Sacramento, CA:
How will bike and ride work on the new low floor trains? Are there racks to hang your bike inside the car? Looking forward to riding the new trains in September!
Reply: We are looking forward to the launch of the new low-floor S700 trains in September.
Our legacy fleet has room for 4 bicycles on each car except for the lead LRV which only can carry 2 due to the priority seating area in the front for wheelchair passengers. This gives a 2-car legacy train space for 6 bicycles. The new S700 LRVs have room for 4 bicycles in each car for a total of 8 bicycles in a 2-car train. This increases bicycle capacity by 2. there is room for 2 in the front and 2 in the rear of each car, place your bicycle in the lower level of the rear or front of the vehicle. Placement will be identified by bicycle decals inside the light rail vehicle. Bicyclist are welcome to sit in the priority seating area, however they may be required to move so that a person with a disability can sit there.
Earlier this year, staff hosted representatives from the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates to receive feedback. They suggested against installing bike racks as they would not be used and could potentially damage expensive bikes.
Staff is also working on Bike Link, which offers secure on-demand parking by using an electronic smart bicycle locker. There are multiple ways for users to utilize a bike locker (Phone app, Keypad on the locker or Bike Link tap and go card). With Bike Link lockers there's even an opportunity to charge Ebikes using an Ebike charger that is installed in the locker.
Sacramento, CA:
Does RT have plans to extend nighttime service or increase evening/nighttime service frequency? I'm interested in taking light rail to G1C events, but I'm worried that the trains won't run late enough to get home.
Reply: Thank you for the question and there is no doubt, riding SacRT is the most convenient way to attend events at the Golden 1 Center. For Kings games and any event that is expected to have 10,000 attendees, SacRT operates special event trains to quickly transport attendees. You can find more information about our Light Rail schedule here: https://www.sacrt.com/schedules/ and there is also a page dedicated to events at the G1C here: https://www.sacrt.com/ride-sacrt-to-the-golden-1-center/
Sacramento, CA:
Has the board chair visited Q Street during the day and wondered why there are so many empty cubicles and offices?
Reply: Like many businesses and government offices, Sacramento Regional Transit is operating on a hybrid schedule. Employees who are eligible to telework, determined based on the nature of their job and operational needs, are generally in the office 2-3 days a week and they can work from home on other days. Teleworking is offered to employees to ensure that we remain a competitive employer. Since we have started the program, employees have maintained productivity levels.
Folsom, CA:
Would you estimate that the passing track construction will be completed somewhere around Halloween 2024 and that between November 1st and November 15th that trains service will be operational again at Glenn Station and the Downtown Folsom Station, or do you anticipate a different timeframe than the one I asked about?
Reply: SacRT is making good progress on the passing track in Folsom and we expect to complete the work around mid October. We will need a few days for train testing and then we hope to launch the 15 minute service frequency to Folsom before Halloween.
Sacramento, CA:
What is the status of replacing and repairing the ramp at Sacramento Valley Station for arriving light rail trains? It seems to me that this particular work is taking forever to do.
Reply: SacRT recently issued the notice of intent to award the contract to repair the mini high ramp at Sacramento Valley Station. We are hoping that once the contractor is on board, we can complete the repairs in less than 90 days.
Citrus Heights, CA:
Do you plan on any upcoming free ride days for everybody, in which a flyer is not necessary? A few years back, if I recall correctly, Election Day was a free ride day so as to get folks out to the polls and vote centers in order to freely participate. Thank you.
Reply: We do not have any upcoming free ride days that do not require a flyer. However, as we roll out the new lowfloor trains and complete the passing track in Folsom, we will plan a systemwide free ride day. We will likely provide free rides on election day as well, like we have done before. We will make those dates known on our social media accounts, available at www.sacrt.com.
Sacramento County, CA:
Several light rail stations have ConnectCard readers that are not working as intended. Does Regional Transit intend to repair and/or rplace them, or might it look like ConnectCard will be replaced by another smart card in the near future that would allow for both open loop and closed loop type payments?
Reply: Unfortunately vandalism has been a persistent issue with the Connect Card readers over the years. We encourage passengers to use the Alert SacRT app when they come across damaged equipment This will expedite the replacement process. https://www.sacrt.com/alertsacrt/
As for a fare system upgrade, SacRT has released an RFP that would provide upgrades to the passengers fare payment experience and is considering vendor proposals in the near future.
Sacramento County, CA:
When will the buses be outfitted with the same "tap-to-pay" devices that the trains currently have in them?
Reply: SacRT is excited to add the tap to pay software to our buses. We are anticipating signing a contract in August to allow us to move forward with the installation. As soon as the contract is executed, we will look to expedite the installation.
Rancho Cordova, CA:
I don't seem to understand why ZipPass allows transferring between rail and bus without paying the additional twenty-five cents, but that when ZipPass is not used, then a rider has to pay the transfer fee of twenty-five cents. Is the district looking into its overall fare structure and possibly looking at some changes in 2025? I sure hope this is something being considered, even if changes are not so immediate and need a bit of time to make sure of their validity in the future.
Reply: Electronic fares such as ZipPass and Connect Card allow for more flexibility in terms of fare configuration. Free transfers or timed tickets are an example of these benefits. Electronic fares also provide SacRT with a lower cost of fare collection when compared to cash or paper tickets. Incentivizing these fare systems provides benefits for SacRT and our passengers. The expansion of the Tap to Pay system on our bus fleet will also allow for free transfers for passengers who choose to pay using that system.
Fair Oaks, CA:
While I have been made aware of a comprehensive operational analysis and short range transit plan are forthcoming, are there any potential service changes coming in 2025, following those that are going into effect the 18th of this month, or does 2025 look to be a year without service changes until the work on both the COA and the SRTP are completed and vetted by the board of directors?
Reply: The upcoming Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) and corresponding Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) will occur in 2025. We do not anticipate any route changes in 2025 as we will be refining community input into suggested changes. 2026 is likely to be a year in which services changes may take effect, depending on the outcome of the COA.
Folsom, CA:
Greetings Henry:
I have a couple of questions about light rail service. One of which is about the new S700 low-floor light rail vehicles.
I read that the week of September 1st will be the first week of the customer experience on these brand new trains. Tell me, if I was to run for a train, which I have done on the older fleet, where would I go, once onboard to do a "tap-to-pay" with a VISA or a MasterCard, or where will I be able to go, once onboard to tap a ConnectCard, if that will apply? Having the tap-to-pay available on the older fleet has been a great thing to have when you are in a hurry, and didn't have time to buy fare in the station.
Second question, as it pertains to light rail is... Will September also bring forth a new train tracker app - similar to the bus tracker app? I love the bus tracker app, and have used it often. I just wish something was out there to track a train in real time, similar to the bus. What is the status of this?
Reply: Tap to pay will not be available on the new S700 trains. Tap to pay will soon be expanded to SacRT's bus fleet followed shortly afterwards by modifications to SacRT's light rail system. The tap to pay readers will be installed on station platforms similar to Connect Card. The Connect Card readers will remain in place on the station platforms after the launch of the S700 trains. Customer's will also have the ability to pay for their fare at our Fare Vending Machines using credit/debit cards.
In addition to the options above passengers may also download our Mobile App (ZipPass). ZipPass allows passengers to activate tickets at the time of boarding or even on the train if running to catch a train, although we do recommend you activate your ticket prior to boarding.
Elk Grove , CA:
Regarding the plans for e Tran, 1. When will we get a more detailed and finalized plan, 2. Will merging existing routes be considered (i.e 110 + 68/67/56, 114 + 111) and 3. Will SacRt standardize fares so e Tran and Sacramento services have the same fare? Along with possibly removing transfer fees? Since a lot of riders use cash, this will be a great kindness. Thank you for you and everyone else at SacRt for trying to do the best with limited funding
Reply: SacRT is currently out to bid right now for a consultant to update both our Short Range Transit Plan and our long-range plan. We’ll be looking at routes and fare structure as well. I don’t suspect we’ll have major changes or restructuring to Elk Grove routes, but certainly the different fare structure is something we’ll look at. And in our long-range plan, we’ll likely be looking at Bus Rapid Transit and better ways to traverse the region.
Sacramento , CA:
I couldn’t find it in recent documents, how is SMART ride funding going? Also has merging it with SacRtGo been considered? Thanks.
Reply: SmaRT ride is currently being funded by a mix of Measure A, LCTOP, and local funding sources. Many of these funding sources are of limited term, and as such, the SmaRT Ride program is considered a "Pilot." We may consider merging SmaRT Ride and SacRT Go in the future, but at this time, we are focused on providing excellent service with these programs in their current state.
Rancho Cordova, CA:
As already mentioned on the website that Oct 2024 is the completion date for the passing track construction in Folsom, is there any confidence that Oct 2024 will be the re-opening of the light rail to Historic Folsom? Also, will test trains run befire opening to Historic Folsom?
Reply: We anticipate finishing construction in mid-to-late October and beginning 15 minute service to Old Folsom in that same time frame. Yes, the new tracks will be fully tested before we begin operating on them.
Sacramento , CA:
It would appear that the 61 barely misses light rail transfers in both directions for watt i80 trains at the fruitridge station can they be adjusted since I don’t see where a bus can wait for the light rail at that station due to design
Reply: Our team will review connections on Route 61. Given that it has connections to both northbound and southbound trains, both in the eastbound and westbound direction, as well as connections to Route 62 on Freeport Blvd, and other routes, it is likely impossible to make every possible connection work well. During the days, when the trains are every 15 minutes, we try to avoid narrowly missing a train, but ultimately a connection to a frequent 15-minute service may not be as high a priority as a transfer between two bus routes on 30-minute headways.
Antelope, CA:
Hey Mr president Li. It’s exciting to hear the new trains are going on the green and gold lines next month. Do t you think it would be great to celebrate the first week they are in service with free rides on both light rail lines but everything else not be free such as the blue line?
Reply: We anticipate a community event in early September to celebrate the new light rail vehicles and it will include a free ride day.
Sacramento , CA:
Hello Mr. Li, is there any openings/internships for 16-17 year olds that is not listed on govermentjobs.com/sacrt ? Thanks.
Reply: SacRT does not employee anyone under the age of 18 with high school diploma. All of our funds go to provide transit services to the citizens, and over 1300 of our 1500 employees are in positions requiring commercial driver’s licenses, which means at least 3 years driving experience with a clean record, etc. The remainder of our roles are security or professional roles requiring being an adult, or having a degree. We do offer a limited number of internships for college students/or college aged folks in professional fields, such as planning or IT, when funding is available (vacant regular positions basically). We also do not have the supervision, training, compliance, etc capacity to employe minors.
Sacramento , CA:
Any hope for Franklin LRT - delta shores bus ? I know it’s been stalled for finding but will it ever happen
Reply: SacRT is embarking on a comprehensive operational analysis (COA), which will examine our bus routes, coverage, frequency, and travel patterns, among other things. The COA will examine our bus routes in a post-COVID world and make recommendations on any route changes.
Sacramento , CA:
Back when the first blue line extension was being considered, the route alignment was created based on the cheapest option, however it is apparent that it was a mistake. Most of the South Sacramento stations have horrible placement (near factories, freight lines etc) and while city collage connection is important, it is obvious that a shorter segment along Stockton blvd would of been far better and likely easier to extend. Now the district is spending more on a BRT.
My question with all of that is this: how will rail extensions be considered in the future? Will they be mostly based on cost per mile or potential riders even if it has a higher cost and thus a shorter segment ?
Reply: Extensions of fixed guideway services depend on a variety of factors, some of which are land availability, compatible land uses, and cost of capital/operations. Both the Green Line and Blue Line have right-of-way that has been set aside and designated for use of future extensions. With the alignments all but certain, the next step is to decide on service type. With North Natomas and Elk Grove still continuing to build out, perhaps BRT would be more advantageous in the interim, before land use densities justify a full light rail service.
Many factors must be analyzed and assessed to decide what type of service will be extended in the future. A good example of us studying this is the Blue Line BRT/LRT Feasibility Study, in coordination with the City of Elk Grove. This Study will begin soon and hopes to conclude by the end of 2025.
North Highlands, CA:
When the new light rail vehicles start transporting passengers in September, will the oldest of the old fleet where trains that are numbered 100-199, will these rail cars be immediately removed from service and begin a decommissioning process for recycling and scrap?
Reply: We will begin operating low-floor trains on the Gold and Green lines on September 1st. We will need to continue to maintain and operate the legacy fleet until we have converted all the stations and procured enough new trains.
Elk Grove, CA:
The buses in Elk Grove that are still recognizable as "e-tran" - are those buses soon going to undergo a rebranding and paint scheme such that they will soon be identified as Regional Transit - similar to what Routes 56, 67, and 68 look like when passengers board these routes at the Cosumnes River College Transit Center?
Reply: Thank you for the question and as you note, the e-tran services were annexed into SacRT's operations in 2021. As we replace the buses for the e-tran service, the new ones will be rebranded to represent SacRT.
Citrus Heights 95610, CA:
Thank you for partnering with 211 and the City and County of Sacramento to provide free rides to and from Cooling Centers during our recent triple-digit heatwaves. At times SacRT provided flyers we could show as screenshots or printed copies for these rides. Other times we were instructed to tell drivers of our trips and intentions. The flyer-oriented approach was easier to execute and avoided misunderstandings. Please seriously sticking with the flyers and extending them as necessary. Thanks again for this relief!
Reply: Thank you for the feedback. As you know we have been partnering to ensure that vulnerable residents have access to cooling centers during this extreme heat. When we experienced record breaking consecutive 100 degree days in July, we made the decision to temporarily suspend the need to show the flyer, as we wanted to reduce as many barriers as possible at that time.
Sacramento, CA:
What's the status of the Green Line To The Airport project? Still missing funding?
Reply: SacRT continues to plan for the a high capacity extension to the airport. We are currently working collaborative with the city on a planned bridge over the American River. Absent of additional local funding, SacRT will not be able to build out the project. As a reminder, SacRT receives approximately 1/5 of penny in local sales tax. Many of our west coast transit peers receive approximately 5 times more than that.
Folsom and rancho, CA:
Say. Do you think the new trains can announce where to exit the train at certain stations? Like for instance, folks will need to exit the south side of the train at iron point station but have to exit at the north side at hazel station.
Reply: Yes, we are working on that and hope to have the new announcements ready to go when we begin service with our new Low-Floor trains in September.
Antelope , CA:
Hey Mr. Li. Think it’s possible to update the audio announcements on the trains to remind riders which side of the train to get off at depending on the station like how in Seattle they do that?
Reply: Yes, we are working on that. The new announcements should be ready when we begin service with our new trains September
Rosemont, CA:
Can riders of light rail be informed about which side of the train to get off at depending on the station via upgraded audio announcements?
Reply: Please see earlier responses to similar questions.
