Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2008-2009
Your Ticket to Ride! a Grand Jury Report on Mendocino Transit Authority May 12, 2009
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 63 findings
F1
The MTA governing board consists of seven members: three county appointees and one member appointed by each city. Typically, three or four board members are elected officials.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Board meetings are open to the public. Dates and locations are published on the MTA website. Meetings rotate among the four member cities.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
For eight of the twelve monthly meetings, video conferencing equipment in Fort Bragg is used to connect participants on the coast with those in Ukiah. This has greatly improved participation. Staff reported that the $20,000 investment in telecommunications equipment has been recovered through savings in time and travel costs.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The General Manager reports to the board of directors and supervises a team of four line managers: Transportation, Maintenance, Marketing/Planning and Finance/Personnel.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The Transportation Manager oversees five supervisors who manage and support drivers and dispatchers.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The Maintenance Manager has two mechanics; two helper mechanics, and a cleaner to maintain the entire fleet of more than forty passenger and service vehicles.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The Marketing/Planning Manager and Finance/Personnel Manager, each have one full-time and one part-time assistant.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The Marketing/Planning Manager responds to complaints from the public and works closely with the General Manager on planning and grant writing.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
MTA management decisions and strategies are based on financial and ridership data that are reviewed at monthly board meetings. Public release of annual information is often delayed by an overly cumbersome process for developing the agency’s annual report.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
begin, in the current fiscal year, to locate funds to commence a new planning cycle by no later than 2012 to incorporate and prioritize objectives and strategies consistent with anticipated transportation needs and economic circumstances. (Findings 9, 17, 18, 20-22, 42, 49)
F10
MTA employs approximately 60 individuals, most of them full time. About 50 of these are drivers. The agency has been unionized (Teamsters Local 624) since January 1, 2006.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
The initial collective bargaining agreement, signed in March 2006 resulted in a 12% pay increase for drivers and 10% for mechanics retroactive to January
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Drivers and dispatchers select their shifts by seniority. Several employees split their time between driving and dispatching.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Turnover is low and most promotions are from within the organization.1
No recommendations for this finding
F14
MTA typically hires and then trains its own drivers. People skills are viewed as a paramount requirement for drivers. All drivers must meet formal government requirements.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
The small number of administrative staff makes it difficult to cover all duties when an employee requires a prolonged absence. This is being addressed by cross- training.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
MTA headquarters in Ukiah includes the administration offices, shop and maintenance facilities, a yard for vehicle storage, bus washing and fueling stations, with one 10,000 gallon tank for gasoline and another for diesel fuel. Use 1 The 2006/07 Annual Report states that as of 6/30/07, 69.5% of the employees had worked for MTA more than seven years (average was 14.3 years), and the most senior employee had 27 years of service. of these facilities to service or store private vehicles is not permitted. The area is protected by a perimeter fence and a security system.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
The 2.4 acre Ukiah facility has served MTA since 1982 and is in need of major renovation or replacement. Plans cannot be finalized until decisions have been made about the transition to alternatively fueled vehicles.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
In December 2008, the MTA Board approved funding for a feasibility study of alternative fueled vehicles and an assessment of related facility needs. In January 2009, the Board authorized the General Manager to negotiate a contract with the identified consulting firm to proceed with this work.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
MTA substations include a recently renovated District-owned facility in Fort Bragg and leased facilities in Willits, Point Arena, Laytonville and Anchor Bay.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
The anticipated major funding source for renovation or replacement of MTA headquarters is the new “Public Transit Modernization, Improvement and Service Enhancement Account” funded by voters in 2006 as part of Proposition 1B.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
begin, in the current fiscal year, to locate funds to commence a new planning cycle by no later than 2012 to incorporate and prioritize objectives and strategies consistent with anticipated transportation needs and economic circumstances. (Findings 9, 17, 18, 20-22, 42, 49)
F21
MTA is also working to locate a multi-modal Transit Center in or near the city of Ukiah to consolidate all ground mass transportation services (MTA, Lake County Transit, Greyhound, Amtrak Throughway Bus, any private taxi service and any future Airporter).
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
begin, in the current fiscal year, to locate funds to commence a new planning cycle by no later than 2012 to incorporate and prioritize objectives and strategies consistent with anticipated transportation needs and economic circumstances. (Findings 9, 17, 18, 20-22, 42, 49)
F22
Additional grant funding has been secured to conduct a study of commuter transit needs and to hire a bilingual Mobility Manager to promote and coordinate car pools and computer van pools. The study is currently underway; MTA expects to hire the Mobility Manager in the spring of 2009. The MTA Passenger Fleet
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
begin, in the current fiscal year, to locate funds to commence a new planning cycle by no later than 2012 to incorporate and prioritize objectives and strategies consistent with anticipated transportation needs and economic circumstances. (Findings 9, 17, 18, 20-22, 42, 49)
F23
The MTA Fleet includes: • 9 heavy-duty diesel buses (35 and 43 passenger), all equipped with emission control devices, • 2 medium-duty diesel buses (29 passenger), • 13 large cutaway-chassis Ford Vans (20 passenger), • 10 paratransit cutaway-chassis Ford Vans (7 passenger),2 • 1 Dodge Sprinter (13 passenger) equipped with a highly efficient diesel engine, and • 1 trolley that is used for holiday shuttle service and is chartered for special events.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
All heavy-duty and one of the medium-duty buses are equipped with emission control devices. The California Air Resources Board requires that alternatively fueled engines be used when the heavy-duty buses are replaced. These replacements are scheduled to begin in 2011.
No recommendations for this finding
F25
In 2006-07, MTA replaced one 20 passenger van and two Senior Center vans. 2007-08, replacements included two paratransit vans, five large vans and one Senior Center van. In 2008-09, MTA has replaced two more Senior Center vans 2 “Paratransit” vehicles are specially equipped to serve disabled individuals. and the Trolley. A paratransit van has been replaced by a gasoline powered Dodge Sprinter that has nearly doubled the miles per gallon.
No recommendations for this finding
F26
All passenger vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts and one or two wheelchair tie-down locations. Vehicles are also equipped with bicycle racks, except for paratransit vans.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
consider a “Return Ride Guarantee” for cyclists in Willits, Ukiah and Fort Bragg that would employ Dial-A-Ride as a backup to ensure that a cyclist will not be stranded on a return trip due to a full bike rack or the needs of a disabled passenger for space on a regularly scheduled bus. (Findings 26, 54-55)
F27
Regular preventive maintenance allows MTA vehicles to run reliably and well beyond the normal expected life span. Personnel and Passenger Safety
No recommendations for this finding
F28
Drivers complete a vehicle inspection procedure at the beginning of each shift.
No recommendations for this finding
F29
A recently installed radio system has greatly enhanced driver access to the dispatcher and to emergency services.
No recommendations for this finding
F30
There is no nationwide standard for preventable accidents but MTA’s consultant recommended a goal of 1.0 preventable accident per 200,000 miles. In FY 05/06 and 06/07 MTA was at or below this benchmark. In 07/08 MTA buses traveled about 769,000 miles and had 11 preventable accidents for a rate of 2.9 per 200,000 miles. The driver responsible for 3 of these incidents is no longer an MTA employee.
No recommendations for this finding
F31
MTA has installed digital security cameras on all passenger vehicles that will document activity in and immediately around the bus. Funding for this project came from the statewide Proposition 1B Safety and Security bond issue and a federal capital grant.
No recommendations for this finding
F32
Drivers receive training to handle emergency situations and difficult passengers.
No recommendations for this finding
F33
Drivers do not carry cash to make change. Fares are deposited in on-board metal vaults to which drivers do not have access.
No recommendations for this finding
F34
A 2007 grant provided funding for ten new shelters and twenty new benches that have been installed throughout the county. Solar power lights shelters where night service is offered. A new shelter for the Town of Mendocino received unanimous local support for a design that is consistent with historic preservation standards. This shelter will be constructed as soon as the required permit is secured from the county Department of Planning and Building. Service and Fare Structure
No recommendations for this finding
F35
MTA provides regular service throughout Mendocino County and connects with Lake County Transit in Ukiah. One route operates in Sonoma County and connects with Santa Rosa City Buses. Service connections are also in place with AMTRAK, Greyhound, the Sonoma County Airport Express and Golden Gate Transit.
No recommendations for this finding
F36
Low fares, user-friendly routes and schedules, courteous drivers and clean, safe vehicles all contributed to an overall increase of 2.9% in ridership in 2007-08. For 2008-09, ridership is up 8.3% through November over the same period last year.
No recommendations for this finding
F37
Routes, schedules and fares are posted on the MTA website and hard copies are available on the buses, at MTA headquarters, and at libraries and other locations throughout the county.
No recommendations for this finding
F38
The MTA website is a valuable resource for passengers and for those who assist seniors and disabled individuals to access needed transportation.
No recommendations for this finding
F39
Table I (below) provides information on general public fares and passes. Table I One-Way Fares* Monthly Pass** One Zone $1.00 $20 Two Zones $1.75 $35 Three Zones $2.50 $50 * Those over 62 travel for half price. Two children age 6 or under ride free with one passenger age 16 years or older. Disabled individuals also travel for half price with an authorized photo-ID discount card. Information on discount cards and on Dial-A- Ride services and fares is available by calling 1 (800) 696-4MTA or (707) 462-5765. ** Punch passes are $10 for 16 punches and are charged at the rate of one punch per zone traveled.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
enhance the MTA website by adding Dial-A-Ride fare and zone information and details on how the disabled can secure an MTA authorized discount card. (Findings 39-40)
F40
When reviewed by the Grand Jury, the MTA website did not provide information on Dial-A-Ride fares. Also missing was the procedure for securing the authorized photo ID card required for disability discounts.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
enhance the MTA website by adding Dial-A-Ride fare and zone information and details on how the disabled can secure an MTA authorized discount card. (Findings 39-40)
F41
MTA provides regular service to clinics and many county agencies. Clinics and social service agencies purchase MTA passes and distribute them to low-income clients.
No recommendations for this finding
F42
Routes and schedules are based on regularly monitored ridership data, transportation needs assessment studies, and an annual review of unmet transportation needs identified by members of the communities served.
No recommendations for this finding
F43
During 2006-07, for example, MTA adjusted and, eventually, discontinued Routes 40, 52 and 54. It enhanced Routes 65 and 95, running Route 65 earlier and on the same schedule every day to make a more timely connection with Golden Gate Transit. MTA also included Golden Gate Transit connection times in its schedules and added luggage racks to connecting buses.
No recommendations for this finding
F44
MTA has seven bus schedules that are revised three times a year in response to school and college schedules and seasonal time changes.
No recommendations for this finding
F45
Enhancing service to Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods and providing students with evening service to Mendocino College are two of MTA’s stated goals that have been achieved.
No recommendations for this finding
F46
Dial-A-Ride services are available to the general public at fares that begin at $4 for travel within a single zone. A computer-assisted Dial-A-Ride dispatch system became fully operational in 2007-08.
No recommendations for this finding
F47
During hours when the MTA office is closed, an automated phone system gives the late and early departure times from locations on all routes. A recent review of this service revealed a significant volume of calls. The MTA website also provides a wide range of MTA information.
No recommendations for this finding
F48
MTA strives to post current signs at each bus stop showing when buses depart from that location and their destinations. The grand jury found that accurate, complete information was not consistently available at all stops.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
establish procedures for drivers regularly to check the information posted at bus stops and provide feedback so that missing or incorrect information can be promptly corrected. (Finding 48)
F49
Funding has been secured for a commuter study to better address the needs of low-income workers.
No recommendations for this finding
F50
In rural areas, drivers are trained to be flexible about drop offs and pick ups, when flagged from a safe location.
No recommendations for this finding
F51
Additional “hands on” services for the handicapped and frail elderly are provided in cooperation with Anderson Valley, Redwood Coast, South Coast, Ukiah, Willits, and Indian (Ukiah) Senior Centers.
No recommendations for this finding
F52
Dial-A-Ride, curb-to-curb, programs are offered in Fort Bragg and Ukiah.
No recommendations for this finding
F53
A new Flex-Route program is being offered in Willits that combines regularly scheduled service with Dial-a-Ride service by appointment.
No recommendations for this finding
F54
Racks are provided for two bicycles on all scheduled passenger buses. When racks are full, it is sometimes possible to transport a bicycle in an unoccupied wheel chair area.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
consider a “Return Ride Guarantee” for cyclists in Willits, Ukiah and Fort Bragg that would employ Dial-A-Ride as a backup to ensure that a cyclist will not be stranded on a return trip due to a full bike rack or the needs of a disabled passenger for space on a regularly scheduled bus. (Findings 26, 54-55)
F55
Cyclists can miss a bus or be required to leave a bus if the handicapped space is required by a disabled individual. While this is a rare event, it may deter some potential riders. Data are being collected on incidents when cyclists cannot be served.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
consider a “Return Ride Guarantee” for cyclists in Willits, Ukiah and Fort Bragg that would employ Dial-A-Ride as a backup to ensure that a cyclist will not be stranded on a return trip due to a full bike rack or the needs of a disabled passenger for space on a regularly scheduled bus. (Findings 26, 54-55)
F56
MTA distributes Transportation Development Act funds to Senior Centers to support specialized transportation services including service to senior meal programs. Senior Center transportation includes assistance “door-through-door” rather than the “curb-to-curb” service offered by Dial-A-Ride.
No recommendations for this finding
F57
MTA assists Senior Centers with the process of selecting and purchasing new vehicles and provides vehicle storage, servicing and fueling for those with access to its Ukiah headquarters.
No recommendations for this finding
F58
MTA also provides storage, maintenance and fueling services for the Mendocino County Bookmobile and Animal Care and Control mobile pet clinic and for vehicles that serve veterans. Finances
No recommendations for this finding
F59
The Transportation Development Act requires that at least 14.7% of the cost of public services come from farebox revenue. For Fiscal Year 2006-07, farebox revenue accounted for 17.6% of operating costs. Additional revenue came from contracts, grants and contributions. The farebox ratio dropped to 14.9% for Fiscal Year 2007-08 because fare revenue declined while operating costs increased slightly.
No recommendations for this finding
F60
During the rapid run up of fuel costs in 2007-08, the MTA board voted to use reserves, if necessary, rather than increasing fares to compensate for the projected deficit. Despite reduction of other expenses, MTA anticipates a 2008- 09 budget deficit of approximately $200,000, largely due to fuel costs.
No recommendations for this finding
F61
MTA solicits fuel bids from local wholesalers, approximately monthly, for its own vehicles and for resale to the Ukiah Senior Center, Department of Veteran’s Affairs vehicles, Mendocino County Bookmobile and Animal Care and Control mobile pet clinic.
No recommendations for this finding
F62
Capital programming, budgeting and grant-writing have allowed replacement of vehicles before excessive operating costs or unreliability become problems.
No recommendations for this finding
F63
MTA managers expressed concern that cutbacks in transportation funding may make it difficult to maintain the current high replacement standards and achieve the planned transition to alternatively fueled vehicles. Reduction in sales tax during the current recession may also impact the operating budget.
No recommendations for this finding
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Mendocino County
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