TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Title VI Analysis of 2020 Suspension of Fare Collection
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the equity analysis associated with the suspension of fare collection offered by the District from March 23 to October 18, 2020.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
Considering the equity implications of fare changes supports the District's core value of equity.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with the fare equity analysis, however, failure to respond to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI requirements may impact the District's ability to receive federal funding.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, FTA regulations, and AC Transit Board policy require staff to assess the effects of any fare change proposals to determine whether proposed changes would have a disparate impact on the basis of race, color, or national origin, or if low-income populations would bear a disproportionate burden of the changes. Certain limited fare changes are exempt from the fare equity analysis requirement, including temporary fare reductions that last six months or less.
In response to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the District began requiring riders to board using the back door(s) of the bus on March 23, 2020. Because fareboxes and Clipper card readers are only situated at the front door of AC Transit buses, the District suspended fare collection in conjunction with the rear-door boarding mandate. Despite efforts to reimplement fare collection within six months, the free fare period ran until October 19, 2020, four weeks longer than six months. Accordingly, under FTA and District standards, this triggered the requirement to conduct a fare equity analysis.
Unfortuna...
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