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TO: |
Board of Trustees |
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THROUGH: |
Jay Fox, Executive Director |
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FROM: |
Nichol Bourdeaux, Chief Planning & Engagement Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Megan Waters, Community Engagement Director |
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Janelle Robertson, Acting Planning Director |
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Alex Beim, Manager Long Range Strategic Planning |
TITLE:
title
R2024-05-05 - Resolution Approving the Title VI Service and Fare Equity Analysis for August 2024 Change Day
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Resolution
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution R2024-05-05 approving UTA’s August 2024 Title VI Equity Analysis
BACKGROUND:
UTA has proposed 7 major changes: 4 service changes and 3 fare changes for August change day. Major changes, as defined by the authority, require an equity analysis.
The proposed service changes are to continue reduced services on routes 39, 201, and 218 and discontinue route 606. The proposed fare changes are expanding eligibility to UTA’s reduced fare program, adjustments to the UTA FAREPAY card discounts, and the discontinuation of the zero-fare policy on UVX.
The analysis was performed in accordance with the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Circular 4702.1B, which outlines the Title VI requirements and guidelines for recipients of FTA funds. Title VI equity analyses are conducted to examine whether proposed changes to service and fare negatively impact minority or low-income populations in a disproportionate way. The circular also requires that UTA’s governing entity approve any equity analysis.
DISCUSSION:
The conclusion of the service change analysis showed potential for several Title VI findings. The proposed continuation of reduced service routes 39 and 201 could not be mitigated, but there were substantial justifications to proceed due to operator and resource limitations preventing the return to full service.
Route 606's has substantial legitimate justification to proceed due to decreased demand for this service. Alternative public transit service is still available within approximately ¼ mile of the stops proposed for removal.
The conclusion of the fare change analysis showed potential for two Title VI findings related to the proposed UVX fare change. There is substantial legitimate justification to proceed due to need to maintain consistent fare application, capital cost, and resource limitations. UTA will develop a plan to place TVMs at the most needed station locations in the future and is developing plans to mitigate the adverse effects of the non-cash requirement.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the Board of Trustees believes that other alternatives should be considered or deems that UTA should not implement any of the changes as described, approval of the resolution could be delayed in order to make modifications to the August 2024 proposed changes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution R2024-05-05 to approve UTA August 2024 Title VI Equity Analysis, including the August 2024 Title VI Equity Analysis as an exhibit.