North County Transit District

The committee convened to discuss the proposed calendar year 2026 work plan and review a fare change study. The fare change study involved an overview of proposed modifications to the regional fare ordinance, a summary of public feedback gathered through various outreach channels, and an evaluation of demographic and survey data to inform future fare recommendations.

The meeting included protocol items such as a safety brief and evacuation procedures, followed by procedural announcements regarding board member comments and the introduction of a new voting system. Key agenda items included the approval of the February 15, 2024, regular board meeting minutes. Discussion occurred over consent agenda item number two concerning the Transit Operations Performance Report, focusing on declining Coaster ridership, increased Flex service usage, and suggestions to enhance Flex services. Item 11 involved the award of an agreement for Federal lobbying Services to Holland & Knight LLP, which was approved after review of various federal funding opportunities like FY2025 Appropriations and surface transportation reauthorization. Additionally, an update was provided regarding weekend maintenance work along the Coaster corridor, the expected return to service for the San Diego Trolley service on March 25th, and productive discussions held with other agencies impacted by the corridor.

The meeting called to order the April 18, 2024, regular board meeting. Key discussions focused on conducting and closing a public hearing regarding the proposed operation of the Sero Valley Coaster Connection Service, which NCTD plans to take over from MTS starting June 10th. The presentation summarized public input received since February, including 260 survey responses and outreach to large employers, which indicated strong support for the service due to its importance for employees in the region's largest employment center. A minor route modification for Route 474 serving the UCSD area was proposed to provide a more direct path to the Science Research Park. The Title 6 Equity Analysis found no disparate impact or disproportionate burden. The financial impact involves incremental costs estimated at $911,000 for a full fiscal year, with a net cost of approximately $524,000 after accounting for the payment currently made to MTS. The staff recommended closing the public hearing and approving the operations of the service effective June 10, 2024. Public commenters, including representatives from Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Biocom California, voiced strong support for the service continuation, citing its essential role for life science employees and potential for private subsidies.

The meeting commenced with procedural announcements regarding public comment submissions. Key actions included the approval of minutes for the May 16, 2024, regular board meeting and the May 31, 2024, special board meeting. The board then proceeded to approve ten consent agenda items. The primary focus was a public hearing and subsequent adoption of the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Operating Budget and the FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program. Additional approvals covered the employee classification and compensation schedule, the cost recovery fee schedule, and the service implementation plan for FY 2025 through FY 2034. Board members expressed concerns regarding future revenue projections and emphasized the need for fiscal caution and exploring new revenue sources, such as TDM partnerships. Directors also commended staff efforts on new service launches (NCTD Plus and Coaster Connection) and acknowledged the retirement of an employee after 40 years of service. Finally, an update was provided on the Lowand Rail Realignment project being handled by SANDAG.

The meeting began with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a safety brief. The board adopted a proclamation designating March 17, 2023, as NCTD Employee Appreciation Day, recognizing both direct and contract employees. The minutes for the February 16, 2023, regular board meeting were approved. The primary discussion centered on Agenda Item 20, a public hearing regarding the temporary reduction of Breeze service on routes 302 and 303 due to operator shortages experienced since late 2021. Staff presented updates on hiring progress, the mitigation strategies implemented (including service reduction in April 2022 and increased operator pay in August 2022), and the findings of the required Title VI analysis, which showed no disparate impact or disproportionate burden. Staff recommended approving the continuation of partially reduced service on Routes 302 and 303 beyond 12 months while implementing a phased service restoration plan through April 2024. Staff also requested a waiver of the full major service change process for the October 2023 restoration of Routes 302 and 303 to avoid public confusion.