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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - LACO MTA MOU (2)CONSENT CALENDAR FDY474Y:A SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: Agenda Item: J I CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: November 22, 2005 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (MTA) Administrative Services RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council to approve the MOU with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to provide public transportation services to and from the San Fernando Valley, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Agreement with the MTA, subject to City Attorney approval. BACKGROUND Santa Clarita Transit (SCT), in partnership with the MTA San Fernando Valley Service Sector, has successfully pursued federal funding to establish all -day fixed -route bus service connecting Santa Clarita with the San Fernando Valley. The goal is to provide frequent, affordable and reliable service between the northeast San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita seven days a week. MTA transportation studies have identified a number of areas in the County where transit and job accessibility is limited, distinctively among the northeast County areas (San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys). This gap in service was originally identified in the MTA'S 1994 San Fernando Valley Restructuring Study and has continuously been recognized in annual Unmet Transit Needs public hearings. Currently, there is no economical transportation link between the two areas, and Metrolink service operates too infrequently to provide convenient access to jobs and other destinations. Service is proposed to operate point-to-point from the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station and the McBean Transfer Station. Both terminals are major transportation hubs where patrons will be able to connect with five (5) MTA and seven (7) SCT local bus routes. The improved mobility that this project offers provides the opportunity for people seeking employment in the Santa Clarita Valley. Job opportunities have continued to grow with population. Major employment opportunities exist in the Valencia Industrial Park, Valencia Gateway, Centre Pointe Business Park, Rye Canyon Business Park, Valencia Market Place, and the Santa Clarita Auto Mall. The recommended action would facilitate a partnership between Santa Clarita Transit, MTA, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Operating costs would be shared, with FTA funds providing 50% of operating costs for the first two years of operation. The service would operate seven days a week, run approximately 10,000 annual revenue hours, and is projected to serve over 300,000 riders annually. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other action as determined by City Council. FISCAL IMPACT Santa Clarita Transit will receive $741,926 in federal transit grant funds over two years which will cover 50% of all operating costs. The MTA San Fernando Valley Service Sector will fund 50% of the remaining costs. All funds are currently included in the 2006 Transit Division budget. No general funds will be used for this project.