annual report - SunLine Transit Agency

Vision Statement
SunLine Transit Agency is the regional transportation mode of choice.
Mission Statement
To provide safe and environmentally conscious public transportation
services and alternative fuel solutions to meet the mobility needs
of the Coachella Valley.
Agency Goals
To provide dynamic organizational leadership and change
consistent with the growth of the transit agency.
•
To continue the advancement of innovations in transportation
and in alternative fuel technologies.
•
To provide leadership for the region’s mobility needs.
•
To provide high quality transportation services that are safe,
efficient and effective.
Board of Directors
Greg Pettis, Chairman
CATHEDRAL CITY
Russell Betts
Ty Peabody
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
INDIAN WELLS
Rick Hutcheson
Kristy Franklin
PALM SPRINGS
LA QUINTA
G. Dana Hobart
Troy Strange
RANCHO MIRAGE
INDIO
Robert A. Spiegel
Steven Hernandez
PALM DESERT
COACHELLA
John J. Benoit
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
General Manager
Lauren L. Skiver
Table of Contents
SunLine Transit Agency ............................................................................ 1
Service Area ............................................................................................. 4
Ridership Data .......................................................................................... 5
Revenues and Expenditures ..................................................................... 6
2014 – 2015 Funding Needs ..................................................................... 8
Summary of 2014 – 2015 Projects ............................................................ 9
Infrastructure Improvements .................................................................... 11
Fleet Improvement Projects .................................................................... 18
Service Improvement Projects ................................................................ 20
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Project ....................................... 21
Industry Events ....................................................................................... 22
Community Engagement ........................................................................ 23
Employee Engagement ........................................................................... 31
Agency Overview
SunLine Transit Agency is a Joint Powers Authority formed in 1977 to operate the Coachella
Valley’s public transportation system, overseen by a Board of Directors made up of a
representative from each of the nine Valley Cities and Riverside County. SunLine is comprised
of the following three business units:
SunLine Transit Agency offers
fixed route and curb-to-curb
paratransit service for people with
disabilities. The Agency’s fixed
route and paratransit vehicles
travel more than 4 million miles per
year, carrying over 4.8 million
riders. Fixed route vehicles cover
approximately 619 bus stops
located within a 1,120 mile-service
area. Currently, the Agency has a fleet of 70 fixed route buses, which includes four fuel cell
buses, and 33 paratransit vans — all using cutting edge alternative fuels.
SunLine Services Group regulates three taxi franchises in the Coachella Valley. The three
franchises have a combined total of 187 taxicabs and 276 taxicab drivers that service the Valley.
SunFuels offers alternative fuels for SunLine and the public. It is the only alternative fueling
station in the Coachella Valley that offers both CNG and Hydrogen fuels.
Remembering Our History, Building Our Future . . .
When the agency began operations, it had an operational budget of $1.9 million and 22 diesel
buses to service 500,000 passengers. SunLine has grown with the Valley over the past 36 years.
By 1986, after just nine years of service, SunLine had doubled its ridership.
In 1992, long before “go green” became a common term, the Board directed staff to focus on
alternative fuel vehicles and the agency was soon after recognized with the “National Public
Transportation Innovation Award — Best Agency.”
In 1994, SunLine was the first in the nation to convert fully to CNG fueled vehicles. Leading the
industry in alternative fuels provided one challenge — ensuring it had the alternative fuels to
operate effectively.
1
In 2000, the agency pursued the use of hydrogen fuels
continuing its leadership in the development of alternative
fueled vehicle technology in collaboration with the
California Fuel Cell Partnership. SunLine conducted a
thirteen month demonstration of the Zebus, a 40-foot New
Flyer equipped with a Ballard fuel cell power plant and then
a 30-foot ISE drive system, UTC fuel vehicle.
Additionally, SunLine opened the first public refueling
station to provide hydrogen, as well as HCNG, a blend of
hydrogen and natural gas. Committed to demonstrating everyday use of these technologies to
the public, SunLine introduced a hydrogen fuel cell car known as the SunBug to the local streets.
In 2004, the agency took great pride in placing into service the first Hydrogen Hybrid Internal
Combustion Engine (HHICE) New Flyer bus.
In 2005, SunLine added a hydrogen fuel cell bus (FC1) to its fleet.
in 2006, SunLine took ownership of its two fueling stations marking another first – the first transit
agency to own and operate a hydrogen generation and dispensing station. Over 110,000
hydrogen kilograms have been produced and dispensed, with over 99% reliability of the
hydrogen station. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this station is part of the “California
Hydrogen Highway.”
In 2010, with the evolution of technology, SunLine added the advanced technology fuel cell bus
(FC2) to its fleet. Both FC1 and FC2 are known as the hydrogen flagships of SunLine and are
actively driven throughout the Coachella Valley.
In 2011, SunLine continued to maintain its proven
leadership in hydrogen technology, unveiling yet
another hydrogen fuel cell bus – the Agency’s 7th
generation, first of its kind, Buy America
Compliant, 40 foot fuel cell bus. As the Country
focused on green technology and the
independence of foreign oil, SunLine and partners
answered the call.
In fiscal year 2014, the agency operates 69 fixed route buses and 31 paratransit vans — all
using cutting edge alternative fuels. With a $25 million operating budget, SunLine expects to
carry over 5 million riders.
2
Soon after the unveiling of the American Fuel Cell
Bus, SunLine Transit Agency received notification
it was awarded funding through the Federal Transit
Administration’s (FTA) Transit Investments for
Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction
(TIGGER) Program for the purchase of two
additional American Fuel Cell Buses – the
Agency’s 8th generation of hydrogen fuel cell
vehicles. The award of funding underscores
SunLine’s longstanding tradition as a leader in the
deployment of clean transportation technologies in the United States. In partnership with Ballard
Power Systems, BAE Systems and El Dorado National, SunLine is proud to work toward the
goal of commercialization of hydrogen fueled vehicles.
Moving forward with the design of the buses, SunLine wanted to include the community,
specifically, the youth of the Valley. Partnering with Desert Regional Medical Center, SunLine
held the first annual SunLine Art Contest open to elementary and middle school students, with
the winning entries to be wrapped on the new buses. The SunLine Transit Agency Student Art
Contest aimed at students throughout the Valley to connect SunLine’s environment-focused
approach to transit. Taylor Schlicht of Palm Valley School, and Veida Kirby of Nellie N. Coffman
Middle School were named as the winners of the contest and honored at a well-attended
reception and unveiling of the buses at Desert Regional Medical Center.
On February 26, 2013, SunLine Transit Agency broke
ground on its future home. The new 25,000 square
foot administration center and 844 square foot Transit
Hub will meet the needs of the growing Coachella
Valley. This new LEED Certified Silver Project is
made possible through funding from the Federal
Transit Administration, California Transportation
Development Act and California Proposition 1B. The
project is over 70% complete, with full occupancy
expected by October, 2014.
SunLine continues to seek out worthy programs that benefit the entire transit industry and is
willing to be a unit of measure, or a beacon of hope, to the future of the hydrogen landscape and
alternative fuels throughout the world.
3
Service Area
4
Ridership Data by Fiscal Years
System-wide Ridership
Fixed Route & Paratransit
500,000
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2012/13
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2013/14
SunLine’s overall ridership increased 3.2% in just one year. But the increases on some of the
fixed routes were even more significant. The following fixed routes experienced the largest
increase over the past year:
 Route
14—DHS/Palm Springs increased 4.3%.
 Route
15—Spa City Loop in Desert Hot Springs increased 7.7%.
 Route
24—Palm Springs increased 4.7%.
 Route
53—Palm Desert/Rancho Mirage/Indian Wells increased 20.6%.
 Route
81—Indio increased 109.4%.
 Route
90—Coachella/Indio increased 7.1%.
 Route
32—Thousand Palms/Palm Springs/Cathedral City increased 11%.
 SunLine
ADA Paratransit service ridership increased by 9.2%.
5
Operating Revenue Sources
Operating Expenditures
6
Capital Revenue Sources
Capital Projects
7
Summary of SunLine’s 2014-2015
Funding Needs
Phase III Construction of Warehousing,
Maintenance & Operations Facilities ........................................ $36 million (5339)
Replace CNG Fueling Station .................................................... $5 million (5339)
Hydrogen Fueling Station Replacement .................................... $4 million (5339)
CNG Mild Hybrid Project ............................................................ $2 million (5339)
BRT Detailed Design .................................................................. $2 million (5309)
New Bus Shelters ................................................................... $0.44 million (5307)
Intelligent Transportation System ............................................... $2 million (5307)
Fleet Mid-Life Overhaul ........................................................... $1.6 million (5307)
New American Fuel Cell Buses (5) .......................................... $13 million (5312)
Total Request ................................................................................ $66.04 million
8
Summary of 2014—2015 Projects
Phase III Construction of Warehousing, Maintenance & Operations Facilities
SunLine’s Operations staff currently resides in trailers that are at the end of their useful life of 20
years. SunLine has developed a Master Plan that includes the construction of Operations,
Maintenance, and warehouse facilities. These infrastructure improvements will reflect the growth
in the agency over the past 20 years. The plan calls for solar covered parking that will provide
enough energy to sell electricity back to the public utility. (TIGER FY 14 Allocation)
Replace the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station
SunLine is requesting $5 million to replace its CNG fueling station. SunLine owns and operates
its own CNG fueling station and is located on the transit property. The current CNG fueling
station was constructed in 1994 at the Thousand Palms facility. This fueling station is at the end
of its useful life. Funding being requested will enable SunLine to replace the existing CNG
equipment at the Thousand Palms facility to include a new multi-lane transit fueling island
sufficient for current and future fleet CNG fueling needs. (Increase in Funding FTA 5339
Allocation - Bus and Bus Facilities)
Replace the Hydrogen Fueling Station
SunLine is requesting $4 million to replace its hydrogen fueling station. SunLine owns and
operates its own hydrogen fueling station and is located on the transit property. The current
hydrogen fueling station was constructed in 2000 at the Thousand Palms facility. This fueling
station is at the end of its useful life and increased hydrogen capacity is needed due to the
increase of the hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet. Funding being requested will enable SunLine to
replace the existing hydrogen equipment at the Thousand Palms facility to include a new multilane transit fueling island sufficient for current and future fleet hydrogen fueling needs. (Increase
in Funding FTA 5339 Allocation - Bus and Bus Facilities)
9
CNG Mild Hybrid Project
This project will successfully demonstrate the GHG emissions reductions and fuel savings of this
lower-cost alternative-fueled CNG Mild-Hybrid EA technology on two fully developed,
operational, 42,000 GVWR, pre-production demonstration vehicles for on-road applications.
(Increase in Funding FTA 5339 Allocation-Bus and Bus Facilities)
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Detailed Design
During FY14, SunLine will develop a conceptual plan for BRT in the Coachella Valley. SunLine
is requesting an additional $2 million in funding to take this project to the next step in BRT
development. This project will provide more detailed design for the features of a BRT initiative
for the Coachella Valley, including new fleet, bus stop facilities, real time passenger information,
fare collection, and a transit signal priority system. This planning will be sufficient to allow for a
locally preferred alternative for BRT to be selected and a project plan be submitted for future
funding. (Increase in Funding FTA 5307 Allocation – Urban Area Formula Funding)
New Bus Shelters
SunLine is requesting $400,000 to add an additional 35 bus shelters for the Coachella Valley.
This would bring the total SunLine bus stops with a bus shelter in the Coachella Valley to 400
out of 550 total bus stops by the end of 2014. (Increase in Funding FTA 5307 Allocation –
Urban Area Formula Funding)
Intelligent Transportation System
SunLine is requesting $2 million to fund an additional Intelligent Transportation System
investment. This would include provisions for a new bus operator information system
(OPSWEB), customer relations database (COMMS), Immediate Voice Recognition (IVR) for
fixed route and paratransit (information/reservations), as well as passenger information (next
bus phone and smart phone application). The upgrades will include expanded fleet coverage
with free Wi-Fi, as well as a new maintenance asset management tool. (Increase in Funding
FTA 5307 Allocation – Urban Area Formula Funding)
Fleet Mid-Life Overhaul
SunLine is requesting $1.6 million in funding for mid-life overhauls of engines and transmissions
in the 35 oldest fixed route buses in its fleet. This will allow these buses to reliably operate an
additional six years of service at which time they will be replaced. (Increase in Funding FTA
5307 Allocation – Urban Area Formula Funding)
New American Fuel Cell Buses (5)
SunLine is requesting $13 million in funding for five additional American Fuel Cell Buses under
the FTA “Lo No“ funding opportunity. This program is offering $21 million in funding for larger
quantities of proven technology low or zero emission buses. These buses would be used to
expand transit service in the Coachella Valley.
10
Progress Report
Infrastructure Improvement Projects
Maintenance Bay Expansion
In August, 2011, SunLine Transit Agency unveiled
the new maintenance bay. This Maintenance Bay
Expansion Project included two bus bays, two lifts,
a misting system to counter the hot weather, new
equipment for oil changes, just to mention a few.
This project and the Bus Parking Project below
were funded with a $2.6 million American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant.
Bus Parking and Solar Panel Projects
SunLine constructed 16 solar-ready covered parking spaces and 16 open air parking spaces.
The second phase of the Bus Parking Project is the installation of solar panels on the structures
and replacement of other solar panels on the property. The second phase of the project is $1.82
million of which approximately $1.45 million was federally funded with FTA “State of Good
Repair” monies.
11
Progress Report
Infrastructure Improvement Projects
Bus Yard Repaving
Another part of the overall improvements
to SunLine’s infrastructure is the
repaving of the bus yard. This fiscal year,
SunLine
completed
repaving
its
deteriorating
bus
yard
using
approximately $190,000 of ARRA funds,
$720,000 of FTA 5307 grant funds, and
$180,000 of matching state funds.
SunLine also made improvements to
safety and security by replacing the
fencing of its Thousand Palms and Indio facilities. The Fencing Project was primarily funded by
California Proposition 1B funds with the use of some FTA 5307 grant funds.
12
SunLine Learning Center
As part of SunLine’s ongoing
commitment to educate and
promote the use of public
transportation and development of
alternative fuels, the agency
opened its new Learning Center in
November, 2012. The result of a
strong public-private partnership,
the Learning Center was made
possible by companies such as
American Seating, Avail, BAE
Systems, Ballard, CALSTART,
DesertWraps.com, El Dorado
National, Hanover Displays, Organic Architect, the Le Flore Group, and Trapeze.
Visitors are able to view and interact with over nine exhibits that represent, alternative fuels,
information technology, the history of SunLine and future possibilities.
13
Bus Stop and Passenger
Facility Improvements
Phase 4 of SunLine’s Bus Stop
Improvement
Project
was
completed in the second half of
2013, included the installation of 70
new shelters. The cost of this
project was $871,000 using FTA
5307 grant funds, matching funds
from the State Transit Assistance
(STA), and California Proposition
1B Safety and Security funding.
In addition to the 70 new shelters,
SunLine installed 24 new Simme-seats at stops with lower usage or limited space for a full
shelter. The additional Simme-seats were funded with $16,000 of FTA 5307 funds.
In addition to these federal projects, SunLine is using California Proposition 1B funds to make
improvements to passenger facilities and vehicle camera systems. One of the Passenger Facility
Projects is a special night light alert to indicate a passenger is waiting in poorly lit bus stops. The
upgraded camera system will improve passenger safety and security.
Thanks to both federal and
state funding, 66% of the
bus stops within SunLine’s
service area will have
shelters once the additional
70 shelters are completed.
Additional funding will be
used to purchase 35 new
shelters in FY 2014. All of
these passenger facility
projects will make the
overall
passenger
experience
more
enjoyable.
14
New Administration Building and Transit Hub
On February 26, 2013, SunLine Transit Agency broke ground on the construction of its new
25,000-squarefoot Administration Building and 844-square-foot Transit Hub. This new facility will
replace the modular buildings that have been in use over the past several decades. The new
facility is LEED Certified Silver, which will not only better serve the needs of SunLine, but will be
much more energy efficient.
The 844-square-foot Transit Hub will meet the needs of the growing Coachella Valley and serve
as a new stop on the Riverside 220 Commuter Link express bus service into western Riverside
County.
15
SunLine Board of Directors, General
Manager and the construction crew
conducted a beam signing ceremony similar
to a “Topping Out Ceremony” on February
18, 2014 to mark substantial progress of the
new Administrative Building.
16
SunFuels
In 1992, the SunLine Board of Directors sought to preserve the air quality of the Coachella Valley
and voted to transition the fleet to alternative fuels. In 1994, SunLine led the industry by being
the first public agency to convert all of its vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and
opened a fueling station for transit and the public. Over the past 20 years, SunLine has continued
to pursue the latest on available alternative fuels adding a hydrogen and CNG blend (HCNG),
and hydrogen to its product lines.
SunFuels provides an invaluable service to SunLine operations, other government agencies and
the public as the only alternative fueling station in the Coachella Valley that offers CNG, HCNG,
and hydrogen. Although it has served the region well over the past 20 years, SunLine will need
to obtain funding to make much needed improvements to its production facility.
17
Progress Report
Fleet Improvement Projects
The American Fuel Cell Bus
SunLine unveiled its 7th generation hydrogen
fueled vehicle—the “American Fuel Cell Bus” on
November 14, 2011. As a product of American
ingenuity, this hydrogen fuel cell bus was made in
the USA. SunLine is extremely proud to be the first
transit agency to integrate this innovative “Buy
America Compliant” bus into its fleet.
SunLine is purchasing two more of these buses for
delivery by mid-2014, with $4,917,876 of FTA 5308 funds and $546,431 of matching STA funds.
SunLine is also currently applying for funding for five additional American Fuel Cell Buses under
the FTA “Lo No “ funding opportunity. This program is offering $21 million in funding for larger
quantities of proven technology low or zero emission buses. These buses would be used to
expand transit service in the Coachella Valley.
Replacement of Paratransit Vans
In 2013, SunLine purchased 14 replacement vehicles
to serve persons with disabilities throughout the
Coachella Valley. These improvements to the fleet are
funded with FTA Section 5307 and 5309 funds.
Additionally, SunLine will use FTA Section 5310 funds
to purchase two new paratransit vehicles to meet the
increased demand for our SunDial paratransit services,
plus at least two replacement vehicles using FTA
Section 5307 funds.
18
Replacement of Non-Revenue Vehicles
Using FTA Section 5307 funds, SunLine will purchase two trucks and four cars to replace
depreciated vehicles. All of these vehicles will use alternative fuels, such as compressed natural
gas (CNG).
Vehicle Refurbishments
In addition to replacing old vehicles, SunLine maintains the overall appearance of the fleet
through paint and decal work with the use of FTA Section 5307 funds. FTA Section 5307 funds
were also used to refurbish four older buses for the new Riverside Commuter Link 220 express
service, which transports residents to western Riverside County improving access to
employment.
19
Progress Report
Service Improvement Projects
Line 95
SunLine opened service on the Line 95 in
September, 2013 connecting the community of
North Shore to the greater Coachella Valley.
Line 54
In January 2014, new service began along the
Fred Waring corridor connecting the communities
of Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Palm
Desert.
Lines 14, 30 and 111
Additionally, Lines 14, 30 and 111 saw
improvements to the frequency of service.
20
Progress Report
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
Project
SunLine recently completed the implementation of the initial ITS project, creating a foundation for
the integration of future ITS technologies. The basis for the initial its project was to acquire real
time operational data from buses and to install equipment such as Automatic Passenger Counters,
Automatic Vehicle Location, Computer Automated Dispatching, Automatic Voice Announcement,
paperless manifest, closed microphone radio and signal point sign-on for fare box and head signs.
The system consists of different software applications from various vendors, including Avail,
Trapeze and Fleet-Net. The new ITS system gives SunLine the following capabilities:

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) with vehicle component to monitor fixed route and
paratransit operations.

Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) on all fixed route and paratransit vehicles to perform functions
such as creating manifests for paratransit operators, navigational aids, two-way text
messaging and communications, and enhancing radio communication.

Advanced Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) tools for fixed route and paratransit
dispatchers that improves information and communication capabilities provided by AVL and
MDT equipped vehicles.

Automatic Passenger Counters (APC) units to accurately collect number of passengers
boarding and de-boarding the buses.

Automatic Voice Annunciators (AVA) systems that are fully automated to automatically
announce stops along the routes to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On-board intelligence equipment to enhance existing fareboxes, single point sign-on, and a
unified source from the Global Positioning System (GPS) for bus location, schedule
adherence and trip information.

A single unified GIS source and solution for use by all SunLine systems relying on a map.
21
Industry Events
American Public Transportation
Association (APTA)
APTA held its 2013 CEO Conference in Palm
Springs February 9-13, 2013. The Conference
was focused on forward thinking strategies,
funding and financing ideas, economic
development and much more. SunLine was
honored to provide information to participants
about its services, alternative fuel projects and
provide tours of the SunLine Learning Center.
SunLine Transit Agency
“State of Public Transit”
Luncheon
On February 13, 2013, SunLine held its
6th Annual “State of Public Transit”
Luncheon. The guest speaker for this
event was Mr. Michael Melaniphy, APTA
President and CEO. Mr. Melaniphy
spoke about transit as a partner for
economic development, the future of
public transit and APTA’s work in the
nation’s Capitol. SunLine had over 175
civic
and
business
leaders
in
attendance.
22
Community Engagement
Fill the Bus Food Drive
SunLine held its 7th annual “Fill the Bus”
food drive in November, 2013. Martha’s
Village and Kitchen, located in Indio, and
Food Now, located in Desert Hot Springs,
were the recipients of the food drive. In
addition to nonperishable foods, canned
goods, frozen meats and other assorted
trimmings, SunLine collected toiletries,
personal hygiene products, diapers and
other household products to help
Coachella Valley residents in need. This year SunLine collected a total of approximately 11 tons
of donated items, bringing the seven year total to over 47 tons.
SafeHouse of the Desert
SunLine Transit Agency’s
partnership with SafeHouse of
the Desert, a national youth
outreach
program
that
educates thousands of young
people every year about the
dangers of running away or
trying to resolve difficult,
threatening situations on their
own, has proved to be
invaluable. SunLine provides 69 mobile Safe
Place sites which cover much of the Coachella
Valley. A black and yellow sign, placed by the
door of each bus identifies Safe Place sites.
23
Guide Dogs of the Desert Training
Employees are committed to providing the best service to persons with disabilities. In 2013, staff
provided several mobility training classes for the Braille Institute in Rancho Mirage. In April,
2012, drivers had the opportunity to learn more about how guide dogs assist persons with
disabilities and how to best interact with them. This training provided by a local non-profit, Guide
Dogs of the Desert, proved beneficial to staff and enhanced their relationship with customers.
Palm Desert Annual Golf Cart Parade
In October, 2013, SunLine staff participated in Palm Desert’s Annual Golf Cart Parade with its
miniature replica of the American Fuel Cell Bus. This was an outstanding opportunity to show
case SunLine’s commitment to alternative fuels and American workers.
24
Coachella Annual Christmas Parade
In December, 2013, SunLine staff participated in Coachella’s Annual Christmas Parade with its
miniature replica of the American Fuel Cell Bus. SunLine was pleased to participate in a
community event where demand for service is growing.
Palm Springs Black
History Parade
Proud of not only its diverse
workforce, but of the diverse
communities
served
by
SunLine, employees were
happy to participate in the
Palm Springs Black History
parade. SunLine’s parade
entry included the American
Fuel Cell Bus and its mini
replica.
25
North Shore Community Resource Fair
In August 2013, SunLine co-sponsored a community resources fair for the underserved
community of North Shore turning out over 200 residents. This event was successful in
promoting our new Line 95 service that was launched in September, 2013. SunLine staff
provided mobility training on the bus, helping the community understand the bus schedule, fare
structure and where they could purchase passes. Additionally, many non-profits participated,
educating the community about a variety of services available to them.
26
Customer Appreciation
On February 14, 2014, SunLine
staff were out thanking its
customers with their “We Love
Our Customers” campaign. This
was
an
opportunity
for
administrative staff to get out of
the office, meet customers and
see the service in action.
Environmental and Sustainability
Each spring, the California State University San Bernardino—Palm Desert Campus hosts an
Environmental and Sustainability Expo, which brings together middle and high school students,
university researchers, and Coachella Valley's green industry leaders to celebrate and to learn
more about environmental science, sustainability, local and global green projects in a way that
emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability for the Coachella Valley. SunLine
staff are active presenters teaching the youth about the latest hydrogen fuel technology on board
one of our hydrogen fuel cell buses.
27
Mass Casualty Training
SunLine staff participated in mass casualty
response training with local emergency
responders. It is truly an honor for staff to do
their part to make sure the community is
ready in the unfortunate event that there
were to be a mass casualty incident.
Presidential Visits
In June, 2013, President Barack
Obama met with Chinese
President
Xi
Jinping
at
Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage.
The President returned to the
Coachella Valley in February,
2014 to meet with King
Abdullah II of Jordan. For both
events, SunLine staff provided
support in the movement of
VIP’s and the media.
28
Veteran’s Expo
On October 12, 2013, SunLine participated in the Salvation Army’s Annual Veteran’s Expo.
This expo brings many services together for veterans to easily access. SunLine staff were on
hand to explain the variety of SunLine services that may benefit veterans and to thank them for
their service.
29
Dump The Pump
On June 19, 2013, SunLine participated in National “Dump the Pump Campaign” sponsored by
the American Public Transportation Association by hosting a media day. Dump the Pump is a
day that encourages people to ride public transportation and save money. SunLine staff
showcased its alternative fuel technology buses and facilities to the media, local officials, Board
Members, and invited guests by providing a ride on a SunLine bus demonstrating how safe,
clean and easy it is to “Dump the Pump”.
15th Annual
Tour de Palm Springs
On February 9, 2013, SunLine
staff
and
family
members
participated in the 15th Annual
Tour De Palm Springs, riding
courses between 1 and 100 miles
in length. This annual event raises
funds for Coachella Valley nonprofits. Since its inception, the tour
has raised over $1 million dollars.
Team SunLine is proud to be a
part of this great community event.
30
Employee Engagement
Diversity
SunLine staff honored the contributions of African-Americans during Black History month with a
Soul Food potluck. During the event, there was a presentation of prominent African-Americans,
music, poem reading, and a competition for best dish. Staff will also have a Cinco De Mayo
celebration.
31
National Safety Month
SunLine Safety Staff held a poster contest and BBQ to promote National Safety Month in June,
2013. Operating a safe bus system is top priority for SunLine staff.
32
Staff Breakfast
Executive staff served up breakfast
for staff on December 19, 2013 to
thank them for all the hard work they
do throughout the year and wish
them a wonderful holiday season.
33
Coffee with the General Manager
The General Manager and Executive staff hold a “Coffee with the General Manager” periodically
for staff to have an opportunity to hear from the Agency’s leadership team and ask questions.
This has proven to be an excellent way to keep open communication and build trust with staff.
34
Honoring Our Vets
Veterans Celebration
SunLine paid tribute to all of its employees
who have served and are serving in the
nation’s military. On November 7th,
SunLine recognized 33 employees and
four Board members that have served so
honorably.
35
SunLine Transit Agency
32505 Harry Oliver Trail
Thousand Palms, CA 92276
760-343-3456 / www.sunline.org
36