Ripon Transit - San Joaquin Council of Governments

April 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I........................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1
Overview of the Transit System .......................................................................................... 1
Section II.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Operator Compliance Requirements .................................................................................. 5
Section III....................................................................................................................................... 11
Prior Triennial Performance Recommendations .............................................................. 11
Section IV ...................................................................................................................................... 12
TDA Performance Indicators............................................................................................. 12
Section V ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Review of Operator Functions .......................................................................................... 18
Operations .................................................................................................................... 18
Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 19
Planning ........................................................................................................................ 19
Marketing ..................................................................................................................... 19
General Administration and Management .................................................................. 20
Section VI ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Findings ............................................................................................................................. 22
Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 24
Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Section I
Introduction
California’s Transportation Development Act (TDA) requires that a triennial performance audit
be conducted of public transit entities that receive TDA revenues. The performance audit serves
to ensure accountability in the use of public transportation revenue.
The San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) engaged PMC to conduct the Transportation
Development Act (TDA) triennial performance audit of the public transit operators under its
jurisdiction in San Joaquin County. This performance audit is conducted for the City of Ripon
Transit covering the most recent triennial period, fiscal years 2009-10 through 2011-12.
The purpose of the performance audit is to evaluate the City’s effectiveness and efficiency in its
use of TDA funds to provide public transportation in its service area. This evaluation is required
as a condition for continued receipt of these funds for public transportation purposes. In
addition, the audit evaluates the City’s compliance with the conditions specified in the California
Public Utilities Code (PUC). This task involves ascertaining whether the City is meeting the PUC’s
reporting requirements. Moreover, the audit includes calculations of transit service
performance indicators and a detailed review of the transit administrative functions. From the
analysis that has been undertaken, a set of recommendations has been made which is intended
to improve the performance of transit operations.
In summary, this TDA audit affords the opportunity for an independent, constructive and
objective evaluation of the organization and its operations that otherwise might not be
available. The methodology for the audit included in-person interviews with management,
collection and review of agency documents, data analysis, and on-site observations. The
Performance Audit Guidebook for Transit Operators and Regional Transportation Planning
Entities published by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) was used to guide
in the development and conduct of the audit.
Overview of the Transit System
Transit service in Ripon is coordinated with the Bethany Home Society of San Joaquin County,
Inc., which offers adult day care and convalescent services in the city. Drivers are provided
through Bethany Home. The current total service area comprises a 15-mile radius including to
Modesto. Based on State Controller Report information, the City’s transit program has been in
operation since June 1980. In March 2013, the City implemented a fixed-route service branded
the Blossom Express, which provides trips around Ripon and to Modesto on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. Regional fixed-route service is also provided by the San Joaquin Rapid Transit District
(SJRTD) Route 91 with service to Stockton and Manteca on weekdays.
Established in 1874 and incorporated in 1945, Ripon is the second smallest incorporated city in
San Joaquin County and is located along State Route (SR) 99 on the border with Stanislaus
County. Based on the 2010 U.S. Census, Ripon’s population was 14,297 which grew 40.9 percent
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
since the 2000 U.S. Census. The senior citizen population, comprised of residents aged 65 and
over, is 11.81 percent. The 2013 population for Ripon is estimated to be 14,606 as reported by
the State Department of Finance. The city covers a 5.31 square mile area.
The city and its environs are renowned for almond and grape cultivation, small-town charm, and
high quality of life. The Ripon Almond Blossom Festival is celebrated on the last weekend in
February. Highway commercial development along the SR-99 corridor serves travelers and
residents alike. The city has seven parks, a skate park, a community center, a senior center, and
many programs for residents. The City is in the process of building a 70-acre sports park with 12
soccer fields, two full-sized baseball diamonds, four baseball/softball fields, a dog run, a water
feature and play equipment.
System Characteristics
The City’s transit system has been comprised of a demand responsive service available to the
general public, seniors, and persons with disabilities. The service generally operates most
weekdays unless special trips are arranged. However, the service relies on a roster of volunteer
drivers recruited through Bethany Home and trained by the City. The service is primarily utilized
for shopping trips in neighboring Modesto and Manteca or to access medical appointments.
Reservations can either be made with Bethany Home or with the front desk at Ripon City Hall,
which coordinates drivers and trip scheduling.
Although outside of the timeframe of this audit, the City implemented a bi-weekly fixed-route
service in March 2013. Branded as the Blossom Express, the fixed-route provides trips around
Ripon and to destinations in Modesto such as the Vintage Faire Mall, Kaiser medical facilities
and Target. Ripon destinations include Ripon Library, the Senior Center, Bethany Manor,
Bethany Town Square, Save Mart and the Ripon Library. The service operates on Tuesdays and
Thursdays between the hours of 9:40 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. The routing for Blossom Express is
displayed in Graph I-1:
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Graph I-1
Blossom Express Route Map
Source: City of Ripon
Fares
Ripon’s fares are structured according to service type. The City invoices Bethany Home for the
trips utilized on the City transit vehicle. The fare structure is shown in Table I-1.
Table I-1
Ripon Transit Fare Schedule
Service Type
General/Shopping Trip
Concert
Special Trip
Fare
$1.00
$1.50
$15.00
Source: City of Ripon
During the audit period, the City streamlined its fare structure by just charging the special trip
fare for the use of its demand responsive vehicle. The Blossom Express fare structure is based
one-way cash fare. The City also offers 10-pack single ride discount tickets for frequent riders.
The fare structure for Blossom Express is summarized in Table I-2:
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Table I-2
Blossom Express Fare Schedule
Fare Type
General (Ages 5 to 59 Years)
Half Fare (Seniors Age 60 & Over/Medicare Card/Disabled)
Students with ID
Toddlers (Ages 4 and under)
Fare
$2.00
$1.00
$1.00
Free
Source: City of Ripon
Personal Care Attendants (PCA) may accompany disabled riders, while a maximum of four
children ages 4 and under may ride free with a fare paying adult. Children under the age of 12
must be accompanied by a fare paying adult.
Fleet
The City of Ripon owns and operates one vehicle for its demand response service. The vehicle is
equipped with a wheelchair lift in accordance with ADA requirements. After the audit period,
the City purchased a 35-foot Gillig Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus for its Blossom Express
service. The Gillig vehicle is equipped with two bicycle racks and can accommodate up to two
wheelchairs per trip. Table I-3 provides a summary of the Ripon transit fleet operated during the
audit period:
Table I-3
Ripon Transit Fleet Inventory
Year
1997
Make & Model
Ford Econoline E350
Quantity
1
Fuel type
Diesel
Seating
Capacity
9
Wheelchair
Capacity
1
Source: City of Ripon
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Section II
Operator Compliance Requirements
This section of the audit report contains the analysis of Ripon’s ability to comply with state
requirements for continued receipt of TDA funds. The evaluation uses the guidebook,
Performance Audit Guidebook for Transit Operators and Regional Transportation Planning
Agencies, September 2008 (third edition), which was developed by the Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) to assess transit operators. The guidebook contains a checklist of
eleven measures taken from relevant sections of the Public Utilities Code and the California
Code of Regulations. Each of these requirements is discussed in the table below, including a
description of the system’s efforts to comply with the requirements. In addition, the findings
from the compliance review are described in the text following the table.
TABLE II-1
Operator Compliance Requirements Matrix
Operator Compliance
Reference
Compliance Efforts
Requirements
The transit operator
Public Utilities Code, Section
Completion/submittal dates
submitted annual reports to
99243
(internet filing):
the RTPA based upon the
Uniform System of Accounts
FY 2010: September 13, 2010
and Records established by
FY 2011: September 23, 2011
the State Controller. Report
FY 2012: October 8, 2012
is due ninety (90) days after
end of fiscal year (Sept. 30),
Conclusion: Complied
or one-hundred eleven (110)
days (Oct. 20) if filed
electronically (internet).
The operator has submitted
annual fiscal and compliance
audits to the RTPA and to the
State Controller within onehundred eighty (180) days
following the end of the fiscal
year (Dec. 27), or has
received the appropriate
ninety (90) day extension by
the RTPA allowed by law.
Public Utilities Code, Section Completion/submittal dates:
99245
FY 2010: March 31, 2011
FY 2011: March 26, 2012
FY 2012: December 31, 2012
The CHP has, within the
thirteen (13) months prior to
Public Utilities Code, Section
99251 B
Conclusion: Complied
Due to the size of the sole
transit vehicle used to
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
TABLE II-1
Operator Compliance Requirements Matrix
Operator Compliance
Reference
Compliance Efforts
Requirements
each TDA claim submitted by
operate the service, Ripon
an operator, certified the
has been exempt from the
operator’s compliance with
CHP Transit Operator
Vehicle Code Section 1808.1
Compliance Program.
following a CHP inspection of
the operator’s terminal.
However, with the recent
acquisition of the Gillig bus in
2013 for operation of the
Blossom Express, Ripon
would be subject to annual
CHP inspections.
Conclusion: Not Applicable
The operator’s claim for TDA
funds is submitted in
compliance with rules and
regulations adopted by the
RTPA for such claims.
Public Utilities Code, Section
99261
As a condition of approval,
Ripon’s annual claims for
Local Transportation Funds
and State Transit Assistance
are submitted in compliance
with rules and regulations
adopted by SJCOG. COG staff
provides assistance as
necessary to the agency in
completing the claim.
Conclusion: Complied
If an operator serves
urbanized and non-urbanized
areas, it has maintained a
ratio of fare revenues to
operating costs at least equal
to the ratio determined by
the rules and regulations
adopted by the RTPA.
Public Utilities Code, Section
99270.1
The operator’s operating
budget has not increased by
more than fifteen (15%) over
the preceding year, nor is
there a substantial increase
Public Utilities Code, Section
99266
This measure is not applicable
to Ripon Transit, as it does
not serve an urbanized area.
Conclusion: Not Applicable
Percentage increase in the
Ripon’s operating budget:
FY 2010: -30.1%
FY 2011: +55.3%
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
TABLE II-1
Operator Compliance Requirements Matrix
Operator Compliance
Reference
Compliance Efforts
Requirements
or decrease in the scope of
FY 2012:
-12.2%
operations or capital budget
provisions for major new
The change in FY 2010 budget
fixed facilities unless the
is attributed to a reduction in
operator has reasonably
staff overhead costs and the
supported and substantiated
change in the FY 2011 budget
the change(s).
is attributed to increased
vehicle maintenance and fuel
cost and overhead charges.
Source: FY 2010-2012 City of
Ripon Budgets.
Conclusion: Complied
The operator’s definitions of
performance measures are
consistent with Public
Utilities Code Section 99247,
including (a) operating cost,
(b) operating cost per
passenger, (c) operating cost
per vehicle service hour, (d)
passengers per vehicle
service hour, (e) passengers
per vehicle service mile, (f)
total passengers, (g) transit
vehicle, (h) vehicle service
hours, (i) vehicle service
miles, and (j) vehicle service
hours per employee.
Public Utilities Code, Section
99247
If the operator serves an
urbanized area, it has
maintained a ratio of fare
revenues to operating costs
at least equal to one-fifth or
twenty percent (20 %), unless
it is in a county with a
population of less than five
hundred thousand (500,000),
Public Utilities Code, Sections
99268.2, 99268.3, 99268.12,
99270.1.
Ripon’s definition of
performance measures is
consistent with Public Utilities
Code, Section 99247.
Full-time Employee
Equivalent data were not
inclusive of volunteer staff
time charged to the transit
program.
Conclusion: Partial
Compliance
This measure is not applicable
to Ripon Transit, as it does
not serve an urbanized area.
Conclusion: Not Applicable
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
TABLE II-1
Operator Compliance Requirements Matrix
Operator Compliance
Reference
Compliance Efforts
Requirements
in which case it must
maintain a ratio of fare
revenues to operating costs
of at least equal to threetwentieths or fifteen percent
(15 %), if so determined by
the RTPA.
If the operator serves a rural Public Utilities Code, Sections
area, it has maintained a ratio 99268.2, 99268.4, & 99268.5
of fare revenues to operating
costs at least equal to onetenth or ten percent (10 %).
The system’s fare ratios using
audited data are as follows:
FY 2010: 19.08%
FY 2011: 27.86%
FY 2012: 15.94%
Source: FY 2010-2012 Annual
Fiscal and Compliance Audits.
Conclusion: Complied
The current cost of the
operator’s retirement system
is fully funded with respect to
the officers and employees of
its public transportation
system, or the operator is
implementing a plan
approved by the RTPA which
will fully fund the retirement
system within forty (40)
years.
Public Utilities Code, Section
99271
To be eligible for TDA funds,
the annual TDA claims form
requires a sign-off from the
transit claimant to comply
with standard assurances,
one of which is that the
Ripon’s retirement system is
funded.
City staff’s retirement is
funded through a defined
contribution plan an elective
457 deferred compensation
plan.
Conclusion: Complied.
If the operator receives state
transit assistance funds, the
operator makes full use of
funds available to it under
California Code of Regulations, Although the City is a
Section 6754(a)(3)
recipient of State Transit
Assistance Funds, it does not
utilize federal formula grant
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
TABLE II-1
Operator Compliance Requirements Matrix
Operator Compliance
Reference
Compliance Efforts
Requirements
the Urban Mass
funds to support transit
Transportation Act of 1964
operations.
before TDA claims are
granted.
Conclusion: Not Applicable
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Findings and Observations from Operator Compliance Requirements Matrix
1. Of the compliance requirements pertaining to Ripon, the operator fully complied with six out
of the seven applicable requirements. Ripon was in partial compliance with regard to the
calculation of FTE data. Four additional compliance requirements are not applicable to Ripon
(e.g., CHP terminal inspections, intermediate farebox recovery ratio under PUC 99270.1,
urbanized area farebox recovery ratio, and federal grant utilization).
2. Ripon is exempt from the CHP Transit Operator Compliance Program due to the limited
passenger capacity of its sole transit vehicle. The vehicle does not meet the definition of a
“bus” per the State vehicle code. Therefore, the CHP was not required to conduct
inspections within the 13 months prior to each TDA claim. However, with the recent
acquisition of the Gillig bus in 2013 for operation of the Blossom Express, Ripon would be
subject to future annual CHP inspections.
3. Based on the available data from the Annual Fiscal and Compliance Audits, the agency’s
farebox recovery ratio remained above the required 10 percent during the review period.
The average farebox during the triennial period was 20.96 percent.
4. Ripon’s transit operating budget exhibited notable fluctuations during the audit period due
to overhead and maintenance. The 30.1 percent decrease in FY 2010 budget is attributed to
a reduction in staff overhead costs whereas the 55.3 percent increase in FY 2011 budget is
attributed to increased vehicle maintenance and fuel cost and overhead charges. The budget
decreased 12.2 percent in FY 2012.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Section III
Prior Triennial Performance Recommendations
Ripon’s efforts to implement the recommendations made in the prior triennial audit are
examined in this section of the report. For this purpose, each prior recommendation for the
agency is described, followed by a discussion of the City’s efforts to implement the
recommendation. Conclusions concerning the extent to which the recommendations have been
adopted by the Agency are then presented.
Prior Recommendation 1
Work with Bethany Homes to identify and train additional drivers to increase service levels.
Actions taken by Ripon:
The prior audit observed that transit service had been limited to once a month versus once
every week due to a shortage of drivers because of a dwindling pool of available qualified
volunteers. It was recommended that the City work with Bethany Homes and prioritize
increasing the pool of candidate volunteer drivers that could provide additional service.
According the City Clerk, the number of drivers had averaged between three and four.
In response to this recommendation, the City and Bethany Homes have made a concerted effort
to increase the volunteer driver pool. The current list of volunteer drivers has grown to 16
people. As a result, Ripon Transit has been able to expand service and increase ridership
significantly.
Conclusion:
This recommendation has been implemented.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Section IV
TDA Performance Indicators
This section reviews Ripon’s performance in providing transit service in an efficient and effective
manner. TDA requires that at least five specific performance indicators be reported, which are
contained in the following tables. Farebox is not one of the five specific indicators, but is a
requirement for continued TDA funding. Therefore, farebox calculation is also included. Findings
from the analysis are contained in the section following the Tables and graphs, followed by the
analysis.
Table IV-1 provides the performance indicators for Ripon Transit. Charts are also provided to
depict the trends in the indicators. It is noted that the operating costs and fare revenues are
based on audited figures.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Table IV-1
Ripon Transit Performance Indicators
Audit Period
Performance Data and Indicators
Operating Cost
Total Passengers
Vehicle Service Hours
Vehicle Service Miles
Employee FTE's
Passenger Fares
Operating Cost per Passenger
Operating Cost per Vehicle Service Hour
Operating Cost per Vehicle Service Mile
Passengers per Vehicle Service Hour
Passengers per Vehicle Service Mile
Vehicle Service Hours per Employee
Average Fare per Passenger
Fare Recovery Ratio
FY 2009
$9,510
534
68
1,638
1
$958
FY 2010
$5,089
533
67
1,759
1
$971
FY 2011
$4,250
2,257
139
2,876
1
$1,184
FY 2012
$7,875
2,555
137
3,094
1
$1,255
% Change FY
2009-2012
-17.2%
378.5%
101.5%
88.9%
0.0%
31.0%
$17.81
$139.85
$5.81
7.9
0.33
68.0
$1.79
10.07%
$9.55
$75.96
$2.89
8.0
0.30
67.0
$1.82
19.08%
$1.88
$30.58
$1.48
16.2
0.78
139.0
$0.52
27.86%
$3.08
$57.48
$2.55
18.6
0.83
137.0
$0.49
15.94%
-82.7%
-58.9%
-56.2%
137.5%
153.3%
101.5%
-72.6%
58.2%
Source: Annual Fiscal & Compliance Audits, State Controller's Reports
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Graph IV-1
Operating Costs
Graph IV-2
Ridership
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Graph IV-3
Operating Cost Per Passenger
Graph IV-4
Operating Cost Per Vehicle Service Hour
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Graph IV-5
Passengers Per Vehicle Service Hour
Graph IV-6
Fare Recovery Ratio
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Findings from Verification of TDA Performance Indicators
1. Operating costs decreased 17.2 percent based on audited data from the FY 2009 base
year through FY 2012. Based on the nature of the service, costs fluctuated from a decline
of 46.5 percent in FY 2010 to an increase of 85.3 percent in FY 2012. Operating costs are
expected to increase as Ripon Transit transitions from an on-demand response service to
a fixed-route system.
2. Ridership increased four-fold during the audit period from 534 passenger trips in FY 2009
to 2,555 passenger trips in FY 2012. The City and Bethany Home recruited more
volunteer drivers. As a result, Ripon Transit has been able to provide more service which
increased ridership.
3. The provision of revenue hours and miles exhibited significant increases during the audit
period. Vehicle service hours increased 101.5 percent, while vehicle service miles
increased 88.9 percent.
4. Operating cost per passenger, an indicator of cost effectiveness, decreased 82.7 percent.
The trend for this indicator reflects the increase in passenger trips relative to the
decrease in operating costs.
5. Operating cost per hour, an indicator of cost efficiency, decreased 58.9 percent. The
trends in this indicator show contrast between the decreases in operating costs
compared to the increase in revenue service hours over the audit period.
6. Passengers per vehicle service hour, which measures the effectiveness of the service
delivered, exhibited an increase of 137.5 percent. The number of passengers per service
hour increased from 7.9 passengers in FY 2009 to 18.6 passengers in FY 2012.
7. The fare recovery ratio over the past three years increased based on audited data and
remained well above the TDA minimum requirement. Farebox recovery increased 58.2
percent from 10.07 in FY 2009 to 15.94 percent in FY 2012. Audited passenger fare
revenues increased 31 percent from $958 in FY 2009 to $1,255 in FY 2012.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Section V
Review of Operator Functions
This section provides an in-depth review of various functions within Ripon Transit. The review
highlights accomplishments, issues and/or challenges that were determined during the audit
period. The following departments and functions were reviewed at the City of Ripon:

Operations

Maintenance

Planning

Marketing

General Administration and Management
Within some departments are sub-functions that require review as well, such as Grants
Administration that falls under General Administration.
Operations
Ripon Transit has essentially remained a demand-responsive service while expanding into a
fixed-route service mode. The demand-response service has long been coordinated with
Bethany Home, a local senior citizen residential community. The transit service has relied on a
list of volunteer drivers from Bethany Home, an assisted living facility. Bethany Home pays the
City a set amount monthly to transport their clients, but remaining open to the public for transit
service as well. Most of the trips on the Dial-a-Ride service are for medical appointments and
shopping trips in Modesto.
In the past, service was limited due to the small pool of drivers. In response to the prior triennial
audit recommendation, the City and Bethany Home recruited more volunteer drivers. There are
now 16 drivers available. As a result, Ripon Transit has been able to provide more service and
ridership has increased from just over 500 annual trips to more than 2,500 annual trips during
the period.
The general fare for Dial-a-Ride service remained unchanged at $1.00 per ride. The receptionist
with the City Clerk’s office takes reservations and coordinates the trips with the drivers.
Performance data is compiled by the drivers on a transit bus daily log sheet. The sheet contains
the driver’s name, date of service, passenger count, passenger categories (handicapped, seniors,
wheelchair, and other), fare received, and destination. In addition, the ending and beginning
mileage and actual drive time from the first pick-up are recorded.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Gauging increased service demand, Ripon took steps to provide a fixed route. The fixed route
service was launched and branded as the “Blossom Express” in the spring of 2013. The City
contracts operation of the service to the San Joaquin Rapid Transit District (SJRTD), which in turn
is operated by MV Transportation. The driver is provided by SJRTD. The City Council authorized
the purchase of a CNG bus from Gillig (Resolution 12-22) for $550,000 during its March 20, 2012
meeting. The City used the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority of Canton, Ohio competitive
bid process to purchase the vehicle. In addition, the City’s Public Works Department had plans
to install a bus shelter on Vera Avenue.
Maintenance
The transit vehicle is maintained by the City’s Public Works Department at the Corporation Yard
based on 3,000-mile service intervals. The City Mechanic is certified by the National Institute of
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and maintains all of the City’s vehicles. The Corporation
Yard is located at 1210 South Vera Avenue at Doak Boulevard. The transit bus daily log sheet
contains a pre-trip inspection checklist for the drivers to use prior to operating the bus, where
the driver verifies the working status of the lights, air conditioning, pressure and fluid gauges,
brakes, wipers, and tail lift.
The Public Works Department is exploring construction of a new Corporation Yard near the
existing CNG fueling facility near Doak Boulevard. This new facility is envisioned to include
maintenance and storage space that could accommodate the new CNG transit vehicles.
Planning
The City of Ripon Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) 2010-2020 was developed and adopted in
January 2011. The SRTP was funded through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit
Planning Assistance grant. Groundwork for the SRTP included a 22-question community-wide
transit survey mailed to nearly 4,200 households in Ripon. The SRTP provided the impetus to
launch the Blossom Express fixed-route service.
The SRTP identified transit needs, funding sources, capital equipment, system
evaluation/performance standards, and marketing/outreach strategies. A series of transit goals
and objectives were also included in order to assist the City in maintaining acceptable levels of
service. These service standards include updating the SRTP every five years; maintaining a 10
percent minimum farebox recovery standard; attaining 8 passenger trips per vehicle service
hour; a 90 percent on-time performance standard for fixed route; maintaining 100,000 miles
traveled between preventative accidents; and a minimum of 40,000 miles between roadcalls.
Marketing
Ripon Transit relies on printed and electronic media to market its service. Printed brochures are
designed
and
printed
in
house.
The
City’s
website
(http://cityofripon.org/Business/transportation.html) provides information about the transit
options available to local residents including regional services provided by SJRTD and the
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Commute Connection program. A separate brochure was designed for the Blossom Express
fixed route service. In addition, there is a link on the City’s website
(http://cityofripon.org/Home/Blossom_Express/Blossom-Express.html) about the Blossom
Express. The City has yet to utilize social media to provide transit information; however, Bethany
Home does utilize Facebook. In addition, the City has taken advantage of local community
events and celebration, such as the Ripon Almond Festival, to promote transit.
General Administration and Management
The City of Ripon was incorporated in 1945 as a general law city with a council-manager form of
government. The five-member City Council serves as the principal policy-making body. Members
of the City Council are elected at large for a four-year term on an overlapping basis. Two are
elected during one election and three are elected two years later. The Mayor and Vice Mayor
are appointed for one-year terms. The City Council provides policy direction to the City
Administrator, who is responsible for administering City operations. The City’s transit operations
are overseen by the City Engineer, who is supported by the City Clerk. The City Engineer is
involved with the SJCOG Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Interagency Transit
Committee (ITC).
The City Council is supportive of the transit system and is engaged in service monitoring. Staff
gives periodic updates and the City Administrator reports on a quarterly basis before the
Council.
Grants Management
Grant funding allocated toward supporting transit services has been derived from local, state,
and federal sources. The City maintains an Excel spreadsheet tracking active, future and pending
grants. In November 2006, voters in San Joaquin County approved the renewal of the one-half
cent sales tax, extending the life of the 1990-2011 sales tax program to the year 2041. Thirty
percent of the revenue from Measure K is allocated to passenger rail, bus transport and bicycle
infrastructure. However, Measure K funds allocated to Ripon are not used to support the transit
service.
State funding has consisted of TDA and Proposition 1B allocations. The total TDA apportionment
for all eligible transportation modes in the City (transit, pedestrian/bicycle, and streets) was
$359,548 in FY 2010, $378,631 in FY 2011, and $414,968 in FY 2012 with the majority used for
street projects. State Transit Assistance Funds (STAF) received by the City included $2,643 in FY
2011 and $5,046 in FY 2012.
Ripon received $218,144 in Proposition 1B Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement
& Service Enhancement (PTMISEA) funds toward bus shelters and maintenance facilities.
Additional Proposition 1B funds have been awarded through the Governor’s Office of Homeland
Security toward bus shelters and security cameras and fencing.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Most transit-related federal grants have been derived from Congestion Mitigation and Air
Quality Improvement (CMAQ) and the FTA Section 5307 programs. The City received CMAQ
funding for the purchase of the CNG bus utilized on the Blossom Express. Given that Ripon has
been included as part of the Manteca Urbanized Area pursuant to the 2010 U.S. Census, the City
is a subrecipient of FTA formula grant funds.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Section VI
Findings
The following summarizes the major findings obtained from this Triennial Audit covering fiscal
years 2010 through 2012. A set of recommendations is then provided.
Triennial Audit Findings
1. Of the compliance requirements pertaining to Ripon, the operator fully complied with six out
of the seven applicable requirements. Ripon was in partial compliance with regard to the
calculation of FTE data. Four additional compliance requirements are not applicable to Ripon
(e.g., CHP terminal inspections, intermediate farebox recovery ratio under PUC 99270.1,
urbanized area farebox recovery ratio, and federal grant utilization).
2. Ripon is exempt from the CHP Transit Operator Compliance Program due to the limited
passenger capacity of its sole transit vehicle. The vehicle does not meet the definition of a
“bus” per the State vehicle code. Therefore, the CHP was not required to conduct
inspections within the 13 months prior to each TDA claim. However, with the recent
acquisition of the Gillig bus in 2013 for operation of the Blossom Express, Ripon would be
subject to annual CHP inspections.
3. Based on the available data from the Annual Fiscal and Compliance Audits, the agency’s
farebox recovery ratio remained above the required 10 percent during the review period.
The average farebox during the triennial period was 20.96 percent.
4. Ripon’s transit operating budget exhibited notable fluctuations during the audit period due
to overhead and maintenance. The 30.1 percent decrease in FY 2010 budget is attributed to
a reduction in staff overhead costs whereas the 55.3 percent increase in FY 2011 budget is
attributed to increased vehicle maintenance and fuel cost and overhead charges. The budget
decreased 12.2 percent in FY 2012.
5. Ripon implemented the prior audit recommendation. The recommendation pertained to the
training of additional drivers in order to increase service.
6. Operating costs decreased 17.2 percent based on audited data from the FY 2009 base year
through FY 2012. Based on the nature of the service, costs fluctuated from a decline of 46.5
percent in FY 2010 to an increase of 85.3 percent in FY 2012. Operating costs are expected
to increase as Ripon Transit transitions from an on-demand response service to a fixed-route
system.
7. Ridership increased four-fold during the audit period from 534 passenger trips in FY 2009 to
2,555 passenger trips in FY 2012 as a result of increased driver availability and more service.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
8. The provision of revenue hours and miles exhibited significant increases during the audit
period. Vehicle service hours increased 101.5 percent, while vehicle service miles increased
88.9 percent.
9. Operating cost per passenger, an indicator of cost effectiveness, decreased 82.7 percent.
The trend for this indicator reflects the increase in passenger trips relative to the decrease in
operating costs.
10. Operating cost per hour, an indicator of cost efficiency, decreased 58.9 percent. The trends
in this indicator show contrast between the decreases in operating costs compared to the
increase in revenue service hours over the audit period.
11. The fare recovery ratio over the past three years increased based on audited data and
remained well above the TDA minimum requirement. Farebox recovery increased 58.2
percent from 10.07 in FY 2009 to 15.94 percent in FY 2012. Audited passenger fare revenues
increased 31 percent from $958 in FY 2009 to $1,255 in FY 2012.
12. In response to the prior triennial audit recommendation, the City and Bethany Home
recruited more volunteer drivers. There are now 16 drivers available. As a result, Ripon
Transit has been able to provide more service and ridership has increased from just over 500
annual trips to more than 2,500 annual trips during the period.
13. Gauging increased service demand, Ripon took steps to provide a fixed route. The fixed
route service was launched and branded as the “Blossom Express” in the spring of 2013. The
City Council authorized the purchase of a CNG bus from Gillig (Resolution 12-22) for
$550,000 during its March 20, 2012 meeting.
14. The Public Works Department is exploring construction of a new Corporation Yard near the
existing CNG fueling facility near Doak Boulevard. This new facility is envisioned to include
maintenance and storage space that could accommodate the new CNG transit vehicles.
15. The City of Ripon Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) 2010-2020 was developed and adopted in
January 2011. The SRTP was funded through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit
Planning Assistance grant. Groundwork for the SRTP included a 22-question community-wide
transit survey mailed to nearly 4,200 households in Ripon. The SRTP provided the impetus to
launch the Blossom Express fixed-route service.
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Triennial Performance Audit of Ripon Transit – FY’s 2010-2012
Recommendations
1. Accurately calculate Full-Time Equivalents according to PUC guidelines.
The full time equivalent data reported in the Transit Operator Financial Transactions Reports
that are submitted to the State Controller have been omitted. The FTE data are derived by
dividing total annual employee hours by 2,000 according to PUC guidelines. This would be
important considering the increase in the number of volunteer drivers and service hours as
well as the implementation of the fixed-route service. It is recommended that the City
determine the annual personnel hours spent on transit by administrative, contract and
public works personnel as well as volunteers and divide the total by 2,000 annual hours to
arrive at the correct FTE figure.
2. Schedule annual CHP-compliance inspections for the fixed-route vehicles.
Ripon had been exempt from the CHP Transit Operator Compliance Program due to the
limited passenger capacity of its sole transit vehicle. The vehicle did not meet the definition
of a “bus” per the State vehicle code. With the acquisition of the Gillig CNG buses for the
Blossom Express service, the CHP is now required to conduct annual inspections within the
13 months prior to each TDA claim. It is suggested that Ripon coordinate with the CHP and
the contract operator to schedule these annual inspections.
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