1. TCAG Regional Transit Coordination Study Report
August 19, 2019

2. Executive Summary
The 2017 Tulare County Long Range Transit Plan identified 35 action plan items in eight functional areas. The Regional Transit Coordination Study addresses several of those items:
1. Implement Countywide Performance Metrics
2. Create Cooperative Governance Covenant with All Transit Operators
3. Consider Joint Powers Authority Among Transit Providers
4. Consider Feasibility of Volunteer Driver Programs
5. Consider Flexible Service including Community Shuttles
6. Consider Flexible Services as Those Offered by Transp. Network Companies
7. Expand Vanpool Programs
8. Develop Bus Stop Improvement Program

3. REPORT SECTIONS
Executive Summary - Analyzes the challenges and the potential of the transit coordination strategies
Section 2 describes the changes in service levels, ridership, operating costs, revenue, cost per passenger, cost per hour and cost per mile
Section 3 examines the potential for coordination to improve efficiency from the results of other systems that faced similar challenges
Section 4 identifies innovations in use today in other markets to use transportation network companies or similar strategies to generate new first/last mile connections, late night service and small zone door to door service and fare technology.
Section 5 explains the comparison of the six Tulare systems in relation to a peer group of California transit systems
Section 6 assesses two types of coordinated service models: the Clean Slate Model and the One Region Model
Conclusion & Recommendations

4. Executive Summary Conclusions
Region can be proud of the accomplishments of the six transit systems. The services offered to the customers are safe, customer friendly, moderately priced, and reliable. The fleets are above average and the transit centers and passenger stops are exceptional.
The challenges of ridership decreases and how best to serve passengers in a county that is growing into a more urbanized area are not unique to Tulare County. Transit Agencies across the Country are reviewing service and organizational structure changes to best serve their customers.

5. Joint Powers Authority Advantages
The Joint Powers Authority (JPA) is strongly recommended as the optimal structure for coordination and optimization of transit services to provide the highest service quality of transit
National Experience shows greater opportunities for coordination and service quality enhancements through focused transit organizations
JPA establish consistent reporting and performance measurements to optimize efficiency
Greater opportunities for additional discretionary funding for projects that are regional
Greater opportunities for regional technology innovations that will provide enhanced service to all residents

6. JPA GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Suggested Guiding Principles
The Goal of the JPA is improved frequency, affordability and mobility of the transit customers.
All operations service and capital spending amounts are contingent on funding.
Cost effective service is the desired outcome based on the unique character of Tulare region.
Continuous improvement in mobility provided and taxpayer efficiency is target.
The coordinated system strives to minimize service disruptions and maximize access.
*Voting Structure and JPA processes will be determined by policy makers as the document is created. Information within the report is included to generate policy discussion.
              

7. RECOMMENDATIONS/OPPORTUNITIES
1. Approved Operator Budgets and Service Plans should be submitted to TCAG and be included within the TCAG Operating Budget Process on an Annual Basis. 
2. TCAG should consider developing an Operator’s Budget Template to be used by all operators when submitting their Annual Budget and monthly reports. This would provide the basis for performance record keeping consistency.
3. Operators should be required to submit their progress on TDA Audit Recommendations to TCAG on a quarterly basis.
4. TCAG should consider structuring competitive TDA funding allocation and processes that are awarded based on regional coordination and innovation.
5. A Transit Operator Dashboard of Performance Indicators should be developed and included as part of the TCAG Agenda on a Quarterly Basis.
6. TCAG should consider the creation of a Blue Ribbon Policy Committee to review technology and ZEV opportunities and challenges.
               

8. Local Transportation Fund PROCESS Local Requirements
Apportionment – Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) apportions LTF by population
Allocation – Discretionary action by TPA for specific claimant for specific purpose
Payment – County auditor makes claim payments by instruction from TPA
     

9. TPA LTF FUNDING BALANCE
The balance to be struck by the TPA LTF funding criteria is the point at which reasonable unmet needs have been met and the economic productivity meets or exceeds the fare recovery requirements.
This allows the remaining LTF to be considered for road needs. In a county the size of Tulare, these will be critical.
The coordination of transit systems can be accomplished slowly or rapidly; through adoption of the Joint Powers Authority structure or through TPA funding criteria in a gradual way.
    

10. TCAG PROCESSES FOR TDA FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
BASICS
TCAG will continue to divide the estimated amount to be received in LTF funds among the jurisdictions apportioned by population. If the JPA is affirmed, the funding process will be described in the JPA agreement.
The allocation process is limited by the apportionment. The jurisdiction decides what projects will continue or be added or reduced and bases their claim for allocation on that service plan and budget. It is important to note that all parties must follow the regional transit plan and unmet needs process. Jurisdictions may develop agreements so that the JPA or transit district receive a formula -based allocation.
After all funds are allocated and claimed the remaining LTF amounts may be considered for unmet needs that can reasonably be met within the productivity standards established. After those decisions are complete, the remainder may be considered for street projects and multimodal facilities.   

11. SERVICE LEVEL PROCESS
Each year the annual Service Plan follows the Regional Transportation Plan and Unmet Needs Decision process.
Additional services for any member agency may be provided that require unanimous approval of the affected jurisdictions. The costs for the other services will be distributed by the formula agreed by the affected member jurisdiction board members.
No member will spend any general funds unless the legislative body of member approves this expenditure by vote.
All jurisdictions may provide additional service if additional non TDA funding is identified.
The Board will adopt the annual budget providing for the complete Service Plan, the Capital Budget and the administrative costs. The Board will receive reports monthly on the ridership, operating revenue, other revenue and expenses of the operations of the JPA. The capital expenditures and encumbrances will be similarly reported.
Accounting practices will conform with those of Tulare County, the Transportation Development Act and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. The annual audit will comply with PUC Section

12. Conclusion
The strategies presented as recommendations are carefully chosen based on comparisons to practical methods used around the country. The Joint Powers Authority structure is strongly recommended but the objectives of improved matching of funding and productivity can be accomplished in several manners.
The coordinated services and coordinated organization envisioned in the One Region Model have a net impact of saving more than $1 million per year after adding several low‐cost mobility choices. The impact on fare recovery ratio is expected to exceed 4%. The impact of these changes plus coordination of the administrative functions is expected to exceed 5%.
Consideration of a change in the Transit Operating Structure will allow for optimal efficiency in adapting to future challenges of growth and regulatory compliance.