TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Pass-up Prevention Efforts
BRIEFING ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving a report on the District's pass-up prevention efforts during the pandemic and service recovery analysis. [Requested by Director Beckles - 1/13/21 and Director Peeples - 4/14/21]
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Convenient and Reliable Service
Initiative - Service Quality
With the Shelter-in-place orders and capacity limits imposed in March 2020, AC Transit has worked to minimize pass-ups in the system. This report includes information about the scope of the issue, initiatives the District has implemented, and challenges with other approaches. A key sustainable approach to minimizing pass-ups will be to restore service to pre-pandemic levels and reduce social distance requirements.
It is critical to note that the Governor announced on April 6th that it would be possible to remove all COVID-19 restrictions (except the mask mandate) on June 15, 2021 so long as vaccine supply is sufficient that all residents 16 and older can be vaccinated and hospitalization rates remain stable and low.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
This item has no direct budget impact but references the ongoing cost as a factor in the District's challenges with adding service to address pass-ups. Staff roughly estimates each additional bus added back to the network costs $500,000 a year - a combination of labor costs, fuel, maintenance, etc. - to operate and any service added using one-time funds means a consistent revenue stream would need to be identified in the future to continue the service, such as the return of pre-pandemic levels of sales tax or farebox revenue.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Three key issues contributed to an increase in pass-ups beginning in March 2020 as shelter-in-place orders took effect and people continued to rely on AC Transit for essential trips to work, appointments and places of busine...
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