Meeting_Body
LA SAFE BOARD MEETING
JUNE 24, 2021
Subject
SUBJECT: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND INLAND EMPIRE 511 AGREEMENT
Action
ACTION: AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute an Agreement with Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), upon and after their respective authorizations, to enable LA SAFE to integrate the Inland Empire 511 system (IE 511) into Southern California 511 (SoCal 511) and provide traveler information services for their counties, for which RCTC and SBCTA will provide funding in the amount of $1,308,885 inclusive of integration and four (4) years of operating costs.
Issue
ISSUE
RCTC and SBCTA approached LA SAFE regarding the opportunity to merge and incorporate IE 511 into SoCal 511. In support of this opportunity, staff from the agencies drafted an Agreement which is with RCTC and SBCTA for their respective authorization and execution. LA SAFE is requesting authorization to execute the Agreement once fully signed by RCTC and SBCTA.
Background
BACKGROUND
In 2010, LA SAFE launched SoCal 511 in coordination with Caltrans, CHP, Metro, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC). SoCal 511 is a free traveler information service that provides traffic, transit, rideshare and other traveler information via an automated phone service, website, mobile app and twitter. SoCal 511 also supports motorist aid in Los Angeles and Orange counties by allowing motorist to call 5-1-1 and connecting them to the call box call centers to request assistance.
Concurrently, RCTC and SBCTA, San Bernardino Associated Governments at the time, initiated action to launch IE 511. Both systems have been in parallel operation and provide similar services; however, IE 511 provides information only through the automated phone and website services.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
In 2019, RCTC and SBCTA approached LA SAFE to gauge interest in the possibility of integrating IE 511 into SoCal 511. Staff initiated exploratory discussions to understand the scope and full impact of this proposal. Upon completion of technical discussions and reviews, staff developed a scope defining the services to be integrated. Development of the final Agreement, with associated responsibilities and cost/funding parameters was initiated in mid-FY 21.
All parties agree that the integration of IE 511 would be beneficial not only to LA SAFE, RCTC and SBCTA, but also to the public. Creating a single regional 511 system will create efficiencies and provide regional consistency. Both IE 511 and SoCal 511 provide services to many of the same customers who in many instances traverse between Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The integration of IE 511 into SoCal 511 will streamline the service provided to these customers.
Per the Agreement, LA SAFE shall remain responsible for the overall administration, development and operation of SoCal 511. RCTC and SBCTA shall jointly provide $104,000 to cover one-time integration costs along with an annual service fee totaling $1,204,885 over a four-year operating period. The integration cost is based on discussion and estimates from current SoCal 511 contractors with the annual operating cost derived from a population-based allocation assessed on current SoCal 511 contracted operating costs. All parties agree to review the operating costs after the initial two years and adjust the costs as warranted.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Approval of this Agreement will have no negative safety impact. There may be improved safety impacts as new regional incident and safety information is made available.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $1.2 million for operations and $975,000 for improvements in support of SoCal 511 is included in the FY22 budget for cost center 3351. There are no additional or new budgetary requirements for LA SAFE to implement this action. Upon approval of this action and execution of the Agreement, LA SAFE will use existing budgeted funds to implement the integration. Costs associated with the integration and on-going operations will be recovered through a reimbursement from RCTC and SBCTA for SoCal 511 services provided pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.
Impact to Budget
There is no impact to the budget. SoCal 511 is funded from dedicated LA SAFE revenues, generated from an annual $1.00 vehicle registration surcharge assessed to each vehicle registered within Los Angeles County. These funds are not eligible for bus and rail operating and capital expenditures.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board could decide not to approve the execution of this Agreement. This alternative is not recommended. Proceeding with the integration will enable all travelers throughout the greater Los Angeles region to receive consistent, streamlined and improved service.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval, staff will inform RCTC and SBCTA of LA SAFE’s authorization to enter into this Agreement, will sign the Agreement upon successful execution by RCTC and SBCTA and begin action to incorporate IE 511 into SoCal 511. Staff will also initiate discussions with OCTA to update their Agreement to be more in alignment with this Agreement.
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Iain Fairweather, Sr. Manager Highway Operations, (213) 418-3377
Kenneth Coleman, DEO Highway Operations/Congestion Reduction, (213) 922-2951
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Shahrzad Amiri, Executive Officer, (213) 922-3061
