Meeting_Body
LA SAFE BOARD MEETING
MAY 22, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: LA SAFE FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
Action
ACTION: ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
ADOPT the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (FY26) budget in the amount of $8,541,032 for the operation and administration of the Los Angeles County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (LA SAFE). This budget amount includes the annual funding allocation for the agreement with the Public Transportation Services Corporation (PTSC) for direct labor and support services in the amount of $2,314,218.
Issue
ISSUE
LA SAFE was created in 1988, pursuant to California Streets and Highway Code Section 2550 et. Seq. LA SAFE receives dedicated funding from a vehicle registration surcharge on each vehicle within Los Angeles County. The funds generated from the vehicle registration surcharge are used to provide motorist aid services to the motoring public in Los Angeles County. To fulfill its mission, LA SAFE needs an annual budget and requires administrative support services, which are provided via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the PTSC. A summary of the proposed FY26 budget is provided in Attachment A.
Background
BACKGROUND
Since its creation in 1988, LA SAFE has been providing motorist aid services in Los Angeles County, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Kenneth Hahn Call Box System and the Southern California 511 Traveler Information system. During Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (FY25), LA SAFE continued to fund, develop, implement, and operate a variety of activities. These activities included:
• Operation and maintenance of the Kenneth Hahn Call Box System
• Operation and maintenance of Southern California 511 Traveler Information System (SoCal 511) within the five-county region (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties)
• Management of the interagency agreements with the five County partners for the operations and maintenance of SoCal 511, enabling additional cost-sharing and collaborative opportunities. In FY25, these agreements, as well as an agreement with Access Services, resulted in approximately $745,000 of cost-sharing revenues for the operation of SoCal 511.
• Improvement of the SoCal 511 website and the operational/data systems to support the improvements.
• Coordination with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and California Highway Patrol (CHP), and other regional partners on the operation and development of LA SAFE services.
• Collaboration with Metro on the funding, use, and development of the Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (RIITS) to support LA SAFE data needs.
• Coordination with CHP and Caltrans for the ongoing operation of the SoCal 511 Traveler Information Center (TIC), co-located within the Los Angeles Regional Traffic Management Center (LARTMC). The operation of the TIC enables SoCal 511 to better support and coordinate with our partners during major events that can impact travel within the region. This coordination leads to more timely and accurate information for the public. Events include fires (Palisades and Eton), Presidential visits, inclement weather conditions, parades, major construction, and other traffic-impacting events.
• Continuation of the SoCal 511 marketing campaign to promote public awareness and the use of SoCal 511 traveler information services
Discussion
DISCUSSION
For FY25, LA SAFE programs continue to be of value to both motorists and transit users. The Kenneth Hahn Call Box system continues to be a lifeline service to stranded motorists, supporting 2,500 calls for assistance in calendar year 2024, which was the same level as the previous year. SoCal 511 continues to provide a variety of traveler information across its various platforms. By the end of February 2025, the usage across the web, phone, and mobile application platforms was about 700,000, which is a 29% increase from FY24 for the same period. The usage is projected to exceed one million by the end of FY25. SoCal 511 information posts have made over five million impressions, a 14% increase from FY24, on social media platforms. SoCal 511 continues to be a vital source of traveler information during unplanned major events such as the recent fires (Palisades, Eton, and others) in Los Angeles County. During these fires, SoCal 511 activated its traveler information emergency operations center, which operated 24/7, disseminating critical real-time information including transit status, road closures, evacuation routes, and emergency shelters, etc. The usage, especially the website and mobile application, during the height of the fires (January 7th to January 22nd) increased by about 250% over the same period last year. The FY25 SoCal 511 marketing campaign continues to aim at increasing general awareness of the program. By the end of FY25, the marketing media, including radio, billboards, search engines, and social media, are projected to drive over one million clicks to the website, 9,000 calls, and 29,000 app downloads. The marketing tactics are projected to make over two hundred million impressions, increasing the general awareness of SoCal 511 services. These results are significantly higher than the results from the previous year’s efforts - almost 700% in clicks, 28% in calls, and 38% in app downloads.
For FY26, LA SAFE will be working on the following projects and activities:
• Continuing operation of the Kenneth Hahn Call Box System
• Continuing operation of the SoCal 511 Traveler Information System
• Investigation, development, and deployment of improvements, new features, and services for SoCal 511 and the Kenneth Hahn Call Box System
• Enhancements to existing platforms to better support planned and unplanned events across all platforms, such as natural/weather events, destination or point-of-interest based traveler information, and upcoming major regional events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Implementing SoCal 511 mobile app enhancements and improvements
• Continuation of SoCal 511 marketing awareness and customer education efforts
• Development of a SoCal 511 market analysis and customer experience study, inclusive of focus groups and surveys
• Continued collaboration and coordination with SoCal 511 partners and stakeholders
• Continued collaboration with Metro on the development and operation of RIITS to improve the quality and availability of real-time data and services to support SoCal 511
The FY26 budget of $8.5 million represents an increase of approximately $682,467 or 8.7% compared to the Board-approved FY25 budget and is generally allocated into three categories.
The Administration category covers the general administrative costs for LA SAFE and includes the budget for office and computer supplies, insurance, training, travel/conference fees, and other general administrative support. This category is proposed to decrease by $55,186 or 15% for FY26. The decrease is due to a reduction in on-call support costs.
The Direct Labor category covers the costs for obtaining staff and associated administrative services from PTSC. This category includes the costs for direct labor, as-needed support, allocated overhead, fringe, and other labor-related costs and is proposed to increase by $620,653 or 37% compared to the FY25 Board-approved budget and is comprised of increases to the following sub-elements:
Full Time Equivalent Salary $122,033
Fringe Benefits $118,875
Overhead $154,014
Workers Comp $ 731
Subtotal Non-Controllable $395,653
As-Needed Labor $225,000
Total Increase $620,653
The non-controllable budget, which represents 64% of the increase, is determined by PTSC and includes the Full-Time Equivalent and associated costs determined by the PTSC labor allocation cost model. Approximately $260,000 or 42% of the increase is due to an additional 1.1 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) being charged to LA SAFE, of which 0.8 will be reallocated back to PTSC, which will result in a decrease of approximately $190,000 in Direct Labor costs.
The remaining 0.3 FTE increase is associated with an allocation of shared PTSC administrative support to assist with procurements, project and financial tracking and other activities necessary for upcoming major events. The remaining Direct Labor increase is associated with the as-needed budget, which will be used to retain the current temporary positions as well as secure additional professional as-needed staff to support the LA SAFE marketing and outreach, technical development and procurement activities needed to support the existing program and prepare for upcoming major events. LA SAFE is currently working on a number of items with Metro, Caltrans, and other local partners including improvements to real-time transit data, implementation, and support of Integrated Corridor Management, development of destination/venue-based traveler information, etc. The use of temporary staff to support and manage these efforts will ensure the ability to continue effectively managing existing services as well as develop and implement customer-focused improvements in a more cost-efficient manner. Additional resources may be requested in the future due to the nature and scope of the improvements and changes. All costs are calculated by PTSC and are consistent with Metro costs and budget. Additionally, all FTEs are consistent with and included in Metro's FY26 budget.
The Programs & Services category provides the funding to administer, operate, maintain, improve, and develop the motorist aid services provided or supported by LA SAFE. This includes funding to support the continuing operation of existing services - the Kenneth Hahn Call Box System, fixed and mobile services, and SoCal 511. Funds also support the development of improvements and the development of new motorist services and projects. The funding allocation for this category will increase by $117,000 or 2%.
Funding for the Kenneth Hahn Call Box System includes an increase of $132,000 to allow for CPI increases, however, the program is projected to remain stable, with some slight variability due to in-field construction impacts.
Funding for SoCal 511, the Traveler Information System subcategory, is increasing by $20,000. The funding includes the continued operations of SoCal 511 and traveler information development.
Funding for Motorist Services Improvements is slightly decreasing by $35,000; this decrease is due to the realization of costs expended during FY25 that will not be needed in FY26. The funding will support: 1) the review and implementation of SoCal 511 improvements; 2) new and/or improved data sources such as freeway cameras and updated real-time transit data through general transit feed specifications-real time (GTFS-RT); 3) market and customer experience research; 4) improved coordination with CHP to efficiently handle call box and 511 motorist aid calls; and other items that may be identified during the fiscal year. The FY26 budget includes funding to continue public awareness and customer education regarding SoCal 511 platforms and their benefits. SoCal 511 phone, website, mobile app, and social media usage is projected to reach over 1,000,000 uses by the end of FY25. The mobile app has demonstrated growth, reaching over 43,000 downloads since the launch of the updated app in August 2023. SoCal 511 services have also demonstrated an increased utility during major travel-impacting events such as the major fires and rainstorms in January 2025. The FY26 budget will allow staff to continue and expand the marketing campaign, obtain new data, and continue with SoCal 511 improvements and applications. Staff will also continue increasing engagement with partner agencies, community-based organizations, and stakeholders to secure in-kind support for SoCal 511 through their channels (e.g., websites, mobile app links, timetables, and other related materials).
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The budget is used to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the Kenneth Hahn Call Box System and SoCal 511 traveler information system. Both systems support motorists by providing a service from which motorists can request assistance and obtain transportation-related information, improving the overall safety and reliability of the transportation network.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $8,541,032 has been included in the FY26 proposed budget in project 300209 and allocated to cost centers 2221 (Shared Mobility Executive Office), 3351 (SAFE), 4740 (Intelligent Transportation Systems), and 7140 (Marketing). The Five-Year Financial Forecast (Attachment B) demonstrates the financial capacity of LA SAFE to use its existing fund balance and projected revenue to fully fund the proposed FY26 budget.
Impact to Budget
The source of funds for this action is locally generated DMV fees dedicated to LA SAFE. These funds are not eligible for bus and rail operating or capital expenditures.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
LA SAFE programs assist all people in Los Angeles County, including residents and visitors. There are key features that ensure awareness and access to services provided by LA SAFE for disadvantaged populations, including limited-English proficiency and/or low-income communities within Los Angeles County. For example, SoCal 511 provides free traffic and transit information within a five-county region enabling users to make efficient local and regional transportation choices, and to support them when they need motorist assistance. Currently, this service is offered in Spanish and English via an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system (also known as a phone system), and our web platform is translated into eight languages. The mobile app is also available in English and Spanish. In FY26, SoCal 511 continues to require marketing efforts for billboard advertisements and vehicle wraps to be located in Equity Focus Communities (EFCs). Over 80% of about 100 SoCal 511 digital billboards and wrapped vehicles will be located in EFCs throughout Los Angeles County. Additionally, English and Spanish radio advertisements will continue to be aired in FY26. These radio stations reach listeners in the Los Angeles County metropolitan region and the Inland Empire. In order to ensure that SoCal is meeting customers’ traveler information needs, LA SAFE is planning to conduct an evaluation that will include customer surveys to obtain data, including demographics, from current and potential user groups. Call boxes continue to be a resource for motorists who may not have or be able to use a mobile phone, and call box locations are accessible for mobility-impaired users. The call boxes themselves support communication through RTT / TTY / TDD for all customers who may be hearing impaired, deaf, and/or speech impaired. Further, operators fluent in Spanish are available to support Spanish-speaking callers, and over 200 other languages are supported through contracted translation services. This ensures that the call boxes can continue to be effective and accessible for people with limited English Proficiency in communities within Los Angeles County.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled_Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT. LA SAFE, as a separate legal authority, acknowledges Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reductions and, as such, seeks to take action in support of VMT reductions.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through operational and customer experience activities that will benefit and further encourage transit ridership, ridesharing, and active transportation. Pursuant to California Streets and Highway Code Section 2550 et. Seq., LA SAFE provides motorist aid services, including the Los Angeles County Kenneth Hahn Call Box System to the motoring public and SoCal 511 traveler information services to the traveling public in Los Angeles County, thus equipping travelers and transit users with essential up-to-date information.
In addition to the Call Box services for drivers, and importantly for VMT analysis, SoCal 511 provides traffic and transit information, including bus/rail schedule and real-time arrival information for the majority of transit operators within the five-county Southern California region. SoCal 511 also provides regional rideshare (carpool and vanpool), park-n-ride, and bike share information. One of the goals of SoCal 511 is to provide information to enable a shift/change of route (time and/or travel path) and mode. In calendar year 2025, the breakdown of SoCal 511 utilization (engaged uses) was 60% transit, rideshare, bike share, and 40% traffic. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Recommendation supports strategic plan goals #1 and #2 as outlined below:
1. Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling; and
2. Deliver outstanding trip experiences for all users of the transportation system.
LA SAFE programs consist of motorist aid and traveler information services to all travelers and commuters within the Southern California region. The motorist aid, provided through the Kenneth Hahn Call Box System, helps callers with motorist assistance and/or connects the callers with the appropriate roadside help. The SoCal 511 traveler information system provides transportation information such as bus and rail scheduled and real-time arrival times, traffic conditions, rideshare and bike share resources, and a trip planning service through multiple dissemination platforms. These services provide comprehensive transportation network information and transportation options that enable people in Metro’s region and the neighboring counties to make informed travel decisions, potentially enhancing their customer experience.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board may elect not to adopt the proposed budget. This alternative is not recommended as it would result in the discontinuation of LA SAFE operations and its programs. Without the budget, LA SAFE will be unable to administer its programs and fulfill its statutory motorist aid mission.
The Board could choose to make a modification, either a decrease or an increase, to the proposed budget. This alternative is not recommended since the proposed budget was developed to ensure that LA SAFE is sufficiently funded for FY26. The proposed budget ensures LA SAFE’s ability to properly fulfill its mission and comply with all existing legal and statutory requirements and is consistent with Metro’s proposed FY26 budget.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval of the proposed FY26 budget, staff will begin implementation of FY26 projects and efforts. Staff will monitor the budget and projects to ensure LA SAFE meets all its requirements in a fiscally responsible manner.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Summary
Attachment B - Five-Year Financial Forecast
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Linda Hui, Sr. Manager, Transportation Planning, LA SAFE
(213) 922-2117
Kenneth Coleman, Executive Officer, Shared Mobility, (213) 922-2951
Shahrzad Amiri, Deputy Chief Officer of Operations, Shared Mobility, (213) 922-3061
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer
(213) 418-3034
