HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem a - Study Session - Arcadia Transit Policy and Procedures Manual
DATE: May 1, 2018
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
Philip A. Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services/City Engineer
By: Linda Hui, Transportation Services Manager
SUBJECT: REPORT, DISCUSSION, AND DIRECTION CONCERNING ARCADIA
TRANSIT SERVICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL AND
ARCADIA TRANSIT PLANNING
Recommendation: Receive and File Policy Manual and Provide Direction on Transit Planning
SUMMARY
Recent changes to Arcadia Transit operations and functions have created a need for a comprehensive policy and procedures manual to ensure consistency in operations and
set expectations for service. This manual is provided to the City Council as a “receive
and file” document for information only. In addition, a presentation will be provided at
the Study Session to respond to several questions from the City Council related to the
provision of out-of-town trips for Arcadia Transit.
BACKGROUND
The Policy Manual was placed on the City Council Agenda on February 6, 2018. At that
meeting, the City Council decided to table a decision on the Policy Manual and recommended that the City set up a meeting between First Transit, the operator of
Arcadia Transit, and the Transit “taskforce”, a group of riders and users of the service.
This meeting was held on March 21, and subsequent to that meeting, comments were
received from the taskforce on the Policy Manual. The Manual has been revised with
relevant comments from the taskforce and First Transit, and these are shown in redline within the document.
In addition to the discussion related to the Policy Manual, the City Council held a Study
Session on February 20 to discuss the provision of out-of-town medical trips for the
Dial-a-Ride service (see attached Staff Report). The recommendation was not to provide these trips given the current service model and capacity. The City Council did
not take action on this issue, instead requesting additional information on ridership and
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goals for the overall transit service, and additional information on what other cities are doing related to out-of-town services.
DISCUSSION
Over the past several years, Arcadia Transit has gone through significant changes in the way the service was delivered to transit patrons. Arcadia Transit no longer provides
a general public dial-a-ride service. Instead, a fixed route service for the general public
with a complementary dial-a-ride service for Arcadia seniors and disabled residents has
been introduced. In addition to functional changes, there have been minor adjustments to service policies made recently to address concerns brought up by transit users, including an informal transit taskforce who assembled to meet with Council Members to
discuss the service. Finally, First Transit, Inc., the new Arcadia Transit contractor,
brought in additional technological features that improve the operation, resulting in
additional minor alterations to policies. In light of all these changes, there was a need to formalize an Arcadia Transit Service
Policy and Procedures Manual to memorialize operational policies for the service. This
manual is provided to the City Council as a “receive and file” document. It will be utilized
by the Staff and will be provided to First Transit, and transit users, to ensure consistency in operations and to set expectations for service.
With regard to out-of-town trips, research has been conducted into other transit services
provided by neighboring communities. As has been discussed, the surrounding systems
do typically provide services outside of jurisdictional boundaries; however, some of these transit systems (like Pasadena and Monrovia) are responsible for areas outside of their city limits already, and others offer a different type of service than Arcadia Transit.
Details on these services will be provided at the Study Session. Although expanding the
service model to include out-of-town trips is not recommended within the current
budget, additional information will be provided at the Study Session on methods to augment and bolster the dial-a-ride services offered by Arcadia Transit.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT
The creation of a policy and procedures manual does not have any fiscal impact.
Additional changes to the overall transit service would likely have financial implications.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Arcadia Transit Service
Policy and Procedures Manual, and authorize the City Manager to update the manual
periodically when the need arises; and provide direction related to general transit service.
Attachments: Draft Arcadia Transit Service Policy and Procedures Manual
February 20, 2018, Staff Report on Out-of-Town trips
FINAL DRAFT
SERVICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
CITY OF ARCADIA
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
2018
SERVICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL Arcadia Transit
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SERVICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL Arcadia Transit
CITY OF ARCADIA
ARCADIA TRANSIT SERVICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARCADIA TRANSIT SERVICE DESCRIPTION …………………………………... 1
1. POLICIES FOR DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICE 1.1. Hours and Days of Operation ………………………………………………….. 2 1.2. Eligibility ………………………………………………………………………. 2
1.3. Pre-Registration ………………………………………………………………... 3
1.4. Establishing Passenger Reservations …………………………………………... 3
1.5. Establishing a Subscription/Standing Reservation …………………………….. 4 1.6. Scheduled Vehicle Arrival Time/Window Period and Vehicle Wait Time ……. 4 1.7. Passenger Fares ………………………………………………………………… 4
1.8. Passenger Responsibilities ……………………………………………………... 5
1.9. No-Shows/Late Cancellations ………………………………………………….. 5
1.10. Boarding/De-boarding Points ………………………………………………….. 6 1.11. Attendants/Caregivers ………………………………………………………….. 7 1.12. Companion Rider ………………………………………………………………. 7
2. POLICIES FOR FIXED ROUTE SERVICE
2.1. Hours and Days of Operation ………………………………………………….. 8 2.2. Passenger Fares ………………………………………………………………… 9
3. GENERAL POLICIES
3.1. Passenger Seatbelts ……………………………………………………………... 10
3.2. Pets/Service Animals ……………………………………………………………. 10 3.3. Language Assistance ……………………………………………………………. 10
3.4. Carry-On Bags …………………………………………………………………... 11
3.5. Special Events and Services ……………………………………………………. 11
3.6. Suspension of Passenger Privileges and Procedures for Suspension …………... 11
3.7. Americans with Disability Act Requirements …………………………………... 13 3.8. Title VI Policy …………………………………………………………………... 13
Appendix 1: Arcadia Transit Fixed Route Service and Individual Lines ……………… 14
15
Appendix 2: Title VI Program …………………………………………………………. 1819
SERVICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL Arcadia Transit
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ARCADIA TRANSIT SERVICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
ARCADIA TRANSIT SERVICE DESCRIPTION
Arcadia Transit began its operations on April 21, 1975. The program was initiated at the direction of the Arcadia City Council with the intent of creating a demand-responsive system that would provide public transportation needed by individuals traveling within the City. The system
was designed to provide specialized services for seniors, disabled, and for those individuals
whose transportation needs were not met by the regional transit service.
Arcadia Transit provided a general public Dial-A-Ride service until 2016, when the City Council adopted changes to the way Arcadia Transit service was delivered. Starting in June 2016,
Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride service became a transit service solely for seniors and people with
disabilities who are also Arcadia residents. At this time, the Dial-A-Ride was no longer
available to the general public. However, Arcadia Transit service was further modified at the time because the City added fixed routes for the general public.
The Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride transports the rider to any destination within the City limits.
Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride offers curb-to-curb transportation, responding to individual travel
requests as they are received. The Dial-A-Ride is a courtesy service that is above and beyond services mandated by the American Disability Act (ADA). Thus, many of the policies associated with the Dial-A-Ride service are generated by the City of Arcadia and are based on the safe and
efficient operation of the service as well as directives from the City Council.
The Arcadia Transit Fixed Route service provides general public transit service on three bus lines that connect businesses and communities with the Gold Line regional light rail. The
companion paratransit service is provided by the Los Angeles County Access Services.
The City also provides transportation service for special events that are sponsored by the City
and/or approved by the City Council. This special event transportation is provided to the public as a separate service, in addition to the Dial-A-Ride and fixed route services.
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1. POLICIES FOR DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICE
Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride is a demand-response service offering curb-to-curb transportation to/from any destination within Arcadia city limits. The Dial-A-Ride service is provided based on
space availability and is open to seniors and disabled residents.
1.1 Hours and Days of Operation The Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride system operates seven days per week under the following
schedule:
Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Last pick-up is at 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride service is not available on the following holidays:
• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
1.2 Eligibility 1.2.1. Seniors:
Riders must be 62 years of age or older. A photo identification with birth date is required
to provide proof of senior status
1.2.2 People with a Disability: Passengers who are not 62 years old, but with a disability are eligible for the service.
Physician verification is required as a proof of disability status. Other official disability
evaluation documents such as ACCESS Service card, student special needs assessment, or other similar documentation will be accepted as a proof of disability. 1.2.3 Arcadia Resident:
All eligible passengers must reside within the City’s jurisdictional boundaries. Any
residence, including Arcadia postal addresses that are outside of the City boundaries are deemed ineligible. A copy of a utility bill, a lease agreement, or official government letter with the passenger’s name and address, or other acceptable document, is required as
a proof of residency.
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1.3 Pre-Registration
Every passenger is required to pre-register prior to utilizing Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride service. The pre-registration is to ensure the passengers’ eligibility. Once the registration
form is received, the form will be reviewed and the eligibility status will be entered onto the
reservation system within 10 working days. No cards will be issued. If the eligibility status
cannot be determined, the applicant will be notified within 10 working days. The registration form is available, and can be turned in with required documents at the
locations below:
• Community Center, 365 Campus Drive
• City Library, 20 W. Duarte Road
• City Hall (Engineering Department), 240 W. Huntington Drive
The registration form (PDF) is available on the Arcadia Transit page on the City Website: ArcadiaCA.gov
1.4 Establishing Passenger Reservations
Dial-A-Ride passengers wishing to ride on Arcadia Transit can simply call (626) 445-2211 and TDD users may call (626) 445-2522. Requests can be made up to seven days in
advance. Requests are honored as received and are based on availability. In the event the
requested time cannot be accommodated, the next available time will be offered. Same day
requests are honored based on availability; however, it is encouraged that trip requests be
made at least one day in advance.
Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride passengers requesting outbound trips on which there will be a
return trip with a reasonably certain time of return, may schedule the return trip on the
original phoneat the same time. If the return time is not reasonably certain or that passenger
has a documented history of no-shows, the return trip will not be scheduled and the individual must call to schedule a trip when they are ready to be picked up. Eligible passengers should be prepared to provide the following information when calling
for an appointment:
• Name and telephone number
• Desired pick-up location (if it’s in a large complex, a specific description may be
necessary)
• Requested destination including address
• If the return time is greater than one hour from the arrival time, a return trip may be
booked at the same time
• Any special assistance needs (walker, wheelchair or attendant)
Trip requests are accepted Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on
weekends from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Requests are honored as received as along as
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space is available. The Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride service works on a first come first
served basis.
1.5 Establishing a Subscription/Standing Reservation
Subscriptions or “standing reservations” are trips that are made to or from the same
locations at the same time each day or at the same time on a particular day each week, for a period of three months or longer. Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride passengers may request subscription trips for wellness-related purposes including doctor appointments, physical
therapy sessions, exercise classes, senior lunches, adult daycare programs, and other senior
wellness programs.
New subscriptions are honored as received based on available trip capacity at the requested days and times. Passengers with subscriptions who will not be traveling for an extended
period of time may suspend their reservations for up to 30 days, after which time if nothing
is done, the subscription will be canceled, and a new subscription will need to be re-
established. Passengers who fail to place a standing ride on hold, or who fail to cancel a scheduled trip request, may face restricted use of the Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride service. Riders will be notified of any restrictions in writing pursuant to the City’s Late
Cancellation/No Show Policy.
Subscriptions or “standing reservation” trips may be established through the Arcadia Transit reservation number by calling (626) 445-2211 during normal operating hours.
1.6 Scheduled Vehicle Arrival Time/Window Period and Vehicle Wait Time
1.6.1 Scheduled Vehicle Arrival Time/ Window Period Due to its demand responsive nature, Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride vehicles may arrive up
to five (5) minutes before or fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled pick-up time.
Therefore, passengers using Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride should be ready to be picked-up
within this window period.
1.6.2 Vehicle Wait Time: Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride vehicles will wait for no more than three (3) minutes at any
point during the pick-up window period. If the passenger is not present at the pick-up
location, the Arcadia Transit dispatcher will call the passenger to alert them as to the
vehicle arrival. Also, if the vehicle is arriving later than the arrival window period, the dispatcher will call the passenger to notify of the delay. When the pick-up location is a
medical office, senior center or other facility with a lobby, the bus operator is expected to
step inside the lobby and make their presence known.
1.7 Passenger Fares
The Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride fare is $0.50 per person or $5.00 for a monthly pass.
Monthly passes may be purchased from the City Library, Community Center or City Hall
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(Cashier Office). The Arcadia Transit system does not accept other transit operators’ fare
media. To be eligible for the fare, riders must possess a valid identification card that establishes
eligibility. Examples of proof of eligibility include, Access Services I.D., Medicare card,
driver’s license, LACTOA Disabled Identification Card, and/or other acceptable documents.
Payment is due upon boarding of the vehicle by passengers dropping fares directly into the fare box. Exact change is required as drivers do not carry change nor do they handle cash
fares.
As a publicly subsidized program, Arcadia Transit drivers are not allowed to accept tips. 1.8 Passenger Responsibilities
The Arcadia Transit system requests that each passenger be aware of their responsibilities
aboard Arcadia Transit to ensure that each passenger receives the best service possible under the safest of operating conditions. In doing so, the following are responsibilities of each Arcadia Transit passenger:
1. Be ready to go prior to your confirmed pick-up time. Please refer to Policy 1.6 for
details on scheduled vehicle arrive time/window period, and vehicle wait time. 2. If you are unable to make your confirmed scheduled trip, please try and cancel your trip within 45 minutes of your scheduled pick-up time.
3. There is no eating, drinking, or smoking permitted aboard Arcadia Transit vehicles.
4. Boisterous or profane language is not permitted.
5. Riders may not at any time while the vehicle is in motion move about the vehicle. 6. Riders may not consume, or be under the influence of, any intoxicating substance.
7. Arcadia Transit drivers may not accept tips.
8. Radios or other noise generating equipment may not be used aboard Arcadia Transit.
9. Patrons must have their wheelchair secured and/or seat belts fastened while riding.
10. Carry-on items, such as shopping bags, are limited to four per person.
1.9 No-Shows/Late Cancellations
1.9.1 No-Shows:
A passenger who “no-shows” (i.e. fails to show up for an on-time vehicle arrival at the pick-up location) a total of five (5) trips within a 30-day period shall be issued a warning
notice that continued “no-shows” will result in the suspension of their rider privileges
aboard Arcadia Transit of a period of no greater than fourteen (14) days. If an individual
issued such a warning notice “no-shows” another five (5) trips within the 30-days
following the notice, they shall be sent a notice of suspension detailing the days and times of their “no-show” trips and informing them of the suspension of their rider privileges
beginning five (5) days after the date of that letter. If the individual wishes to protest the
issued suspension, they will be instructed to contact the City’s Transportation Services
Manager. Ultimately, the passenger protest may be heard in an independent hearing with
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the Development Services Director or designee (see Section 3.6.3 for more information).
If an individual continues to “no-show” requested trips following a suspension, a letter informing them may be sent notifying them of the City’s intent to suspend rider privileges for a period up to 30 days or indefinitely.
1.9.2 Late Cancellations:
The Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride system requires that all trip requests that are no longer necessary or cannot be fulfilled be cancelled at least 45 minutes before the confirmed pick-up time. Cancellation of requested trips should be done through Arcadia Transit
reservations by calling (626) 445-2211. Please be prepared to provide the passenger’s
name, requested trip time, and origin location, and inform the customer reservations
agent of the desire to cancel the requested trip. Passengers who fail to properly cancel five (5) trips within a 30-day period in the
requested time (45 minutes from confirmed pick-up) will be issued a warning notice that
continued late cancellations will result in the suspension of their rider privileges aboard
Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride of a period of no greater than fourteen (14) days. If an individual issued such a warning notice fails to cancel requested trips in accordance of this policy another five (5) trips within the 30-days following the notice, they shall be
sent a notice of suspension detailing the days and times of their late cancellations and
informing them of the suspension of their rider privileges beginning five (5) days after
the date of that letter. If the individual wishes to protest the issued suspension, they will be instructed to contact the City’s Transportation Services Manager. Ultimately, the passenger protest may be heard in an independent hearing with the Development Services
Director or designee (see Section 3.6.3 for more information). If an individual continues
to disregard this policy following a suspension, a letter may be sent notifying them of the
City’s intent to suspend rider privileges for a period up to 30 days or indefinitely.
1.10 Boarding/Deboarding Points
Boarding and deboarding of passengers by Arcadia Transit will be done on public streets and
at public and private facilities where Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride vehicles are able to exit and reenter the public roadway without requiring the vehicles to back-up. At private
residences, including multi-family residences, Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride vehicles will not
enter driveways. Passengers using the wheelchair lift will be boarded and deboarded at
locations that allow sufficient access for wheelchairs.
At commercial facilities, medical complexes, Westfield Santa Anita Mall, City Hall, and the
Community Center, specific pick-up locations will be designated to facilitate the efficient
boarding and deboarding of passengers. Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride passengers may be
boarded and deboarded at other than these designated locations to accommodate a
passenger’s disability or other special needs through special arrangement with Arcadia Transit.
At the Westfield Santa Anita Mall, the three designated boarding locations for Arcadia
Transit Dial-A-Ride are:
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• Macy’s East Entrance
• Nordstrom’s Valet Entrance
• JC Penney’s North Entrance
Some boarding and deboarding locations may pose a safety concern for Arcadia Transit
passengers and drivers. Under these circumstances, the drivers are trained to use their
individual discretion in determining an alternate location that is safe and in close proximity to
the requested boarding or deboarding location.
1.11 Attendants/Caregivers Caregivers are allowed on the Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride system to help those with disabilities
provided that they are at least 18 years of age, and in good physical condition. Caregivers may
ride free of charge. Eligible passengers must notify Arcadia Transit when placing a trip request that a caregiver will accompany them.
1.12 Companion Rider
Eligible passengers are allowed to bring companions provided that the companions are travelling to/from the same destinations and time as the eligible passengers. Companions need not be
seniors nor persons with disabilities, and can be of any age. Companions are not allowed to ride
the Dial-A-Ride by themselves at any part of the trip. Companions are subject to Dial-A-Ride
service per passenger/per ride fare policy. Monthly passes are not allowed for companions.
Eligible passengers must notify Arcadia Transit when placing a trip request that companion(s) will accompany them.
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2. POLICIES FOR FIXED ROUTE SERVICE
The Arcadia Transit Fixed Route service provides general public transit service on three bus lines – Green, Blue, and Red (See Map in Appendix A and schedules in Appendix B). The
Green Line connects the Metro Gold Line Arcadia Station with Santa Anita Park, City Hall,
Methodist Hospital, Westfield Santa Anita Mall and Los Angeles County Arboretum and
Botanical Garden. The Blue Line and Red Line run in a loop connecting different parts of the communities to the Metro Gold Line Arcadia Station and many local activity centers including the City Library, the Los Angeles County Park, many schools, restaurants and other businesses.
Each stop is designated with Arcadia Transit sign. Additionally, an App is available to track bus
location and assist in trip planning. The app is available to download at Apple (iPhone) and
Google Play (Android) stores. Do a search for “Arcadia Transit”. Every stop on the app displays bus stop location and estimated arrival times for the next bus and second bus. There’s also a notification feature that alerts users of their approaching bus.
2.1 Hours and Days of Operation
The Arcadia Transit Fixed Route service operates seven days per week under the following general schedule (Fixed route schedules are subject to change):
Green Line: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Blue Line: Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Red Line: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 7:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Arcadia Transit Fixed Route service is not available on the following holidays:
• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
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2.2 Passenger Fares
The Arcadia Transit Fixed Route service fares are as follow:
• General (5 – 62 years old) - $0.50 with one free transfer between Arcadia Fixed
Route lines
• Senior (62 years old and above, ID may be requested) – Free
• Person with disability – Free
• Children (under 5 years old) – Free with an accompanying adult
Payment is due upon boarding of the vehicle by passengers depositing the fare directly into
the farebox. Exact change is required as drivers do not carry change nor do they handle cash
fares.
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3. GENERAL POLICIES
The following policies apply to both Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride and Fixed Route services. 3.1 Passenger Seatbelts
Each Arcadia Transit vehicle is equipped with seat belts. As required under California Vehicle Code Section 27315 (Mandatory Seat Belt Law), all passengers must wear their seatbelt. The Arcadia Transit driver may request that passengers fasten their seatbelts prior
to the vehicle departing from a stop.
In no event shall a passenger unfasten a seat belt and move about the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. In no event shall a wheelchair passenger aboard an Arcadia Transit vehicle receive service prior to proper securement of all wheelchair fasteners. A wheelchair
passenger may request to use the shoulder beltshall be secured with the shoulder belt unless
the passenger opts to decline using the shoulder belt.
In accordance to the law, an Arcadia Police or California Highway Patrol Officer may cite each individual who fails to secure themselves while the transit vehicle is in service.
3.2 Pets/Service Animals
Pets on board Arcadia Transit vehicles are restricted to small domestic animals (i.e., cats and dogs), which can be transported in small pet carriers and handled on a passenger’s lap. In no
circumstance can a pet or animal be transported outside of a pet carrier unless the pet is used
as a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Service animals are allowed on all Arcadia Transit vehicles provided they meet the definition
of service animals under the ADA. The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, or
other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.
Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability
cannot perform for themselves. Some examples include:
• Seeing eye dogs for the blind
• Alerting persons with hearing impairments
• Pulling wheelchairs or carrying and picking up things for persons with mobility impairments
• Assisting persons with mobility impairments with balance
Service animals may be removed and suspended from the Arcadia Transit system if at anytime the animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
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3.3 Language Assistance
Arcadia Transit provides translation service to passengers who need language assistance. When calling for reservation, passengers may request for a specific language (i.e. Chinese,
Spanish) translation service.
3.4 Carry-On/Bags Arcadia Transit passengers are permitted up to four (4) carry-on bags per person. Arcadia
Transit drivers will assist passengers with up to four (4) bags/packages each weighing no
more than 10 pounds. Packages will be placed in and removed from the Arcadia Transit
vehicle from/to a location adjacent to and within 10 feet of the boarding point. In no case will the vehicle operator be allowed to enter a passenger’s residence. Eligible passengers must inform the reservationist of carry-on bags at the time of making reservations.
3.5 Special Events and Services
In addition to the regular Arcadia Transit Dial-A-Ride and fixed route services, the City provides transportation service for special events that are deemed to be in the public interest,
and sponsored by the City and/or approved by the City Council. The special event
transportation services do must not interfere with regular Arcadia Transit operations, and are
in compliance with applicable federal and state statutes.
3.6 Suspension of Passenger Privileges and Procedures for Suspension
The City of Arcadia reserves the right to suspend the privilege to use City-sponsored transit services of any individual who, while using those transit services, endangers the safety of the vehicle operator, other passengers, themselves and/or the general public. In addition, the
City reserves the right to suspend rider privileges for those in violation of the City’s adopted
transit policies. Said suspension shall be for an appropriate period of time commensurate
with the alleged passenger behavior, up to and including permanent suspension of rider privileges on Arcadia Transit.
The following steps will be taken to suspend a passenger for unsafe behavior.
3.6.1 Documentation of Behavior: Passenger behavior which is believed to represent a real or potential threat to the safety of Arcadia Transit, its passengers, employees and/or the general public must be thoroughly
documented and reported to the City by the contract operator. In extreme situations, the
transit operator is directed to request assistance from the Arcadia Police Department in
handling passengers exhibiting abusive or seriously disruptive behavior. Documentation of unsafe passenger behavior by any passenger will be provided to the
City’s Transportation Services Manager by the close of business the next working day
following the alleged event.
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3.6.2 Administrative Notice:
Upon receipt of a report of unsafe passenger behavior, City staff shall review the report and clarify aspects of the event, if needed, with contractor staff and other passengers, if any. If City staff concurs in the determination that the subject passenger’s behavior
represents a safety or reliability issue to the Arcadia Transit system, City staff shall send
a written notice to the subject passenger describing the alleged behavior, informing the
individual of the intended suspension of transit privileges, and offering them the opportunity for an independent hearing on the alleged behavior and the planned service suspension. The Administrative Notice shall specify a date on which the suspension shall
take place if the City receives no response. This date shall be no earlier than one week
from the date on which the individual receives the notice on which the suspension shall
take place if the City receives no response.
3.6.3 Independent Hearing: If requested by the subject passenger, the City shall conduct an administrative hearing
into the alleged unsafe passenger behavior to permit the individual to present
information, testimony and/or other clarification which would refute the alleged behavior or which would void or modify the intended suspension of service privileges. If desired by the subject passenger, a family member or friend in this administrative proceeding
may represent him or her.
The Development Services Director may designate a third party hearing officer to hold the administrative hearing. The Director or his/her designee shall hear and consider testimony and/or clarification from the responsible party related to the subject matter.
3.6.4 Hearing Results:
With three business days following the conclusion of the administrative hearing, a written report shall be issued by the City reporting on the findings and conclusions of the hearing
panel. Copies of the hearing report shall be delivered to the subject passenger or their
designated recipient, to the City’s Transportation Division and the contract operator. The
hearing report may either vacate the intended suspension of transit privileges, confirm the
suspension for the time period originally proposed, or confirm the suspension for a shorter period of time than originally proposed. All decisions of the hearing are final.
3.6.5 Timing:
Should a subject passenger request an administrative hearing on their proposed
suspension of transit privileges within the time period specified in the Administrative Notice, the Transportation Services Manager shall schedule and make arrangements for a
hearing to take place within two (2) weeks of the passenger’s request for such hearing.
3.6.6 Transit Services Pending Final Outcome:
The subject passenger shall be permitted to continue using Arcadia Transit until the date of suspension specified in the Administrative Notice or, if a hearing is requested, until the
results of the hearing are distributed to all parties.
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3.6.7 Immediate Suspension of Transit Privileges
In the event of seriously disruptive and/or unsafe behavior, the City may immediately suspend the subject individual’s privileges to use Arcadia Transit with immediate written notice to the subject passenger and/or their representatives informing them of the events
leading to the suspension of service privileges and their opportunity for an administrative
hearing into the alleged unsafe behavior. In the event of seriously disruptive and/or
unsafe behavior, riding privileges will not be continued for the subject passenger pending conclusion of the administrative hearing and release of its findings.
3.7 Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted on the July 26, 1990 (Public Law 101-36). On September 6, 1991, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule implementing the transportation-related provisions of the ADA (49 CFR
parts 27, 37, and 38, Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities). As an operator of a
fixed route transit system in Los Angeles County, the City is required to provide ADA-
eligible complementary paratransit service and submit an annual paratransit plan to DOT. Subpart F, Sections 37.141 of 49 CFR 37 also allows the preparation and submittal of a single coordinated paratransit plan among the operators of fixed route transit service with
overlapping and contiguous service areas. Access Services is the designated agency in Los
Angeles County to coordinate paratransit services and implement a countywide coordinated
paratransit network. As a member of Access Services, the City appropriately and effectively meets the ADA obligations of a fixed route transit operator.
All Arcadia Transit vehicles are equipped with industry standard wheelchair lift and
wheelchair straps that meet the ADA requirements.
3.8 Title VI Policy
The City of Arcadia operates Arcadia Transit services and related programs without regard to
race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any
person who believes she or he has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with the City of Arcadia.
To file a complaint, contact:
Transportation Services Manager – City of Arcadia PO Box 60021, Arcadia, CA 91066-6021
(626) 574-5435
ArcadiaTransit@ArcadiaCA.gov
Complaints may be filed directly with the Federal Transit Administration:
The Office of Civil Rights – Region IX
201 Mission Street, Suite 1650
San Francisco, CA 94105
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Additional information can be found in the City of Arcadia's Civil Rights program (Appendix
2).
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APPENDIX 1:
Arcadia Transit Fixed Route Services
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Green Line Schedule
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Blue Line Schedule
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Red Line Schedule
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APPENDIX 2:
Title VI Program
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.
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SERVICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL Arcadia Transit
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DATE: February 20, 2018
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
By: Linda Hui, Transportation Services Manager
SUBJECT: REPORT, DISCUSSION, AND DIRECTION REGARDING PROVISION
OF OUT-OF-TOWN MEDICAL TRIPS BY ARCADIA TRANSIT
Recommendation: Continue Current Policy and do not Provide out-of-town medical trips
SUMMARY
At a recent City Council meeting, the City Council requested an analysis of a “pilot
project” to use Arcadia Transit to take residents out of the City for medical trips.
Although details were left to the Staff, several different options were discussed,
including offering this service once or twice a week, for example. This service was
attempted once before, in 2003-2004, and was discontinued due to inefficiency and lack
of use. The Development Services Department, along with service provider First
Transit, reviewed the potential of this service to determine feasibility, sustainability, and
possible options. It is important that the City Council understand the limitations of the
service, the realities of ridership and service hours, and the budget as part of this
review. It is recommended that the City Council continue to current policy of not
providing out-of-town trips.
BACKGROUND
In the past two years, there have been a number of significant changes to Arcadia
Transit. These have mostly occurred under our previous service provider, Southland
Transit (“Southland”). While Southland was a good partner in implementing these
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changes, they had challenges in executing them. We are now kicking off a new
relationship and contract with a new provider, First Transit. By all appearances, First
Transit is an excellent operator and we are excited to begin this era of transit provision
in Arcadia with them.
Just in the past two years, we have changed the following aspects of Arcadia Transit,
after decades of simple, demand-responsive dial-a-ride service to the general public:
Date Change or Modification
11-2015 City Council votes to end public dial-a-ride service (no more students).
Actual change is at end of the school year (6-2016)
3-2016 Fixed-route service begins on the Green Line to meet new Gold Line
Light Rail Service
6-2016 Fixed route service begins on the Red and Blue lines, general public
dial-a-ride ends
2-2017 Council workshop to set policies for system, understand fixed-route
performance
5-2017 Policy changes to allow ONLY Arcadia residents to use system
8-2017 City Council votes to change service provider to First Transit
10-2017 First Transit begins to provide service
The table above represents significant and fundamental changes that have morphed
Arcadia Transit into a full service (albeit small) transportation system. Some of these
changes were generated from the Staff, and some were implemented at the request of
a group of residents and users of the Arcadia Transit system (the “Transportation Task
Force”).
Toward the end of 2017, the City Council requested that the Staff research the
possibility of providing out-of-town medical trips. The request was to look into this as a
“pilot” program, perhaps providing the service once or twice a week. It is important to
note that this service was attempted once before, in 2003-2004, and was unsuccessful
at that time. Projections of use were not met, cost per trip was very high, and the City
Council ultimately cancelled the program because it was not performing. Staff reports
memorializing these efforts were sent to the City Council a number of weeks ago, and
the final report summarizing the program is included again here as Attachment 1 for
reference.
DISCUSSION
Although the 2003-2004 experience with out-of-town medical trips is telling, perhaps
more important is the fact that under the current model of dial-a-ride and fixed routes,
adding out of town medical trips to Arcadia Transit simply cannot be done effectively at
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a level that will be sustainable. To answer the City Council’s direct request for a pilot
program, First Transit analyzed user patterns to see if there is a day or time in a typical
week when service like this could be provided without significant impact to the overall
system. Since the current dial-a-ride service is at or close to full capacity, there is not a
down time long enough in any weekday to accommodate out of town trips in a manner
that would be fair to current dial-a-ride users, and sustainable over the long run.
This service will take buses out of the City for long periods of time as they will need to
return for pick up and/or wait for the return trip. Huntington Hospital, and the
surrounding medical offices in Pasadena, and the City of Hope would be two examples
of likely locations to travel to. Travel time to and from these and other potential locations
will take away availability from the existing dial-a-ride, which you have heard from
several riders is already stretched thin at peak times. The same can be said of the fixed
routes, as they need a certain number of buses running at all times, and are already at
what we consider a minimum level of service. For example, a trip to the City of Hope
(using City Hall as a starting point) is approximately 25 minutes, not counting passenger
loading and unloading. So, a trip of one person to City of Hope would require, at a
minimum, 50 minutes of bus time. A trip to and from Huntington Hospital is
approximately 40 minutes, not including loading and unloading, for a round trip time of
80 minutes. For perspective, for a typical service day of 14 hours, transporting a single
person to Huntington Hospital and back would consume, on average, 10% of that bus
day.
Therefore, according to First Transit, providing out-of-town medical trips for residents on
Arcadia Transit would be an added service. This could be accomplished, but it would
require an amendment to the current contract. If the City chooses to provide the out-of-
town medical trip service in addition to the existing services, First Transit would add a
full time driver to their personnel. At the current per revenue hour rate of $51.12, this
would be an estimated increase in cost of $106,000 plus fuel, to run the service Monday
to Friday. The cost will increase annually according the rate schedule in the current
contract. The other method to provide this service would be to modify the current
service model.
To provide more context to the issue of capacity, it may be helpful to review how the
current service hours and ridership have changed following the recent decisions to stop
the general public service (mostly students) and begin fixed route service. The tables
below show a four year comparison of service hours and ridership.
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TABLE 1 – Arcadia Transit Service Hours
Fiscal Year Dial-a-Ride Rev. Service Hours Fixed Route Rev. Service Hours TOTAL Rev. Service Hours
2013-14 28,280 - 28,280
2014-15 25,296 - 25,296
2015-16 21,608 2,372* 23,980
2016-17 11,711 14,398* 26,108
*FY 15-16 represents only a few months of fixed route service, FY 16-17 is a full
year.
TABLE 2 – Arcadia Transit Ridership
Fiscal Year DAR Ridership Fixed Route
Ridership
TOTAL Ridership
2013-14 130,134 - 130,134
2014-15 112,398 - 112,398
2015-16 100,785 7,220 108,005
2016-17 32,619 34,619 67,228
The 13-14 and 14-15 Fiscal Year numbers are included in the tables above to show the
type of ridership we had when the service was a general public dial-a-ride. Clearly, the
move away from allowing students (general public) on the bus in 2016 had a significant
impact on dial-a-ride ridership and service hours.
As is shown in the data for 2016-17, Arcadia Transit needed 14,398 service hours to run
the fixed route service as the routes are currently configured. This is why we recently
released the bid for an operator of Arcadia Transit at 15,000 service hours for the fixed
routes. By nature of the fixed routes, these numbers are relatively static, so there is not
much give. If the current fixed route system is maintained, we can expect this type of
service hour amount to continue. We believe the fixed route ridership numbers will
continue to grow over time but it is highly doubtful we will reach the numbers we had
previously. Also, as stated above, the current fixed routes are the bare minimum of what
we feel is a sustainable system. Headways on the fixed routes range from 20 minutes
on the Green Line to 35 minutes on the Red and Blue Lines during the busiest times.
During other times of the day, the Headways are increased to over an hour between
buses on the Red and Blue lines. Adding a program to take buses out of the City for
medical trips is just not feasible without changing something else about the system.
It is recommended that the City Council continue with the current policy of not running
buses outside of the City, and avoid providing out-of-City medical trips. However, if the
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City Council would like to add this service to Arcadia Transit, it is recommended that the
City Council consider changing the service model. Options that could be considered
include adding funding to the system to enhance the service offerings for the dial-a-ride
or fixed routes, eliminating portions of the existing service model, such as fixed routes,
and/or modifying the contract with First Transit. These issues can be discussed at a
subsequent study session as needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Provision of out-of-town trips would not be considered a project per the California
Environmental Quality Act per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA guidelines.
FISCAL IMPACT
If out-of-town trips for medical purposes were attempted as a pilot project, this could
likely be done within the City’s current contract with First Transit. This is because the
contract is based on an overall total service hours and the hours spent on out-of-town
trips would simply replace hours spent on other dial-a-ride services. However, if a true
program were established to provide these types of trips on a consistent basis, the
contract with First Transit would need to be revisited and this would have financial
implications estimated at approximately $106,000 per year, plus fuel costs.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council continue with the current policy, and not provide
out-of-town medical trips.
Attachment: May 18, 2004, City Council Staff Report regarding Non-Emergency
Medical Appointment Transportation Pilot Program