TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: RM2 Funds for Dumbarton Corridor Bus Replacement
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider adoption of Resolution 19-039 authorizing the General Manager or his designee to submit an allocation request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for Regional Measure 2 (RM2) Funds and execute any documents necessary for the purchase of high-capacity coach buses for the Dumbarton corridor.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Convenient and Reliable Service
Initiative - Service Quality
The District will utilize the RM2 funds to purchase new coach buses for use on service in the Dumbarton corridor. These buses will enhance service quality by providing ease of entry and exit for riders for quicker boarding and deboarding. In addition, they will be low floor buses to better accommodate passengers with disabilities or mobility devices.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is $1,855,059 remaining in RM2 funds allocated to AC Transit that can supplement the funds on the project to purchase the 45-foot high capacity Motor Coach Industries (MCI) coach buses. The project will also utilize federal, regional and District dollars and has an estimated total cost of $27,000,000.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Service on the Dumbarton Corridor is currently supported by a fleet of sixteen 40-foot buses to operate the Dumbarton Express, and four high-capacity 45-foot coach buses to operate Line U. MTC allocated RM2 funds in FY 2013-14 to purchase sixteen replacement buses for the Dumbarton Express fleet. From this allocation, there remains $1,855,059 which will be rescinded back to MTC as the original scope is completed. The District wishes to submit an allocation request for the re-allocation of these unused RM2 funds to purchase at least two 45-foot high capacity MCI coach buses for Line U service on the Dumbarton corridor.
The Board has approved a contract with MCI to purchase up to 50 of the 45-foot high capacity coach buses. The District intends to purchase 36 of the 50 buses in order to replace the current aging fleet of 36 MCI buses. The RM2 funds will be used to fund at least two of the 36 buses.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
There is no disadvantage in applying for these funds
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
The District may choose not to submit the RM2 allocation request resulting in the purchase of at least two less buses. Staff does not recommend this action since the District’s current MCI fleet is overdue for replacement.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report 14-223 - Application for RM2 funds for DB Buses
Staff reports 18-082 and 18-082A - Contract to Purchase MCI Coach Buses
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution 19-039
Prepared by:
Seema Prasad, Senior Capital Planning Specialist
Approved/Reviewed by:
Denise C. Standridge, General Counsel
Claudia L. Allen, Chief Financial Officer
Chris Andrichak, Director of Management and Budget
Evelyn Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Robert del Rosario, Director of Services Development and Planning