Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorization to Submit Allocation Request for V-LINE Transit Service - Authorization to submit an allocation request in the amount of $451,557 to the California Department of Transportation Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for operating funds to continue funding the V-LINE operations and approve the funds to be appropriated when the grant is awarded (Resolution No.2025-28).
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Deadline for Action: 5/5/2025
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Carmen Quevedo, Financial Analyst, Carmen.Quevedo@Visalia.City, 713-4592;
Angelina DeRossett, Transit Manager, Angelina.DeRossett@Visalia.City, 713-4591;
John Lollis, Assistant City Manager, John.Lollis@Visalia.City, 713-4323
Department Recommendation:
Authorize staff to submit an allocation request in the amount of $451,557 to the California Department of Transportation Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for operating funds to continue funding the V-LINE operations and approve the funds to be appropriated when the grant is awarded (Resolution No. 2025-28).
Background Discussion:
The V-LINE began operations in November 2015 and provides transit service connecting Visalia to Fresno. This service has been funded with a combination of fares, the Rural Transit & Intercity Bus - FTA Section 5311(f), and LCTOP. Staff is requesting authorization to request funding for another year. The V-LINE is considered a Fixed Route and an essential service.
The V-LINE service operates a shuttle between Visalia and Fresno. The shuttle route includes stops at the Visalia Transit Center, the Visalia Municipal Airport, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, California State University Fresno (CSUF), and Courthouse Park (Fresno). The last stop is a major bus transfer point for Fresno Area Express (FAX) allowing passengers access to other Fresno destinations. V-LINE operates six (6) daily round trips (4am; 6am; 9am; 1pm; 4pm; 6:30pm) seven (7) days per week with a one-way full fare of $10. There is also a one-way discounted fare of $9 for students, seniors, disabled, and veteran riders. These one-way fares can be purchased on-board V-LINE shuttle buses, as well as at the Visalia Transit Center.
The clear benefits of the V-LINE service include the following:
• Improvement of the Air Quality in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin
• Increased transportation options for low income, seniors, and disabled passengers
• Meeting multi-modal transportation needs with connections to other forms of transportation
• Increased educational opportunities for students seeking higher education.
• Increased access to specialized services not readily available in Visalia.
Fiscal Impact:
The V-LINE service is currently funded using rider fares, FTA Section 5311(f), and LCTOP allocations. As the receipt of LCTOP funds for this project are uncertain going forward, the City will continue to pursue other sources of funding for the V-LINE service. While other funding will be sought for this service, future allocations of Local Transportation Funds (LTF) are currently expected to be sufficient to supplement its operation as needed.
Prior Council Action:
22-0112 03/21/2022 Authorization for allocation request LCTOP/VLINE
23-0123 04/17/2023 Authorization for allocation request LCTOP/VLINE
24-0164 05/06/2024 Authorization for allocation request LCTOP/VLINE
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Do not submit an allocation request and forfeit the funds.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize staff to submit an allocation request in the amount of $451,557 to the California Department of Transportation Low Carbon Transit Operations Program for operating funds to continue funding the V-LINE operations and approve funds to be appropriated when the grant is awarded (Resolution No. 2025-28).
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Resolution No. 2025-28