 or 0%; September result is net unfavorable income of $15,820 and an unfavorable variance to budget of $15,820. Year to date result is net favorable income of $18,734, and a favorable variance to budget of $18,734. A favorable adjustment from prior months to the Transdev Contract Expense of $34,062 is reflected in the results, as well as an unfavorable adjustment to Direct Costs of ($11,203).
Below is a summary of the most significant factors driving results for the month:
Ridership: Unfavorable by 7,727 or 12% for the month. Fare Revenue: Unfavorable by $4,291 or 9% for the month primarily due to decreased ridership. Naming Rights: Unfavorable $2,249 or 10% for the month due to naming rights contracts falling short of budgeted expectations. Station Shelter Advertising: Unfavorable $10,800 or 100% for the month due to station shelter advertising contracts falling short of budgeted expectations during approval/selling ramp up. Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Cincinnati Bell Connector Year to Date Financial Report As of September 30, 2017
Curr Mo Curr Mo Month Variance YTD YTD YTD Variance Actual Budget Fav / (Unfav) Actual Budget Fav / (Unfav)
Ridership 58,372 66,099 (7,727) -12% 176,337 181,771 (5,434) -3% Fares Regular Fares & Passes $42,611 $48,252 ($5,641) -12% $130,404 $132,692 ($2,288) -2% Charter Service $1,350 $0 $1,350 - 2,600 0 2,600 - Total Fares $43,961 $48,252 ($4,291) -9% 133,004 132,692 312 0% Other Revenue City Parking Meter Contribution, (Net of City Overhead Expense) $88,839 $88,839 $0 0% 266,516 266,516 0 0% City Appropriated Surplus Parking $32,637 $32,637 $0 0% 103,091 103,091 (0) 0% Haile Foundation $75,000 $75,000 $0 0% 225,000 225,000 0 0% Tax Incentive Policy (VTICA) $33,333 $33,333 $0 0% 101,237 100,000 1,237 1% Connector Advertising $18,692 $18,544 $149 1% 52,458 55,631 (3,173) -6% Naming Rights $20,874 $23,123 ($2,249) -10% 60,919 69,369 (8,450) -12% Station Shelter Advertising $0 $10,800 ($10,800) -100% 0 32,400 (32,400) -100% Total Fares and Other Revenue $313,337 $330,528 ($17,191) -5% 942,225 984,699 (42,474) -4% Expenses Transdev Contract $275,680 $275,681 $0 0% 746,413 820,667 $74,254 9% SORTA Management Fee $22,304 $22,054 ($250) -1% 65,903 65,653 (250) 0% Direct Costs $31,172 $32,793 $1,621 5% 111,175 98,379 (12,796) -13% Total Expenses $329,157 $330,528 $1,371 0% 923,491 984,699 61,208 6% NET INCOME / (DEFICIT) ($15,820) $0 ($15,820) $18,734 $0 $18,734
Attachments: Presentation
October 2017
BRIEFING ITEM – MONTHLY RIDERSHIP REPORT –SEPTEMBER 2017
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE
• Operational Excellence
RECOMMENDATION
This is a briefing item. No action is required at this time.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• This report provides a summary of monthly ridership information, both on fixed route (Local/Express), Access services, and Cincinnati Bell Connector.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as: Average Fixed Ridership, Passenger per Hour, Passenger per Trip, and Cost per Passenger are provided to show ridership trends and variances.
SUBMITTED BY:
Darryl Haley Executive Vice President/ COO
September 2017 Ridership Report Local/Express Ridership
VARIANCE VARIANCE ACTUAL BUDGET 2016 (%/#) (%/#)
TOTAL 1,286,037 1,310,059 -1.8% -24,022 1,409,813 -8.8% -123,776 LOCAL 1,209,633 1,231,754 -1.8% -22,121 1,325,411 -8.7% -115,778 EXPRESS 76,404 78,305 -2.4% -1,901 84,402 -9.5% -7,998
YTD TOTAL 10,704,951 10,697,854 +0.0% +7,097 11,232,279 -4.7% -527,328
Current Year Prior Year Budget
Local/Express KPIs
ACTUAL KPI VARIANCE
PASSENGERS PER HOUR 21.0 20.7 +0.3 (LOCAL) PASSENGERS PER TRIP 14.4 16.2 -1.8 (EXPRESS)
AVERAGE RIDERSHIP (WD) 54,668 55,793 -1,125
AVERAGE RIDERSHIP (SA) 22,476 21,906 +570
AVERAGE RIDERSHIP (SU) 16,057 16,932 -875
Current year Prior year KPI Local/Express KPIs
ACTUAL KPI VARIANCE
COST PER PASSENGER $5.39 $5.57 -$0.18 (LOCAL)
COST PER PASSENGER $11.89 $9.00 +$2.89 (EXPRESS) COST RECOVERY (LOCAL) 33.7% 28.0% +5.7% 28.0% COST RECOVERY (EXPRESS) 29.0% 35.0% -6.0%
OTP (LOCAL) 81.7% 88.0% -6.3% OTP (EXPRESS) 79.8% 88.0% -8.2%
Current year Prior year KPI Access Ridership
ACCESS ACTUAL BUDGET VARIANCE (%/#) 2016 VARIANCE (%/#) PARATRANSIT TOTAL 18,883 17,649 +8.6% +1,657 19,286 -2.1% -403 WD 17,364 17,969 -3.4% -605 SA 865 678 +27.6% +187 SU 654 639 +2.3% +15
YTD 171,281 165,471 +3.5% 5,810 167,118 +2.5% +4,163
Current Year Prior Year Budget
Access KPIs
ACTUAL KPI VARIANCE
COST PER PASSENGER $29.42 $32.00 -$2.58 ON-TIME PERFORMANCE (OTP) 91.1% 93.0% -1.9% PASSENGERS PER HOUR 2.4 2.2 +0.2 COST RECOVERY 16.3% 14.0% +2.3%
Current year Prior year KPI
CB Connector Ridership
VARIANCE ACTUAL BUDGET (%/#)
TOTAL 58,372 66,099 -11.7% -7,727
FYTD TOTAL 176,337 181,771 -3.0% -5,434
Current Year Prior Year Budget
CB Connector KPIs
ACTUAL KPI VARIANCE
COST PER PASSENGER $4.72 $4.10 +$0.62 AVERAGE HEADWAY (OFF-PEAK/PEAK) 13:13/16:01 12:00/15:00 +1:13/+1:01 PASSENGERS PER HOUR 47.8 52.8 -5.0 COST RECOVERY 15.5% 14.3% +1.2%
Current Year Prior Year Budget/KPI
Attachments: Presentation
October 2017
BRIEFING ITEM – MONTHLY RAIL UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2017
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL / OBJECTIVE
• Strategic Partnering • Operational Excellence
RECOMMENDATION
This is a briefing item. No action is required at this time.
BUSINESS PURPOSE
• SORTA has executed two intergovernmental agreements with the City of Cincinnati defining roles and responsibilities for the Cincinnati Bell Connector. • SORTA is the FTA Grantee for the Cincinnati Bell Connector. • SORTA is responsible for the management of streetcar assets and the operation and maintenance of the Cincinnati Bell Connector once constructed, tested and commissioned. • SORTA staff provides monthly updates on the start-up of the Cincinnati Bell Connector the Board of Trustees, the Cincinnati City Council and the Federal Transit Administration.
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul Grether, Director of Rail Services
Streetcar Update
Review of September 2017 Safety Metrics: Near Miss Near Miss Incident Breakdown • 81% initiated by other vehicle: – Most interactions due to maneuvers in front of or around Streetcar – 16% Pedestrian Interactions (Jay walking) • Incidents most likely to occur: Walnut at 5th, Main at 5th • Most likely to occur weekdays between 1100 and 1400 and between 1600 and 1700 Safety Metrics: Reportable Incidents
• Incident Types (YTD) – 76% Collision – 18% Evacuations – 6% Medical-related • 15 Reportable Incidents YTD for 2017
Safety Activities
• Internal Audit (17-002) – Required as part of Internal Audit Program – Coincides with Triennial Audit • Workplace Safety Audit (17-003) – SOP Review – Physical Inspection • Collision Analysis – Reviewed Data from start of revenue service – Included observations and recommendations
Internal Audit (17-002)
• Utilized Checklist’s based upon System Safety Program Plan • Performed by SORTA Safety Staff • Goal is to confirm programs and activities are meeting planned and published requirements – Generally met – Opportunities for improvement • Draft Audit Report under review
Workplace Safety Audit (17-003)
• Utilized checklist’s based upon governmental requirements (e.g. OSHA) • Performed by SORTA Safety Staff • Findings – Documentation insufficient – Physical inspection resulted in 13 recommendations • Transdev is being responsive and working to close gaps
Collision Analysis - Summary 69% of all collisions occurred at intersections • • 81% were “striking against” (regardless of fault) • Collisions were spread between Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday • Most damage was to the left front and left side of Streetcars • Two operators were involved in five collisions, others distributed among seven operators • Most operators had a collision (on average) within 188 days of certification
Frequency and Severity • 407 near misses • 17 collisions • Data correlation – Walnut at 5th and Main at 5th – Had high near miss frequency with actual collisions Observations
• Intersections greatest opportunity for collisions • collisions occurring within specific times appear to be a function of commuters exiting the City and visitors on Saturday • Contributing collision factors: – Motorist not exhibiting proper care around Streetcars – Following distance/defensive driving – Staffing (one Supervisor accounts for 3 collisions)
Summary of Recommendations
• Ensure all Rail Vehicle Operators made aware of incidence frequency at intersections • Analyze intersections for other conditions potentially contributing to near miss frequency and collisions. • Rail Vehicle Operators receive awareness/refresher training within 180 days of being certified.
Security
• Installed new signage and deployed Officer on Henry Street to monitor traffic infractions • Adjustments made from last year’s Octoberfest and Riverfest – no impact to service this year Marketing/Communications New TVM decal: • Promotes Cincy EZRide app • Includes QR code for easy scanning
Marketing/Communications Brochure distribution: • 300 to BLINK • 300 to United Way volunteers • 300 to Procter & Gamble for alumni reunion Marketing/Communications Paid ads: Fall Visitors Guide – CVB/RTN
DCI Downtown Guide Marketing/Communications Adding stations to Globili app • Provides free translations to dozens of languages • Translates TVM instructions • Geo-coded to launch on phones with the app when they near a station Marketing/Communications 1st Birthday Social Media Contest & Recap Video • 9,051 Impressions • 1,609 Views • 209 Engagements
September Ridership Summary
Ridership Ridership Budget Variance
Weekday 25,064 28,833 -3,769
Saturday 20,623 21,890 -1,267
Sunday 12,685 15,376 -2,691
Total 58,372 66,099 -7,727
*Includes any supplemental service *Does not include charter service Fare Inspections Fare Compliance 12000 10000 Fare Evasion Rate 8000 0.90% 6000 0.80% 4000 0.70% 2000 0.60% 0 0.50% Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 0.40% Citations 0.30% 60 0.20% 50 0.10% 40 0.00% 30 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 20 10 0 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 August Operations Summary
Trips Trips Missed Average Signal Close Scheduled Operated Trips Headway Blockages* Failures Calls TAA Charters
(total) 13:13 (12 min) 60 2,230 2,092 138 (more than 8 22 3 0 16:01 (15 min) 60 ````````2 min) Operations Trends
Average Off Peak Headway Average Peak Headway 17:31:12 15:21:36
17:16:48 14:52:48 17:02:24 14:24:00 16:48:00 16:33:36 13:55:12 16:19:12 13:26:24 16:04:48 12:57:36 15:50:24 15:36:00 12:28:48 15:21:36 12:00:00 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Operations Trends Change Off Road Train Failure Road 25 12
10 20 8 15 6 10 4
5 2
0 0
Streetcar vehicle failure resulting in removal of vehicle from service; can be a failure of a safety Streetcar vehicle failure that can be remedied on the device or electro/mechanical failure – requires off- line – typically results in 5 to 60 minutes suspension load of passengers and results in 60+ minutes of service suspension of service and can result in reduced service (increased headway) Operations Trends
Streetcar Blockages Traffic Signal Failures 80 30 70 25 60 20 50 40 15 30 10 20 5 10 0 0 QUESTIONS? October 2017
Streetcar:
Ticket vending machines: We are working aggressively with SPX/Genfare (GFI) to resolve ongoing issues with the ticket vending machines. We will report our progress to the City’s Major Transportation Committee on Oct. 24.
Major projects:
Ohio On-line Checkbook: Metro has partnered with the office of Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel to put the SORTA’s financial records online as part of Ohio’s Online Checkbook: http://ohiotreasurer.gov/Transparency/Ohios-Online-Checkbook. SORTA’s financial information will be available through the site beginning on Oct. 17.
Oakley Transit Center Groundbreaking: On Friday, Sept. 22, Metro broke ground on the new Oakley Transit Center that is expected to open in mid-January. The transit center will feature four boarding bays, designated off-street park & ride spaces for commuters, enhanced transit shelters, streetscaping, wayfinding, a ticket vending machine, and real-time information screens. It will provide more convenient connections between five major Metro routes: Rt. 41 and Rt.51 crosstown routes connecting the east and west sides of town; Rt. 4 Montgomery and Rt. 11 Madison local routes; and Rt. 12X Madisonville Express with service into downtown Cincinnati.
Bridegable conversation: On Aug. 31, TANK CEO Andy Aiello and I joined Bridgeable, a local firm specializing in connecting decision-makers and their constituents, for a small-group conversation with riders who use both Metro and TANK. The goal was to learn how we could improve riders’ experiences and make using both systems more seamless. Feedback included suggestions for family passes, integrating TANK fare on the new Cincy EZRide app, and improving the Metro/TANK transfer structure.
Stuff the bus: On Sept. 8, Metro invited the community to help “Stuff-the-Bus” with supplies to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey at Government Square Area E. This collection event benefited Matthew 25: Ministries and their work with disaster victims.
Free rides for Bengals opener: For the third season, Metro partnered with Miller-Coors to provide free rides to fans for the Bengals first home game. All rides on Metro were free on Sept. 10 from 7 a.m. to midnight.
CEO update:
Trip to Washington DC: In late September, I was in Washington DC to meet with our federal delegation. I discussed SORTA’s Bus & Bus Facilities Grant application and its role in helping with our capital funding deficit, as well as the SORTA Board’s direction to pursue a sales tax levy in 2018. There was much interest expressed in possible Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) grant opportunities, which we will explore.
CEO meetings: In September, I attended meetings with the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee’s transportation committee. I also met with Cincinnati City Councilmembers Christopher Smitherman, Chris Seelbach, and Yvette Simpson.
Safety Awards luncheon: Our annual safety awards luncheon was held on Sept. 18 to honor bus operators and maintenance employees with outstanding safety records. In all 503 operators and maintenance employees received safety honors this year for driving without a preventable accident. Special thanks to Local 12 Traffic Reporter, Jen Dalton, for serving as our keynote speaker at this year’s banquet.
Commendations: Metro’s employees serve the community well every day and we receive many commendations. In September, our employees received about two dozen commendations, including:
Customer wanted to leave commendation for the operator, Ellen, because she was nice and helped an elderly lady off the bus and cross the street safely.
Customer wanted to say this operator went out of her way to help people and wanted to leave her a compliment.
Customer wanted to report the bus she was riding was full and there was another Rt. 4 traveling behind them. She states the operator figured the bus behind her was going to pick up a passenger so she passed him, but the operator noticed the passenger was still standing at the stop. The operator pulled the bus over and told the passengers she was going to (get) the passenger from the stop. The operator walked back up to the stop to assist the customer and his seeing-eye dog to the coach to allow him to get a ride to his destination. The caller wanted to report how much she appreciates the operator for showing good gesture once realized the other bus did not stop for him, She states all of the operators should have her gratitude.
If you have any questions, please call me at (513) 632-7510.
Dwight A. Ferrell, CEO and General Manager
CEO Board Update October 2017
www.go-metro.com Great news... successful grant application
• FY 2018 Ohio Transit Preservation Partnership Program grant • CMAQ and STP dollars (FHWA) • Awarded through ODOT to urban systems • 80/20 match
2 11 40-ft. replacement buses: $4.2 million
3 10 Cincy EZRide e-ticket validators: $30,400
• Readers will validate e-tickets, but not interact with farebox
• Pilot program
• 21,000+ Cincy EZRide app users
4 In November
1. Proposed 2018 budget 2. Capital budget 3. New 10-year projections to 2027 for Operating and Capital 4. Reinventing Metro Plan service level (0.5%-1.0% levels)
November committee and board meetings are one week earlier than usual
5 In December
1. Underperforming express routes 2. Authorization to hold public meeting for express route changes
December committee and board meetings are one week earlier than usual
6
DISCUSSION
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