TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Lifeline Cycle Six Funds
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider adoption of Resolution No. 20-039 authorizing the General Manager, or his designee, to submit allocation requests and execute any documents necessary for Lifeline Cycle Six Program Funds for service to low-income populations.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Financial Stability and Resiliency
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
These funds are regularly allocated by the region for the purpose of operating transit routes that serve low-income populations.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff plans to apply for $1,026,784 for the two-year cycle. The funds will support the operation of lifeline routes. Lifeline Cycle Six requires a 20% local match except for 5307 funding, which requires a minimum 50% local match. The Lifeline funding requested will provide less than 50% of the total cost of each of the routes included in the application, so the match requirements will be more than met by other District operating funds.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) established the Lifeline Transportation Program (Lifeline Program) in 2006 to address the mobility needs of low-income Bay Area residents. The Lifeline program supports community-based transportation projects that:
• Are developed through a collaborative and inclusive planning process;
• Improve a range of transportation choices by adding new/expanded services;
• Address transportation gaps identified in Community-Based Transportation Plans (CBTP) or other plans with priority given to projects in CBTPs.
The funding available this cycle is Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula funds.
Lifeline Program funds are eligible for operating projects such as new or enhanced fixed routes, or restoration of routes due to budget shortfalls. They are also eligible to be used on capital projects such as bus purchases. As with past cycles, staff recommends applying for these funds to support operations.
Proposed Routes
Of the more than 30 Communities of Concern in the Bay Area that have developed CBTPs, six of these are in AC Transit’s service area, namely Alameda, Central and East Oakland, South and West Berkeley, Central Alameda County, West Oakland and Richmond. Staff identified eligible routes for funding under the Lifeline Program that are recommended in or build a nexus with the solutions and strategies outlined in the CBTPs within the AC Transit service area. Based on this consideration, routes 36 and 83 in Alameda County, and route 76 in Contra Costa County were selected for this funding.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
There are no disadvantages to applying for the Lifeline funds. The program apportions an amount to the District to support mobility for low income residents.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
The District could apply for the funds to be used on capital projects. However, operating assistance is more critical and would have greater impact on providing service for low income communities.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
SR18-074 Lifeline Cycle Five Funds
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution 20-039
Prepared by:
Eve Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Chris Andrichak, Director of Management and Budget
Robert del Rosario, Director of Services Development and Planning
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel
Claudia L. Allen, Chief Financial Officer