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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2016-2017

Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District

Published: June 11, 2017 12 pages
View PDF View Full Original

Findings and Recommendations 16 findings

F1 Page 102
Metro experienced an anticipated revenue reduction of $26 million from 2008–2014 and had to use its reserves to fill the shortfall. This is not sustainable.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
Page 103
Metro should conduct a limited study to determine if reduced fares would generate additional revenue through increased ridership. (F1, F4, F7)
R7
Page 103
Metro should adopt and adhere to a budget that does not deplete reserves for operating expenses. (F1)
F2 Page 102
Metro grant writing has been insufficient and ineffective.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
Page 103
Metro should identify and secure additional funding sources. (F2, F8, F9, F10)
R6
Page 103
Metro should expand their grant writing program. (F2)
F3 Page 102
Many Metro Board members lack transit management knowledge of best practices or business experience, leaving them ill-equipped to address Metro's declining revenues.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Page 103
The Metro Board should include members who have marketing, business management, or finance experience. (F3, F5, F6)
F4 Page 102
Metro use of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) industry best practices is limited.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
Page 103
Metro should conduct a limited study to determine if reduced fares would generate additional revenue through increased ridership. (F1, F4, F7)
R16
Page 104
Metro should provide WiFi connection on more buses. (F4)
F5 Page 102
There are no experience qualifications for Metro Board members in its bylaws, and the Board lacks the range of experience or training necessary to improve Metro’s performance.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
Page 103
The Metro Board should include members who have marketing, business management, or finance experience. (F3, F5, F6)
R4
Page 103
The Metro Board, Metro management, and the Metro Advisory Committee should meet jointly on a regular basis. (F5, F6)
F6 Page 102
Metro does not have joint meetings that include the Board, Metro management, and the Metro Advisory Committee. Better and more frequent communication and coordination between these bodies could improve decision making.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
Page 103
The Metro Board should include members who have marketing, business management, or finance experience. (F3, F5, F6)
R4
Page 103
The Metro Board, Metro management, and the Metro Advisory Committee should meet jointly on a regular basis. (F5, F6)
F7 Page 102
Manual collection of route performance data does not allow for optimal use of the HASTUS system. Published June 29, 2017 2016–2017 Consolidated Final Report 101
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
Page 103
Metro should conduct a limited study to determine if reduced fares would generate additional revenue through increased ridership. (F1, F4, F7)
R15
Page 104
Metro should conduct a limited trial using AVL and HASTUS to explore bus route efficiency. (F7)
F8 Page 103
Metro partnerships with UCSC and Cabrillo College have contributed significantly to Metro revenues, and Metro would benefit from additional community partnerships.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
Page 103
Metro should identify and secure additional funding sources. (F2, F8, F9, F10)
R8
Page 103
Metro should consider pursuing additional private and government partnership programs, such as those with UCSC and Cabrillo College. (F8) Published June 29, 2017 102 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury
F9 Page 103
Metro marketing functions are handled inefficiently, in significant part due to an unfilled marketing manager position. Marketing must be more than just selling advertising on buses.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
Page 103
Metro should redefine the Marketing Manager position as Director of Business Development and fund it. (F9, F10)
R5
Page 103
Metro should identify and secure additional funding sources. (F2, F8, F9, F10)
F10 Page 103
Metro lacks a business development manager. Currently, business development responsibilities are distributed across the organization, and are not implemented or effective.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
Page 103
Metro should redefine the Marketing Manager position as Director of Business Development and fund it. (F9, F10)
R5
Page 103
Metro should identify and secure additional funding sources. (F2, F8, F9, F10)
F11 Page 103
Metro design standards for bus stops and shelters have not been consistently implemented, which may negatively impact ridership.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
Page 104
Metro should create a bus stop sponsorship program that underwrites construction of bus stops in accordance with Metro’s design standards. (F11)
F12 Page 103
Metro bus seats are difficult to clean and sanitize, which may negatively impact ridership.
Related Recommendations (3)
R10
Page 104
Metro should improve cleanliness at transit facilities. (F12, F16)
R11
Page 104
Metro should improve maintenance at transit facilities. (F12, F15, F16)
R14
Page 104
Metro should use easily cleanable materials for bus seats. (F12)
F13 Page 103
The lack of overnight parking at bus facilities may be a deterrent to potential riders.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12
Page 104
Metro should establish overnight parking at the Scotts Valley Cavallaro Transit Center for riders. (F13)
F14 Page 103
Metro’s CNG bus engines break down sooner than expected, resulting in accelerated expenses.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13
Page 104
Metro should evaluate cost-effective alternatives to the CNG bus powertrain. (F14)
F15 Page 103
Metro transit centers are deteriorating and in disrepair, which may negatively impact ridership.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
Page 104
Metro should improve maintenance at transit facilities. (F12, F15, F16)
F16 Page 103
Metro transit centers are not clean, which may negatively impact ridership.
Related Recommendations (2)
R10
Page 104
Metro should improve cleanliness at transit facilities. (F12, F16)
R11
Page 104
Metro should improve maintenance at transit facilities. (F12, F15, F16)