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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 and Engagement Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Alex Beim, Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning |
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Monica Howe, Fares Director |
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Megan Waters, Community Engagement Director |
TITLE:
title
R2026-02-02 - Resolution Approving the Title VI Fare Collection System Equity Analysis
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Resolution
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution R2026-02-02 and the Title VI Fare Collection System Analysis
BACKGROUND:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and FTA requirements require transit agencies like UTA to conduct an analysis when fare collection systems are modified or changed. This is to ensure that the changes do not adversely impact the civil rights of UTA’s ridership. A Title VI Analysis and Public Engagement effort have been completed in conjunction with the proposed changes described below. Any proposed fare changes are considered a major change and are required to undergo a Title VI analysis and public engagement process.
Initial information on the proposed fare changes was discussed with the Board on November 13, 2024. Proposed fare changes include the following:
• Discontinuation of Paper Tickets on Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
• Discontinuation of Paper Monthly Passes
• Discontinuation of Mobile Pass Tickets
• Removal of Reduced Fare Monthly Pass/Sticker
• Removal of Reduced Fare Plastic ID Cards
DISCUSSION:
Public Engagement Overview
Staff will outline public engagement efforts related to the proposed fare changes. A combined 30+ day comment period ran from November 13, 2024, through January 1, 2025. Information was provided on rideuta.com/change day, and a virtual public meeting was held on November 20, 2024. More than 200 formal comments were received, supplemented by feedback from community events, a presentation to the UTA Community Advisory Committee, and partner engagement. Key themes related to the fare collection system included:
• Fare system and payment methods
• FAREPAY signage
• Concerns about fare changes, accessibility, and fare structure
Fare Change Proposals
To prepare for the new fare collection system, multiple fare change proposals were presented for analysis and public engagement ahead of implementation.
Title VI Analysis
UTA conducted a Title VI equity analysis using 2024 On-Board Survey (OBS) data to ensure proposed fare changes would not disproportionately affect minority or low-income populations. One potential finding was identified: the proposed discontinuation of paper tickets at TVMs would have a disparate impact on minority populations above the 5% threshold.
UTA evaluated the alternative of retaining paper tickets but determined it would conflict with the goal of simplifying the fare structure. Instead, the Fares Team has proposed mitigation measures to address the disparate impact, which are detailed in the Fare Equity Analysis Report.
Exact timelines for implementing fare changes are to be determined and will take into consideration the time required to update the resolution setting fare rates and media and the fare policy as needed.
ALTERNATIVES:
Request the Title VI Analysis be revisited
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution R2026-02-02 with Exhibit:
• Title VI Fare Collections System Equity Analysis Report