Approval of Minutes - Orange County Transportation Authority

15. Measure M2 Project U Senior/Disabled Program Funding and Policy
Guidelines
A member of the public, Frank Austin, pulled this item for comment, who stated it
had been his understanding that Project U in Measure M was for the discounts and
stabilization of senior and disabled fares. He stated that this does not fit into that
requirement and appears that some Project U funds are being taken to fund the
cities and local transportation agencies and may not be accessible under the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
Andrew Oftelie, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration, responded that
Project U has three components, one is for one percent of the net revenues to go
toward the Senior Mobility Programs administered by the cities; one percent of the
net revenues goes towards the County of Orange’s Senior Non-emergency Medical
Program, and one percent to stabilize fares for seniors and persons with
disabilities. The portion that stabilizes fares for seniors and persons with disabilities
maintains the same percentage of subsidy that is in place under the original
Measure M; OCTA is continuing the existing fare stabilization program.
Chair Bates requested that staff contact Mr. Austin to discuss this issue.
A motion was made by Vice Chair Glaab, seconded by Director Amante, and
declared passed by those present, to:
A. Approve Measure M2 Project U funding and policy guidelines which support
transportation programs for seniors and persons with disabilities.
B. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer, or his designee, to execute
cooperative agreements with local jurisdictions and agencies participating in
Project U programs.
C. Authorize the continued use of Transportation Development Act Article 4.5
funds through fiscal year 2015-16 in an amount estimated to be $300,000
annually for the Senior Mobility Program non-profit participants.
D. Authorize the use of Transportation Development Act Article 4.5 funds for up
to three years for cities that realize a reduction in Senior Mobility Program
funding under the proposed Measure M2 Project U policy guidelines.
E. Direct staff to develop a Fare Stabilization Report to be submitted to the
Finance and Administration Committee on a quarterly basis.
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