TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Commitment Letter to MTC for Plan Bay Area 2050 Process
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider authorizing the General Manager sign a "Commitment Letter" on behalf of AC Transit concerning the Blueprint project planning process for Plan Bay Area 2050 as required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Financial Stability and Resiliency
Initiative - Service Quality
Having AC Transit's projects included in the Blueprint of Plan Bay Area 2050 will increase the likelihood of these projects receiving federal and outside funding. The letter also indicates that AC Transit supports means-based and interagency fares, so long as there is a sustainable source of funding to supplant lost fare revenue. The Blueprint funding will in turn allow the District to initiate, maintain, and improve service levels on both East Bay and Transbay routes.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
The attached letter will support AC Transit's eligibility for funding, in an amount to be determined through the Plan Bay Area 2050 Blueprint process.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission/Association of Bay Area Governments (MTC/ABAG) has the responsibility-under both federal and California law-to prepare a regional long-range planning and funding document every four years. This document-known as the Sustainable Communities Strategy/Regional Transportation Plan-lays out expected conditions and public actions for the nine-county Bay Area for the next 30 years. MTC/ABAG is currently preparing this document-known as Plan Bay Area 2050-in consultation with transit agencies, county transportation agencies and other interested parties. The Plan is expected to gain final approval in 2022.
The Blueprint section of the Plan is of particular interest to the District. The Blueprint lays out the transportation and other strategies, projects ...
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