ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2016 SIOUX CITY TRANSIT SYSTEM FISCAL YEAR 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: JULY 1, 2015 TO JUNE 30, 2016 Ridership Statistics Total passenger rides for the period ending June 30, 2016 decreased to 1,128,535, or a 6% drop. The decrease was spread across all services. Paratransit ridership fell to 17,127 passenger rides, a decline of 11.8%. The State of Iowa Medicaid Waiver continues to impact the eligibility of many individuals. The change in eligibility and payment source for non-emergency medical appointments assigns who the carrier must be. Para transit expense decreased by 10% to $499,276. The contract for para transit services must be re-bid by June 2017. The current contract with SRTS calls for a cost per ride of $23.80. Operating Revenues Total operating revenues were down approximately $38,200 compared to the previous fiscal year. The para transit operation is again involved for the negative change, along with an overall decrease in fares. Total overall revenue in FY 2016 rose 9.5% to $4,488,468, an increase of $391,216. Transit revenue elements include federal grants, state grants, local transit real estate tax, fares, commercial office rents, and parking ramp fees. The increased total revenue was from state & federal operating grants plus a greater local transit tax levy. Projects Completed The Sioux City Community School District contract was renewed for the 2016 2017 school year to include eight (8) basic school tripper routes and additional Bryant School shuttle services. Approximately 188,000 student rides were given last academic year. The 2017 contract amount is $313,757.98. The New Freedom Nights & Weekend program received a boost with renewed marketing and fund raising success. The number of rides given almost doubled again, from 263 to 470 rides. A grant proposal for carryover New
Freedom Grant funding was submitted which will extend the balance of funding. Convergys Marketing (formerly Stream Global Services) #6 Airport route diversion in Sergeant Bluff continued through FY 2016. There were 600 fewer riders than a year ago. A grant proposal for carryover JARC funding has been submitted to maintain the current financial support by the City of Sgt. Bluff & Convergys.
A FY2014-15 IDOT/OPT Public Transit Infrastructure Grant was awarded to SCTS for $110,800 for bus shelter maintenance, repairs, and rehabilitation; plus two new bus shelters for the WITCC campus stops. The project has completed installation of two new shelters, and most of the existing shelters have been refurbished with new panes and frame parts as needed. The balance of the project will be concrete improvements for safe access. Intercity Bus Grant: All work elements (window blinds and replacement carpet) are installed and the project is completed. A new three-year collective bargaining agreement was concluded with the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 779. Fixing America s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) Legislation The FAST Act, effective October 1, 2015, funds public transit programs for a five-year period through FY 2020. Steady predictable funding levels will enable SCTS to plan and budget for current and expanded programs as needed. The federal operating grant should increase throughout the period. More capital funding for vehicles will be made available through Section 5339(b). The FAST Act changed funding used for Section 5310 funds that are ear-marked for elderly and disabled individuals. SCTS will now shift this allocation that is received from Iowa DOT Office of Public Transit to an annual van replacement, and to support Saturday para transit services in Nebraska. Vehicle Replacement The loss of capital debilitates a public transit agency s ability to maintain or to expand service levels. Maintenance expense increases in direct proportion to older, worn out equipment. SCTS obtained funding to replace four heavy duty buses for fixed routes, and funding for five light duty vans, 176 wheelbase. One para transit vehicle will be replaced with Nebraska Section 5339 funding from FY 2013.
Expenditures Actual FY 2016 FY16 Expenditures $4.25M Total 6% 6% 1% 1% 0% 23% 50% 13% Employee Comp Repairs & Maint Insurance Utilities Contract Services Fuel Supplies Other
Funding Sources Actual FY 2016 10% FY16 Funding Sources $4.25M Total 19% 29% 35% Passenger Fares/Contracts Rentals & Leases Reimbursements State Op Grants 1% 1% Parking Revenues Fuel Sales Federal Op Grants City Investment 4% 1%
Challenges & Goals The greatest challenge is access to federal grant capital for bus replacement. Implementing performance measures that matter are critical to ensure accurate analysis of decision making. Examples include tracking the number and type of passengers, on- time route completions, the cost per mile of revenue operations, and the overall operating cost per passenger. FY2016 TRANSIT SYSTEM GOALS: To provide safe high quality service and return on investment to the taxpayer. Services A public transit system is a commitment to support mobility and economic opportunity for the entire community, but especially for low-income households. It allows workers optional access to jobs when a car might be out of reach. It provides continued independence, a richer quality of life, and a connection for older residents to family, friends, and to community services. Mobility Public Transit access to mobility helps Iowans to achieve their desired quality of life. Opportunities Public Transit offers alternative transportation to get to work & school, and to contribute to the betterment of their communities. Independence Public Transit allows individuals to maintain an independent lifestyle. FY 2016 Annual Report.docx