Request for Proposals No. 16-016
Fare Restructuring Study
Proposal Receipt Deadline November 5, 2015 2:00 p.m.
6232616 RFP No. 16-016 Fare Restructuring Study
PART I. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS
SEC. 1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Foothill Transit is issuing this Request for Proposals No. 16-016 (RFP) seeking Proposals from qualified firms or individuals to conduct a fare restructuring study that will evaluate Foothill Transit’s current fare structure and that will function as a predictive tool to be applied in the future as needed.
The new fare structure should align with Foothill Transit’s fare policy goals. These goals include, but are not limited to:
Developing an overall fare policy Ensuring operator and passenger safety Creating simplicity Increasing system ridership Increasing total fare revenues Reducing cash transactions Aligning fares regionally
The proposed Scope of Work is set out in Part III of this RFP.
SEC. 2 DEFINITIONS
As used in this Request for Proposals:
A. Contract. The term "Contract" means the agreement to be entered into by Foothill Transit and the successful Proposer for the scope of services described in this RFP.
B. Consultant. The term “Consultant” means the individual, firm, company, corporation, partnership, or association executing the Contract as an entity providing the scope of services specified in this RFP.
C. Days. Unless otherwise indicated, the term “days” means business days. If, however, a period of time designated in this RFP ends on any of the following days, the period shall end on the next business day: (a) any alternating Monday that Foothill Transit is closed; (b) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the day after Thanksgiving Day; (c) any holiday recognized by Foothill Transit on a weekday when that holiday falls on a weekend; and (d) December 24th through January 1st. A complete list of Monday office closures and weekday holidays can be found at http://www.foothilltransit.org/connect/office-hours.
D. Foothill Transit. The term “Foothill Transit” means the local transportation entity created under a joint powers agreement pursuant to California State law with its principal place of business in West Covina, California.
E. Interested Party. The term “interested party” means any person (1) who is an actual or prospective Proposer in this procurement; and (2) whose direct economic interest would be affected by the award of the Contract or by a failure to award the Contract.
6232616 RFP No. 16-016 Fare Restructuring Study
F. Proposal. The term “Proposal” means a response to this RFP submitted by a Proposer.
G. Proposer. The term ”Proposer” means any individual or entity that actually submits a Proposal to Foothill Transit in response to this RFP.
H. Prospective Proposer. The term "Prospective Proposer" shall refer to any person who takes one or more of the following actions: (1) receives this RFP by direct mail; or (2) registers with Foothill Transit as a vendor of the services being solicited in this RFP.
I. RFP. The term "RFP" means this Request for Proposals.
SEC. 3 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Event: Date
Request for Proposals issued by Foothill Transit 09/17/15 Pre-proposal conference -10:00 a.m. PDT 09/24/15
Deadline for receipt of written questions and requests for addenda - 10/01/15 2:00 p.m. PDT
Foothill Transit responses and/or addenda issued 10/08/15 Proposals due – 2:00 p.m. PST 11/05/15
Interviews Week of 11/30/15
Tentative Contract Approval Week of 12/07/15
Foothill Transit reserves the right to alter the dates shown above by written notice.
SEC. 4 GENERAL PROPOSAL CONDITIONS
A. Notice of Informal Solicitation
Notwithstanding any other provision of this RFP, all Proposers are hereby specifically advised that this RFP is an informal solicitation for proposals only, and is not intended and is not to be construed as an offer to enter into an agreement or engage into any formal competitive bidding or negotiation pursuant to any statute, ordinance, rule, or regulation.
B. Method of Response
Responses to the RFP shall be made according to the instructions contained herein. Failure to adhere to instructions may be cause for rejection of any Proposal.
C. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
Proposers understand and agree that submission of a Proposal will constitute acknowledgment and acceptance of, and a willingness to comply with, all the terms, conditions, and criteria contained in this RFP, except as otherwise specified in the Proposal. Any and all parts of the submitted Proposal may become part of any subsequent contract between the selected Proposer and Foothill Transit.
D. False, Incomplete, or Non-responsive Statements
False, misleading, incomplete, or non-responsive statements in connection with a Proposal may be sufficient cause for rejection of the Proposal. The evaluation and determination of the fulfillment of the above requirement will be Foothill Transit's responsibility, and its judgment shall be final.
E. Clear and Concise Proposal
Proposals shall provide a straightforward, concise delineation of the Proposer's capability to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. Each Proposal shall be submitted in the requested format and provide all pertinent information, including but not limited to information relating to capability, experience, and other information as specified in Section 6 and otherwise required in this RFP. Each Proposal shall be signed in ink by a duly authorized officer of the Proposer.
SEC. 4A PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE
A pre-Proposal conference will be held on September 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., PDT. Attendees should assemble on the second floor of Foothill Transit’s Administrative Offices located at 100 South Vincent Avenue, West Covina, California. Foothill Transit will provide all Prospective Proposers with a copy of the transcript from the pre-Proposal conference; however, Foothill Transit is not bound to any information provided in the verbal responses to questions that may be posed during the pre-Proposal Conference. Attendance at the pre- Proposal conference is not mandatory. Prospective Proposers are invited to participate via conference call. The call-in number and instructions are as follows:
Call Toll-Free: United States and Canada: +1 (866) 951-1151 Conference Room Number: 3478518
SEC. 6 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
A. Proposal Receipt
Proposals in response to this RFP shall be considered received at the time actually received by the addressee. All Proposals and other communications should be addressed to Foothill Transit as follows:
Jarrett Stoltzfus Procurement Director Foothill Transit 100 South Vincent Avenue Suite 200 West Covina, CA 91790 (626) 931-7336 (Facsimile) Email: [email protected]
B. Proposal Format
Proposals, consisting of one unbound original and seven (7) unbound copies of the signed original, and one copy on a compact disk or flash drive must be received by Foothill Transit at its office address listed in paragraph A of this Section by 2:00 p.m., PST, November 5, 2015. Proposals received after this specified date and time shall be considered late and shall not be considered for evaluation. Late Proposals shall be returned to the sender unopened. Proposers should specifically note that proposals are required to be submitted at the reception desk at Foothill Transit and that the reception desk is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding alternating Mondays. A complete list of Monday office closures can be found at http://foothilltransit.org/connect/office-hours/.
C. Required Quantities
Forms and Elements Checklist; General Information; Statement of Qualifications, Experience, and Organizational Relationships; Project Understanding; Work Plan and Technical Approach; In-House Capabilities; Addenda to the RFP; and Required Forms: One (1) unbound, signed1 original and seven (7) bound copies per the provisions of Part I, Sections 6.A., 6.B., 6.C., 6.D., 6.E., and Part IV of this RFP; and
Price Proposal: One (1) unbound, signed original in a separate, sealed envelope accompanying the Proposal per the provisions of Part I, Section 6.E. of this RFP.
D. Required Markings
Each Proposal shall be in the form specified in this RFP, and in a sealed envelope with outside markings stating: (1) RFP 16-016; and (2) DO NOT OPEN WITH REGULAR MAIL addressed as indicated in Subsection A of this Section.
SEC. 6 REQUIRED ELEMENTS OF PROPOSALS
Each Proposer shall provide a written Proposal which includes the required elements, both in content and sequence, set forth in this Section. Each section of the Proposal as described herein shall be segregated and identified by a tabbed insert as to identify the item being addressed in the Proposal. A Proposal may be rejected and not reviewed by Foothill Transit if it modifies or fails to conform to each of the requirements set forth in this Section.
A. General Information. Each Proposer shall submit all information listed on the “General Information Required of Proposer” form. The information must be submitted on the “General Information Required of Proposer” form included in Part IV of this RFP.
B. Statement of Qualifications, Experiences and Organizational Relationships. This Statement shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
1 Signature requirement applies to “General Information Required of Proposer” form and addenda only. 1. Experience. Each Proposer must briefly state their experience in this type of project. Each Proposer must provide a general history of the Proposer, including specific experience in conducting fare studies. 2. Past Performance. Each Proposer must describe a minimum of five (5) projects it has performed within the last five (5) years which are similar in nature to that contemplated in this RFP, including a short narrative describing the project and the outcome, the names and specific experience of the facilitator for each project, and the name of the entities for which the services were provided, including the name, address, and phone number of the project manager for the client. 3. Proposed Project Manager. Each Proposer must identify its proposed Project Manager who must have at least three (3) years of direct experience conducting fare studies. 4. Biographies. Each Proposer must include the biographies of all proposed key staff that would be involved with the Foothill Transit.
5. In-House Capabilities. Each Proposer must indicate the tasks that will be performed by in-house personnel and which tasks will be subcontracted. If the Proposer intends to sub-contract any portion of the Scope of Work, the Proposer must list all subcontractors whom they intend to partner; specifically identify the work to be done by each subcontractor; and provide all of the information required under Paragraph A of this Section for each proposed subcontractor.
C. Project Understanding. Each Proposer shall describe their understanding of Foothill Transit and the services to be provided by the Proposer. . D. Work Plan and Technical Approach. Each Proposer must outline how the Proposer intends to address each of the task items set out in the Scope of Work and identify the person or persons who will be responsible for completing each Task set forth in the Scope of Work.
E. Price Proposal. Each Proposer is required to submit a single individually sealed price proposal for all services outlined in the Scope of Work. The price proposal must be submitted on the price proposal form included in Part IV of this RFP. The price proposal must be in a separate envelope with the marking PRICE PROPOSAL FOR RFP No. 16-016. Please note that the price proposal must specifically identify the name of the Proposer.
PROSPECTIVE PROPOSERS SHOULD SPECIFICALLY NOTE THAT IF THE PRICE PROPOSAL IS NOT SUBMITTED IN A SEPARATELY SEALED ENVELOPE, THE ENTIRE PROPOSAL WILL BE REJECTED AND NOT REVIEWED BY FOOTHILL TRANSIT.
SEC. 7 CLARIFICATION AND ADDENDA PROCESS
A. A Proposer may submit to Foothill Transit a written request for an interpretation or clarification of, or an addendum to, this RFP. Any such request must be received by Foothill Transit no later than 2:00 p.m., PDT, on October 1, 2015. The request must be e-mailed to [email protected], or submitted in writing (including by facsimile) to the Foothill Transit contact listed in Section 5. The RFP No. 16-016 must be included in the subject field of all e-mail messages. Proposers should specifically note that Foothill Transit prefers that questions be submitted by e-mail.
B. Foothill Transit will review and prepare a written response to each written request made by a Prospective Proposer pursuant to this Section. Foothill Transit’s written response(s) will be posted on the Foothill Transit website and/or otherwise furnished to all Prospective Proposers no later than October 8, 2015.
C. Foothill Transit reserves the right to make modifications or addenda to this RFP. If Foothill Transit determines it is appropriate to revise any portion of this RFP, either at the request of a Proposer or upon Foothill Transit's own initiative, Foothill Transit will issue, and make available to all prospective Proposers, a written addendum setting forth this revision. Proposers shall acknowledge receipt of addenda by written notice thereof returned to Foothill Transit. Where addenda require changes in the work to be performed under the Contract, the date set for receipt of Proposals may be postponed by such number of days as Foothill Transit determines are appropriate in order to enable prospective Proposers to revise Proposals.
D. Foothill Transit is not bound by any oral interpretations, clarifications, or changes made to this RFP by any Foothill Transit employee or Consultant. Any clarification or change to the RFP must be provided in writing pursuant to this section.
SEC. 8 COST OF PROPOSAL
Any costs incurred by Proposers in responding to this RFP shall be the Proposer's sole expense and will not be reimbursed by Foothill Transit.
SEC. 9 CANCELLATION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Foothill Transit reserves the right in its discretion to cancel this Request for Proposals in whole or in part.
SEC. 10 PROPOSAL REJECTION
Foothill Transit reserves the right in its discretion to accept or reject any and all Proposals submitted in response to the RFP, or refuse to enter into any contract resulting from any Proposal submitted, without expense to Foothill Transit.
SEC. 11 PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL
The Proposer's authorized representative may, prior to the date and time set as the deadline for receipt of Proposals, modify or withdraw a Proposal in person, in writing, or by facsimile to the Foothill Transit contact listed in Section 5. If Proposals are modified or withdrawn in person, the authorized representative shall make his or her identity known and shall sign a receipt for the Proposal. Written or facsimile notices shall be received in Foothill Transit's office listed in Section 5, no later than the date scheduled as the Proposal receipt deadline. After the Proposal receipt deadline, Proposals may not be withdrawn for one hundred and twenty (120) days.
SEC. 12 ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSALS AND EVALUATION PROCESS
A. Foothill Transit reserves the sole right to evaluate and select the successful Proposer. An evaluation committee will evaluate all Proposals in accordance with the criteria set forth in Section 13. The evaluation committee will score the Proposals to develop a list of Proposers determined to be within the competitive range, if a competitive range is established. The Proposers whose Proposals are found by Foothill Transit to be within the competitive range will be notified and any questions and/or requests for clarifications provided to them in writing. If interviews are deemed necessary, a decision that is in Foothill Transit’s sole discretion, each Proposer in the competitive range will be invited for a private presentation and interview with the evaluation committee to discuss answers to written or oral questions, clarifications, and any facet of its Proposal. All interviews will be conducted at the Foothill Transit Administrative Offices; participation by telephone is not permitted. Proposers should specifically note that Foothill Transit may select a Proposal for award without establishing a competitive range and/or without discussions or oral interviews.
B. After the completion of oral presentations, if conducted, the evaluation committee will make a recommendation for contract award.
C. The highest-evaluated Proposer will be invited to finalize the contract terms with Foothill Transit. The written contract shall bind the Proposer to furnish and deliver at the price negotiated and in accordance with conditions of this RFP, any addenda hereto, and the successful Proposer’s Proposal. If negotiations with the highest-evaluated Proposer are not successful, Foothill Transit reserves the right to negotiate with the next highest-evaluated Proposer.
SEC. 13 EVALUATION CRITERIA
A. The evaluation of Proposals will be based on qualifications, demonstrated competence, and technical response to the RFP. It will be recommended that a contract be negotiated with the Proposer judged to be most outstanding in meeting the overall objectives of the RFP.
B. Evaluation of the Proposals will consist of the factors and weighted values specified below:
1. Work Plan and Technical Approach 40 points
2. Statement of Qualification, Experience and Organizational Relationships 25 points
3. Price 20 points
4. Project Understanding 15 points
SEC. 14 COST OR PRICE ANALYSIS AND COST-REALISM ANALYSIS
Foothill Transit reserves the right to conduct a cost or price analysis of any Proposal received in response to the RFP and to review and audit the business records of any Proposer to determine the fairness and reasonableness of the price proposed.
Foothill Transit also reserves the right to conduct a cost-realism analysis by independently reviewing and evaluating specific elements of each Proposer’s proposed cost estimate to determine whether the estimated proposed cost elements (1) are realistic for the work to be performed; (2) reflect a clear understanding of the requirements; and (3) are consistent with the unique methods of performance and materials described in the Proposer’s project and technical proposals.
In conducting a cost or price analysis or a cost-realism analysis, Foothill Transit may require a Proposer to provide additional cost, price, or other information in order to complete the analysis. A failure to provide such information shall make the Proposal non-responsive.
SEC. 15 AMBIGUITIES
Because Proposals can at times be ambiguous, Foothill Transit reserves the right to request additional information before making an award. Foothill Transit also reserves the right to seek clarification from any Proposer about any statement in its Proposal that Foothill Transit finds ambiguous.
SEC. 16 RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING AND CONTACTS
A. During the period beginning on the date of the issuance of this RFP and ending on the date of the award of the contract, no person (or entity) submitting a Proposal in response to this RFP, or any officer, employee, representative, agent, or contractor representing such a person (or entity) shall contact through any means or engage in any discussion regarding this RFP, the evaluation or selection process, or the award of the contract with any member of the Foothill Transit Board or his or her personal staff. Any such contact shall be grounds for the disqualification of the Proposer.
B. During the period beginning on the date of the issuance of this RFP and ending on the date of the award of the contract, each person or entity described in Subsection A shall limit his or her communication with Foothill Transit employees to the written clarification and amendment process described in Section 7, and the interview process described in Section 12. During such time period, any such person or entity is precluded from having any communications regarding this RFP, the evaluation, or selection process, or the award of the contract with a member of the Foothill Transit Evaluation Committee. Any such unauthorized communication shall be grounds for the disqualification of the Proposer.
SEC. 17 OWNERSHIP OF PROPOSALS/PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
The Proposals received become the exclusive property of Foothill Transit. At such time as a Contract is awarded by Foothill Transit, all Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall become a matter of public record and shall be regarded as public records, with the exception of those elements of each Proposal that are (i) trade secrets as that term is defined in California Government Code § 6254.7(d) and that are so marked as “TRADE SECRET,” “CONFIDENTIAL” or “PROPRIETARY”, and (ii) any questionnaires and/or financial statements required and deemed to not be public records and not open to public inspection pursuant to California Public Utilities Code § 99154. Foothill Transit shall not in any way be liable or responsible for the disclosure of any such records or portions thereof, including, without limitation, those so marked if disclosure is deemed required by law or by an order of a court. Proposals that indiscriminately identify all or most of the Proposal as exempt from disclosure without justification may be found technically unacceptable.
SEC. 18 PROTEST PROCEDURES
A copy of Foothill Transit’s Protest Procedures may be obtained at Foothill Transit’s website www.foothilltransit.org by clicking the link within the description of this procurement (RFP 16- 016)
PART II– GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
NOTE THAT THIS PART CONTAINS PROPOSED GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CONSULTANT AND FOOTHILL TRANSIT. FOOTHILL TRANSIT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE CONDITIONS STATED HEREIN, AND TO ADD OR DELETE CONDITIONS PRIOR TO CONTRACT EXECUTION.
SEC. 1 SCOPE OF WORK AND SCHEDULE
A. The scope of services to be performed by the Consultant shall be as set forth in Exhibit A to this Contract [now Part III of the RFP and any addenda thereto]. Foothill Transit may modify the scope from time to time as set forth in Section 9.
B. Unless otherwise indicated, the term “days” means business days. If, however, a period of time designated in this Contract ends on any of the following days, the period shall end on the next business day: (a) any alternating Monday that Foothill Transit is closed; (b) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the day after Thanksgiving Day; (c) any holiday recognized by Foothill Transit on a weekday when that holiday falls on a weekend; and (d) December 24th through January 1st. A complete list of Monday office closures and weekday holidays can be found at http://foothilltransit.org/connect/office-hours.
C. The Consultant shall commence its services and activities under this Contract upon Foothill Transit’s issuance of a notice to proceed (“NTP”). Foothill Transit will issue the notice to proceed after receipt of all documentation required under Sections 18, 19, and 20 of this Contract. The Consultant shall complete the services and provide the equipment in accordance with the schedule for performance attached hereto as Attachment B [to be developed prior to Contract execution].
SEC. 2 REPRESENTATIVES AND NOTICES
A. Foothill Transit’s Representative
Foothill Transit’s Representative for supervision, direction, control, and approval of the work of the Consultant shall be Foothill Transit’s Director of Finance and Treasurer.
B. Consultant’s Representative
Consultant hereby designates its ______as its representative to oversee the performance of this Contract (“Consultant’s Representative”). Consultant Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of the Consultant for all purposes under this Contract.
C. Delivery of Notices
All notices permitted or required under this Contract shall be given to the respective Parties at the following address, or at such other address as the respective Parties may provide in writing for this purpose:
Consultant:
Foothill Transit: Michelle Lopes Caldwell Director of Finance & Treasurer 100 South Vincent Avenue Suite 200 West Covina, CA 91790 (626) 931-7254 (626) 931-7354 (fax)
Any notices required by this Contract shall be deemed received on (a) the day of delivery if delivered by hand (including overnight courier service) during the receiving Party's regular business hours or by facsimile before or during the receiving Party's regular business hours; or (b) on the second business day following deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, to the addresses set forth above, or to such other addresses as the Parties may, from time to time, designate in writing pursuant to the provisions of this Section. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice occurred, regardless of the method of service.
SEC. 3 COMPENSATION
A. The Consultant agrees to receive and accept $______as full compensation for furnishing all materials, performing all work, and fulfilling all obligations hereunder (“Contract Price”).
B. The Consultant shall submit monthly invoices to Foothill Transit, which describe the services provided by the Consultant during the previous month. Foothill Transit shall, within thirty (30) days of receiving such statement, review the statement and pay approved charges thereon. Neither payment of amount due by Foothill Transit nor acceptance of any such payment by the Consultant shall constitute a waiver of any claim for errors or omission in invoices or payments. Foothill Transit may withhold payment that it believes were improper or were otherwise questionable.
C. No later than thirty (30) days after receiving payment from Foothill Transit for work satisfactorily performed by any of its subcontractors for services rendered arising out of or related to this Contract, Consultant shall make full payment to its subcontractors of all compensation due and owing under the relevant subcontract agreement, unless excused by Foothill Transit for good cause pursuant to provisions set out below. Consultant may only delay or postpone any payment obligation to any of its subcontractors for services rendered arising out of or related to this Contract where, in Foothill Transit's sole estimation, good cause exists for such a delay or postponement. All such determinations on Foothill Transit's part that good cause exists for the delay or postponement of Consultant’s payment obligation to its subcontractor must be made in writing prior to the time when payment to the subcontractor would have been otherwise due by the Consultant.
SEC. 4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONSULTANT
A. Performance of Services. The Consultant shall, at all times during the term of the Contract, perform all of its professional services diligently, carefully, and in accordance with appropriate prevailing professional practice standards, and shall furnish all labor and supervision necessary to complete the Scope of Work set forth in Attachment A [now Part III of RFP No. 16-016 and any addenda thereto].
B. Use of Foothill Transit’s name, logo, or images. The Consultant acknowledges that it is prohibited from using Foothill Transit’s name, logo, or images in the Consultant’s promotional materials, written or oral endorsements, customer profiles, online information, or sales collateral unless specifically authorized in writing by Foothill Transit’s Executive Director. The Consultant also acknowledges that Foothill Transit permits its contractors to cite Foothill Transit as a reference when the contractor responds to a bid or proposal. All requests for references will be coordinated by the Executive Director of Foothill Transit.
C. Coordination of Subcontractors. The Consultant specifically acknowledges and agrees that it is responsible for coordinating the work of any and all subcontractors, and is responsible for the performance and quality of work by any and all subcontractors. The failure of the Consultant to coordinate the work of the subcontractors, if any, may cause Foothill Transit to terminate the Consultant for default under the provisions of this Contract.
D. Legal Resident Verification. Consultant warrants that it fully complies with all laws regarding employment of aliens and others, and that all its employees performing services meet the citizenship or alien status requirements contained in Federal and State statutes and regulations including, but not limited to, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-603). Consultant shall obtain, from all covered employees performing services hereunder, all verification and other documentation of employment eligibility status required by Federal statutes and regulations as they currently exist and as they may be hereafter amended. Consultant shall retain such documentation for all covered employees for the period prescribed by law. Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold Foothill Transit, its agents, officers and representatives harmless from employer sanctions and any other liability that may be assessed against Consultant or Foothill Transit or both in connection with any violation of Federal statutes or regulations pertaining to the eligibility for employment of persons performing services under this Contract.
SEC. 5 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
The Consultant shall perform all of its services in its own name and as an independent contractor, and not in the name of, or as an agent for, Foothill Transit. Under the terms of the Contract, the Consultant is an independent contractor and has and retains full control and supervision of the services performed by and full control over the employment and direct compensation and discharge of all persons, other than Foothill Transit representatives, assisting in the performance of its services. The Consultant agrees to be solely responsible for all matters relating to wages, hours of work, and working conditions and payment of employees, including compliance with social security, all payroll taxes and withholdings, unemployment compensation, and all other requirements relating to such matters. The Consultant agrees to be responsible for its own acts and those of its subordinates, employees, and any and all subcontractors during the term of the Contract.
SEC. 6 CONFIDENTIALITY
All ideas, memoranda, procedures, descriptions, computer program data, input record data, written information, and other documents and data either created by or provided to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Contract shall be held confidential by Consultant. Such materials shall not, without the prior written consent of Foothill Transit, be used by Consultant for any purposes other than the performance of the Services. Nor shall such materials be disclosed to any person or entity not connected with the performance of the Services. Nothing furnished to Consultant that is otherwise known to Consultant or is generally known, or has become known, to the related industry shall be deemed confidential. This provision shall not apply to information in whatever form that is already in the public domain, nor shall it restrict Consultant from giving notices required by law or complying with an order to provide information or data when such order is issued by a court, administrative agency or other authority with proper jurisdiction.
SEC. 7 DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Foothill Transit will not hold harmless or indemnify the Consultant for any liability whatsoever in connection with the performance of this Contract.
SEC. 8 INDEMNIFICATION
Consultant shall defend, indemnify, and hold Foothill Transit, its Members, officials, officers, volunteers, agents, and employees (hereinafter referred to as “Indemnitees”) free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, in any manner arising out of or incident to any acts, omissions or misconduct of Consultant, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and subcontractors arising out of or in connection with the performance of the services and this Contract, including without limitation reimbursement of damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and other related costs and expenses. Consultant shall reimburse Indemnitees’ reasonable defense costs, at Consultant’s own cost, expense, and risk, any and all such aforesaid suits, actions or other legal proceedings of every kind that may be brought or instituted against Indemnitees. Consultant shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against Indemnitees in any such suit, action or other legal proceeding. Consultant shall reimburse Indemnitees for any and all legal expenses and costs incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided. Consultant’s obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by Indemnitees.
SEC. 9 CHANGES TO SCOPE OF WORK
A. Written changes to the scope of work signed by the Executive Director of Foothill Transit or his designee are required. The Consultant shall be liable for all costs resulting from any change in the Scope of Work not properly ordered by written modification.
B. Under the terms of this Contract, only the Executive Director of Foothill Transit has the right to issue an immediate revision to the scope of work and negotiate cost and price afterwards.
C. Within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of a written change of Scope of Work proposal from Foothill Transit, the Consultant shall, upon receipt of said Proposal, determine the impact of the revision on both time and compensation, and provide such determination, in writing, to Foothill Transit’s Representative. Upon agreement between Foothill Transit’s Representative and the Consultant as to the extent of such impacts on time and compensation, an amendment to the Scope of Work and other appropriate provision of this Contract and its Exhibits shall be executed by the Consultant and Foothill Transit. Execution of the amendment by both Parties shall constitute the Consultant’s notice to proceed with the revised Scope of Work.
SEC. 10 DISPUTES
A. Any dispute between the Consultant and Foothill Transit relating to the implementation or administration of the Contract shall be resolved in accordance with this Section.
B. The Parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute informally in meetings or communications between the Consultant and Foothill Transit’s Representative. If the dispute remains unresolved fifteen (15) days after it first arises, the Consultant may request that Foothill Transit’s Representative issue a recommended decision on the matter in dispute. Foothill Transit’s Representative shall issue the recommended decision in writing and provide a copy to the Consultant.
C. The recommended decision of Foothill Transit’s Representative will become final unless, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such recommended decision, the Consultant submits a written request for review to the Foothill Transit Executive Director. In connection with any such review, the Consultant and Foothill Transit’s Representative shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard and to offer evidence on the issues presented. If the dispute remains unresolved after review by the Foothill Transit Executive Director, either Party may seek resolution through referral to non-binding mediation. If such mediation is unsuccessful, either Party may seek judicial resolution of the dispute in an appropriate court of the State of California. Any Party seeking resolution through the courts of the State of California must, as a condition precedent to the commencement of litigation, demonstrate that it has made a good faith effort to resolve the dispute through the use of non-binding mediation.
D. Pending final resolution of a dispute under this Section, the Consultant shall proceed diligently with performance in accordance with the Contract and the recommended decision of Foothill Transit’s Representative.
SEC. 11 SUBCONTRACTING
A. The Consultant will not enter into any subcontract except with the prior review and written approval of Foothill Transit. The Consultant shall be fully responsible for all work performed by any subcontractor.
B. Any approval of a subcontract shall not be construed as making Foothill Transit a party to such subcontract, giving the subcontractor privity of contract with Foothill Transit, or subjecting Foothill Transit to liability of any kind to any subcontractor.
C. All subcontracts will incorporate in full all appropriate conditions and terms as set forth in this Contract.
SEC. 12 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
A. No Executive Board Member or employee of Foothill Transit shall participate in the selection, or in the award or administration, of the Contract if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. Such a conflict is determined in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Code adopted by the Foothill Transit Executive Board.
B. Foothill Transit’s Executive Board Members and its employees shall not solicit, demand, or accept from any contractor, potential contractor, or parties to subcontracts any gifts, gratuities, favors, or anything of a monetary value.
C. The Consultant covenants that both itself, its principals, and its subcontractors presently have no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, that would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services required to be performed under this Contract.
SEC. 13 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Prior to entering into this Contract, the Consultant is required to inform Foothill Transit of any real or apparent organizational conflict of interest. Such organizational conflict of interest exists when (a) the Consultant is unable, or potentially unable, to provide impartial and objective assistance or advice to Foothill Transit due to other activities, relationships, contractors, or circumstances; (b) the Consultant has an unfair competitive advantage through receipt of or obtaining access to nonpublic information; or (c) during the performance of an earlier contract or the conduct of a procurement, the Consultant has established the ground rules for the solicitation or selection of the services or goods acquired under this Contract by developing specifications, evaluation factors, or similar documents.
SEC. 14 CANCELLATION OF CONTRACT
In any of the following cases, Foothill Transit shall have the right to cancel the Contract without expense to Foothill Transit: (1) the Consultant is guilty of misrepresentation; (2) the Contract is obtained by fraud, collusion, conspiracy, or other unlawful means; or (3) the Contract conflicts with any statutory or constitutional provision of the State of California or the United States. This Section shall not be construed to limit Foothill Transit’s right to terminate the Contract for convenience or default, as provided in Sections 15 and 16, respectively.
SEC. 14A TERMINATION BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT
This Contract may be terminated by mutual agreement of the Parties. Such termination shall be effective in accordance with a written agreement by the Parties. Any other act of termination shall be in accordance with the termination by convenience or default provisions contained in Sections 15 and 16.
SEC. 15 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE
A. The performance of work under the Contract may be terminated by Foothill Transit in accordance with this Section in whole, or from time to time in part, whenever Foothill Transit determines that such termination is in the best interest of Foothill Transit. Any such termination shall be effected by delivery to the Consultant of a notice of termination specifying the extent to which performance of work under the Contract is terminated and the date upon which such termination becomes effective.
B. Upon receipt of a notice of termination, and except as otherwise directed by Foothill Transit, the Consultant shall (1) stop performing professional services under the Contract on the date and to the extent specified in the notice of termination; (2) place no further orders or subcontracts for materials, services, or facilities, except as may be necessary for completion of such portion of the professional services under the Contract as is not terminated; (3) terminate all orders and subcontracts to the extent that they relate to the performance of professional services terminated by the notice of termination; (4) assign to Foothill Transit in the manner, at the times, and to the extent directed by Foothill Transit, all of the rights, title and interest of the Consultant under the orders and subcontracts so terminated; (5) settle all outstanding liabilities and all claims arising out of such termination of orders and subcontracts, with the approval or ratification of Foothill Transit, to the extent that Foothill Transit may require, which approval or ratification shall be final for all the purposes of this Section; (6) transfer title to Foothill Transit and deliver in the manner, at the times, and to the extent, if any, directed by Foothill Transit, supplies, equipment, and other material produced as a part of, or acquired in connection with the performance of, the professional services terminated, and any information and other property which, if the Contract had been completed, would have been required to be furnished to Foothill Transit; (7) complete any such part of the work as shall not have been terminated by the notice of termination; and (8) take such action as may be necessary, or as Foothill Transit may direct, for the protection and preservation of the property related to the Contract which is in the possession of the Consultant and in which Foothill Transit has or may acquire an interest. All payments due to be made by Foothill Transit to the Consultant shall be made by the date of termination with respect to the subject matter of the notice of termination. Except as otherwise provided, settlement of claims by the Consultant under this termination Section shall be in accordance with the provisions set forth in 48 C.F.R. Part 49, as amended from time to time. Consistent with the provisions of the cited regulations, in the event of termination, Consultant shall be entitled to payment for all services previously rendered prior to termination, plus reasonable termination costs.
SEC. 16 TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT
A. Subject to the provisions of subsection C of this Section, Foothill Transit may terminate the whole or any part of the Contract in any one of the following circumstances:
(1) If the Consultant fails to provide the services in the manner required by the Contract;
(2) If the Consultant fails to perform any of the provisions of the Contract in accordance with its terms; or
(3) If the Consultant fails to make progress in the prosecution of the work under the Contract so as to endanger such performance.
B. In the event that Foothill Transit terminates the Contract in whole or in part as provided in Subsection A of this Section, Foothill Transit may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as Foothill Transit may deem appropriate, supplies or services similar to those so terminated. The Consultant shall be liable to Foothill Transit for costs associated with the termination of the Contract, the procurement of replacement services by Foothill Transit, any excess costs of such similar supplies or services, and any increase in the total Contract cost as a result of the reprocurement of services from the date of termination to the expiration date of the original Contract. The Consultant shall continue the performance of the Contract to the extent not terminated under the provisions of this Section. Any disputes arising under this Section that cannot be resolved by the Consultant and Foothill Transit are subject to resolution pursuant to Section 10.
C. If Foothill Transit determines that an event of default under this Section has occurred, it shall immediately notify the Consultant in writing and provide the Consultant with thirty (30) calendar days in which to provide a plan to cure such default including a timetable for accomplishing the cure. Foothill Transit must approve the plan and the timetable, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the Consultant fails to cure in accordance with its plan and timetable, Foothill Transit may declare the Consultant to be in default and terminate the Contract in whole or in part.
D. Except as otherwise provided, settlement of claims by the Consultant under this termination Section shall be in accordance with the provisions set forth in 48 C.F.R. Part 49, as amended from time to time.
SEC. 17 FORCE MAJEURE
The Consultant shall not be liable for any failure to perform if acceptable evidence has been submitted to Foothill Transit that failure to perform the Contract was due to causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Consultant. Examples of such causes include acts of God, civil disturbances, fire, war, or floods, but do not include labor related incidents, such as strikes or work stoppages.
SEC. 18 INSURANCE
Consultant shall, before performing any work, and concurrently with execution of this Contract, obtain, maintain and provide Foothill Transit with Certificates of Insurance evidencing acceptable insurance coverage in form and amounts as follows:
A. Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California. Policy will include Employer’s Liability insurance providing limits not less than $1,000,000 each accident and $1,000,000 annual policy aggregate with respect to occupational disease, per employee. The policy shall include a waiver of the insurer’s right of subrogation against Foothill Transit.
B. Commercial General Liability insurance on an occurrence basis (as opposed to claims made) with limits of liability not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 general policy aggregate, with defense provided in addition to limits of liability, covering: (a) all premises and operations of Consultant; (b) independent contractors liability; (c) contractual liability; (d) broad form property damage, including completed operations; (e) production and completed operations; and (f) personal injury liability. Policy will include Foothill Transit as an additional insured, on blanket or individual terms, (ISO form CG 20 10 11 85 additional insured wordings or equivalent), and providing that Consultant’s liability policy will be primary and non-contributing insurance with respect to any other insurance available to the additional insureds.
C. Business Auto Policy with limits not less than $1,000,000 each accident, covering all owned, leased, non-owned, borrowed and hired autos. If Consultant owns no autos, then a non-owned and hired auto endorsement providing coverage under Consultant’s Commercial General Liability policy, noted above, will satisfy the requirement.
D. All Required Insurance shall be written with insurers having ratings not less than “A+ VII” in the current A.M. Best rating guide, and shall include unconditional agreement of the insurers to provide thirty (30) days prior written notice of cancellation (or ten days prior written notice if cancellation is for non-payment of premium) to Foothill Transit before such cancellation may apply to coverage interests of Foothill Transit. Liability for policy deductibles or self-insured retentions, if any, shall be entirely the responsibility of Consultant.
F. Uninterrupted Evidence of Insurance: Consultant shall provide its Certificates of all required insurance on a continuing basis, including renewals or replacement, throughout the term of this Contract, and, with respect to professional liability insurance, for the number of years after completion of this work as are stated in Subsection D of this Section. If Consultant engages subcontractors in performance of its work under this Contract, Consultant shall require each such entity to obtain and maintain insurance as is required of Consultant herein, and provide evidence of such coverage in the form of Certificates of Insurance, and, Consultant shall, upon request, supply Foothill Transit with copies of any and all such certificates. Failure of Consultant to maintain the insurance required in this Contract shall constitute a material breach of this Contract.
SEC. 19 TAXES
The Consultant shall pay sales, consumer, use, and similar taxes for the project or portions thereof provided by the Consultant which are legally enacted at the time of award of the Contract whether or not yet effective or merely scheduled to go into effect.
SEC. 20 AUDIT AND INSPECTION OF RECORDS
A. The Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to all costs and expenses incurred under this Contract in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All such records shall be clearly identifiable. The Consultant agrees that Foothill Transit or any of its duly authorized representatives, shall, for the purpose of audit and examination, be permitted to inspect all work, materials, payrolls, and other data and records, and to audit the books, records, and accounts relating to the performance of the Contract. Further, the Consultant agrees to maintain all required records for at least three (3) years after Foothill Transit has made final payment and all other pending matters are closed.
B. Appropriate financial adjustments may be made by Foothill Transit based upon any inconsistency, irregularity, discrepancy or unsubstantiated billing revealed as a result of an audit. Financial adjustments reflecting an overcharge to Foothill Transit may be charged against the Consultant’s future invoices.
SEC. 21 CIVIL RIGHTS REQUIREMENTS
A. Nondiscrimination - In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, as amended, 42 USC § 2000d, section 303 of the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 USC § 6102, section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 USC § 12132, and Federal transit law at 49 USC § 5332, the Consultant agrees that it will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, the Consultant agrees to comply with applicable Federal implementing regulations and other implementing requirements that the U.S. Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”) may issue.
B. Equal Employment Opportunity
(1) Race, Color, Creed, National Origin, Sex. In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended, 42 USC § 2000e, and Federal transit laws at 49 USC § 5332, the Consultant agrees to comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity requirements of U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) regulations, “Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor,” 41 CFR Parts 60 et seq., (which implement Executive Order No. 11246, “Equal Employment Opportunity,” as amended by Executive Order No. 11375, “Amending Executive Order 11246 Relating to Equal Employment Opportunity,” 42 USC § 2000e note), and with any applicable Federal statutes, executive orders, regulations, and Federal policies that may in the future affect construction activities undertaken in the course of the work. The Consultant agrees to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or age. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. In addition, the Consultant agrees to comply with any implementing requirements the FTA may issue.
(2) Age. In accordance with section 4 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 USC § 623 and Federal transit law at 49 USC § 5332, the Consultant agrees to refrain from discrimination against present and prospective employees for reason of age. In addition, the Consultant agrees to comply with any implementing requirements the FTA may issue.
(3) Disabilities. In accordance with section 102 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, 42 USC § 12112, the Consultant agrees that it will comply with the requirements of U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” 29 CFR Part 1630, pertaining to employment of persons with disabilities. In addition, the Consultant agrees to comply with any implementing requirements the FTA may issue.
SEC. 22 COOPERATION: FURTHER ACTS
The Parties shall fully cooperate with one another, and shall take any additional acts or sign any additional documents as may be necessary, appropriate or convenient to attain the purposes of this Contract.
SEC. 23 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
This Contract shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the parties. The Consultant shall not assign, hypothecate, or transfer, either directly or by operation of law this Contract or any interest herein without the prior written consent of Foothill Transit. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void, and any assignees, hypothecates or transferees shall acquire no right or interest by reason of such attempted assignment, hypothecation or transfer. Consultant’s shareholders shall not transfer, sell, exchange, assign or divest themselves of interests in Consultant in such a way as to give majority control of the Consultant to any persons, or entities other than the majority controlling interest therein as of the date of this Contract without the prior written consent of Foothill Transit.
SEC. 24 WAIVER OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The failure of Foothill Transit or the Consultant to enforce one or more of the terms or conditions of the Contract or to exercise any of its rights or privileges, or the waiver by Foothill Transit of any breach of such terms or conditions, shall not be construed as thereafter waiving any such terms, conditions, rights, or privileges, and the same shall continue and remain in force and effect as if no waiver had occurred.
SEC. 25 INTERPRETATION, JURISDICTION, AND VENUE
All contractual agreements shall be subject to, governed by, and construed and interpreted solely according to the laws of the State of California. The Consultant hereby consents and submits to the jurisdiction of the appropriate courts of California or of the United States having jurisdiction in California for adjudication of any suit or cause of action arising under or in connection with the Contract documents, or the performance of such Contract, and agrees that any such suit or cause of action may be brought in any such court.
SEC. 26 CONSTRUCTION, REFERENCES, CAPTIONS
Because the Parties or their agents have participated fully in the preparation of this Contract, the language of this Contract shall be construed simply, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any Party. All references to the Consultant include all personnel, employees, agents, and subcontractors of the Consultant, except as otherwise specified in this Contract. All references to Foothill Transit include its elected officials, officers, agents, volunteers, and employees, except as otherwise specified in this Contract. The captions of the various sections and paragraphs are for convenience and ease of reference only, and do not define, limit, augment, or describe the scope, content, or intent of this Contract.
SEC. 27 AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION
No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Contract shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties. This Contract may not be amended, nor any provision or breach hereof waived, except in a writing signed by the parties which expressly refers to this Contract.
SEC. 28 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES
There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.
SEC. 29 SEVERABILITY
In the event any provision of the Contract is declared or determined to be unlawful, invalid, or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect, in any manner, the legality of the remaining provisions of the Contract and each provision of the Contract will be and is deemed to be separate and severable from each other provision.
SEC. 30 ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Contract contains the entire Contract of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings or agreements.
SEC. 31 SIGNATURES
The Consultant has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business and to execute, deliver, and perform the Contract. Each Party warrants that the individuals who have signed this Contract have the legal power, right, and authority to make this Contract and bind each respective Party.
PART III
SCOPE OF WORK
Introduction
Foothill Transit’s mission is to be the premier public transit provider, committed to safety, courtesy, quality, responsiveness, efficiency and innovation. Foothill Transit is a true public- private partnership governed by a Joint Powers Authority comprised of 22 cities. Foothill Transit contracts for bus operations and maintenance services under two separate contracts with First Transit and TransDev. All vehicle operations and maintenance activities are provided by the two contractors at two facilities owned by Foothill Transit. The Foothill Transit fleet consists of approximately 330 total coaches. The fleet consist of 42-foot coaches; 40-foot coaches, 60- foot coaches, 30-foot coaches and 35 foot electric coaches.
Foothill Transit receives the second largest share of Transportation Development Act and State Transit Assistance funds in Los Angeles County. Foothill Transit primarily serves the San Gabriel Valley region, but also provides connections to Orange and San Bernardino Counties. In the fiscal year 2011-2012 Foothill Transit recorded 13,938,044 unlinked trips and operated 9,946,290 miles on 35 fixed route bus lines, of which:
28 local routes serve the San Gabriel Valley 6 express routes serve customers during peak hours in and out of downtown Los Angeles One 24-hour express line between Montclair and downtown Los Angeles.
Routes travel through various transit hubs including Montclair TransCenter, Claremont TransCenter, Pomona TransCenter, Eastland Center, The Plaza at West Covina, and El Monte Station. Foothill Transit also stops at Park-and-Ride lots located in the Cities of Chino, Diamond Bar, Industry, San Dimas, Glendora, West Covina, Pomona and Montclair. Foothill Transit accepts passes from other systems and riders are able to transfer to Omnitrans services at stops in Montclair, Pomona, and Chino and OCTA services in Brea.
The following map shows all the municipalities within the Foothill Transit service area:
Specific Scope of Work Requirements
The scope of work involves a series of progressive tasks as listed below:
Task Deliverable 1. Project Initiation/Project Management Final work plan and schedule 2. Background reviews Technical memo analyzing Foothill Transit’s current fare structure and peer’s fare structures. Includes recommendations for changes. 3. Develop conceptual options for List of criteria to rank and evaluate new fare improving fare structure. options. Technical memo of alternative concepts to consider. 4. Calculate customer price elasticity Table of customer elasticity values by values. service type. Additional data collection results as necessary. Provide documentation and formulas. 5. Develop a fare model to forecast Fare model to forecast ridership and ridership and revenue changes. revenue changes. Provide documentation, formulas, and training. 6. Evaluate alternatives and develop Technical memo of 3 or 4 acceptable recommendations. scenarios and a recommended scenario. Include all detail and issues. 7. Conduct Title VI analysis. Final report with mitigation recommendations to offset any disparate findings. 8. Prepare Draft Report Draft report documenting entire process and including recommended scenarios. Presentation materials and support at Board meeting. 9. Support Foothill Transit Staff with Make adjustments to incorporate final Public Involvement process and Final results from public hearings, Title VI Report analysis and Board of Directors member feedback.
TASK 1: Project Initiation/Project Management
Upon issuance of the notice to proceed, the Consultant shall meet or conduct a conference call to finalize the scope of work and the schedule. Project management expectations will be clarified as needed during this task. The Consultant is expected to ensure clear communication on task management throughout the project. The Consultant will be responsible for the following:
Managing the work plan, schedule, budget, and invoicing over the course of the project Providing notes for all meetings and conference calls
Upon approval to proceed with the Contract, the Consultant shall convene a kick-off meeting with Foothill Transit to review the Work Plan to discuss the approach, tasks, goals, and objectives. At this meeting, Foothill Transit and the Consultant will discuss expectations, confirm requirements, and identify key milestone dates. As part of the Work Plan, the Consultant will develop a project schedule that includes all activities, start dates, critical path items, estimated activity durations, product submittal dates, and relationships among work tasks.
Monthly Progress reports shall be prepared and submitted by the Consultant to document progress to date, to plan for work in the next monthly period and to identify critical issues. The project team meetings will be held to include the Consultant’s project manager and other staff as appropriate. The purpose of these meetings will be to review project status and progress as well as resolve key issues and potential problems. Meeting agendas and minutes shall be prepared by the Consultant for submittal for review and concurrence from Foothill Transit’s project manager. Minutes shall be prepared within five (5) working days of a project meeting. Consultant shall submit meeting minutes to the Foothill Transit project manager to include meeting date and time, agenda and sign-in sheet, contact information, and a summary of comments including action items. At the request of Foothill Transit, the Consultant shall identify an action plan within an action item matrix, if applicable, including any schedule revisions based upon the content and outcome of the meetings.
Deliverables for Task 1: Work plan Organization chart and responsibilities
TASK 2: Background Reviews
Foothill Transit recently conducted a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) which included a fare analysis. The Consultant shall review the excerpt of fare analysis (provided in Attachment A) and supplement the information as deemed necessary to meet the goals identified in the RFP.
A) Review current fare structure In this task, the Consultant shall review Foothill Transit’s existing fare policy, goals, structure, and payment options. The study shall begin with a site visit at Foothill Transit’s administrative offices in West Covina, California, to meet with key staff and discuss the details of the current fare structure including perceived strengths and shortcomings. At this initial meeting, the Consultant team shall discuss with staff, and obtain, the various reports and types of data available that will be useful in conducting the study.
The Consultant shall then review any existing documents (including fare rate tables) and fare and revenue data. Base on this review, the Consultant shall conduct an objective assessment of Foothill Transit’s existing fare structure elements and fare policies, including existing revenue cost recovery ratios, method of payments, types of fare media/technologies and transfer policies. The results of this review shall be used, in conjunction with the results of the peer analysis (Task 2B), to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current fare structure and system, including opportunities for improving the current fare structure.
Areas of interest to Foothill Transit include, but are not limited to the following: Increasing ridership without negatively impacting fare revenue Consideration of other fare pricing models (flat fare, distance-based fares, zone- based fares) Greater use of technology for fare media sales and fare collection Transitioning customers away from cash payment Improving farebox recovery ratio A fare policy that includes an automatic mechanism for periodic fare increases Relationship of fare price to the type and quality of service provided Comparability of fares to other public and private transportation services including impacts of adopting a regional fare
B) Conduct Peer Analysis In this task, the Consultant shall review and compare the base fares, fare structures, relative transit affordability, fare policies, method of payments, and transfer opportunities used by a set of peer transit systems (i.e. of similar size and/or operating characteristics; systems whose service connects with Foothill Transit; other systems in the LA County region). The Consultant shall work with Foothill Transit to identify a set of candidate systems. Following agreement on a set of systems, the Consultant shall complete the peer review.
The findings of the first two tasks shall be documented in a Technical Memorandum. This report should discuss the peer agencies’ fare policies/structures, payment methods and transfer policies and compare the strengths and weaknesses of the various elements with those of the agency’s current structure and methods.
Deliverable for Task 2: A Technical Memorandum of Task 2A and Task 2B
TASK 3: Develop Conceptual Options for Improving Current Fare Structure
During this task, the Consultant shall facilitate a discussion with a group designated by the Chair of the Fare Policy Committee to develop evaluation criteria that will be used to analyze different proposed fare levels and structures. The evaluation criteria will be developed according to Foothill Transit fare policy goals and stakeholder input. These qualitative criteria will be ranked by relative importance and will be assessed later, along with the fare model’s quantitative outputs.
From the evaluation criteria, the Consultant shall specify a set of conceptual fare policy/structure options and payment methods. Best practices at other US transit agencies (i.e. beyond the peers) should also be considered in this process. The conceptual options shall be developed in full consideration of how to best address the fare-related goals identified in Task 2 and related interests. The Consultant should consider how to best serve all customer segments, especially the unbanked, under-banked, and the low income community.
The discussion must identify any special capital, operational, financial, marketing, or enforcement costs and issues for all alternatives. The Consultant should help staff communicate any issues associated with specific concepts to Foothill Transit executives. The alternatives and the development process shall be documented in a Technical Memorandum.
Deliverables for Task 3: A list of weighted criteria that will be used to rank and evaluate the new fare level structure options A Technical Memorandum outlining the alternative concepts considered and the concept development process
Task 4: Calculate Customer Price Elasticity Values
In this task, the Consultant will group Foothill Transit customers by their type of fare payment, such as, Base Fare, Monthly Pass, Express Pass, etc. The customer’s relative sensitivity to price changes shall be estimated to determine a price elasticity value. The customer price elasticity shall be measured for various service types. See Table 4a below for examples of service types and fare payment types for which elasticity values are to be calculated:
Table 4a. Customer Price Elasticity Table (example) Fare Payment Service Type Types Local Commuter Silver Streak Student Express Base Fare – Cash Base Fare – Stored Value 31 Day Pass Class Pass EZ Pass Transfers
Customer price elasticity values must be localized to Foothill Transit’s specific circumstances. The Consultant shall review the existing data available and indicate any new data that is necessary to develop the fare model. If internal data is unavailable, then the Consultant may be required to develop and implement a data collection plan that may involve surveys.
Customer price elasticity values are expected to be an integral component in the fare model’s algorithm (Task 5). Foothill Transit staff should have the flexibility to change, add, and remove customer fare payment types and service type categories so that Foothill Transit can re-run price elasticity calculations, as needed. The Consultant shall provide training and step- by-step instructions to Foothill Transit staff to ensure that staff can use the formula(s) in the future.
Deliverables for Task 4: A table specifying values for each customer’s price elasticity by service type Written documentation of how the elasticity values were determined and calculated The formula(s) used in a Microsoft Excel-based worksheet
TASK 5: Develop a Fare Model to Forecast Ridership and Revenue Changes
The Consultant will develop a Microsoft Excel-based fare model. The fare model will allow Foothill Transit staff to forecast the relative revenue and ridership changes resulting from implementing various fare strategies, price levels, and structures. The model will accommodate a multi-dimensional matrix-like structure of various factors including, but not limited to the following:
Model Inputs Internal factors to vary: o Mix of customers and their associated price elasticity values (derived from Task 4) o Base fare prices o Fare structures (flat-fare, distance-based, zone-based fares, etc) o Policies (fare increases, transfers, etc.) o Discounts (pre-paid fare media, usage discounts, promotions, etc.) o Fare products (cash, passes, new products, etc.) o Service levels o Income by fare type o Minority status by fare type o Average trip length o Average trip transfers o Others as needed
External factors to vary: o Economic growth o Population growth (specific to Foothill Transit ridership demographics and income levels) o Unemployment rate o Inflation rate o Others as needed
Model Outputs o Percent change of farebox revenue by service and fare type o Percent change of total customers and boardings by service and fare type o Percent change of total farebox revenue o By year for up to 12 years (3 fare increases) o Relevance of each variable and how they impact ridership and revenue
The fare model shall be able to compare alternative fare structures to a baseline scenario and also to other alternatives. The fare model shall be able to estimate how groups of riders can be expected to change their fare-paying behavior and frequency of travel based on changes in fare options. The fare model shall be comprised of a series of modules that when calculated provide, for instance: The distribution of customer types among all fare options available in each scenario analyzed based on the prices for each option Changes in ridership for each customer type based on fare elasticities Revenue impacts based on ridership changes and the price levels of the different fare structure scenarios
The Consultant shall review the existing data available and indicate any new data that is necessary to develop the fare model. If internal data is unavailable, the Consultant may be required to develop and implement a data collection plan.
After the initial model is created, it should be calibrated. Foothill Transit staff shall collaborate with the Consultant during this process to provide historical data and verify appropriate adjustments.
The Consultant shall incorporate knowledge of Title VI requirements into the fare model and develop the tables necessary to determine if any fare changes and proposed improvements would have a disparate impact or disproportionate burden. The fare model shall provide a flag indicating any potential Title VI issue and indicate a reason.
The model should reveal market pricing opportunities for Foothill Transit to raise or lower fares based on market demand customer price elasticities. The model should indicate the estimated size of each market pricing opportunity, why it exists, and what fare change is suggested. The model should indicate if a new fare product would be more appropriate rather than adjusting existing fare prices.
The Consultant shall document any assumptions built into the model as well as potential risks about applying the model output data relative to each assumption.
To the greatest extent possible, the model will associate any strong correlations between a customer type and that customer’s price elasticity as it relates to factors like the following: Primary travel mode: Local Bus, Express Bus, etc. Reason for transit trip: Work, recreation, event, etc. Age group of rider: under 13, 12-27, 18-24, etc. Annual household income: under $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, etc. Choice: does the rider have alternatives? Other variables that may arise during the project
The Consultant will assist staff in running the model and provide technical support needed during the duration of the project. The Consultant shall provide training and step-by-step written instructions so that the fare model can be used by Foothill staff in future years beyond the Consultant’s contract term. This fare model will become the intellectual property of Foothill Transit, and Foothill Transit staff has full rights to modify the code.
Deliverables for Task 5:
A Microsoft Excel-based fare model capable of providing multi-year ridership and revenue projections with the ability to alter or add various fare media and their associated prices A written summary of how the model was calibrated Full, written documentation with screen shots and step-by-step instructions on how to operate the fare model and sources of external data necessary to update the model A four-hour training session for up to 10 people on how to operate the model
Task 6: Evaluate Alternatives and Develop Recommendations
A) Develop Fare Structure Alternatives The Consultant will evaluate fully developed and integrated options for a new, simplified fare structure for Foothill Transit. This task makes recommendations to change the existing fare structure based on the goals identified in Task 2 and the conceptual options developed in Task 3. It will include an examination of ridership and revenue forecasts and other outputs from the fare model. This evaluation should draw upon the Consultant’s experience in conducting such assessments and in actual implementation of fare structure changes elsewhere.
Based on the evaluation of the alternatives and on input from Foothill Transit staff, the Consultant shall develop a short list of alternatives that address our goals. This short list of alternatives should indicate a phased approach, as appropriate, and should estimate the costs and benefits which could result from implementation.
B) Collaborate with Foothill Transit staff on Recommended Fare Structure After reviewing the short list of alternatives, the Consultant and Foothill Transit together shall select the single scenario that best addresses our strategic objectives.
Deliverables for Task 6: Technical memorandum that describes the alternatives, the selected scenario, and the development process. The memorandum will describe the potential new fare products and the proposed fare level for each scenario. It will highlight any issues that could raise concerns for customers for Foothill operations.
Task 7: Conduct Title VI Analysis
The Consultant shall assist Foothill Transit staff to conduct a Title VI fare equity analysis in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Transit Administration Circular 4702.1B. The evaluation shall assess whether or not there are disparate impacts on minority passengers and/or disproportionate burdens on low income riders arising from the proposed fare scenario developed in Task 6.
The Consultant shall analyze all the of the current system fares to determine the percentage share of overall usage for all methods of payment and the percentage share of minority and low income usage for all methods of payment. For proposed changes that would increase or decrease fares, the Consultant shall analyze any available information generated from ridership surveys indicating whether minority and/or low-income riders are disproportionately more likely to use the mode of service, payment type or payment media that would be subject to the fare change. Notably, census data will not be effective data for fare analyses, since it is impossible to know, based on census data, what fare media people are using.
As required by the Title VI guidelines, the Consultant and Foothill Transit staff shall engage the public in development of a policy to mitigate any disparate impact or disproportionate burden. The Consultant shall develop recommendations for this policy and incorporate any required mitigation measures into final report recommendations.
Deliverables for Task 7: Results of Title VI analysis Recommendations for mitigation measures if required as a result of analysis Incorporate recommendations into final report
Task 8: Prepare Draft Report
The Consultant shall document the methodology and findings of the full study, including the fare policy/structure and payment method recommendations, in a draft report. The draft report shall include the preferred fare rates and a simplified fare structure as determined by the fare model, Foothill Transit staff input and other stakeholder feedback. The fare structure shall specify the different fare types that Foothill Transit may sell and suggested pricing for each. Among other aspects, the report will include an examination of the following: How the preferred fare structure meets our strategic fare-related objectives Why the recommended scenario was selected over other alternatives The operational, marketing and financial impacts Suggestions to address any Title VI concerns Customer communication needs
Deliverables for Task 8: Preliminary report Presentations or power points to illustrate process and findings Attending and speaking during Board meetings
Task 9: Support Foothill Transit Staff with Public Involvement Process and Prepare Final Report
The purpose of this task is to build public understanding of the purpose and course of this project, its findings, and the prospects for implementing a new fare structure. The ultimate goal is to build consensus among the broader community for the project’s recommended outcome as it evolves.
Community involvement will be ongoing throughout the life of this project. Public involvement tasks will include the following: Developing an overall approach to working with the public, external stakeholder groups, and the Foothill Transit Board of Directors Attending and speaking during Board presentations As required, material preparation for public involvement meetings including presentations, display boards, handouts, etc. The Consultant may be required to create individualized presentations for some subgroups along with a more general presentation for general use.
Multiple public hearings must be held throughout Foothill Transit’s service area before a fare increase and before making any significant adjustments to our structure. Depending on the timing of this task, the Consultant may be supporting Foothill’s presentation of multiple fare structure alternatives, or a focus on a single preferred alternative.
Final Report The final report shall include an executive summary and the main body of the report shall be organized in a logical manner which includes all of the aforementioned tasks and deliverables, and also takes into consideration other findings, assessments, evaluations, conclusions, and strategies uncovered over the course of the fare study. The Consultant shall bind, print, and distribute six hard copies of the final report to Foothill Transit, as well as provide a PDF copy.
Deliverables for Task 9: Presentation materials, as requested, for public involvement efforts Attending and speaking during Board presentations Consultant’s interpretation of public comments as they apply to the recommended fare scenario(s) Adjustment to the draft report based on public feedback Final report
Timeline The following is a general timeline. Consultant can begin work on a task before the scheduled timeframe but work shall not extend beyond the length of the allotted time:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Task 1. Work Plan and Schedule Task 2. Background Reviews Task 3. Develop conceptual options for improving fare structure Tasks 4 and 5. Calculate customer price elasticity values Task 6. Evaluate alternatives and develop recommendations Task 7. Conduct Title VI Analysis Task 8. Prepare Draft Report Task 9. Support Foothill Transit Staff with public involvement process and final report Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
PART IV--FORMS
6232616 RFP No. 16-016 Fare Restructuring Study FORMS AND ELEMENTS CHECKLIST
THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED WITH EACH PROPOSER’S PROPOSAL. This form is included for the convenience of the Proposer to ensure that all requirements of Part I, Section 6 are satisfied.
PROPOSER NAME:
No. of Item Submitted Copies
1 unbound A. Forms and Elements Checklist signed original; B. General Information Form (original must be signed) 7 bound copies C. Statement of Qualifications, Experience, and
Organizational Relationships
D. Technical Approach E. Addenda to the RFP (original(s) must be signed) F. Required Forms
Non-Collusion Affidavit G. Price Proposal (original must be signed) (in a 1 original separate, individually sealed envelope)
______
FORMS REQUIRED FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT
A. Certificate(s) of Insurance Displaying Foothill Transit as Additional Insured
GENERAL INFORMATION REQUIRED OF PROPOSER
1. Name:
2. Address:
City State Zip
3. Type of Firm (Check One): Individual [ ] Partnership [ ] Corporation [ ]
4. Name and Title of Contact:
5. Telephone: (____)
6. Email Address:
7. Fax Number: (____)
8. Name(s) and Title(s) of all Officers of the Proposer:
9. Number of Years as a Consultant performing work:
Signed by:
(Authorized Signature)
(Printed Name)
(Title)
GENERAL INFORMATION REQUIRED OF PROPOSER FORM RFP No. 16-016 Fare Restructuring Study PRICE PROPOSAL FORM
ALL PROPOSERS MUST SUBMIT THEIR PRICE PROPOSAL USING THIS FORM ONLY. Please see Part I, Section 6.E. of this RFP for further details.
PROPOSER NAME:
Task Price Task 1. Project Initiation/Project Management (Work $ Plan and Schedule)
Task 2. Background Reviews $
Task 3. Develop conceptual options for improving $ fare structure
Task 4. Calculate customer price elasticity values $
Task 5. Develop a fare model to forecast ridership $ and revenue changes
Task 6. Evaluate alternatives and develop $ recommendations
Task 7. Conduct Title VI analysis $
Task 8. Prepare Draft Report $
Task 9. Support Foothill Transit Staff with Public $ Involvement process and Final Report
Total Price (Tasks 1-9):
Signed by:
(Authorized Signature)
(Printed Name)
(Title)
PRICE PROPOSAL FORM RFP No. 16-016 Fare Restructuring Study NON COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT
[Public Contract Code § 7106]
State of California ) ) ss. County of ______)
, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he or she is of , the party making the foregoing offer, that the Proposal is not made in the interest of, or on behalf of, any undisclosed person, partnership, company, association, organization, or corporation; that the Proposal is genuine and not collusive or sham; that the Proposer has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other Proposer to put in a false or sham Proposal, or to refrain from bidding; that the Proposer has not in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, communication, or conference with anyone to fix the Proposal price of the Proposer or any other Proposer, or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the Proposal price, or of that of any other Proposer; that all statements contained in the Proposal are true; that the Proposer has not, directly or indirectly, submitted his or her Proposal price or any breakdown thereof, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any corporation, partnership, company, association, organization, Proposal depository, or to any member or agent thereof, to effectuate a collusive or sham Proposal, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose.
Signature
Subscribed and sworn to before me on (date)
(Notary Seal) Signature Notary Public
NON COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT 6232616 RFP No. 16-016 Fare Restructuring Study
ATTACHMENT A
EXCERPT OF FARE ANALYSIS FROM COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS FARE ANALYSIS: FINAL REPORT Foothill Transit
1 EXISTING FARE STRUCTURE Foothill Transit, based in West Covina (CA), serves a population of more than 1.5 million residents throughout a 327 square mile service area of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys in Los Angeles County with 35 local and express fixed route bus lines. With 300 vehicles and an annual ridership of approximately 14 million, Foothill Transit is the largest municipal transit operator in Los Angeles County; second in fleet size only to Metro (the regional operator). Foothill Transit has a flat rate fare structure that charges premiums for commuter and express services to Downtown Los Angeles. Discounted fares are available for seniors, persons with disabilities and Medicare card holders. Payment of cash fares and recognition of passes is processed via TAP (Transit Access Pass), the electronic farecard media utilized in Los Angeles County. Foothill Transit, like many other transit systems nationwide has dealt with challenging economic times over the past five years which ultimately has influenced service and fare levels. While the environs for operating transit services in Southern California have not completely stabilized, now is an appropriate time to review Foothill Transit’s performance with respect to fares, fare categories, and fare products. FARE ANALYSIS GOALS A series of goals have been developed to guide this fare analysis based on feedback from Foothill Transit staff. These include the following: . Provide recommendations for fares for various service types (local, commuter, rapid, monthly, etc.) . Better understand pass product usage and user habits . Determine ridership and revenue fare elasticity from previous fare changes and to determine impacts to funding via the region’s Formula Allocation Procedure (FAP) . Determine optimal fare levels to balance revenue and ridership
Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates Inc. | 1-1 FARE ANALYSIS: FINAL REPORT Foothill Transit
FIXED ROUTE FARE STRUCTURE Overview of Fare Structure Figure 1-1 displays the current fare structure, specifying Foothill Transit’s different fare categories including cash fares and passes. In addition to one-way cash fares, Foothill Transit offers 31-Day and interagency “EZ Transit” passes. EZ Transit passes provide uninhibited access to all TAP participants, OCTA and OmniTrans (at specific locations) for a slight premium over the standard 31-Day pass. On-board fare payment is accepted via cash (exact change only) and electronic farecard (TAP). TAP cards may be loaded with a purse of up to $200 for cash fare payments in addition to 31-Day and EZ Transit passes at specific locations or online at taptogo.net. Figure 1-1 Foothill Transit Fixed-Route Fare Structure
Single Ride Fare Product (Cash or TAP) 31-Day Pass EZ Transit Pass Adult Local $1.25 $70.00 $84.00 Student Local $1.25 $33.00 N/A Discount Local $0.50 $22.00 $35.00
Silver Streak (passes include $2.45 $105.00 $150.00 Lines 481 and 690) Silver Line1 N/A N/A $128.00 Lines 481 and 690 $2.75 N/A N/A Discount Silver Streak $1.15 $52.00 $63.50 Commuter Express2 $4.90 $170.00 $194.003
Fare Categories Foothill transit follows similar fare categories as other transit agencies in the region. These fare categories are briefly described here. Adult All passengers, except those who meet the qualifications for student or discount fares. Children who are age 5 or under ride for free with a maximum of two children per paying adult allowed.
1 The Silver Line EZ Transit pass is a Metro fare product. It is shown here as holders of this pass product can ride the Silver Streak for no additional charge. Additional information about this fare agreement can be found here: http://media.metro.net/board/Items/2014/01_january/20140116ssopitem34.pdf Customers who only utilize the Silver Streak (and not Lines 481 or 690) are more likely to select the Silver Line EZ Transit pass since it is less expensive. 2 Commuter Express Lines 493,495,497,498,499,699 3 P5 sticker
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Student All eligible K-12 and full-time college students qualify for student discounts on certain fare products (31-Day passes). To be eligible to purchase a student discount fare product, one must hold a special Foothill Transit photo ID TAP card. To be eligible for this card, enrollees must meet the following requirements. K-12 Students To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an accredited elementary, junior high or high school in Foothill Transit’s service area. Applicants for a student pass must provide one of the following: . Copy of a current report card . Copy of a current valid school ID . Printout showing enrollment units and/or in-class schedule . Letter on school letterhead containing the original signature of a school official College and Vocational Students Undergraduate students must be enrolled in an accredited school in Foothill Transit’s service area for a minimum of 12 units or 12 hours of in-classroom study per week for a minimum of three consecutive months. Graduate students must meet the minimum requirements of 3-4 units/hours per week to qualify. In addition to a valid photo ID, applicants for a student pass must provide one of the following: . Current registration/fee receipt, which includes the school term and units . Printout showing enrollment units and/or in-class hours stamped by the registrar’s office . Current contract or agreement between applicant and school showing enrollment units and in-classroom hours . Current registration form or enrollment certificate showing enrollment units and/or in- classroom hours . Letter on school letterhead containing the original signature of a school official, verifying the start and end dates, and indicating the total number of units and/or days and hours of attendance. Seniors All riders 62 years of age or older with an accompanying government-issued photo ID qualify for discount fare and passes. Seniors wishing to pay non-cash fare must obtain a special photo TAP card from a Foothill Transit Store. Disabled and Medicare To qualify for discount fare and passes, persons with disabilities and Medicare participants must provide a valid California ID, combined with one of the following: . Medicare Identification Card (not Medi-Cal) . A valid California DMV Placard receipt or a Disabled Veterans ID . Copy of an award letter, benefit check, and adjustment letter for recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
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. Certification letter on school letterhead signed by a Special Education teacher for a Special Education Student in Foothill Transit’s coverage area . Physician completed form, available from a Foothill Transit Store Foothill Transit provides a consistent fare discount for seniors and people with disabilities/Medicare. Figure 1-2 Summary of Discount Levels of Fare Products
Fare Product Regular Fare Discount Fare Discount % Adult Local $1.25 $0.50 60% Silver Streak $2.45 $1.15 53.1% Adult 31-Day Pass $70.00 $22.00 / $33.00 (student) 68.6% / 52.9% Adult 31-Day Pass (EZ 58.3% $84.00 $35.00 Pass) Silver Streak 31-Day Pass 50.5% (includes Lines 481 and $105.00 $52.00 690) Silver Streak 31-Day Pass 57.7% (EZ Pass) (includes Lines $150.00 $63.50 481 and 690) Transfers $0.50 $0.25 50% Note: No discounted fare products exist for Routes 481/690 or Commuter Express routes. However, one could conceivably pay a lower fare if paying with a transfer (and corresponding upcharge) Pass Products In addition to single-ride fares, Foothill Transit offers a variety of pass products that are priced based on fare categories (adult, student and senior/disabled). Several premium service pass products are also offered including a 31-Day and EZ Transit pass for the Silver Streak and Commuter Express services. A discounted premium pass product is only available for the Silver Streak. All pass products are offered through the TAP farecard and can be purchased online or at numerous Foothill Transit Stores. A description of the types of pass products can be found below. 31-Day Pass 31-Day passes, loaded onto an electronic TAP farecard, allow for unlimited travel for 31 consecutive days from time of first use. 31-Day passes are offered at different price points for Local, Silver Streak and Commuter Express services. Reduced fare 31-Day passes are offered for students and those eligible for senior, disabled/Medicare discounts for Local and Silver Streak services. Class Pass Program Foothill Transit currently operates a Class Pass program which is a partnership with four nearby colleges and universities. Foothill Transit currently has student rider programs at Rio Hondo College and Pasadena City College, as well as two pilot Class Pass Programs at Mt. SAC and the University of La Verne. The GoRIO at Rio Hondo College program began in the Fall Semester of
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2006 and was the first program of its kind for Foothill Transit. The current GoRIO MOU stipulates that the college provides Foothill Transit a subsidy of $20,000 for the 2013-2014 academic year (two semesters). GoRIO ridership is estimated at approximately 30,000 boardings per year. The I-Pass pilot program began at Pasadena City College (PCC) in the Fall Semester of 2010. The current I-Pass MOU stipulates that the college provide Foothill Transit a subsidy of $60,000 for the 2013-2014 academic year. PCC ridership is estimated at approximately 65,000 per year. While the GoRIO and I-Pass programs were implemented in concert with L.A. Metro and other area transit providers, Foothill Transit’s Class Pass programs at Mt. SAC and the University of La Verne were implemented in the Fall Semester of 2013 as three-semester pilot programs. The last semester of the Class Pass Pilots at Mt. SAC and the University of La Verne is Fall 2014. In the future, all Class Pass participants will be billed a consistent subsidy amount of $0.60 per boarding based on tallied ridership from each participating Class Pass member. EZ Transit Pass EZ Transit passes provide the same benefits as a 31-Day Pass but are valid for travel on 23 different transit agencies in Los Angeles County. EZ Transit passes are sold loaded onto TAP cards with an affixed sticker that can be used as a “flash-pass” when shown to bus drivers. EZ Transit passes are offered at different price points for Local, Silver Streak and Commuter Express services. Reduced fare EZ Transit passes are available to those eligible for senior, disabled/Medicare discounts. Pass Product Fare Multipliers Pass multipliers are a frequently used means to establish pass prices. The pass multiplier is the number of times one needs to ride the system for the pass to “break even” on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Pass multipliers on different systems may vary widely based on the unique characteristics of the system including route structure, types of riders and policy incentives that might be in place to incentivize certain pass products over others. Figure 1-3 provides an overview of Foothill Transit fare multipliers for the 31-Day pass products. The adult 31-Day pass is currently priced to require 56 single ride trips at $1.25 per single trip to break even. Considering that many people transfer on Foothill Transit, it is likely that the multiplier in actuality is slightly lower since most will pay greater than $1.25 per trip (considering of $0.50 transfers). If assuming all people utilize a transfer, and it costs $1.75 to make a complete trip, the multiplier would be closer to 40.
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Figure 1-3 Pass Product Fare Multipliers
Pass Product Pass Price Single Ride Price Multiplier Adult 31-Day Pass $70.00 $1.25 ($1.75 incd transfers) 56.0 (40) Student 31-Day Pass $33.00 $1.25 26.4 Discount 31-Day Pass $22.00 $0.50 44.0 Silver Streak 31-Day Pass 42.9 (includes Lines 481 and $105.00 $2.45 690) Discount Silver Streak $52.00 $1.15 45.2 Commuter Express4 $170.00 $4.90 34.7
Pass Usage Based on pass sales in fiscal year 2013-2014, pass usage can be determined by dividing total pass sales with ridership. Generally, one would suspect that pass usage would equate or exceed the pass multiplier. Based on findings, this is generally true for the 31-Day Adult pass. However, a 31- Day Pass usage (37.4) is much more closely aligned with those who make transfer trips (at $1.75 per trip, multiplier of 40). Figure 1-4 31-Day Pass Usage (multiplier)
31-Day Senior/ 31-Day Adult 31-Day Student Disabled Silver Streak (481 / 690) 46.2 (45.2) 72.0 (45.2) - Commuter Express 41.9 (34.7) - - Local 37.4 (56 or 40) 43.1 (44) 80.5 (26.4) Source: Foothill Transit Pass Sales and Ridership by Fare Type Data Transfers Transfers may occur between Foothill Transit routes or between Foothill Transit routes and other transit providers throughout the region. Foothill Transit transfers, which are purchased at the time of fare payment, cost $0.50 for adults and students, and $0.25 for those eligible for discounted transfers such as seniors, persons with disabilities, and Medicare card holders. These transfers are valid for up to two hours on Foothill Transit, Metro buses and other agencies that accept Foothill Transit transfers. All transfers issued by Foothill Transit are considered Interagency Transfers (IAT). Transfers can be issued as a paper transfer ticket or on the TAP card itself. Figure 1-5 provides examples of transfer costs and any upcharges to transfer to higher classes of service.
4 Commuter Express Lines 493,495,497,498,499,699
Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates Inc. | 1-6 FARE ANALYSIS: FINAL REPORT Foothill Transit
Figure 1-5 Foothill Transit Transfer Costs
Transfer to Transfer to Transfer to Transfer to Lines 481 Lines 481 Transfer to Local Silver and 690 and 690 Commuter Type of Transfer Cost Routes5 Streak (Peak) (Off-Peak) Express Transfer + Transfer + Transfer + Transfer + Basic $0.50 Free $1.20 $1.50 $1.50 $3.65 Transfer + Transfer + Transfer + Transfer + Discount $0.25 Free $0.65 $2.25 $0.85 $3.65 Typical Fare $1.25/$0.50 $2.45/$1.15 $2.75/- $2.75/- $4.90/- (Basic/Discount) Note: All Foothill Transit Transfers are Interagency Transfers (IAT) In addition to transfers from Foothill Transit, Foothill Transit accepts Metrolink tickets and monthly passes, and Interagency Transfers6. These forms of payment are good for one boarding on all local Foothill Transit lines. Customers using these fare products wishing to board the Silver Streak or Lines 481, 690 must pay an upcharge based the above fare chart. Commuter Express lines do not accept transfers from other agencies. However, an interagency transfer is worth $1.00 on Commuter Express.
IAT Transfer Usage Currently, IAT transfer usage can best be estimated through Foothill Transit ridership reports based on farebox records which estimate that nearly 16% of single-ride boardings (cash or TAP card stored value) use transfers (paper or on the TAP card) as a form of fare payment. This percentage does not include passes or free pass programs (college programs).
Transfer Patterns Transfer patterns refers to a need for a passenger to transfer from one line (or service) to another to complete their journey, but is not necessarily indicative if they used an IAT transfer. This background is important as it helps define what types of fare products may best be suited for Foothill Transit based on its rider characteristics. Based on the on-board survey conducted in 2014, respondents were asked if they had transferred before – or were planning to transfer after – their current trip. 52% did not transfer at all. While 37% transferred once and 11% transferred twice.
5 Valid for up to two hours on Foothill Transit, Metro buses and other agencies that accept Foothill Transit transfers 6 Interagency Transfers in this report refer to the interchangeably used transfer used by several LA region transit providers.
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Figure 1-6 On-board Survey: Transfers Needed to Complete Trip
Once 37%
None 52%
Twice 11%
Additional relevant information surmised from the on-board survey includes the following: . Approximately 80% of transfer activity is between Foothill Transit routes (intrasystem transfers) – e.g., 20% of transfers are to or from other agencies . Nearly 70% of transfers of total transfer activity is on Foothill Local routes (versus Foothill Commuter Express or Silver Streak services) . MTA (11.5%) and Omnitrans (3.8%) have the next largest number of transfers activities to and from Foothill Transit. Figure 1-7 and Figure 1-8 provide a summary of transfer activity to and from Foothill Transit services based on the on-board survey findings. Figure 1-7 Transfers From Foothill Transit (By Service)
Service Transfer (From) Foothill (Local) 65.4% Foothill (481/690) 0.5% Foothill Commuter Express 1.2% Foothill Silver Streak 10.8% LA DOT Routes 0.6% Metrolink 2.4% Montebello 0.6% MTA 13.0% MTA (Silverline) 0.3% OCTA 0.6% Omnitrans 3.7% Pasadena 0.2% Riverside 0.3% USC Shuttle 0.1%
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Figure 1-8 Transfers To Foothill Transit (By Service)
Service Transfer (To) Foothill (Local) 69.2% Foothill (481/690) 0.8% Foothill Commuter Express 2.4% Foothill Silver Streak 9.5% LA DOT Routes 0.1% Metrolink 1.9% Montebello 0.4% MTA 10.1% MTA (Silverline) 0.9% OCTA 0.5% Omnitrans 3.8% Pasadena 0.1% Riverside 0.1%
Silver2Silver Program The Silver2Silver Program is a joint effort between Metro and Foothill Transit that allows Metro pass holders to ride Foothill Transit’s Silver Streak and allows Foothill Transit Silver Streak pass holders to ride the Metro Silver Line. The reciprocal agreement was established in October 2012 as a way to maximize the use of regional transit resources along the El Monte busway and to improve customer access to both transit agencies along the corridor. In addition to the fare agreement, both agencies have agreed to jointly market the effort and evaluate its impacts on ridership and revenue. An evaluation of the program’s first year of operation was conducted in the beginning of 2014. Based on TAP card entries between October 2012 and October 2013, 13,898 Foothill Transit pass holders were carried on the Metro Silver Line. During the same period, 155,663 Metro pass holders were carried on Foothill Transit’s Silver Streak service, a 1:11 ratio. There are several likely causes for this ratio: . From an operational perspective, the Silver Line existing service’s crowding issues on the I-10 corridor. . The total number of eligible Commuter Express and Silver Streak pass holders is likely small in comparison to the total number of Metro Silverline Pass holders. . For those riding the Silver Streak service who also require transfers to other agencies, (and not lines 481, 690), it is advantageous to purchase a Silver Line pass ($128) versus a Silver Streak EZ pass ($150) Metro’s analysis determined that with an average fare of $0.75 per boarding, Metro collected $116,747 in fare revenue from Metro pass holders who were served by Foothill Transit and Foothill Transit collected $24,322 from pass patrons who were carried on Metro Silver Line. Based on the current pilot project agreement, each agency can “collect” up to $250,000 in fare revenues carried by the other agency before reimbursement options would be explored. However, no discussions are currently underway.
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Sales and Distribution Foothill Transit fare products can be purchased online at taptogo.net or at a Foothill Transit Store with locations in Claremont, El Monte, Industry, Pomona, and West Covina. Once in possession of a TAP card, a user can reload their fare purse or add new passes through one of the previous methods or by calling 1-866-TAPTOGO. Only single ride (cash) fare products can be purchased at the farebox. FIXED ROUTE FARE HISTORY The following section outlines the known Foothill Transit fare changes that have occurred roughly over the past decade. These fare changes are based on previous Foothill Transit Bus Books but no information is available that specifies the exact date when fare changes went into effect. Since 2005, six fare changes have occurred that have included changes in fare prices and products. In terms of fare prices, single ride fare price increases have been relatively modest (+25% for local fares since 2005), other fare products have seen more significant increases (+31% for discount 31- day passes since 2005). Transfer prices have remained constant at $0.50 for the past decade. Fare products have been relatively consistent over the past decade with single ride, 31-day pass and EZ Transit passes. One significant change was the elimination of the Local Plus pass products which were geared towards a certain subset of Foothill Transit routes converted to the Silver Streak service in 2007. For a period of time, Routes 481 and 690 pass products were priced separately, however those routes are now eligible to ride with a Silver Streak pass. Figure 1-9 presents a snapshot of all known fare changes since 2005. Figure 1-9 Foothill Transit Fare Changes (2005-Current)
Fare Product 2005 2006 2007 Apr 2010 Jul 2010 2012 Current % Change
Single Ride Adult Local $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.25 $1.25 $1.25 25% Student Local $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.25 $1.25 $1.25 25% Discount Local $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 0%
Local Plus7 $3.00 $3.00 Eliminated Discount Local Plus $1.50 $1.50 Eliminated
Silver Streak8 $2.00 $2.50 $2.75 $2.75 $2.45 23% Discount Silver Streak $1.00 $1.25 1.35 1.35 $1.15 15% Lines 481 and 690 $2.00 $2.50 $2.75 $2.75 $2.75 38%
Commuter Express9 $3.50 $3.65 $3.65 $4.40 $4.90 $4.90 $4.90 40%
31-Day Passes Adult 31-Day Pass $50.00 $55.00 $55.00 $70.00 $70.00 $70.00 $70.00 40% Student 31-Day Pass $23.00 $25.00 $25.00 $30.00 $33.00 $33.00 $33.00 43% Discount 31-Day Pass $14.00 $18.00 $18.00 $20.00 $22.00 $22.00 $22.00 57%
7 All Local Plus routes included Lines 480, 481, 482, 486, 488, 492, 494, 690 8 For a period of time, the Silver Streak and Routes 481 and 690 were priced consistently 9 Commuter Express Lines 493,495,497,498,499,699
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Fare Product 2005 2006 2007 Apr 2010 Jul 2010 2012 Current % Change Local Plus $100.00 $100.00 Eliminated Discount Local Plus $50.00 $50.00 Eliminated Silver Streak 31-Day Pass (includes Lines 481 and $80.00 $96.00 $105.00 $105.00 $105.00 31% 690) Discount Silver Streak $40.00 $48.00 $52.00 $52.00 $52.00 30%
Commuter Express9 $120.00 $130.00 $130.00 $155.00 $170.00 $170.00 $170.00 42%
EZ Transit Passes Adult Local $58.00 $58.00 $58.00 $70.00 $84.00 $84.00 $84.00 45% Discount Local $29.00 $29.00 $29.00 $35.00 $35.00 $35.00 $35.00 21% Local Plus $103.00 $103.00 Eliminated Discount Local Plus $51.50 $51.50 Eliminated
Silver Streak 10 $103.00 $124.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 46% Discount Silver Streak $51.50 $63.50 $63.50 $63.50 $63.50 23%
Commuter Express9 $133.00 $133.00 $133.00 $160.00 $194.00 $194.00 $194.00 46%
Transfers Adult $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 $0.50 0% Discount $0.25 $0.25 $0.25 $0.25 $0.25 $0.25 $0.25 0%
Fare Elasiticities11 For analysis purposes, fare elasiticities have been calculated based on past Foothill Transit fare changes between April 2010 and July 2010 and associated ridership changes. For simplicity purposes, ridership for the entire fiscal year is used to reflect any changes in ridership based on fare changes. Figure 1-10 through Figure 1-12 reflect percentage fare changes, ridership changes, and calculated elasiticities. Figure 1-10 Percent Fare Changes (April 2010 – July 2010)
Adult Cash and Senior/Disabled Cash Student Cash and Adult EZ Transit Stored Value and Stored Value Stored Value Adult 31-Day Pass Pass Silver Streak 10% 8% 9% 481 / 690 10% Commuter Express 11% 10% 21% Local 25% 25% 20% Note: All percentages reflect positive fare increases
10 Note, As of 2012 customers can purchase a Metro Silver Line Pass ($128) to ride the Silver Streak 11 Given the unexpected results, the elasiticities presented in this section should be used with caution. It is likely numerous outside factors influenced ridership trends during the analysis period. Thus, these results should be used for reference purposes but cannot be taken for face value in any future modeling efforts.
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Figure 1-11 Percent Ridership Changes (FY 2009-2010, FY 2010-2011)
Adult Cash and Senior/Disabled Cash Student Cash and Adult EZ Transit Stored Value and Stored Value Stored Value Adult 31-Day Pass Pass Silver Streak 2% -2% 82% -16% 8% 481 / 690 8% -4% -62% 3% -8% Commuter Express 10% 11% 122% 5% 31% Local -6% 17% -18% -46% 2%
Figure 1-12 Fare Elasticity by Fare Product and Service Type
Adult Cash and Senior/Disabled Cash Student Cash and Adult EZ Transit Stored Value and Stored Value Stored Value Adult 31-Day Pass Pass Silver Streak 0.18 -0.26 -1.71 481 / 690 0.83 - - - - Commuter Express 0.87 - 0.52 1.45 Local -0.23 - -0.72 0.12
The results of the fare elasticity analysis are somewhat unexpected. The majority of fare changes were found to be inelastic (absolute value of less than 1.0), which is consistent with industry research on fares. Yet, many elasiticities were positive meaning that fare increases were associated with increases in ridership. It is likely that service changes, the state of the economy, or other exogenous factors influenced ridership during this period, leading to a positive elasticity. Local one-way fares (cash and stored value) showed a negative elasticity of -0.23 which is in the range of the industry standard of -0.3. Two fare changes were associated with elastic fare changes (absolute value greater than 1.0). This includes the Adult 31-Day Silver Streak Pass which had an elasticity of -1.71 and the Commuter Express Adult EZ Pass at 1.45. Again, the latter had a significant positive elasticity signaling that other exogenous factors are likely at play.
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2 RIDERSHIP AND FAREBOX REVENUE TRENDS This chapter reviews performance trends, fare usage and fare revenues for Foothill Transit’s fixed route services. Figure 2-1 below presents operating and financial statistics for Foothill Transit’s fixed route (including both local and express services) for fiscal years 2009 through fiscal year 2013. Based on this dataset, numerous statistics were calculated including the average fare per passenger, subsidy per rider and farebox recovery ratio. These are graphed on the following pages to show ridership and revenue trends. Over time, the average fare per passenger fluctuated over the four-year period, with a low of $1.13 in 2009 to a high of $1.33 in 2012. The farebox recovery ratio has similarly fluctuated over the past four years, and in 2012 peaked at 30%. From 2009 to 2011 the subsidy per passenger also ranged widely with a low of $3.02 and a high of $3.38. Figure 2-1 Foothill Transit Fixed Route Service Financial and Operating Statistics % Change FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 (FY 09-13) Operational Data Passenger Trips 14,848,216 14,436,713 13,985,056 13,909,627 14,079,592 -5.2% Vehicle Service Hours 765,533 746,283 671,178 671,603 689,585 -9.9% Passengers per Vehicle Service 19.4 19.3 20.8 20.7 20.4 5.2% Hour Vehicle Service Miles 11,457,021 11,276,335 9,946,290 9,957,923 10,187,350 -11.1% Expenses Total Operating Expense $66,890,002 $63,513,225 $59,486,550 $61,654,544 $63,175,044 -5.6% Operating Expense per Vehicle $87.38 $85.11 $88.63 $91.80 $91.61 4.9% Service Hour Operating Expense per Passenger $4.50 $4.40 $4.25 $4.43 $4.49 -0.4% Trip Operating Expense per Vehicle $5.84 $5.63 $5.98 $6.19 $6.20 6.2% Service Mile Revenues Total Fare Revenue $16,770,643 $16,481,247 $17,263,857 $18,487,526 $18,462,598 10.1% Fare per Passenger $1.13 $1.14 $1.23 $1.33 $1.31 16.1% Subsidy per Passenger $3.38 $3.26 $3.02 $3.10 $3.18 -5.9%
Farebox Recovery Ratio 25% 26% 29% 30% 29% 16.6%
Sources: Foothill Transit, NTD, and Nelson\Nygaard
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The figures across the next several pages describe general fare-related trends based on information provided by Foothill Transit. Figure 2-2 Fare Revenue, Operating Expenses and Passenger Trips
15,000,000 $80,000,000 14,800,000 $70,000,000 14,600,000 $60,000,000 14,400,000 $50,000,000 14,200,000 $40,000,000 14,000,000 $30,000,000 13,800,000 $20,000,000 13,600,000 $10,000,000 13,400,000 $0 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013
Total Fare Revenue Total Operating Expense Passenger Trips
In general, fare revenue has slightly increased over the past five years. Ridership has declined overall since fiscal year 2009, but as of fiscal year 2012, is on the rebound. Sources: Foothill Transit Figure 2-3 Fare per Passenger
Fare revenues per passengers have increased significantly over the past five years. This may be in part to three fare changes that occurred in FY 2010 (two fare changes) and FY 2012. Sources: Foothill Transit
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Figure 2-4 Subsidy per Passenger
The subsidy per passenger on Foothill Transit routes have remained relatively consistent over the past five years. Sources: Foothill Transit Figure 2-5 Farebox Recovery Ratio
Farebox recovery ratio for Foothill Transit has increased significantly since fare changes in fiscal year 2010 with the current ratio hovering near 30%. Sources: Foothill Transit Ridership by Fare Media Type Figure 2-6 provides a breakdown of fiscal year 2013-2014 ridership by fare product.
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Figure 2-6 Ridership by Fare Media Type Fare Product Single Ride (Cash and TAP Card) Cost Ridership (FY 13-14) Adult Local $1.25 4,911,474 Discount Local $0.50 1,057,794 Unclassified Local - 298,121 Silver Streak Adult $2.45 681,306 Silver Streak Discount $1.15 128,198 Silver Streak Unclassified - 73,950 Lines 481 and 690 $2.75 94,668 Lines 481 and 690 Unclassified - 5,187 Commuter Express $4.90 513,161 Commuter Express Unclassified - 34,424 Subtotal 7,798,283 31-Day Passes (Foothill Transit Only) Adult Local 31-Day Pass $70.00 167,076 Student Local 31-Day Pass $33.00 370,756 Discount Local 31-Day Pass $22.00 373,326 Adult Silver Streak 31-Day Pass $105.00 129,475 Discount Silver Streak 31-Day Pass $52.00 20,583 Commuter Express $170.00 383,133 Subtotal 1,444,349 31-Day Passes (From Metro) Metro (P2) $106 (Paid to Metro) 200,331 Metro (P3) $128 (Paid to Metro) 130 MetroLink $84 (Paid to Metro) 591 Subtotal 201,052 EZ Transit Passes Adult Local $84.00 393,946 Discount Local $35.00 136,203 Silver Streak (P3) $150.00 60,441 Discount Silver Streak (P3) $63.50 17,096 Commuter Express $194.00 108,924 Subtotal 716,610 College Programs Rio Hondo - 34,133 Mt. SAC - 735,496 LaVerne - 22,686 Subtotal 792,315 IAT Transfers To Local - 1,825,839 To Silver Streak +$1.20 108,380 To 481 / 690 +$1.50 6,234 To Commuter Express +$3.65 6,381 Subtotal 1,946,834 Metrolink Transfers To Local - 37,711 To Silver Streak +$1.20 9,203 To 481 / 690 +$1.50 539 To Commuter Express +$3.65 52 Subtotal 47,505
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The following figures describe Foothill Transit ridership by fare type and category. Figure 2-7 Total Ridership by Fare Media Type (Local, Silver Streak, Route 481, 690 and Express)
College Transfers Programs 16% 5%
EZ-Transit Passes 6%
31-Day Pass Single Ride (Metro) (Cash or TAP 1% Card) 61% 31-Day Pass (Foothill) 11%
Sources: Foothill Transit Ridership Data (July 2013-February 2014) Foothill Transit ridership is still predominately single ride fares (61%) with passes composing 18% of boardings. Figure 2-8 Single Ride Fares by Payment Type (All Routes, TAP vs. Cash) Senior/Disabled Adult TAP TAP Student Cash 11% 1% 1%
Senior/Disabled Cash 15%
Adult Cash 72%
Sources: Foothill Transit Ridership Data (July 2013-February 2014) Among single ride trips (all routes) the majority of riders (72%) pay cash whereas 11% utilize the TAP card’s stored value feature). Senior and disabled riders almost exclusively use cash.
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Figure 2-9 Fare Payment Type by Route Category
Unclassified Cash
Adult Cash Sr/ Disabled Cash Local
Unclassified Cash
Adult Cash SV Adult EZ Express Foothill Adult Pass
Express
Commuter
Unclassified Cash
Adult Cash SV Adult Foothill Adult Pass 481 / 690 / 481
Unclassified Cash
Adult Cash Sr/ Disabled Cash SV Adult Foothill Adult Pass
Silver Silver Streak
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Adult Cash Sr/ Disabled Cash Unclassified Cash SV Adult SV Sr/ Dis SV Student EZ Pass Adult EZ Sr/ Disabled EZ Silver Streak EZ Silv Strk Sr EZ Express Foothill Adult Pass FH Sr/ Disabled FH Student MTA Adult Pass MTA Sr/Dis Pass MTA Student Pass
Figure 2-9 provides a snapshot of various Foothill Transit services and the composition of fare payment types. Local services (the bulk of ridership) are dominated by cash fares (80%). Premium services (Commuter Express, Silver Streak, Routes 481, 690) still lean heavily on cash fares, but also have a high percentage of users paying with stored value on their TAP card. Pass usage is still relatively low amongst all services. This chart does not include free fares or college programs. Source: Foothill Ridership Data (July 2013-June 2014)
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Figure 2-10 Single Ride (Cash or TAP Card) Ridership by Route Category
Commuter Express
481/690
Adult Silver Discount 84% Streak
Local 82% 18%
0 1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000
Ridership on Foothill Transit’s local services dominates the system’s total single ride (cash and TAP) ridership. The majority of those riders (82%) are paying the adult fare. Figure 2-11 Foothill Transit and EZ Pass 31-day Pass: Ridership by Fare Category (Foothill Transit and EZ Passes)
Adult Discount Student Adult (EZ) Discount (EZ)
Commuter Express 77%
Silver Streak/481/690 58%
Local 12% 26% 26% 27% 10%
0 200,000 400,000 600,000 800,000 1,000,000 Among 31-Day pass riders, local trips dominate with riders using a combination of Foothill Transit passes and EZ Transit passes. Revenue by Fare Media Type Figure 2-12 provides a summary of revenue generated and pass products sold fiscal year 2013- 2014 from various pass products. By in large, the Commuter Express pass products bring in the most revenue based on their higher cost. Commuter Express and senior/disabled pass products are the most frequently purchased.
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Figure 2-12 Foothill Transit Pass Product Pass Revenues and Sales
$1,800,000 10,000 $1,600,000 9,000 $1,400,000 8,000 $1,200,000 7,000 6,000 $1,000,000 5,000 $800,000 4,000 $600,000 3,000 $400,000 2,000 $200,000 1,000 $- -
Pass Revenue Passes Sold
Commuter Express pass products bring in the highest amount of revenue and compose the majority of existing pass sales. Source: FY 2013-2014 Pass Sales (S100, Online and Corporate Sales Reports). Does not include EZ Pass sales.
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3 STAKEHOLDER INPUT This chapter outlines stakeholder input associated with the fare structure. This information is based on feedback from the general public (online survey) and Foothill Transit drivers (driver interviews). Online Fare Survey An online survey focused on existing and potential fare products was conducted between May and July 2014. A total of 65 respondents took the survey. The online fare survey supplemented the on- board survey that was conducted roughly during the same time period. Transit Use The highest percentage of respondents (69%) reported to ride Foothill Transit buses four to seven days a week (Figure 3-1). Nineteen percent ride one to three days per week. Five percent reported to never riding Foothill Transit. These findings are consistent with the on-board survey that also found that most riders on Foothill Transit were consistent users of the system. Figure 3-1 Frequency of Use on Foothill Transit Buses
80% 69% 70%
60%
50%
40%
30% 19% 20% 12% 10% 5%
0% 1-3 days a week 4-7 days a week Occasionally Never
Among Foothill Transit riders, 56% of respondents said they most often ride local routes when taking Foothill Transit (Figure 3-2). Thirty-four percent most often ride commuter bus routes, and 10% most often take the Silver Streak.
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Figure 3-2 Most Frequently Used Foothill Transit Service
60% 56%
50%
40% 34%
30%
20%
10% 10%
0% Local bus routes Commuter bus routes Silver Streak
Among Foothill Transit riders, 53% of respondents typically make one or two transfers when traveling between origin and destination (Figure 3-3). Thirty-one percent do not make transfers, and 13% make three or more. Figure 3-3 Transfers Made Traveling to and From Destination
35% 31% 30% 27% 26% 25%
20%
15% 13%
10%
5% 3%
0% 0 1 2 3 More than 4
Respondents were asked if they were willing to pay a higher fare for shorter travel times on local routes (Figure 3-4). Fifty percent said they were willing, 31% said they were not, and 19% reported they do not use the local bus routes.
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Figure 3-4 Willingness to Pay Higher Fare for Shorter Travel Time on Local Routes
60% 50% 50%
40% 31% 30%
19% 20%
10%
0% Yes No I don't use the local bus routes
Transit Passes Online respondents were asked several questions related to their use of transit passes and their willingness to purchase different types of passes at various prices. As shown in Figure 3-5, 55% of respondents use a monthly pass. However, this finding is inconsistent with farebox ridership data that shows a higher percentage of boardings coming from cash and stored value (TAP) paying customers. Figure 3-5 Currently Uses Monthly Pass
No 45% Yes 55%
Among those who do not regularly buy monthly passes (Figure 3-6), 54% of respondents said they do not ride the bus enough for a pass to be worthwhile. 32% percent said the pass was too expensive, and 11% do not understand how to use it, buy it, and/or benefit from it. However, it
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should be noted that the on-board survey found that 74% of patrons would be interested in other pass products like a daily or weekly pass. Figure 3-6 Reason for Not Buying a Monthly Pass
60% 54% 50%
40% 32% 30%
20% 11% 7% 10% 4% 0% Don’t ride the Too expensive Don’t Don’t know Other bus enough to understand how where to buy it make it to use it or how or location is worthwhile it will benefit not convenient me
All respondents were asked their willingness to purchase an annual pass that would offer additional savings to a monthly pass (Figure 3-7). Approximately 80% of respondents expressed potential interest in such a pass. Respondents were also asked if they would buy a daily pass that allows unlimited travel during a 24 hour period, 68% of which said they would (Figure 3-8). Being that an unlimited day pass would likely be issued through TAP cards, the survey asked how respondents would feel about the elimination of paper transfers. Eighty-eight percent said they would be okay with the elimination of paper transfers due to daily passes on TAP cards (Figure 3-9). Figure 3-7 Willing to Purchase Annual Pass with Additional Savings
Yes Maybe 39% 41%
No 20%
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Figure 3-8 Interest in a Daily Pass with Unlimited Trips
No 32%
Yes 68%
Figure 3-9 Okay with Elimination of Paper Transfers
No 12%
Yes 88%
When presented with the possibility of purchasing a $5 day pass with unlimited travel during 24 hours on local and Silver Streak routes, 76% of respondents said they would be willing to purchase such a pass (Figure 3-10). When presented with the option of purchasing a similar pass for local routes only and priced at $3, 75% of respondents said they would be willing to purchase such a pass (Figure 3-11).
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Figure 3-10 Willing to Purchase $5 Day Pass for Local and Silver Streak Routes
No 24%
Yes 76%
Figure 3-11 Willing to Purchase $3 Day Pass for Local Routes Only
No 25%
Yes 75%
Respondent Demographics Online respondents were asked a series of demographic questions at the end of the survey 54% percent self-identified as male, 42% female, and 4% as other/preferring not to respond (Figure 3-12).
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Figure 3-12 Gender
Other 4%
Female 42%
Male 54%
Among age groups, 16 to 24-year-olds were the most represented at 34%. Those between 25 and 34 years and 34 and 44 years saw nearly equal representation (22% and 21%, respectively). Respondents from 45 to 54 years old represented 14% of respondents, approximately twice that of respondents 55 to 64 years old (Figure 3-13). Figure 3-13 Age
40% 34% 35%
30%
25% 22% 21% 20%
15% 14%
10% 7% 5% 2% 0% 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 or older
Roughly 30% of respondents self-identified as Latino only, followed by 28% identifying as Asian only, and 23% as white only (Figure 3-14). The least represented groups were those identifying as black only (11%) and multiple races/ethnicities (9%).
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Figure 3-14 Race and Ethnicity
35% 30% 30% 28%
25% 23%
20%
15% 11% 10% 9%
5%
0% Latino only Asian only White only Black only Multiple Races
For income (Figure 3-15), the most represented groups were those earning less than $10,000 (36%) and those earning $50,000 or more (34%). Figure 3-15 Income
40% 36% 34% 35%
30%
25% 19% 20%
15% 10% 10%
5%
0% Less than $10K $11-$24K $25-$49K $50K or more
In terms of employment and education enrollment (Figure 3-16), the highest percentage of respondents (39%) were employed only. Thirty-one percent of respondents were students only, with 11% both working and attending school. Sixteen percent of respondents were unemployed, and 2% were retired.
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Figure 3-16 Employment and Education Enrollment
45% 40% 39% 35% 31% 30% 25% 20% 16% 15% 11% 10% 5% 3% 0% Employed only Student only Unemployed Employed Retired student
Additional Comments It should be noted that the online nature of the fare survey may have presented potentially skewed results as compared to the general Foothill Transit riding population. Online surveys tend to skew towards higher income individuals who have ready access to the internet at work or home. However, the self-reported income distribution of survey takers does seem to reflect a balance of income levels. In addition to the findings from this survey, the on-board survey asked some questions associated with fare policy. Those results include the following: . Less than 5% of riders felt that current fare levels were “Very Poor” or “Poor” with the remainder of respondents indicating that fare levels were “Fair”, “Good” or “Excellent” . Approximately 8% indicated that methods of fare payment was a desired improvement Operator Meetings
On Thursday August 21st, Nelson\Nygaard staff visited the Pomona Yard to discuss fare related questions with Foothill Transit operators. Meeting with operations staff is important to understand specific concerns that may arise with fare policies including fare products and fare enforcement. Operators are often the “first line of defense” in terms of collecting fares, interpreting the fare structure for customers and collecting important fare-related data via the farebox. The findings below are based on discussions with at least 12 operators between 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the operator break room.
General Interest in a Day Pass Product Confirming customer preferences from the various on-board and fare-specific surveys, operators believe that a Day Pass product would be beneficial. Operators cited that a Day Pass would speed up boarding (by eliminating the need to verify and/or issue transfer slips) and would reduce any operator/customer conflicts about the time-expiry of transfer slips. It was noted that many
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customers utilize transfers as a way to make “out-and-back” trips that are within the two-hour window which is not aligned with the transfer’s intent of allowing the completion of a one-way trip.
Fare Policy Inconsistencies One of the most interesting takeaways from the operator meetings is the notion of inconsistency in how fare policies and products and distributed and enforced by operators. Some of this is simply due to the complexity of the fare structure given the numerous interactions Foothill Transit has with other transit systems and the numerous potential permutations of fares. Others come from inconsistencies in direction and/or training given to operators or customer service (telephone) staff under various fare scenarios. Some examples that were cited include (based on the sample of operators): . Commuter Express operators noted that customers are sometimes told by customer service representatives that they can board Foothill Transit routes with a MetroLink pass if they miss their train . Operators noted that customers will request a transfer with a “Free Ride” voucher. While the voucher itself states that it is not good for a transfer, operators have been told to provide one. . Some operators allow TAP Card “passbacks” by manually hitting $1.25 on the farebox for a second passenger while others don’t allow passbacks under any circumstance. . Current policy states that up to two children (under 5) can ride free with a full fare paying adult. However, this does not apply if the adult purchases a transfer, at which time the adult must pay another full fare to allow those children to ride free. . General confusion for those with frequent transfers between Metro and/or Omnitrans (because the fare structure is different) Riders take advantage of system When it comes to enforcing fares, current Foothill Transit policy is to “state the fare” but not to challenge or remove anyone from the vehicle if they do not pay. Customers can only be removed or asked to exit the vehicle if they are causing a disturbance or behaving in a manner that endangers other passengers or the operator. Given the prevalence of fare evasion, it is not practical for operators to call-in fare evaders to road supervisors or local police enforcement. Given these factors, many operators feel that select customers unabashedly abuse fare policies and board without paying proper fare. To add, many operators believe that customers feel that Foothill Transit is “soft” on fares as compared to other adjacent agencies who take a much stronger stance on fare evaders. In addition to lost fare revenue, the presence of fare evaders often causes some dissent among paying passengers who believe that others are getting a free ride without any recourse, creating an awkward situation amongst operators. However, operators state that they would feel uncomfortable enforcing fares given the lack of a barrier between them and passengers. Certain routes that were highlighted that were “worse” in terms of fare enforcement as compared to others include Routes 291, 492, and 486. TAP Card Challenges The TAP Card has been a major benefit to Foothill Transit in terms of reducing fare interactions requiring the operator and reducing pass fraud. However, despite these benefits, there have been some complications due to the characteristics of the TAP Card system. Most notably, the biggest
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issue associated with the TAP Card stems from its long loading period between when passes or funds are placed on the card (online or via phone). The waiting period can be as long as 72 hours and customers are sometimes unaware of this time delay. As a result, customers try to board believing they’ve reloaded their TAP card only to be denied by the TAP Card reader at the farebox. A separate issue associated with the TAP Card comes from the ability to add cash value to the TAP Card directly at the farebox. In some situations, customers board a bus and load cash into the farebox and then quickly tap their TAP Card on the farebox (to add the cash value onto their card) before an operator can hit the correct fare amount at the farebox for their trip. When requested to pay their fare, customers reply that they’ve already paid (with cash). Transfers Some operators noted that they pre-punched their paper transfers (to match the two hour validity window) and others punched paper transfers on every issuance. In either scenario, operators noted that issuing transfers (request from passenger, farebox entry, issuing transfer) did add time to the boarding process. However, it was not seen as a critical concern. The operators that we spoke with stated that less than 50% of boarding passengers requested a transfer which is consistent with riders surveys. While many utilize transfers for their intended purpose (to complete a one-way trip), it is possible that others use it as a 2-hour pass (round-trip on one route). However, this cannot be substantiated given the available data. 31-day Pass Usage The consultant team asked several questions associated with the usage of the monthly pass and were curious to know why it did not have very high use among local services. Operators did not have a conclusive reason, but did feel that it must be priced at too high of a level to be of value. They also felt that adequate distribution channels exist (between Transit Stores and ability to reload a 31-day pass onto a TAP Card online or over the phone).
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4 PEER REVIEW Seven transit agencies (five in California, one in Illinois and one in New York) with similar attributes were selected for this peer review to better understand their fare structures, policies and fare changes. Overview of Transit Agencies
Golden Gate Transit The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District (Golden Gate Transit), based in San Francisco (CA), operates more than twenty-five local, inter-county and commuter fixed route bus lines throughout San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma and Contra Costa Counties. In fiscal year 2012 the agency had more than 6.6 million bus boardings over the course of 272,716 revenue hours. OCTA The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), based in Orange (CA), operates more than seventy local, express and inter-county fixed route bus lines throughout Orange County and into portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. In fiscal year 2012 the agency had more than 52.5 million bus boardings over the course of 1,543,454 revenue hours. Pace Pace-Suburban Bus (PACE), based in Arlington Heights (IL), operates just under two hundred local and commuter fixed route bus services throughout Cook, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry and DuPage Counties in the Chicago metropolitan area. In fiscal year 2012 the agency had more than 32 million bus boardings over the course of 1,429,762 revenue hours. Covering over 3,500 square miles, Pace has one of the largest service areas in North America. RTA The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), based in Riverside (CA), operates 36 local and eight premium CommuterLink fixed route bus services throughout western Riverside County and portions of Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties. In fiscal year 2012 the agency had more than eight million bus boardings over the course of 416,771 revenue hours. Covering over 2,700 square miles, RTA has the second largest service area in the United States. MTS The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), based in San Diego (CA), operates 92 fixed route bus services in southern San Diego County. In fiscal year 2012 the agency had more that 51 million bus boardings over the course of 1,500,543 revenue hours.
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SamTrans The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), based in San Carlos (CA), operates 73 local and express fixed route bus services throughout San Mateo County and into portions of San Francisco and Santa Clara Counties. In FY12 the agency had more than 13 million bus boardings over the course of 601,283 revenue hours. Bee-Line Bus System The Westchester County Bee-Line System (Bee-Line Bus System), based in Mount Vernon (NY), operates over fifty local and commuter fixed route bus services throughout Westchester County and into portions of Bronx, New York and Putnam Counties. In fiscal year 2012 the agency had more than 32 million bus boardings over the course of 703,809 revenue hours.
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GENERAL COMPARISON OF TRANSIT AGENCIES Figure 4-1 provides basic demographic information about the seven selected peer agencies. Most of the selected agencies currently utilize some type of electronic farecard and operate within the vicinity of other major transit operators. Figure 4-1 Peer Agency Comparison
Riverside San Diego Westchester Foothill Golden Gate Transit OCTA PACE SamTrans Transit MTS County Bee-Line Transit
Service Area 160 791 3,519 2,725 97 716 450 327 (sq miles) Service 869,000 3,129,517 5,630,238 1,700,356 737,100 1,960,088 949,113 1,515,836 Population Largest Incorporated City San Francisco Anaheim - Riverside Daly City San Diego - Pomona
Fiscal year 2012 Farebox 22% 24% 19% 23% 18% 26% 38% 30% Recovery Ratio Electronic Clipper Card N/A Ventra Card N/A Clipper Card Compass Card MetroCard TAP Card Farecard Source: National Transit Database (2012) and respective agency websites
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Figure 4-2 presents operating statistics for the seven peer agencies. Among all of the agencies, Foothill Transit had the second highest farebox recovery ratio in fiscal year 2012 (30%) next to Westchester County Bee-Line. Figure 4-2 Peer Agency Transit Statistics
Westchester Golden Gate Riverside San Diego Foothill OCTA Pace SamTrans County Bee- Transit Transit MTS Transit Line Annual Operating $70,182,336 $187,429,610 $160,555,855 $34,832,034 $101,387,955 $133,497,227 $121,486,396 $62,614,618 Costs Annual $15,612,010 $45,662,683 $29,919,258 $8,106,914 $18,142,884 $35,216,408 $45,690,374 $18,496,259 Revenue Annual 6,703,346 52,530,933 32,191,038 8,070,021 13,118,261 51,795,787 32,117,817 13,860,335 Boardings Annual Revenue 326,670 1,543,454 1,429,762 416,771 601,283 1,500,543 703,809 671,603 Hours Cost\ Revenue $214.84 $121.44 $112.30 $83.58 $168.62 $88.97 $172.61 $93.23 Hour Cost\ $10.47 $3.57 $4.99 $4.32 $7.73 $2.58 $3.78 $4.52 Passenger Peak 168 455 584 114 266 393 268 266 Vehicles Farebox Recovery 22% 24% 19% 23% 18% 26% 38% 30% Ratio Source: National Transit Database (2012) and respective agency websites
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Figure 4-3 provides an overview of each peer agency’s fare structure. Similar to Foothill Transit, many have a flat fare based system and various fares based on different types of services (e.g., local, express ,etc.). Many of the peer agencies do not offer transfers nor do they offer any type of discount on the base fare specifically for using an electronic farecard. Figure 4-3 Peer Agency Fare Information
Westchester County Golden Gate Transit OCTA PACE Riverside Transit San Diego MTS SamTrans Foothill Transit Bee-Line
Fare Structure Zone Based Flat Fare Flat Fare Flat Fare Flat Fare / Zone Based (Rural) Flat Fare Flat Rate Flat Fare
$1.25 $2.25 (Local/Urban) $4.50-$11.75 $2.00 (Local/ SF Inbound) $2.45 (Silver Streak) Base Fare or $2.00 (Local) $1.75 (Local) $2.50 (Express/Rapid) $2.50 (Local) (Zones 1-6) $1.50 $4.00 (SF Outbound) $2.75 (Lines 481, 690) Fare Range $4.00-$6.00 (Express) $4.00 (Premium Express) $5.00 (Rapid Express) $7.50 (Express) $2.00 (Marin local) $5.00 (KX Express) $4.90 (Commuter Express) $5.00-$10.00 (Rural)
Adult Local-Local/Premium- Local $0.25 Up to 3 free transfers for 3 Adult Local-Premium $2.50 hours within one county and 4 $0.50 Transfer Fares N/A Reduced Local-Local $0.15 N/A N/A N/A N/A hours if travelling in multiple (Interagency transfers) counties Reduced Premium-Local $0.10 Reduced Local-Premium $1.30
$1.10 (Local/Urban) $1.00 (Local/ SF Inbound) $0.50 Reduced Fare $2.25-$5.75 (Zones 1-6) $0.75 (Local) $0.85 (Local) $1.25 (Express/Rapid) $1.25 (Local) $0.70 $2.00 (SF Outbound) $1.15 (Silver Streak) Rate $1.00 (Marin local) $3.50-$4.00 (Express) $2.00 (Premium Express) $2.50 (Rapid Express) $3.75 (Express) $2.50 (KX Express) $0.25 (transfers) $2.50-$5.00 (Rural) Regional Day Pass, PACE/CTA 30-Day Pass RegionPlus Day Pass, ($60), PACE/CTA 7-Day Pass, Regional 2,3,4, and 14-Day 30-Day Pass ($69), 7-Day 30-Day Pass, Premium 30-Day Passes, Rapid Express 14- Pass, Day Pass, Pre-Paid Day Pass, 10-Ride Plus Ticket, Day Pass, Monthly Local Pass Day Pass, Monthly Pass ($72), Available Pass, 5 Rides Pass, Youth Premium 10-Ride Plus Ticket, Day Pass, 7-Day Pass, 30-Day ($64), Monthly Local/SF Pass, 7-Day Pass, 30-Day Pass 31-Day Pass, EZ Transit Pass, N/A Regional Monthly Pass, Summer Pass, Jingle Pass, Student Summer Haul Pass, Pass ($50) Monthly Express Pass, ($112) Class Pass Passes Regional Rapid Express Pass, College/University/Employer Campus Connection Pass, Summer Youth Pass College Monthly Passes, UC Passes Summer Campus Connection San Diego Monthly Pass, Pass, Metra PlusBus Pass, College Semester/Quarter Metra Link-Up Pass Passes Fare Card Adult $4.50-$9.40 (Zones 1-6) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Discount Source: National Transit Database (2012) and respective agency websites
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DETAILED AGENCY INFORMATION The following section describes in greater detail individual conversations with each of the peer transit agencies and information associated with fare changes. A full compilation of questions and responses can be found in Appendix A. Golden Gate Transit Figure 4-4 describes the cash fares for Golden Gate Transit’s fixed route bus services. Golden Gate Transit operates a zoned based fare structure across a four county service area in the San Francisco Bay Area. Standard adult cash fares range from $4.50 (within Zones 1,5 and 6) to $11.75 (from Zone 1 to 6). Golden Gate Transit is unique in that it does not offer passes. In addition, the agency offers a 20% discount on fares when using Clipper Card, the local electronic farecard. For example, a one-way trip from San Francisco to Santa Rosa (Zones 1-6) would cost a rider $11.75 when paying with cash, but only $9.40 with a Clipper Card. The agency attributes this discount as a major reason riders have switched to the Clipper Card but note that certain populations have been more resistant in converting to an electronic farecard. Figure 4-4 Golden Gate Transit Cash Fares
Fare Type Cash / Dollar Amount Eligibility/Age for Discounted Fare $4.50-$11.75 (Zones 1-6) Adult N/A $2.00 (Marin local)
$2.25-$5.75 (Zones 1-6) Ages 65+, DMV Disabled Placard ID Card, RTC Discount Card, Senior/Disabled Medicare card, RTC/Clipper card, or identification card for $1.00 (Marin local) persons with disabilities from another transit service. $2.25-$5.75 (Zones 1-6) Youth/Student Ages 6-18 $1.00 (Marin local) Ages 5 and under when accompanied by a full-fare paying adult Child Free (limit 2 per adult) Up to 3 transfers for 3 hours within one county and 4 hours if Transfers Free travelling in multiple counties
Golden Gate Transit’s last fare restructuring (see Figure 4-5) occurred on July 1, 2014 as part of a five year annual fare increase program which aims to increase fares five percent per year. Due to the recent nature of these changes it is too early to tell what impact the fare increases have had on ridership and fare revenue. This was the third time in the agency’s history that a five year fare increase has been implemented. Golden Gate Transit favors this approach as it allows for thorough public outreach and negates the element of surprise associated with fare modifications.
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Figure 4-5 Golden Gate Transit Fare Changes (2014)
Cash Fares Fare Category
Old New
Adult $2.00-$11.25 $2.00-$11.75
Senior/Discount $1.00-$5.50 $1.00-$5.75
Youth/Student $1.00-$5.50 $1.00-$5.75 6-18
Child 5 or under Free Free
OCTA Figure 3-6 reflects the cash fares for OCTA fixed route bus services. OCTA operates a flat rate fare structure offering local and express services across Orange County and intercounty fixed route services throughout Southern California. Standard adult fares for local routes are $2.00 with fares for express services ranging from $4.00 to $6.00. OCTA offers a plethora of passes, ranging from a $5.00 Local Day Pass sold on board buses ($4.50 when pre-paid) to a 30-Day Pass for unlimited use on all local and express routes at $187.50. At present, OCTA does not participate in an electronic farecard program; OCTA passes are issued on magnetic stripe cards. Figure 4-6 OCTA Cash Fares
Fare Type Cash / Dollar Amount Eligibility/Age for Discounted Fare
$2.00 (Local) Adult $4.00 (OC Express 757 and 758) N/A $6.00 (Express 701,721,794) $0.75 (Local) Must show proof of age (60+), disability or Medicare card Senior/Disabled $3.50 (OC Express 757 and 758) to coach operator $5.00 (Express 701,721,794) Ages 5 and under when accompanied by a full-fare paying Child Free adult (limit 3 per adult)
OCTA’s last fare restructuring occurred in February 2013 (see Figure 4-7). Subsequently, the agency has seen an overall year over year decrease in fixed route boardings of roughly 5.5% across all fare types. Other than the fare restructuring, officials at the agency suggest that an unstable economy may have also played a role in the decline in ridership.
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Figure 4-7 OCTA Fare Changes (2013)
Pass Fares Cash Fares Fare Category Daily Weekly Monthly Old New Old New Old New Old New Adult $1.50 $2.00 $4.00 $5.00 $20.00 $25.00 $55.00 $69.00 Senior/Discount $0.60 $0.75 $1.25 $1.50 $6.50 $8.25 $18.00 $22.25 Youth/Student $1.50 $2.00 $4.00 $5.00 $20.00 $25.00 $33.00 $40.00 Child Free Free ------
As an agency OCTA adheres to a target farebox recovery ratio of 20% in order to be eligible to receive Transportation Development Act (TDA) funding. If this target is not met, OCTA considers fare increases as a first course of action before reducing service hours. The agency reviews fares for adjustment every four years but recommends implementing fare increases only if they are absolutely necessary (e.g. to maintain farebox recovery ratio). Fares were restructured in February 2013 in order to meet the TDA mandated 20% farebox recovery ratio. Without the increase, it was projected that OCTA would fall below the 20% requirement in FY 2012-13. In determining the fare structure increase, the goal was to raise the farebox recovery ratio enough, while deflecting the lowest amount of ridership possible, in order to continue receiving TDA funding until the next proposed fare adjustment in 4 years. (FY 2016- 17) OCTA looked at reducing service to reduce operating expenses and raising fares. Ultimately, it was decided that a fare increase was the best alternative. A fare policy committee met to determine the proposed new pricing structure. Title VI implications were analyzed, followed by a public involvement program, to create awareness of the fare adjustment proposal and to solicit public feedback. Staff then conducted open house meetings in several cities. Pace Represented below in Figure 4-8 are the cash fares for Pace fixed route bus services. Pace operates a flat rate fare structure offering local and express services throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, focusing mainly on suburban communities. Standard adult fares for local routes are $1.75 and $4.00 for premium express services. Pace offers a variety of passes designed to appeal to commuters in the area by allowing for use on other services in the region such as the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) and Metra commuter rail. Pace passes come loaded on Ventra, the regional electronic farecard that can also be used as a Debit MasterCard. In addition, Pace offers 10-Ride Plus One tickets issued on magnetic stripe cards for eleven rides for the price of ten ($17.50 for local and $40.00 for premium express).
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Figure 4-8 Pace Cash Fares
Fare Type Cash / Dollar A\mount Eligibility/Age for Discounted Fare
$1.75 (Local) Adult N/A $4.00 (Premium Express) $0.85 (Local) Must present RTA Reduced Fare Permit when paying with cash Reduced $2.00 (Premium Express) (65+, disabled, or Medicare) Aged under 7 when accompanied by fare-paying adult (limit of 2 Child Free per adult)
Pace last instituted a fixed route fare restructuring in 2009 as a result of increased revenue needs. The action shifted the fare structure of the agency from zonal to flat rate by eliminating local fares of $1.50 to outlying areas and creating a uniform local base fare of $1.75 across the entire service area. Due to the economic climate during the time of the restructuring, Pace is reluctant to isolate the impacts of the fare structuring on ridership. While Pace does not have a specific policy for reviewing fare adjustment at specific intervals the agency does have a mandatory farebox recovery ratio of 30%. RTA Figure 4-9 describes the cash fares for Riverside Transit fixed route bus services. RTA operates a flat rate fare structure offering local services across Riverside County and intercounty commuter fixed route services throughout Southern California. Standard adult fares for local routes are $1.50 with a base fare of $3.00 for CommuterLink Services. RTA offers a simple selection of Local, CommuterLink + Local Day, 7-Day and 30-Day passes ranging from $4.00 for an adult Local Day Pass to $75.00 for an adult CommuterLink + Local 30-Day Pass. RTA passes are distributed on magnetic stripe cards; the RTA does not participate in a regional electronic farecard program. Figure 4-9 RTA Cash Fares
Eligibility/Age for Discounted Fare Type Cash / Dollar A\mount Fare $1.50 (Local) Adult - $3.00 (CommuterLink)
$0.70 (Local) Aged 60+ valid photo-ID, Reduced Medicare card, or veteran with $2.00 (CommuterLink) valid Veteran Affairs ID $1.50 (Local) Youth Grades 1-12 $3.00 (CommuterLink) $0.25 (Local) Child 46” tall or under $2.00 (CommuterLink) Uniform and valid U.S. Active Duty Military, Police and Fire Free Uniformed Services ID
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RTA’s last fare restructuring occurred in June 2009 as the result of fare study recommendations. The worsening economy and rising operating costs since the agency’s previous restructuring in 2005 meant that fares needed to increase in order to maintain service levels. In addition to an increase in fares (see Figure 4-10) the agency eliminated 1o-trip and annual passes. At present, RTA does not have a policy in place to review the adjustment of fares at set intervals. Figure 4-10 RTA Fare Changes (2009)
Local Pass Fares Cash Fares Fare Category Daily 7-Day 30-Day Old New Old New Old New Old New Adult $1.25 $1.50 $ 3.75 $4.00 $12.00 $16.00 $43.00 $50.00 Senior/Discount $0.60 $0.70 $1.85 $2.00 $12.00 $16.00 $21.00 $23.00
MTS Figure 4-11 reflects the cash fares for San Diego MTS fixed route bus services. MTS operates a flat rate fare structure for urban routes and zone based fares for rural routes. Standard adult fares for local urban routes are $2.25 with rapid express routes ranging from $2.50-$5.00 and rural services ranging from $5.00-$10.00. MTS offers a wide array of passes covering differing types of service. Passes start at $5.00 for a Regional Day Pass and extend to $100 for a monthly pass offering all levels of service. All passes, including day passes, come loaded on Compass Card, the local electronic farecard media. Agency officials note that conversion of day passes from paper magnetic stripe cards to the smart Compass Cards has played a key role in reducing illegal resale of used Day Passes at the San Ysidro International Boarder. Figure 4-11 MTS Cash Fares
Fare Type Cash / Dollar Amount Eligibility/Age for Discounted Fare
$2.25 (Local/Urban) $2.50 (Express/Rapid) Adult N/A $5.00 (Rapid Express) $5.00-$10.00 (Rural) $1.10 (Local/Urban) $1.25 (Express/Rapid) Reduced Aged 60+, disabled, or Medicare with proper ID $2.50 (Rapid Express) $2.50-$5.00 (Rural) Aged 5 and under when accompanied by paying adult Child Free (limit of 2 per adult)
The most recent fixed route fare restructuring for MTS came in July 2009 when standard adult cash fares were raised from $1.75 to $2.25 and free transfers were eliminated. These changes prompted a significant decline in cash fare usage and an increase in Day Pass use provided on Compass Cards. Although there is no agency policy for reviewing fare restructuring at set
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intervals, MTS institutes an ambitious non-mandatory target farebox recovery ratio. The set target for fiscal year 2015 is 40.5% SamTrans Figure 4-12 presents the cash fares for SamTrans fixed route bus services. SamTrans operates a flat rate fare structure with standard adult fares for local and in-bound to San Francisco fixed route services priced at $2.00. SamTrans offers monthly passes for a variety of service levels provided on Clipper Card, the electronic farecard media utilized by many of the major transit operators in the San Francisco Bay Area. Standard adult Local Monthly passes begin at $96.00 and increase to $165 for Express Passes which provide unlimited service on all routes. In addition to monthly passes available on Clipper, the agency still offers magnetic stripe Local Day Passes at the cost of $5.00 for an adult, sold onboard buses at the farebox. Figure 4-12 SamTrans Cash Fares
Eligibility/Age for Discounted Fare Type Cash / Dollar A\mount Fare $2.00 (Local/ SF Inbound) N/A Adult $4.00 (SF Outbound)
$5.00 (KX Express) Aged 65+, disabled with RTC $1.00 (Local/ SF Inbound) Discount Card, DMV disabled Reduced $2.00 (SF Outbound) placard, valid discount card $2.50 (KX Express) issues by another California transit agency, or Medicare card $1.25 (Local/ SF Inbound) Youth $2.50 (SF Outbound) Aged 17 and younger $2.50 (KX Express) Aged 4 and younger with paying Child Free adult (Limit one per adult)
The most recent fixed route fare restructuring for SamTrans occurred in February 2009, raising local fares by 25 cents and express fares by 50 cents, as a response to an increase in operating costs. Since the changes, system-wide ridership has been up approximately three percent year- over-year and Day Pass usage has increased by more than 100 percent. Although SamTrans does not have strict guidelines on when to review fares, the agency generally plans for it to occur every three years. At present, changes have been on hold due to the economic downturn. Officials at SamTrans noted that they did not think it would be fair to raise fares during a period when ridership was declining and levels of service are not optimal. While not always easy, the agency tries to take the view that fare increases should be coupled with service enhancements.
The Bee-Line System Figure 4-13 describes the cash fares for the Bee-Line Bus System. Bee-Line operates a flat rate fare structure with standard adult fares for fixed local routes at $2.50 and $7.50 for express fixed route services between Westchester County and Manhattan. Bee-Line provides a simple offering
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of 7-Day ($30.00 adult) and 30-Day ($112.00 adult) passes through MetroCard, which allow for unlimited rides on Bee-Line buses in addition to MTA buses and subways in New York City. Figure 4-13 Bee-Line Cash Fares
Eligibility/Age for Discounted Fare Type Cash / Dollar Amount Fare $2.50 Adult $7.50 (Westchester-Manhattan N/A Express) $1.25 Aged 65+, disabled, or Medicare Reduced $3.75 (Westchester-Manhattan card holder with valid photo ID Express) Aged under 5 when accompanied Child Free with a fare-paying adult
The Bee-Line System’s last fare restructuring occurred in March 2013 in response to a fare increase by the MTA in New York City. The price of standard adult cash fares for local trips was raised by 25 cents and by 15 cents for reduced fares. Following these changes, ridership from 2012 to 2013 increased marginally by 1.1%. The Bee-Line System does not have a specific policy of determining when to reevaluate fare structure, but does however tend to follow up with changes if fare structure adjustments are made by the MTA in New York City.
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