Title
Intergovernmental Agreement with Regional Public Transportation Authority for RideChoice Program Services (Ordinance S-50835)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) for the transition to, and use of, the Valley Metro RideChoice Program for users of Phoenix's Alternative Transportation Programs. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse funds related to this request.
Report
Summary
In addition to bus, light rail, and Dial-a-Ride services, the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department (PTD) provides Alternative Transportation Programs (ATP) for Phoenix senior citizens and residents with disabilities through multiple subsidy programs. ATP allows flexibility for seniors and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-certified individuals to plan taxi-based trips based on their individual needs. ATP services include:
- ADA Cab: Provides ADA-certified individuals the ability to schedule trips at their convenience and to locations of their choice.
- Senior Cab: Provides individuals 65 and older flexible transportation at their convenience and to locations of their choice.
- Jobs and Employment Transportation: Supports travel to and from jobs or employment training programs for residents with disabilities.
- Repetitive Medical Trips: Supports travel to and from repetitive medical appointments, such as dialysis treatment.
In 2023, PTD issued a Request for Proposals for ATP services and received no bids. As a result, PTD negotiated with the incumbent contractor, MV Transportation, and received City Council approval to extend ATP services through June 30, 2024. During this one-year extension, PTD staff has been working to seamlessly transition the approximately 600 users of Phoenix's ATP services to the similar Valley Metro RideChoice Program.
Effective July 1, 2024, RideChoice will serve eligible participants’ transportation needs, making it easy to access a larger network of rideshare transportation providers, including Uber, Lyft, local taxicabs, and other wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Like ATP, RideChoice will offer continued flexibility to eligible Phoenix residents to plan trips based on their unique schedules.
RideChoice provides alternative travel options for ADA-certified individuals and seniors 65 years and older. Program features include on-demand travel, no requirements to book ahead, and no need for shared rides. RideChoice currently costs riders $3 for each one-way trip up to eight miles, with additional miles costing $2 each. Wheelchair-accessible services are also available, at no additional charge.
Phoenix Dial-a-Ride service is a separate program, and is not affected by this transition.
Contract Term
The IGA term will be effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2034, with one option to extend the term an additional 10 years, if an extension is in the City’s best interest.
Financial Impact
The estimated cost for the first year of the program is $956,000. This request is for a funding amount not to exceed $12 million for the agreement's ten-year term. Like current ATP services, the program will be funded with T2050 and federal grant funds.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Public Transit Department.