28935C876E61084987258A12005030CF Hearing Summary CLICS/CLICS2023A/commsumm.nsf PUBLICBILL SUMMARY For PRESENTATION FROM REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICTINTERIM COMMITTEE TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEEDate Aug 21, 2023 Location Old State Library Presentation from Regional Transportation District - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2023A/commsumm.nsf/0/E73D3F377B76...$File/AttachmentARTDPresentation.pdf?OpenElement AttachmentARTDPresentation.pdf 08:35:56 AM General Manager Debra Johnson and Board Chair Lynn Guissinger, representing the Regional Transportation District (RTD), presented information about the district, which is included as Attachment A. 08:39:48 AM There was a discussion about statistics and outcomes from the RTD Accountability Committee. Ms. Johnson talked about completion of the systemwide fare study and equity analysis. The board approved a new fare structure in July 2023, with fares going into effect in the first quarter of 2024. The new fare structure will use fare capping, with discounts at 50 percent of the fare. The discount fare includes seniors 65 and older, people with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and customers enrolled in the LiVE program. 08:47:24 AM Ms. Johnson outlined the LiVE program and its expansion. She outlined the Projects Partnership Program that helps communities meet local needs. 08:52:50 AM Ms. Johnson provided an update on driver recruitment and retention. 08:59:50 AM Ms. Johnson talked about the Zero Fare for Youth Pilot, getting kids to school and investing in youth, as well as gaining future customers. 09:06:18 AM There was a discussion about the Zero Fare for Better Air program. Ms. Johnson talked about the goal of changing individual habits to encourage the public to take public transportation several days a week. 09:08:00 AM The presenters responded to questions from committee members. 09:08:58 AM There was a discussion about the workforce shortage and changes to address the issue, including union pension updates and voluntary overtime. Ms. Johnson also talked about RTD's work-from-home policy. 09:12:50 AM Ms. Johnson talked about collecting ridership statistics, including the use of automatic counters, live service monitors, and calculations at the fare box. There was a request for data about ridership for specific lines. 09:15:44 AM There was discussion about regional bus service to Civic Center. 09:17:11 AM Ms. Johnson talked about services for rail lines and frequency of travel. She mentioned that there is still a shortage of employees. 09:20:39 AM The committee discussed communities that do not have easy access to light rail, as well as service issues. Ms. Johnson talked about traffic affecting buses, since there are not always fixed lanes for buses. She mentioned needing to work with partners for bus lanes for a change in infrastructure. 09:24:41 AM The committee discussed funding for RTD, the cancellation of the Bronco Ride, free fare for youth, and working with school districts. Ms. Johnson talked about how federal funds may often change district goals and programs. The Bronco Ride did not meet federal fund requirements, specifically Title Three requirements surrounding equity. She also mentioned that federal funds restrict the district from providing school bus service. 09:29:44 AM Ms. Johnson discussed the governing structure of RTD. 09:31:53 AM Ms. Johnson talked about the Zero Fare for Youth program. 09:33:44 AM Ms. Johnson mentioned that riders feeling the effects of the driver shortage can sign up to receive service alerts about issues. She mentioned that the district is also communicating with local communities. General manager Johnson talked about the display of updated information on platform signs. 09:36:42 AM There was a discussion about the service optimization plan, including starting up routes that were cut during the pandemic. 09:38:43 AM Ms. Johnson answered questions about the use of cash for fares. 09:41:07 AM The committee discusssed service animals and Access-a-Ride with Ms. Johnson.
