Golden Empire Transit Dist

The Board of Directors received a presentation regarding the Kern Cog 2026 Regional Transportation Plan and heard public comments concerning bus customer service and route expansion requests. Action items included the approval of the consent agenda—which covered accounts payable and strategic plan updates—and the approval of Board Policy #28 concerning technical disruptions. Additionally, the Board received reports on the Toucan Trolley pilot service and third-quarter ridership metrics, and the Chief Executive Officer provided updates on recent employee recognition events and project milestones. The Board also convened in closed session to discuss real property negotiations.

The committee convened to address the approval of a hydrogen fuel contract presented by the Maintenance Manager.

The agenda for the special meeting includes a call to order, roll call, the adoption of the meeting agenda, and a designated period for public comment. The primary item on the regular agenda is the consideration of a contract for the purchase of five electric cars.

This document outlines the Golden Empire Transit District's Title VI Program, demonstrating its commitment to preventing discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally assisted programs. Key components include public notices and complaint procedures, a comprehensive public participation plan to engage diverse communities, and a review of minority representation on governance committees. The program details system-wide service standards and policies designed to ensure equitable access, supported by demographic analyses of the service area. It also includes monitoring of service performance and established equity policies for major service and fare changes to prevent disparate impact and disproportionate burden on minority and low-income populations.

The Get Board of Directors approved the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget. The budget projected 4 million miles traveled by drivers between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, with total budgeted costs of $28.6 million. Revenue sources include customer fares ($5.4 million), State TDA funds ($17.7 million), federal funds for preventative maintenance ($5.1 million), and other sources ($459,000). Operational expenses totaling $3.3 million for fuel, parts, and maintenance, and $21.6 million for salaries, wages, and benefits, are primarily funded by state tax dollars, with a state requirement that 20% of operational expenses be covered by fares. Capital projects, totaling $16.8 million and funded primarily by federal grants, include the purchase of 10 bus shelters, five G Lift vehicles, and 24 fixed route buses, alongside a $500,000 partnership with the City of Bakersfield for improving disabled customer access. Additionally, service on Route 61 was expanded from hourly to 30-minute service during weekday peak hours, commencing July 3rd. The board decided against an immediate fare increase but will review fares again in five months.