Claudine Z Aquino

The committee discussed the Special Investigator Program, providing an overview of its core responsibilities including criminal investigations, victim support, and collaboration with law enforcement. Additionally, the committee reviewed and proposed revisions to Ordinance No. 2, Ordinance No. 5, and Ordinance No. 13. These proposed changes aim to authorize security staff to enforce specific penal codes related to assaults and batteries against transportation workers or passengers, as well as addressing trespassing and unauthorized presence on transit property.

The board meeting primarily focused on the fiscal year 2026 operating budget midyear amendment. Discussions included a significant decrease in projected passenger revenue and ridership growth, offset by increases in sales tax revenue, specifically from Transnet and Transportation Development Act funds. The board also reviewed personnel-related cost-saving measures, including the freezing of several vacant positions across bus and trolley operations, and reductions in overtime hours. Additionally, updates were provided on interest revenue and state funding, and public comments addressed issues related to private transportation management on public property, airport permit fees, and specific bus service frequencies.

The meeting materials cover updates on the Fare Change Study, including feedback from community workshops and online surveys regarding potential fare increases and their impact on service levels. Other discussion topics include fixed route and trolley updates, an overview of the EZ-Wallet system, a same-day paratransit report, certification eligibility processes, and an MTS Access and Medical Transportation Management (MTM) report. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Performance Monitoring Report and committee member communications regarding regional plans and transit infrastructure.

The Board approved several consent items, including a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Rio Vista Platform Design Phase II Project, contracts for interior bus cleaning services, water purchasing, and printing timetables, as well as an IT contract for HPE Synergy Blades and Nimble Storage, and a contract for homeless encampment cleanup services. Revisions to MTS Policy No. 50 regarding engineering and construction expense cost recovery were approved. Substantive discussion took place regarding the California State Transportation Agency Transit Transformation Task Force report, the investment status of the San Diego Transit Corporation pension, and the actuarial valuation of the SDTC Employee Retirement Plan, with a specific focus on adjusting the amortization schedule for the unfunded liability.

The Executive Committee meeting included discussions on the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, specifically regarding midyear amendments for revenues, expenses, and reserves. The Committee reviewed the Orange Line Improvement Project status and discussed the process for submitting Senate Bill 125 reports to the State. Furthermore, the Committee reviewed reports on pension investment status for the San Diego Transit Corporation and the actuarial valuation of employee retirement plans, alongside updates on staffing levels and administrative operational costs.