San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

The committee held a discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget, evaluating staff recommendations and alternate merit increase proposals for non-represented employees. Updates were provided on the Orange Line Improvement Project, covering progress, scheduling, and risk management. The committee also received a status update on the Real Estate and Joint Development Program and reviewed the Disposition and Development Agreement for the E Street Affordable Component Transit-Oriented Development Project.

The committee held a public hearing on the 2026 maximum rates of fare, discussing optional rate increases, CPI-based pricing, and the implementation of smart-meter technology. Discussions also covered new airport ground transportation access fees and their impact on taxi operators, an update on 2026 regulatory fee payments and permit renewals, and an overview of the For-Hire Vehicle Administration operations, including enforcement efforts and future permitting portal developments.

The committee held a meeting to discuss several agenda items, including a tribute to a long-serving regulatory inspector. A newly appointed member was introduced. The primary discussion focused on proposed revisions to ordinance number 11, which governs the for-hire vehicle industry. Key amendments discussed include changes to driver identification card eligibility, the removal of rate submission requirements for specific vehicle types, adjustments to permit application processes, and the implementation of contactless payment requirements. The committee also considered revisions to annual fee schedule appeal rights, non-emergency medical vehicle equipment standards, and internal posting requirements for taxi cabs.

The board discussed and took action on several items including the approval of a fare change recommendation for the Regional Comprehensive Fare Ordinance, a Disposition and Development Agreement for the E Street Affordable Component Transit-Oriented Development project, and numerous service and maintenance contracts, such as train control system maintenance, pest control, solar-powered waste compactors, bus seat upholstery, train operator uniforms, and facility infrastructure repairs. Additionally, the meeting included informational presentations on the Fiscal Year 2026 performance monitoring report and an overview of agency support services.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several key agenda items, including public comments regarding potential fare increases and their impact on low-income families. The board approved a new technology disruption policy to comply with SB77, which outlines procedures for handling remote participation outages during public meetings. Furthermore, the board held an initial discussion regarding the preliminary fiscal year 2027 operating budget, covering revenue forecasts, ridership projections, energy credit programs, sales tax revenue allocations, and anticipated federal funding.