HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2301-08781.Study Session on Palo Alto Link, the City’s New On-Demand Transit Service
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CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
From: City Manager
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: Transportation
Meeting Date: February 6, 2023
TITLE
Study Session on Palo Alto Link, the City’s New On-Demand Transit Service.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council receive a Study Session regarding the launch of the
City’s On-Demand Transit Service Palo Alto Link (PAL).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This study session item provides a forum for questions and feedback, and an opportunity to
increase awareness of our new on-demand transit service Palo Alto Link (PAL). The City selected
vendor Nomad Transit, LLC, aka” Via”, to operate the service beginning on March 7, 2023, with
a designated $2,500,000 in Measure B and local funding, for a term of 18 months. PAL will serve
riders Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Unlike standard fixed route shuttle
services, PAL will provide same-day mobile and phone booking and serve most of the City,
deploying both hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), with the intention to eventually transition
fully to EV. PAL will connect passengers with destinations and transit for the single ride price of
$3.50 and a discounted price of $1 for disabled, low-income, and youth. Weekly and monthly
passes catering to commuters will also be available.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
PAL will provide on-demand service Monday – Friday for a 10-hour service span 8:00am-
6:00pm. The service will operate within most of the City, with exceptions only to the east and
west ends that house large open spaces and conservation lands. PAL will utilize nine (9) vehicles
(7 active and 2 in reserve) with two (2) active wheelchair-accessible vehicles and one (1) in
reserve. Two (2) electric vehicles (EVs) and four (4) hybrid van vehicles will be configured to
carry passengers and will also have bike racks.
In contrast to the two fixed routes served by prior Palo Alto Shuttle services, the on-demand
service will provide flexible routes and flexible-schedule transit service within most of the City.
Pick-up and drop-off locations will be virtually positioned within an acceptable walking distance
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with the help of a web application. Door-to-door service will also be available for riders who
may require extra assistance. The service will help address first-/last-mile challenges in Palo
Alto and provide a convenient and affordable transportation option for residents, employees,
and vulnerable/transit-dependent populations.
The most significant purpose of the project is to assist in post-pandemic recovery, including
restoring mobility to vulnerable/transit-dependent populations. Additionally, the service model
aims to support employees transitioning back into their office spaces through coordinating
connections with the Caltrain peak hour schedule. Finally, the City is seeking to partner with
Stanford Research Park, and others, to provide supportive services to local businesses and
organizations.
Effective July 1, 2020, Palo Alto Free Shuttle services (both the Embarcadero and Crosstown
shuttle) were discontinued due to citywide financial reductions. The two shuttles served
numerous vulnerable and transit-dependent populations including seniors and students, an
estimated 550 riders per day or 140,000 riders per year.
The 2016 Measure B Program office released the Innovative Transit Service Models Competitive
Grant call-for-projects on October 5, 2020, making available $6.0 million for distribution. The
City of Palo Alto applied for a grant on December 3, 2020, to implement an On-Demand Transit
Service. The on-demand transit service grant application submitted was in alignment with the
August 14, 2017 Palo Alto City Council motion to approve the Palo Alto Transit Vision Plan while
directing staff to incorporate flex transit models and seek Measure B funds (link to motion). The
VTA Board of Directors adopted the 2016 Measure B Transit Operations Program Category
Guidelines at their October 5, 2017 meeting.
While funding is secured for 18 months of service, City and Via staff hope to continue the
service and will be seeking out additional grant funds and partnership funding opportunities.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
This item is a study session item only and does not have a financial impact. The City Council
approved the contract for this service with CMR #14959.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Provision of on-demand transit service supports the City’s Sustainability and Climate Action
Plan goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is supported by the following
Comprehensive Plan policies and programs:
Policy T-1.1: Take a comprehensive approach to reducing single-occupant vehicle
trips by involving those who live, work and shop in Palo Alto in developing
strategies that make it easier and more convenient not to drive...
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Policy T-1.6: Encourage innovation and expanded transit access to regional
destinations, multi-modal transit stations, employment centers and commercial
centers, including those within Palo Alto through the use of efficient public and/or
private transit options such as rideshare services, on-demand local shuttles and
other first/last mile connections.
Program T1.6.1: Collaborate with transit providers, including Caltrain, bus
operators and rideshare companies, to develop first/last mile connection strategies
that boost the use of transit and shuttle service for local errands and commuting...
Policy T-1.13: Encourage services that complement and enhance the
transportation options available to help Palo Alto residents and employees make
first/last mile connections and travel within the city for daily needs without using a
single-occupancy vehicle, including shuttle, taxi and ridesharing services.
Program T1.13.1: Investigate a pilot program to subsidize a taxi, rideshare or
transit program for Palo Altans to get to/from downtown, including offering
education and incentives to encourage users.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Public engagement began in early 2023 to alert the community to the upcoming availability of
the new service in March. Stakeholders who will be targeted for notification of the service
include Caltrain riders, commuters to Palo Alto, service providers targeting older adults, senior
living communities, youth service providers, neighborhood groups, etc. Community
engagement and marketing activities may include tabling at community events and destinations
(Farmer’s Market, Caltrain stations, grocery stores) and social media campaigns (NextDoor,
Facebook, Uplift Local, local newspapers, City blog posts, etc.).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This program is not considered a project under CEQA because it has no potential for resulting in
either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect change in the environment. If the program is
found to be a project under CEQA, the program is exempt from environmental review pursuant
to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) in that the activity is covered by the general rule that
CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment. The program, which proposes no physical changes and would support transit
ridership, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, would have no or only a de minimis
impact on the environment.
APPROVED BY:
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Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official
Report #: 2301-0787