TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force
BRIEFING ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving an update on the Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force and the Transit Transformation Action Plan. [Requested by Director Shaw - 8/11/2021]
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Convenient and Reliable Service
Initiative - Service Quality
The intent of the Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force (BRTF) is to guide the Bay Area through transit recovery during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary focus of the BRTF is improved regional transit connectivity for riders and the Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan (TAP) lists actions to help achieve this goal.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report. Implementation of the TAP will require funding and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has set aside approximately $85 million of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 funds toward this effort.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
In May 2020, MTC created the 32-member BRTF to guide the future of the Bay Area's public transportation network as the region adjusts to new conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force, chaired by MTC Commissioner and Solano County Supervisor Jim Spering, included other local elected officials as well as advocates for people with disabilities; representatives from the California Senate and Assembly; the California State Transportation Agency (Cal STA); transit operators; business and labor groups; and transit and social justice advocates.
The BRTF's final meeting was in July of 2021. In its fifteen months in existence, the BRTF:
1. Adopted TAP Goals & Objectives in November 2020, which include:
* Recognize critical recovery challenges facing transit agencies
* Advance equity
* Identify near-term actions to implement beneficial long-term network Management & ...
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