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File Number: 23-506 2022-2023 Activities - Implementation of Dual Interfaced Loop In order to address the anticipated budget deficit, in 2022, the SLTMO worked with a transit consulting firm to evaluate ways to reduce costs of operating the LINKS shuttle. On July 1, 2022, the LINKS shuttle program implemented a Dual Interlaced Loop service in which all buses run along the North Loop and then the South Loop routes, stopping at the San Leandro BART Station where the routes meet. With the Dual Loop service, there is no change to shuttle stops, service area or operating hours. However, the number of buses is reduced from four to two and the headway time between buses is increased from 20 to 30 minutes. This alternative provides the most service under projected funding levels, reduces operational costs by approximately 50% with only a 10-minute decrease in shuttle frequency and allows for expansion of service if new funding is identified. Average daily ridership dropped from 771 in February 2020 to a low of 200 in April 2020 due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, ridership steadily increased, with an average daily ridership in June 2022 of 518 rides or 71% of pre-Covid levels. LINKS ridership rebounded much more quickly during 2020 and 2021 than large transit operators such as AC Transit and BART. The continuance of LINKS ridership during Covid demonstrated that the LINKS Shuttle provides essential transportation to San Leandro businesses, employees, and the community. As anticipated with the reduction in service vehicles and increased headway, with the implementation of the Dual Loop configuration came a reduction in ridership. At the end of FY 2022-2023 ridership was averaging 350 rides per day. This represents a 50% pre-pandemic recovery, a trend consistent with BART’s recovery levels. 2023-2024 Planned Activities Following is a summary of planned activities for FY 2023-2024: Dual Interlaced Loop - The SLTMO Management will continue to monitor and modify the shuttle service as needed to meet riders’ needs. Outreach - The SLTMO Management will increase outreach to employers and employees to promote LINKS ridership now that riders are coming back to public transportation. The LINKS shuttle program has launched an X (formerly known as Twitter) account to increase digital awareness, as well as provide up-to-date service information. In addition to the route map and schedule being available on the NextBus app and website, the information will be available on Google Maps, Apple Maps, and the Transit App. The LINKS shuttle will be listed as a transit option for those using the apps to provide directions and map out their routes. Grants - The SLTMO Management will aggressively seek local, state, and federal grants and other funding opportunities. The Board will continue to work with the City of San Leandro and Alameda County Transportation Commission to secure critical funding. Historically, the City of San Leandro has served as the financial administrator and sponsor for grants, which are typically awarded to transit agencies and cities. 2024 Annual BID Assessment Rate Recommendation In order to ensure that funding for the LINKS shuttle stays current with operating costs, it is recommended that the 2024 BID Assessment rate be adjusted by the applicable Consumer Price Index (CPI). Per the approved Ordinance, the BID Assessment rate per employee may be increased annually by the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Per the Bureau of Labor Page 3 City of San Leandro Printed on 12/21/2023