Southeastern Regional Transit Authority

Key discussions included updates on Civil Rights compliance matters, noting that the Title VI Plan, EEO Policy Statement, and DBE Program and Goal Plans have all been submitted to the FTA awaiting concurrence. Under Old Business, the continuation of the FY25 Fare Free Pilot was confirmed, pending final approval from MA DOT. New Business involved updates on FY24 ridership, which showed a 35% increase over the final six months without Sunday service, and the near completion of the FY24 Audit, awaiting a final funding schedule. State funding updates addressed applications for Microtransit and the intercity express, with requests made to MA DOT regarding the utilization of expiring FY24 funds. Additionally, the SRTA's 50th anniversary celebration was announced for November 1, 2024.

Key discussions included updates on various Civil Rights requirements, specifically the submission status of the Title VI Plan, the EEO Plan for South Coast Transit Management (SCTM), and the DBE Goal Plan, which are all under FTA review. An announcement was made regarding a public meeting to discuss service options in the south end of New Bedford. Under Old Business, the extension of the TSA mask mandate was noted. New Business involved a review of the FY22 Budget, highlighting higher fare revenue but significantly increased fuel costs, requiring future budget adjustments. A detailed discussion on the FY23 Draft Budget covered labor disparities between operators, ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, and conservative revenue projections, noting a 20% decrease due to the expiration of discretionary funding for intercity express and Fairhaven night service. Expense projections showed a 3% increase in transit operations costs, lower than historical averages due to favorable healthcare renewal and pension projections. Administration costs reflected a 7% increase. A deficit was noted in the Net Cost of Service due to the lack of funding for the Fairhaven evening pilot service. Finally, the Board authorized the Executive Director to endorse the City of New Bedford Business Improvement District petition, contingent upon the City covering all levied assessments.

Key discussions during the meeting included the status of civil rights documentation submissions to the FTA, specifically the Title VI, EEO, and DBE Program/Goal Plans, all awaiting concurrence. Information was provided regarding upcoming public hearings scheduled for May 1 and May 2, 2024, to receive public comments on proposed service changes in Fall River, the Fare Free pilot, and the Sunday Service pilot. Under Old Business, the FY25 Draft Budget was presented, highlighting increased terminal security costs, changes in local assessments inclusive of 50% of the Sunday Service cost, and projected federal funding of $9.6 million available for operations. New Business included the presentation of proposed service adjustments for Fall River routes 105, 104, and 108, noting that service to the Truesdale Clinic would not be eliminated. Additionally, a proposed update to the Public Comment Guidelines for SRTA Advisory Board Committee Meetings was reviewed, which will be voted upon at the next meeting.

Key discussions focused on the status of several Civil Rights mandated plans, including Title VI, EEO Policy Statement, and DBE Program Plan, all awaiting FTA concurrence. Under Old Business, the fiscal year 2026 budget and operational plan were presented, highlighting continued fare-free service funded by a grant, the potential impact of state legislation regarding fare collection mandates, and projected increases in healthcare expenses. The Board accepted the FY26 budget of $35,563,851.00. New Business involved initiating the MassDOT Comprehensive Regional Transit Plan process, which occurs every five years.

Key discussions during the meeting included citizen participation regarding the elimination of the DATTCO bus service, for which SRTA currently lacks resources to replace. Updates were provided on various compliance plans under FTA review, including Title VI, EEO, and DBE Goal Plan submissions, noting that the next semi-annual report is due June 1st. Environmental Justice requirements mandate public engagement for major projects, with a public engagement session scheduled for March 30, 2023, concerning the New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation project. In new business, Dan Robillard was appointed as the ADA Representative. A discussion on the FY24 Draft Budget highlighted an expected increase in State Contract Assistance funding (nearly 9.0% in formula funding) and Local Assessments (2.5%), with plans to utilize the remaining $1.99 million of CARES Funds. Budget assumptions also noted decreased medical insurance and fuel expenses, offset by increased pension expense. Pro-Forma Budgets indicated potential service level maintenance challenges under current funding levels.