Agenda Item Wording:
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Microtransit Fare - Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-05 to authorize a proposed new microtransit service fare be included in the City’s Rates and Fees Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and 2025-26.
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Deadline for Action: 3/3/2025
Submitting Department: Administration - Transit Division
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Angelina DeRossett, Transit Manager, Angelina.DeRossett@Visalia.City <mailto:Angelina.DeRossett@Visalia.City>, (559) 713-4591
John Lollis, Assistant City Manager, John.Lollis@Visalia.City <mailto:John.Lollis@Visalia.City>, (559) 713-4323
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a Public Hearing to receive testimony on the proposed new microtransit service fare and adopt Resolution No. 2025-05 to amend the City’s Rates and Fees Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Background Discussion:
At its meeting on September 16, 2024, the City Council approved the Visalia Transit microtransit pilot project to proceed, which included the purchase of seven (7) ADA-accessible vans and contracting with Via to provide the microtransit user software.
The intent behind the microtransit pilot project is to offer smaller vehicles in more convenient and flexible service areas in an effort to reduce the costs of the operation of larger 35’ buses. The data collected from the pilot program will be used to assist in reimagining the Visalia Transit system overall and strategically replace low-performing fixed routes with on-demand microtransit service.
Initially the microtransit pilot project was proposed as a county-wide project that was to be operated by the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA); however, the pilot project since evolved and now Visalia Transit will be operating its own microtransit pilot within the city limits of Visalia, and Porterville Transit operates its own microtransit pilot within the city limits of Porterville. As a region, in partnership and with funding provided by the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG), the local transit agencies decided upon a singular $5.00 per trip rate for microtransit trips. At a later time, if an agreement is made to intersect microtransit services across the local transit agencies, there will likely be a separate formula base fare structure that focuses on longer distance trips, but at this time, Transit Division staff is only recommending the singular $5.00 per trip fare for trips within the city limits of Visalia.
During the initial implementation of the microtransit pilot program, passengers will reserve and pay for microtransit rides through the Via mobile application. This service will intentionally overlap the current Fixed Route service for Visalia. With a one-way fixed route ride set at $1.75, and a microtransit trip within Visalia set at $5.00 and both being offered to the public within Visalia, staff will be able to gauge the preferability of microtransit service. In all areas, the data will show if passengers would rather pay $1.75 for less flexible fixed route service or pay a proposed flat rate of $5.00 for the convenience of door-to-door service within Visalia limits.
Fiscal Impact:
The microtransit pilot program is funded by the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) utilizing State Senate Bill 125 transit grant funds.
Prior Council Action:
At its meeting on September 16, 2024, the City Council approved proceeding with microtransit pilot project.
Other:
The proposed new microtransit service fee was reviewed and approved by the City’s Citizens Advisory Committee at its meeting on January 8, 2025.
Visalia Transit’s ad hoc Transit Advisory Committee (TAC) also reviewed and approved this fee at its meeting on January 15, 2025.
Alternatives:
The City Council consider a microtransit service fee different than proposed.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to adopt Resolution No. 2025-05 that authorizes the proposed new microtransit fare of $5.00 be included in the City’s Rates and Fees Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
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Environmental Assessment Status:
N/A
CEQA Review:
N/A
Attachments:
City Council Agenda Staff Report: September 16, 2024
Resolution