Meeting_Body
FINANCE, BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
October 19, 2022
Subject
SUBJECT: ACCESS SERVICES - QUARTERLY UPDATE
Action
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE status report on Access Services - ADA Paratransit.
Issue
ISSUE
This is a quarterly update on Access Services (Access).
Background
BACKGROUND
Access is the Los Angeles County transit agency that provides paratransit services on behalf of Metro and 45 other fixed route operators, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Eligibility for Access is based on a person's ability to utilize accessible fixed-route buses and trains in Los Angeles County; Access currently has 112,000 registered riders. Access' paratransit service is a next-day, shared-ride, curb-to-curb service with additional assistance available to qualified individuals. The service is operated by six contractors in the following regions: Eastern, Southern, West Central, Northern, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valley. Access provides service to customers traveling between locations within 3/4 of a mile of local bus routes and rail lines. Customers call Access' service providers directly to make trip reservations or can book trips online.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
COVID-19 Service Restoration
As the region emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Access is making progress in addressing operational challenges as outlined below:
* Continuing shortages of qualified drivers and key personnel: Like other transit systems in Los Angeles County and nationwide, Access' contractors are having difficulty hiring and retaining qualified drivers and other key personnel, which affected some Key Performance Indicators in FY22. However, recent funding in the FY23 budget, including wages combined with other efforts, including a social media advertising campaign, has improved driver hiring and retention. Since May, Access' contractors' have added a net of 129 drivers to the system, and four (North...
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