Agenda Item Wording:
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Low Carbon Transit Operations Allocation Request - Authorization to submit an allocation request in the amount of $443,302 to the California Department of Transportation Low Carbon Transit Operations Program for operating funds to continue funding V-LINE operations and approve funds to be appropriated when grant funds are awarded (Resolution No.2024-19 required).
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Deadline for Action: 5/6/2024
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number: Carmen Quevedo, Financial Analyst, (559) 713-4592; Angelina DeRossett, Transit Manager, (559) 713-4591; John Lollis, Assistant City Manager, (559) 713-4323
Department Recommendation:
Authorize staff to submit an allocation request in the amount of $443,302 to the California Department of Transportation for an allocation of the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funding to be used in the continued operation of the V-LINE.
Background Discussion:
The V-LINE began in November 2015 and provides transit service connecting Visalia to Fresno. This service has been funded with a combination of fares, Rural Transit & Intercity Bus - Federal Transit Administration (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 Airport, the Fresno Airport, Fresno State University (CSUF), and the 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 daily round trips (4am; 6am; 9am; 1pm; 4pm; 6:30pm) seven days per week with a one-way full fare of $10. One-way fares can be purchased on-board V-LINE shuttle buses, as well as at the Visalia Transit Center. Discounted passes are also available for students, military, and disabled riders.
The clear benefits of the V-LINE service include the following:
• Improvement of 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 continued operation of the VLINE. 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: April 20, 2015; March 7, 2016; March 20, 2017; March 19, 2018; March 18, 2019; April 6, 2020; April 5, 2021; April 4, 2022; and April 17, 2023
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 a grant application in the amount of $443,302 to the California Department of Transportation Low Carbon Transit Operations Program for Operating Funds to continue funding V-LINE operations and approve funds to be appropriated when grant is awarded (Resolution No. 2024-19 required).
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Resolution No. 2024-19