Short Range Transit Plan 2008-2013 - Omnitrans

IBI GROUP
SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN REPORT
OMNITRANS COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT
& SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN
11.1.7 MEASURE I LOCAL SALES TAX FOR TRANSIT
The ½-cent sales tax available for transportation projects in San Bernardino County is administered by
SANBAG and includes a provision of 6% of funds for the Senior & Disabled and Service Subsidy
Program. There is a 1% set-aside for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Mediation services and other
educational projects in the Valley.
In FY 2010 the current Measure I Local Sales Tax for Transit will sunset. In November 2004, this
Measure was approved for extension by voters and effective 2010, Measure I will include 2% express
bus/BRT, and 8% to senior and disabled services, including 2% for the creation of a Consolidated Transit
Services Agency (CTSA) and continuation of the training and scholarships educational programs that
currently exist.
SANBAG and Omnitrans have recently entered into an agreement that increases the senior and disabled
fare subsidy. The current cash fare subsidy of $0.10 would increase with Omnitrans’ fares, to a maximum
of $0.25. This agreement lessens the impact of fare increases on senior and disabled passengers and
also serves to maintain or increase farebox recovery. It should be noted that the overall Measure I
allocation to Omnitrans is not expected to change; the agreement merely shifts available funds from the
direct services subsidy to the senior and disabled fare subsidy.
Measure I Senior & Disabled Fare and Service Subsidy funds are estimated at $7.0 million in FY 2008
with growth of 4.0% annually through FY 2013. It is estimated that these subsidy funds will reach $8.5
million annually by FY 2013.
An additional $0.7 million in funds for BRT service are estimated to be available in FY 2010 and to grow
to $2.4 million in FY 2011, the first full year of the Measure I Reauthorization. The BRT service amount is
expected to be $2.5 million in FY 2012 when sbX BRT service is started, bringing the total Measure I BRT
contribution to $5.6 million. These funds are assumed as local match for FTA Section 5309 capital funds
for the sbX project.
Also under the Measure I Reauthorization, some $2.4 million in funds will be available for CTSA and
educational program purposes in FY 2011. Omnitrans may seek to obtain a portion of these funds to
support increased levels of service to seniors who would otherwise not be eligible for ADA service. Under
the Constrained, Partially Constrained and Unconstrained Plans, Omnitrans would likely link service
expansion to increased Measure I funding.
11.1.8 OTHER FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAMS
There are other federal funding sources available to Omnitrans. These funding sources include FTA
Section 5310 Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities; Section 5316 Job Access
and Reverse Commute (JARC), and Section 5317 New Freedom Program. To date, Omnitrans has not
greatly utilized these programs due to their restrictions or, in the case of the New Freedoms program,
because they are new.
Section 5310 funds are used to provide transportation services to meet the special needs of the elderly
and persons with disabilities. Funds are obligated based on the annual program of projects included in a
statewide grant application. The program is administered by Caltrans and grants are awarded on a
competitive basis. Caltrans is in the process of developing a statewide program. Omnitrans is currently
using some Section 5310 to replace paratransit vehicles. Section 5310 funding requires a 20% local
match.
Section 5316 funds are used to develop transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients
and low-income individuals to and from jobs and to develop transportation services for residents of urban
centers and rural and suburban areas to suburban employment opportunities. Section 5316 funds are
allocated on a discretionary basis and require a 50% local match. In the future, Omnitrans may utilize
July 11, 2007 233