Citrus Heights, CA:
Some electronic signs at SacRT Light Rail Stations appear much better lately. They're legible and show the correct time of day and scheduled trains. Please give us a status update as to the condition of these signs, especially since other times you said SacRT was waiting for parts.
Reply: We are in the process of updating the Electronic Message Signs at all of our stations. There was a supply issue during the pandemic, but we started moving forward with updates this summer and expect to be completed by the end of the year. If there is an issue with a sign at a station, please use the Alert SacRT app to check for service disruptions or call SacRT Customer Service at 916-321-2877.
Sacramento, CA:
Will 7th & Capitol ever have power restored? It has been almost an entire year.
Reply: We apologize for the delay on fixing this issue. We have hired an electrical contractor to fix the service. and hope to have the electrical service fixed within the next month.
Rosemont, CA:
When will platform conversion construction begin?
Reply: We have awarded the contract for the platform conversion and are now coordinating with the contractor on the procedures for construction. Actual construction will begin in the spring of next year (2023). As we move forward on this project, more information will be available on our website at sacrt.com/modernization.
Rosemont, CA:
Does RT have any plans to increase bike/ped access to stations during the platform conversion? There are major stations such as College Greens that have horrifically dangerous pedestrian accommodations, and many people resort to jaywalking across Folsom Blvd to access the grocery store and other amenities nearby.
Reply: Under the Light Rail Modernization project, the only improvements that are being made to the stations will be raising the platform boarding area to 8" above the top of the track for the new low-floor light rail trains.
Sacramento County has plans for improvements to Folsom Blvd, from Starfire to Mayhew, although they are not funded at this time.
Arden/Arcade, CA:
Are any service improvements (minor or major) planned for taking effect for January 2023, or is the district in a holding pattern until at least Spring 2023 at the earliest?
Reply: No major service changes are planned for January 2023, although we are making some small route adjustments. We are looking right now at restoring to full service levels in June 2023.
Sacramento, CA:
What is the current timeline for the Watt Ave & Stockton Blvd BRTs? The information available on the RT website is scant and it's difficult to understand what exactly is being worked towards or if there are even any current efforts to actually construct these projects. Any information or transparency surrounding these proposals will help.
Reply: Watt Ave BRT is not being actively planned, however, SacRT is working with the City of Sacramento and Sacramento County on improvements to Stockton Blvd that would probably include bus lanes from approximately Broadway to 21st Ave. More information is available on the City of Sacramento's website at https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Public-Works/Transportation/Planning-Projects/Stockton-Blvd-Corridor-Study.
Rancho Córdova, CA:
I was told that in 2023, regional transit will be doing construction of the passing track to eventually allow for 15-minute frequency to Folsom. My question is this. When construction begins and is ongoing, it would appear to me that bus bridges will be needed between Rancho Cordova and Folsom. How frequent would the bus bridge service be, and would it likely not begin until April or later so as to allow for the majority of the oncoming wet weather to pass through this winter season?
Reply: The actual construction for the side track will start in August 2023. The light rail system will be shut down from Iron Point to Historic Folsom for six months. Once the construction is complete, SacRT will start 15 minute service to Folsom. During the six month shut down, bus bridges will be in place to provide service to Glenn Station and Historic Folsom Station. More information will be available on our website at sacrt.com/modernization as we get closer.
South Sacramento, CA:
What is the latest progress towards fulfilling the operator shortage at Regional Transit, and is Regional Transit doing better at this than some of its peers across the United States?
Reply: We have been actively recruiting for operator positions, we even started in-person hiring events every three months to help people through the online application process. We are hiring without applicants having a CDL and we are helping them study to obtain one, we are offering sign-on hiring and provide excellent benefits. Compared to our peers we are doing similar tactics, but our retention of employees is better overall. We have two more hiring events planned in early December. Applicants can apply anytime online at sacrt.com/careers.
Sacramento, CA:
If Measure A should pass, will RT commit to a concrete and definitive plan to increase bus frequencies along their high ridership routes? You all have been very quiet about the things that would be possible with the money you'd receive
Reply: Thank you for the question. If measure A passes, it is estimated to bring $90 million annually to SacRT. With additional local routes, SacRT intends to add bus frequency and service to better connect the community, among other projects.
Fair Oaks, CA:
I recently saw on the sacrt.com website an article about participating in the region’s unmet transit needs process. How is that going, so far, and have there been any constructive suggestions specifically for Regional Transit service(s)? If so, are there any that have come across your desk that you can share with the folks here in the November edition of “Transit Talk” at all? Thank you.
Reply: The comments for the region's hiring Transit Needs go directly to SACOG and then they will summarize and report to their Board.
