CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE RURAL INTERCITY BUS STUDY. California Department of Transportation Division of Mass Transportation.

Page 1 of 12 Caltrans CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE RURAL INTERCITY BUS STUDY California Department of Transportation Division of Mass Transportation October 2005, (DMT) September 20 7:12 PM 1

Page 2 of 12 Caltrans Table of Contents Milestones 3 Introduction 3 Problem Statement 4 Study Purpose 4 Background 4 Study Methodology 6 Scope of Work 7 Task 1: Project Research 7 Task 2: Rural Intercity Bus Needs Assessment 7 Task 3: On-site Interviews and Public Participation Outreach 9 Workshops Task 4: Integration of this Study into Departmental Local 9 and Regional Planning Practices as an Action Plan Task 5: Findings and Recommendations, Draft Report, Presentation 10 Task 6: Final Report 10 Contractor Requirements 11 Project Schedule 12 FTA 5311(f) Improvement Committee 13 5 8... [1]... [2]... [3]... [4]... [5]... [6]... [7] Products and Deliverables... [8] Integration of this Study... into [9]... [10] Draft Report; Findings... and [11] 11 Planning Practices as an... [12] 11 Task 7: Final Report... [13]... [14]... [15] 7:12 PM 2

Page 3 of 12 Caltrans Milestones CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE RURAL INTERCITY BUS STUDY Project Time Frame: January 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 A. The consultant team will prepare a project schedule for each task that includes detailed milestones and the start and ending dates of each of these tasks, unless otherwise specified. This schedule will be prepared using Microsoft Project. B. The consultant team will meet throughout the project period in Sacramento to confer with both the Contract Manager and/or the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311(f) Improvement Committee. C. Submit a draft report to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Division of Mass Transportation (DMT) on or before January 31, 2007; and make a presentation in Sacramento for both the Contract Manager and the FTA Section 5311(f) Improvement Committee no later than March 1, 2007. D. Submit a final report to DMT on or before April 31, 2007. E. The FTA Section 5311(f) Improvement Committee will meet shortly thereafter to discuss the recommendations and findings, and provide feedback to the consultant team. Introduction The Rural Transit Program (49 United States Code, Section 5311) provides formula funding to states for the purpose of supporting public transportation in areas with a population of less than 50,000. The funds are apportioned by the FTA to each state s non-urbanized county or region based upon population information from the U.S. Census Bureau. A subset of this program is the FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program wherein the state must use 15 percent of its annual apportionment to support rural intercity bus service, unless the governor certifies that the needs of the state are adequately met. In California, the primary emphasis of the FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program is to support connectivity between non-urbanized areas and urbanized areas by funding capital, planning, and operating assistance projects that best support the intent of the three following national program objectives: A. To support the connection between non-urbanized and the larger regional or national system of rural intercity bus service. B. To support services that meet the rural intercity travel needs of residents in non-urbanized areas. C. To support the infrastructure of the rural intercity bus network through planning, marketing assistance, and capital investment in facilities. f December 2005 August C (team) o stating date ( specified ) Consultant (team) approximately half way (six months) T I Team MT I Team the final report. Federal Transit Administration ( ) S - the G the FTA program (see below). o and 7:12 PM 3

Page 4 of 12 California s geographic and demographic structure differs largely, thus making infrastructure planning a challenge, and perhaps even complicated. A best business practice for the state, currently underway in most areas, is developing a comprehensive partnership approach when planning infrastructure investments for the rural intercity bus network. Such partnerships are especially important in times of resource shortages, i.e., budget shortfalls. The absence of being able to make sound projections can develop different sets of assumptions about the future growth of a geographical (rural) area (region). Investments can fall into four general categories: A. To upgrade existing facilities and/or equipment. B. To repair or replace worn-out facilities and/or equipment. C. To meet the demands created by economic and/or social factors, e.g., population growth, congestion, and service gaps. D. To provide capacity created by economic and/or social factors, e.g., population growth, congestion, and service gaps. Problem Statement Throughout California, rural areas are experiencing an increased population of elderly residents, economically disadvantaged, and disabled who rely on rural intercity bus service. According to the 2000 Census Bureau reports, of the total state population, there are now 5,018,189 rural residents, an increase of about 35 percent since 1990. Among those residents, 14 percent are over the age of 65. Rural entities face daunting challenges to provide transit and paratransit service to rural customers sparsely distributed over long distances. The oftenharsh climates can make travel difficult. Unfortunately, for some rural residents, transit service is their sole method of transportation, thus, accessible regional and rural intercity bus service is difficult to develop and sustain over time. Therefore, rural area service operators potentially face more challenges than their counterparts in urbanized areas. These challenges are due to low demand, farebox recovery requirements, and limited fiscal resources for operating and maintaining the system. Accessible regional and rural intercity bus service is difficult to develop and sustain over time. The State has not conducted a rural intercity bus study since the last one, entitled California State Intercity Plan, Update (March 30, 1984). Study Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide Caltrans, DMT with an objective evaluation of the rural intercity bus network that currently exists, and offer an in-depth analysis, findings and recommendations on how to meet future rural intercity bus needs. This study will promote partnerships to encourage cross-jurisdictional coordination (including bordering state boundaries) to ensure efficient and effective connectivity for a sustainable rural intercity bus transportation network. Caltrans California s geographic and demographic structure differs largely, thus making infrastructure planning... [16] developing a comprehensive... [17] (i.e. ) ts [ ] (i.e. ) (i.e. ) the O the 2000 Census reports % e % R additional an S n the California Department... [18] of ) Division of Mass... [19] ) in the future a S coordination 7:12 PM 4

Background Agreement Number 64A0166 Page 5 of 12 As noted in the most recent draft of the California Transportation Plan [2025], Intercity bus transportation is an important part of the California s overall surface transportation network and holds particular importance to smaller communities and rural areas. It provides a critical service for smaller communities in which air or passenger rail is not readily available, and even when these options are available, rural intercity buses may be more affordable. Since the 1980s, national carriers have abandoned many of the rural intercity bus routes, severely reducing rural mobility. Notably, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 recognized that persons with disabilities have the same rights as other citizens to access services and facilities that are available to the general public. The goal of the ADA program is to ensure that all Americans have reasonable access to transit to meet basic mobility needs. Congress also recognized that many practical problems had to be solved in reaching the goal of equal accessibility in transit. Meeting this mandate in rural areas of California is indeed challenging. Nearly 80 percent of California s land mass (175,000 square miles) is rural, comprising 156,000 square miles. Among the 58 counties, 55 have substantial rural areas and 29 are considered totally rural. These counties range in size from the smallest to the largest: Amador at 601 square miles and San Bernardino at 20,164 square miles. California s rural population is growing rapidly. Throughout California, rural areas are experiencing an increased population of elderly residents, economically disadvantaged, and disabled who rely on rural intercity bus service. In addition to the FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program, Greyhound Lines, Inc. (Greyhound), has provided rural intercity bus service to numerous communities, including rural areas in California. Greyhound has an extensive service network, making it the largest private interregional bus carrier in California. It operates 22 routes, covering over 2,000 route miles, and reaching many small and medium-size cities. High frequency Greyhound corridors include Los Angeles to San Francisco (one trip every 45-to-60 minutes), Los Angeles to San Diego (one trip every 30-to-45 minutes), and San Francisco to Sacramento (one trip every ninety minutes to two hours). Service frequencies for smaller communities vary, typically from one-to-ten trips daily. In a February 28, 2005 letter, Greyhound informed Caltrans that it is restructuring its bus network, effective April 3, 2005; as such, the company will discontinue service to 64 rural communities that it serves in California. Two of the areas that Greyhound has terminated service routes in prior years are in California s Northeast area and the Eastern Sierras. Greyhound cited low customer demand as a reason for the communities that are being Caltrans Background As noted in the most recent California Transportation Plan, intercity bus transportation is an important part of California s overall surface transportation network and holds particular importance to smaller communities and rural areas. It provides a critical service for smaller communities in which air or passenger rail is not readily available, and, e % mass, ( to ) the ve in California - - d - : to an hour 90 (cited low customer demand... [20] e.g. T d 7:12 PM 5

Page 6 of 12 eliminated from its service in California, but indicated it would be willing to participate in a subsidized transportation option for these communities. Other private operators in California focus primarily on serving recreational travelers and airport users. Routes served by these operators vary in length from approximately 30-to-250 miles, and service frequencies range from one-to-eight trips daily. These operators include, but are not limited to, the following: VIA Adventures: one route between Merced and Yosemite K-T Services: one route between Lake Havasu and Loughlin Mt. Lassen: one route between Red Bluff and Susanville Orange Belt Stages: four routes centered in the San Joaquin Valley Various airport services: seven routes Mt. Lassen Cabin Shuttle: one route between Susanville, Redding and Sacramento The Division of Rail (DOR) administers the Intercity Rail Program. DOR contracts with Amtrak to provide dedicated feeder bus service connections to intercity trains. Amtrak also provides Thruway Buses that serve as train extensions connecting to communities that do not have direct train service. The Thruway Buses transfer Amtrak passengers to and from Amtrak trains and are for Amtrak passengers only. Study Methodology A. Demographics 1. To compile an updated demographic profile of the population in rural regions, including riders and non-riders in need of transit services, by characteristics such as, but not limited to, age, gender, disability, income, availability of car, and trip purposes. 2. Use a matrix to assess the status of existing or potential partnerships between local entities that can improve the coordination of accessible rural to urban transit services for residents in rural counties. B. Technical 1. Conduct a literature review of the applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, that impact the FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program in California. 2. To delineate potential funding sources that currently are available, then develop and tailor such sources to specific (sustainable) strategies to improve and support rural intercity bus services leading to continued funding opportunities and solutions. 3. To identify and categorize potential service gaps (for accessible rural to urban transit services, including connectivity to all types of passenger rail and commercial airports), then develop a prioritized list of these service gaps for use in an implementation plan. C. Conceptual Caltrans that about ( ) Laughlin i r service the in all but a few instances a Amtrak Thruway Buses connect communities to intercity train services. buses, not the general public As extensions to the trains, Amtrak Thruway Buses wait for trains even if they are late and do operate on independent schedules. :, as well as including To assess (using ) and rules 7:12 PM 6

Page 7 of 12 1. Develop an action plan that may include opportunities, strategies, and solutions to meet interregional service through the Caltrans FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program. 2. Develop an implementation plan that may include opportunities, strategies, and solutions to meet interregional service through the Caltrans FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program. Caltrans Program. Program. 7:12 PM 7

Page 8 of 12 Caltrans Scope of Work Task 1: Project Research It is required that this task be completed in its entirety prior to beginning forthcoming tasks. This will ensure that the consultant team has a good knowledge base (background and understanding) of the FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program as it pertains to California. A. Review and document the pertinent regulatory environment in California relative to FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program. B. Review and document the pertinent state and federal regulatory environment relative to rural intercity bus operations and safety. C. Review and document all applicable Regional Transportation Plans (RTPs) and Transit Development Plans (five years), including recently completed (one year) transit surveys, and Short-Range Transit Plans (three years) for rural counties and tribal governments to identify rural intercity bus service and needs. D. Review and document the draft 2025 California Transportation Plan (CTP) goals and strategies for long-term non-urbanized planning strategies. E. Review and document the California Transportation Investment System (CTIS) tool for current and projected interregional transportation projects statewide that may have a potential impact on the rural intercity bus network. F. Review and document the Interregional Transportation Strategic Plan (ITSP) (1998) for all interregional routes, Focus Routes, and High Emphasis Routes. Task 1 Deliverables Project Research Working Paper containing: pertinent regulatory information (or structure) that may have an impact on the Rural Intercity Bus Program from available sources, as indicated in items A and B. current bus services, including goals and objectives from available sources, as indicated in item C. any long-term non-urbanized planning strategies, as presented in item D. any current and/or projected projects listed in CTIS to determine any potential impacts, as indicated in item E. regional maps using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS (Geographic Information System) software for inclusion into the final report with current rural intercity bus routes, making note to all Focus Routes and High Emphasis routes, where applicable (see F). Task 2: Rural Intercity Bus Needs Assessment A. Structure 1. Investigate, identify, and evaluate the existing Amtrak feeder bus network and note impact upon rural to urban transit service. Also note the potential for improved linkage to the rural intercity bus network. - Consultant (team ) foundation the FTA -- ( ), 5 ; 1 3 s G S (in the final draft format) -, a well 7:12 PM 8

Page 9 of 12 2. Analyze the rural intercity bus service connecting to existing commercial service airports, as well as water ports. 3. Evaluate existing common carriers (e.g., Greyhound) and identify the potential for connectivity and linkage to the current rural intercity bus network. Note deficiencies, significant changes and/or trends in route structure and level of service that might suggest future changes. 4. Analyze other rural intercity bus services, e.g., public entity, community, social service, and private ownership, to a. identify type of service, e.g., dial-a-ride, fixed-route, and deviated fixed. b. identify service classification, e.g., lifeline, commuter, feeder, community-tocommunity shuttle, and social service. c. identify cost-out method(s), e.g., cost per mile, cost per hour, cost per passenger mile, cost per passenger hour, and cost per passenger seat. d. In reference to Task 2(A)(4) (conduct public participation outreach sessions to gain input from stakeholders, community, business owners, and public and private partners), the consultant team will survey four locations within the state. These locations should be strategically and geographically selected to offer the maximum results (i.e., Northern, Southern, Central Coast, and Eastern). The Project Manager must approve final selection of the locations. 5. Structure Analysis a. identify and delineate type of trip, trip schedules, and current projects of rural intercity service routes on or near the state highway system that support the interconnectivity, making note of those rural intercity bus services connecting multi-modal transit hubs or facilities. b. compile demographic profile of rural regions, e.g., population, household income, age, disabled, and transit dependency. c. determine and categorize the specific purposes for which residents of rural areas travel to urban areas (demographics of each population versus destination, etc.). d. make recommendations concerning potential connectivity to the existing rural intercity bus network and make note of any current deficiencies. e. categorize the rural regional transportation system based on areas that are served, underserved, and not served at all. Construct an inventory of potential places that should be served by the rural intercity bus network, e.g., hospitals, medical facilities, employment centers, entry points, transit gateways, shopping opportunities, and education centers. f. identify vital gaps in existing rural intercity transportation services, including interstate travel into Arizona, Oregon and Nevada. g. prioritize listing of rural intercity bus service gaps. B. Funding 1. Identify all potential sources of federal, state and local funding that may be accessed to fund statewide deficiencies of accessible rural intercity bus service using an Excel spreadsheet format. 2. Delineate the use of the annual FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program apportionment as a potential source to provide continued funding for existing rural intercity routes, new starts, and capital projects. Caltrans Analyze the rural intercity bus service connecting to existing commercial service airports as well as water ports. Evaluate existing common carriers (i.e. Greyhound) and identify the potential for connectivity and linkage to the current rural intercity bus network, note Analyze other rural intercity bus services (i.e. public entity, community, social service, private ownership) to: a. To identify type of service (i.e. dial-aride, fixed-route, deviated fixed). <#>To identify service classification (i.e. lifeline, commuter, feeder, communityto-community shuttle, social service). <#>To identify cost-out method(s) (i.e. cost per mile, cost per hour, cost per passenger mile, cost per passenger hour, cost per passenger seat). analysis I C ( ) D s. M the Noting the results of items 2(A) (1), (2), (3) and (4) (i.e. ) Using the results from Task 2(A)(1-4) and from Task 3(A) (1), (2), (3) and (4) P as described in Task 2(A)(f) excel 7:12 PM 9

Page 10 of 12 3. Funding analysis: a. delineate and synthesize the funding sources found in both items B(1) and B(2) using an Excel spreadsheet format. b. conduct a cost/benefit analysis and assessment on the possibility of using these funds as a potential (sustainable) source for continued services. c. develop cost estimates to address identified needs. d. identify funding strategies to mitigate identified service gaps for on-going support of proposed rural intercity bus services. Task 2 Deliverables - Rural Intercity Bus Needs Assessment (in FileMaker Pro format) all potential funding sources by category or program. findings of the cost/benefit analysis of the possibility of using these funds as a potential (sustainable) source for continued services. cost estimates to address identified needs. funding strategies for identified service gaps including the use of FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program apportionments. Task 3: On-Site Interviews and Public Participation Outreach Workshops Conduct a series of on-site interviews of selected rural transit providers, followed by a series of public participation outreach workshops to achieve the following: 1. Identify and delineate the type of trip, trip schedules, and current projects of rural intercity service routes on or near the state highway system that support the interconnectivity. 2. Compile demographic profile of rural regions, e.g., population, household income, age, disabled, and transit dependency. 3. Determine and categorize the specific purposes for which residents of rural areas travel to urban areas, i.e., demographics of each population versus destination, etc. 4. Conduct public participation outreach sessions in the same areas as the interviews to gain input from stakeholders, community, business owners, and public and private partners to support findings resulting from Task 2. Task 3 Deliverables - On-site Interviews and Public Participation Outreach Workshops summary of the results of the on-site interviews analysis and the public outreach sessions as a combined factor to reach a conclusion regarding existing, possible, and potential service gaps. conduct an inventory of rural intercity services by corridor. The report should be submitted in an Excel spreadsheet. Summary of funding strategies for use of FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program apportionment submitted in an Excel spreadsheet. Caltrans Delineate the use of the annual 5311(f) apportionment as a potential source to provide continued funding for existing intercity routes, new starts, and capital projects. Funding analysis <#>Delineate and synthesize the funding sources found in both items B (1) and B (2) present using an Excel spreadsheet format. <#>Conduct a cost/benefit analysis, and assessment on the possibility of using these funds as a potential (sustainable) source for continued services. <#>Develop cost estimates to address identified needs. <#>Identify funding strategies to mitigate identified service gaps for on-going support of proposed rural intercity bus services.... [21] s ( ) ( ). ( s. ). ( ) s i p p o w Task 4: Products and... [22] 3. C, as S B. Deliverables... [23] 7:12 PM 10

Page 11 of 12 Task 4: Integration of this Study into Departmental, Local and Regional Planning Practices as an Action Plan A. Develop methodologies and suggest standard policy, to be used by Caltrans, Rural Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs) and other organizations, in cooperation with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and other policy makers, to ensure that future rural intercity bus service needs are adequately addressed. B. Develop policies, goals, objectives, performance measures and strategies for creating a plan to address the identified deficiencies of the rural intercity bus transportation network. C. Provide a strategy for Caltrans FTA Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program, using the annual FTA Section 5311(f) apportionment, to provide continued funding for existing rural intercity routes, new starts, and capital projects. D. Recommend follow-up strategies that DMT should consider ensuring successful integration of these strategies into the application review criteria for planning projects. E. Prepare a submit an Action Plan containing all elements of this Task. Task 5: Findings and Recommendations, Draft Report, Presentation Materials A. Prepare and submit a draft report, including findings and recommendations, from the Action Plan for review by the Contract Manager and the DMT Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program Improvement Committee. This report should be provided in a format that is ADA accessible. The consultant team will also present this using Microsoft PowerPoint at a designated meeting in Sacramento. B. In conjunction with the Draft Report, develop presentation materials, e.g., electronic maps, charts, graphs, and Microsoft PowerPoint, to facilitate consistent analysis of rural intercity bus service within California regions and to/from urban areas. Task 6: Final Report Prepare and submit the Final report entitled: California Statewide Rural Intercity Bus Study. The content of the report shall include, but is not be limited to, the following: A. Executive Summary B. Introduction C. Data Methodology D. Rural Intercity Bus Needs Assessment 1. Demographics. 2. Inventory analysis of prior and existing services. 3. Inventory analysis of opportunities and strategies for partnerships. E. Findings and Recommendations of this Study 1. Evaluation of critical data. 2. Inventory analysis of funding sources and potential sources. 3. Inventory analysis and recommendations of service gaps. F. Action Plan To Improve Rural Intercity Bus Service, Statewide and Interstate Caltrans 5 Practices O ( ( ) take 6 I Committee s are Consultant (team) Microsoft 7 The A. B. Introduction <#>Data Methodology <#>Rural Intercity Bus Needs Assessment <#>Inventory analysis of prior and existing services. <#>Inventory analysis of opportunities, strategies for partnerships. <#>Findings and Recommendations... of [24] of. 7:12 PM 11

Page 12 of 12 G. Integration of this Study into Departmental and Regional Planning Practices H. Appendix I. Support Materials, e.g., CDs to facilitate reproduction, ensuring the interim products and final product are ADA accessible, and provide a text only link for web access Contractor Requirements The selected contractor will conduct a comprehensive study of the statewide rural intercity bus system operating on and adjacent to the existing state highway system, providing transit for a broad spectrum of residents traveling from rural areas to small and large urbanized areas. This effort will result in a final written report with findings and recommendations to mitigate the identified deficiencies of an accessible, statewide rural intercity bus system. The consultant team will be responsible for providing all overhead costs, including, but not limited to, the following: Travel costs, e.g., lodging, meals, and parking. Support costs, defined as related expenses as the provision of cost(s) for use and/or access to office equipment and/or facility. Use of facilities, e.g., rental, etc. Use of equipment, defined as the use of communication equipment. For example, telephones, pagers, laptops/computers, and internet access. Use of staff, e.g., equipment and related expenses. The consultant team shall meet and confer with the Contract Manager and the DMT Section 5311(f) Rural Intercity Bus Program Improvement Committee in Sacramento quarterly during the course of the contract to present the current status of the project. The first meeting should occur approximately half way (six months) into the project. The meeting will occur so that the consultant team can present their draft report using Microsoft PowerPoint, other support materials such as graphs and/or charts as well as provide a copy of the report in a written format using Microsoft Word. The consultant team shall prepare monthly status reports identifying the prior month's tasks activities, current activities, and the following month's activities. The report will include a full disclosure of the financial activities and monies spent to date. The report shall indicate if there are any project issues or challenges that have caused delays in the project schedule and the remedy to resume the project schedule. These reports will be sent to the Contract Manager. The consultant team shall meet and confer with the Contract Manager on the status of the project no less than on a monthly basis, or as deemed necessary, by either conference call and/or e-mail. Caltrans. m (i.e. ( is ).... [25] r Consultant (team ) (i.e. )... [27] Support costs (defined as related expenses as the prevision of cost(s) for use and/or access to the equipment and/or facility).... [26] <#>Use of facilities (i.e. rental, etc.) Use of equipment (defined as the use of communication equipment (i.e. telephones, pages, laptops/computers, Internet access). <#>Use of staff (equipment and related expenses). In reference to Task 2(A)(4) [Conduct public participation outreach sessions to gain input from stakeholders, community, business owners and public and private partners), Consultant (team) will survey four (4) locations within the State. These locations should be strategically and geographically selected to offer the maximum results (i.e. Northern, Southern, Central Coast, Eastern). Project Manager must approve final selection of locations. Consultant (t eam) I Team two times second be so the Consultants (team )... [28] Consultant (team) next... [29] Consultant (team ) quarterly ( ) choice... of [30] 7:12 PM 12

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Page 2: [8] Deleted D74-user 10/7/2005 3:03:00 PM Products and Deliverables Page 2: [8] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 10:02:00 AM 9 Page 2: [9] Deleted D74-user 10/7/2005 3:06:00 PM Integration of this Study into Departmental and Regional Page 2: [10] Deleted kgayle 10/12/2005 12:18:00 PM Page 2: [10] Deleted kgayle 10/12/2005 12:18:00 PM Page 2: [11] Deleted D74-user 10/7/2005 3:06:00 PM Draft Report; Findings and Recommendations of this Study Page 2: [12] Deleted D74-user 10/7/2005 3:06:00 PM Planning Practices as an Action Plan Page 2: [13] Deleted D74-user 10/7/2005 3:07:00 PM Task 7: Final Report 11 Page 2: [13] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 10:04:00 AM Page 2: [13] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 12:44:00 PM 2 Page 2: [14] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 10:05:00 AM Page 2: [14] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 11:37:00 AM 14 Page 2: [14] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 10:05:00 AM Page 2: [15] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 10:49:00 AM Project Tea Page 2: [15] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 10:05:00 AM m Page 2: [15] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 11:37:00 AM 15 Page 4: [16] Deleted D74-user 10/6/2005 8:25:00 AM California s geographic and demographic structure differs largely, thus making infrastructure planning (especially with the local/regional governments) a challenge, and perhaps even complicated. A best business practice for the state (currently underway in most areas) is Page 4: [17] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 3:00:00 PM

developing a comprehensive partnership approach when planning infrastructure investments Page 4: [18] Deleted D74-user 9/29/2005 12:12:00 PM the California Department of Transportation ( Page 4: [19] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 11:05:00 AM Division of Mass Transportation ( Page 5: [20] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 11:18:00 AM (cited low customer demand as a reason) Page 10: [21] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 12:01:00 PM Delineate and synthesize the funding sources found in both items B (1) and B (2) present using an Excel spreadsheet format. Conduct a cost/benefit analysis, and assessment on the possibility of using these funds as a potential (sustainable) source for continued services. Develop cost estimates to address identified needs. Identify funding strategies to mitigate identified service gaps for ongoing support of proposed rural intercity bus services. Products Page 10: [22] Deleted D74-user 10/6/2005 9:07:00 AM Task 4: Products and Deliverables 1. Task 1 Project Research Identify any pertinent regulatory information (or structure) that may have an impact on the Rural Intercity Bus Program from available sources as indicated in item A and B. Identify current bus services (including goals and objectives) from available sources as indicated in item C. Identify any long-term non-urbanized planning strategies as presented in item D. Identify current bus services (including goals and objectives) from available sources as indicated in item C. Identify any long-term non-urbanized planning strategies as presented in item D. Identify any current and/or projected projects listed in CTIS to determine any potential impacts as indicated in item E. 2. Task 2 Rural Intercity Bus Needs Assessment Summarize all potential funding sources by category (or program). Summarize the findings of the cost/benefit on the possibility of using these funds as a potential (sustainable) source for continued services. Develop, then summarize cost estimates to address identified needs. Summarize funding strategies for identified service gaps. Summarize funding strategies for use of 5311(f) apportionment.

Page 10: [23] Deleted D74-user 10/6/2005 9:14:00 AM B. Deliverables Use the various datasets from Tasks 2(A)(1), (2) and (3) then incorporate into a file using Filemakerpro format for internal use by Caltrans Division of Mass Transportation (DMT). Develop presentation materials (e.g., electronic maps, charts, graphs, PowerPoint) to facilitate consistent analysis of rural intercity bus service within California regions and to/from urban areas. Create regional maps using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS (Geographic Information System) software for inclusion in the final report with current intercity bus routes, making note to all Focus Routes and High Emphasis routes, where applicable (as noted from Task 1F). Page 11: [24] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 11:05:00 AM B. Introduction Data Methodology Rural Intercity Bus Needs Assessment Inventory analysis of prior and existing services. Inventory analysis of opportunities, strategies for partnerships. Findings and Recommendations of this Study Page 12: [25] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 11:18:00 AM m Page 12: [25] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 2:47:00 PM (i.e. Page 12: [25] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 11:19:00 AM Page 12: [25] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 11:14:00 AM ( Page 12: [25] Deleted D74-user 9/29/2005 10:25:00 AM is Page 12: [25] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 11:14:00 AM ). Page 12: [26] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 8:44:00 AM Consultant (team ) Page 12: [26] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 8:44:00 AM Page 12: [27] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 2:46:00 PM (i.e.

Page 12: [27] Deleted D74-user 9/28/2005 2:03:00 PM ) Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 12:41:00 PM Use of facilities (i.e. rental, etc.) Use of equipment (defined as the use of communication equipment (i.e. telephones, pages, laptops/computers, Internet access). Use of staff (equipment and related expenses). In reference to Task 2(A)(4) [Conduct public participation outreach sessions to gain input from stakeholders, community, business owners and public and private partners), Consultant (team) will survey four (4) locations within the State. These locations should be strategically and geographically selected to offer the maximum results (i.e. Northern, Southern, Central Coast, Eastern). Project Manager must approve final selection of locations. Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 8:45:00 AM Consultant (t Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 1:10:00 PM eam) I Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 12:52:00 PM Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 12:52:00 PM Team Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 12:54:00 PM two times Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 10/6/2005 11:15:00 AM second Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/29/2005 2:11:00 PM be so Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 8:45:00 AM the Consultants (team ) Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 8:45:00 AM Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 2:16:00 PM Page 12: [28] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 2:16:00 PM Page 12: [29] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 8:46:00 AM Consultant (team) Page 12: [29] Deleted D74-user 9/28/2005 2:24:00 PM next Page 12: [30] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 8:46:00 AM Consultant (team Page 12: [30] Deleted D74-user 9/26/2005 8:46:00 AM

) Page 12: [30] Deleted D74-user 10/6/2005 11:16:00 AM quarterly ( ) Page 12: [30] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 1:11:00 PM Page 12: [30] Deleted D74-user 9/27/2005 1:11:00 PM Page 12: [30] Deleted D74-user 9/28/2005 2:24:00 PM choice Page 12: [30] Deleted D74-user 9/29/2005 10:31:00 AM of