SAN LUIS VALLEY Coordinated Public Transit & Human Services Transportation

BustangOutriderAll transit service provider information and associated datafor the SLV TPR was collected from the 2019 StatewideTransit Plan Provider Survey, National Transit Database,previous plans, CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail, The SanLuis Valley Regional Transit Council (SLVRTC), and internetresearch. While extensive efforts were made to collectinformation about all providers, the information may not becomprehensive.Bustang, CDOT’s interregional express bus service, is funded by CDOT andoperated by a local provider. Two Bustang Outrider routes serve the SLV TPR.Gunnison-Denver Outrider Route – Connects theSLV TPR to Gunnison Valley and Greater Denver Area.There are two stops along the Gunnison-Denver routein the SLV TPR: Salida and Buena Vista. Schedulesare timed so that riders can transfer between theAlamosa-Pueblo route and Gunnison-Denver route inSalida. The route is operated by Alpine Express.SAN LUIS VALLEYSAN LUIS VALLEYExistingProviders &CoordinationActivitiesInterregional, Regional,& Local TransitProvidersProviderNeighbor toNeighborVolunteers(ChaffeeShuttle &Eagle LineShuttle)Service AreaMulti-county:Rio Grande,Saguache,Chaffee,AlamosaTypes ofServiceCNeighbor to Neighbor Volunteers (Chaffee Shuttle andEagle Line Shuttle) provides commuter bus and demandresponse services in the SLV TPR.Span of ServiceM-Sa (8:00 AM3:00 ip2018 Ops& ueHours13,925 283,084125,6374,051Eagle LineShuttle: 1- 4/rideNote: Ridership, budget, mileage, and revenue hours are 2018 numbers from the National TransitDatabase and include all service types.Source: 2018 National Transit Database and 2019 CDOT Statewide Transit Plan Provider SurveyLegendCCommuter BusDemand ResponseSan Luis Valley stops: Salida and Buena VistaAlamosa-Pueblo Outrider Route – Connects the SLVTPR with Central Front range TPR and Pueblo Area.In addition to two stops in Alamosa, there are threeintermediate stops on this route in the SLV TPR. Theroute is operated by the Senior Resource DevelopmentAgency out of Pueblo.DEFINITIONSSan Luis Valley stops: Moffat, Poncha Springs, andSalidaTransit Service TypesTransit Service CategoriesFixed-route: Transit service that operateson a defined route and schedule.Deviated Fixed-Route: Transit servicethat follows a defined route and schedulebut will deviate off route within a definedarea to pick up passengers upon request.Demand Response: Typically door-todoor service where you call ahead toschedule a trip (e.g., Dial-a-Ride, Call-nRide, Access-a-Ride).Vanpools: Service that is organized inadvance by a group of people who travelto and from similar locations at the sametime.Interregional Public: Open to the general publicand connects one region/TPR of the state to anotherregion/TPR.Regional Transit Service: Open to the generalpublic and connects communities and counties withina region/TPR.Local Transit: Open to the general public andoperates primarily within a city, town, or community.Human Services Transportation: Service providedby a human services agency that is typically for aspecific population, such as older adults, people withdisabilities, and veterans.Private For-Profit Transportation: Services thatare operated privately and can include taxis, resorttransportation, ridehailing services (Uber, Lyft), etc.PAGE 1010PAGEChaffee ShuttlePhoto Credit: Jeff PrillwitzPAGE 11

Five-year historic trends for key transit operating metrics (ridership,revenue miles, and revenue hours) for Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteersshows mostly consistent ridership, revenue miles, and revenuehours. When commuter bus service was introduced in 2017 there wassubstantial growth in ridership, revenue miles, and revenue hours.Total TPR Annual RidershipSAN LUIS VALLEYSAN LUIS VALLEY5-Year HistoricOperating DataTransit ProviderService PerformanceMetricsKey performance data indicate the efficiency of an agency’sservice operations. Providing a comparison of key performancemetrics demonstrates how data can shift according to thetype of service that is provided and the frequency at whichit is used. SLV TPR cost/trip, cost/revenue hour, and cost/revenue mile are shown below.ANNUAL KEY PERFORMANCE DATATotal TPR Vehicle Revenue MilesANNUAL RIDERSHIPTotal TPR Vehicle Revenue HoursANNUAL OPERATING COSTSCommuter Bus ServiceDemand ResponseCommuter Bus ServiceSource: 2014-2018 National Transit Database and 2019 Statewide Transit Plan Provider SurveyPAGE 12Demand Response ServicesSource: 2018 National Transit Database and 2019 Statewide Transit Plan Provider SurveyPAGE 13

ProviderSeveral human services agencies operate transportation services in the SLV TPR;however, for many of these providers, transportation is only one of the servicesthey provide. The table below identifies human services agencies in the Regionthat provide transportation services and the populations they serve. The listbelow is limited to those that responded to the 2019 Statewide Transit PlanProvider Survey and may not be comprehensive.Service AreaDays of ServiceSalida, PonchaSprings, and BuenaVistaStarpointFixed-route M-Th (8:309:30 AM, 3:00-4:00 PM)Passenger EligibilityIndividuals with disabilitiesTypes On demand M-SuAlamosa, Conejos,Costilla, Mineral, RioGrande, SaguacheCountiesM-SuIndividuals withdevelopmental disabilitiesNot availableConejos CountyDepartment ofSocial ServicesConejos CountyBased on availableresources and clientneedsIndividuals withdisabilities, older adults(65 ), low-incomepopulations, veterans,Medicaid recipientsNot availableNorthernersSeniors, Inc.Conejos CountyBased on availableresources and clientneedsOlder adults (60 )Not availableBased on availableresources and clientneedsLow-income, veterans,Medicaid recipientsNot availableIndividuals withdisabilities, older adults(65 ), low-incomepopulations, veterans,Medicaid recipientsNot availableMedicaid recipientsNot availableBlue PeaksDevelopmentalServices, Inc.Alamosa County La Jara, COCostilla CountyDepartment ofSocial ServicesSan Luis, Blanca, Ft.Garland, GarciaM-Th as neededRed WillowMulti-County:Alamosa, Conejos,Costilla, Mineral, RioGrande, SaguacheBased on availableresources and clientneedsFixedRoute BusDemandResponseVouchers orReimbursementCDOT’s DTR comprehensive Transit Asset Management Plan meets federal requirementsand was last updated in fall 2018. The Plan identifies the condition of assets fundedwith state or federal funds to guide optimal prioritization of investments to keeptransit systems in Colorado in a state of good repair. Currently, 43 percent of CDOTtracked transit vehicles in the SLV TPR are beyond their state of good repair.Total RevenueVehiclesVehicles BeyondState of Good RepairPercentage ofVehicles BeyondState of Good RepairNeighbor to Neighbor Volunteers900% 0Blue Peaks Developmental Services423686% 1,632,300TOTAL - San Luis Valley TPR513643% ination of transportation services is paramount when looking for ways to createmore efficient systems and provide trips to as many people as possible. The 2019Statewide Transit Plan Provider Survey gathered information from providers in the SLVTPR about coordination to understand current activities and identify barriers. Referringclients was the top coordination activity performed by human services providers, whiletransit providers indicated that most of their coordination is done through participationin the local/regional coordinating council. Barriers to coordination activities alsodemonstrate different needs. Human services providers said distance to other providersand lack of funding were the most challenging aspects to more coordination, transitproviders identified lack of funding as their greatest barrier.9Referring clients56Share other transportation resources(vehicles, dispatch, etc.)Private TransportationProvidersOther human services providers may not offer transportationservices but may offer transportation related services, fundtransportation programs, or coordinate with transportationproviders in the Region. Human services providers in the Regionthat responded to the 2019 Statewide Transit Provider Surveyinclude Rio Grande County Veterans Service Office, Rio GrandeDepartment of Social Services, South-Central Colorado Seniors,Inc, and SLV Health.The SLV TPR has limited private, for-profittransportation providers. The existing knownproviders include Little Stinkers Taxi, RockyMountain Taxi Service, and Wilderness Journeys(shuttle to Wolf Creek Ski Area).Coordinate services/schedules2Other2Share fundsDistance to other providers is too great413Other Human ServicesProviders163Participate in local/regional coordinating councilContract withother Providers5Lack of funding2PAGE 14Barriers to Coordination Activities1Regularly communicate with partnersBus Passes orTicketsCost ofBacklogSource: CDOT Statewide Transit Asset Inventory, July 2019Current Coordination ActivitiesSource: 2019 CDOT Statewide Transit Plan Provider SurveyLegendState of GoodRepair DataSAN LUIS VALLEYSAN LUIS VALLEYHumanServicesTransportationProvidersLack of an organized transportationcoordinating council or equivalent31Funding regulations/limitations3Other3Technology limitations11No current barriersHuman Services ProvidersTransit ProvidersSource: 2019 Statewide Transit Plan Provider SurveyPAGE 15

The San Luis Valley Regional Transit Council (SLVRTC), part of the SLVDRG,was formed in 2015 to address issues and concerns regarding transit servicesin the San Luis Valley. The SLVRTC makes recommendations on improvingcoordination among participants and identifying future transit goals andprojects. Half of the human services providers that responded to the 2019Statewide Transit Plan Provider Survey reported participating in their localor regional coordinating council.SAN LUIS VALLEYSAN LUIS VALLEYLocal/RegionalCoordinatingCouncilThe San Luis Valley Development Resource Group (SLVDRG) was formed in1994 as a merger of the San Luis Valley Regional Development and PlanningCommission, San Luis Valley Economic Development Council, and San LuisValley Council of Governments. It serves as the coordinating agency forthe SLV TPR and facilitates regular communication between CDOT, localgovernments, and private entities in the Region.FinancialSnapshotTransit funding is complex and Colorado providers typically use a patchworkfunding approach that includes federal, state, local fares, donations, and/or tax revenues. Public funds are primarily used to support transit andtransportation services in rural parts of Colorado, with most agencies relyingon federal funds from the FTA. Based on 2014-2018 budget data, most of theSLV TPR’s capital revenues and nearly half of its operating revenues werefrom federal sources. Operating revenues were supplemented by state andlocal funds, fares, and from donations and partnerships.Capital RevenueSourcesOperating RevenueSourcesOther collaborative efforts such as the Western San Luis Valley TransitCommittee, a collaboration of seven local governments in the SLV TPR,have also helped support transit in the Region. As the SLVRTC has becomeincreasingly formalized and expanded supportive services, the Western SanLuis Valley Transit Committee determined their needs were being met by theSLVRTC and the committee conducted their final meeting in April 2020.MobilityManagementSLVRTC provides mobility management for the SLV TPR. As of November2019, the SLVRTC does not have a permanent mobility manager positionfilled, but they do have an AmeriCorps VISTA position working on mobilitythemed projects with support from the CDOT led rural regional mobilitycommittee. The hope is to develop this effort into a full time FTA Section5310 funded mobility management program.In 2018, the SLVRTC helped develop an Action Plan to coordinate andplan for future partnerships and needs for the regional coordinatingcouncil. In this plan, they highlighted action items that included creatinga Transportation Resource Guide for the public. They are also interestedin developing more joint information tools such as a One-Call/One-Clickservice, website, and app. In addition to increased information sharing, theSLVRTC is working on recruiting new regional coordinating council members.CoordinatingServicesSource: National Transit Database 2014-2018 5-YearAverages and 2019 Statewide Transit Plan ProviderSurveyHistoric Revenue DataThe chart below shows five-year SLV TPR operating and capitalfunding trends. Operating funds increased by more than 100 percentfrom 2016 to 2017, and then decreased by 25 percent the next year.Over the five-year period, capital funding was recieved in only 2016and 2017.Blue Peaks Developmental Services currently coordinates with NonEmergency Medical Transportation providers to provide trips.Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteers reports saving time and money bycoordinating with other local entities: PAGE 16Source: National Transit Database 2014-2018 5-YearAverages and 2019 Statewide Transit Plan ProviderSurveyAdditional 10-Year Capital& Operating NeedsAdditional capital and operatingprojects were identified by SLVTPR participants, transportationproviders, CDOT staff, and otherkey transit stakeholders throughoutthe Region. Project needs identifieddo not include any anticipatedfleet replacement funds needed tomaintain all assets in a state of goodrepair. See pages 22 and 23 for thefull list of additional project needs.Capital Project Needs: 20.3MOperational Project Needs: 43.2MTotal Identified Need: 63.5MThe Chaffee Shuttle purchases gas for their vehicles through ChaffeeCounty to save on fuel costsThe Chaffee Shuttle service is coordinated with the Golden Age Shuttleservice in Cañon CitySource: National Transit Database 2014-2018 and 2019 Statewide Transit PlanProvider SurveyPAGE 17

Annual Operating/Capital ProjectionsAnnual operating and capital funding projections for the SLV TPR provide a framework for planning for transit inthe future. However, while planning projections are informative, they are in no way predictions of the future.Many factors influence revenue projections, including: (1) availability and allocation of federal, state, and localfunds; (2) economic volatility; and (3) the rate of inflation. To provide a foundation for future planning, annualoperating and capital projections for the SLV TPR were developed based on 2018 National Transit Database dataand survey responses from the 2019 Statewide Transit Plan Provider Survey.Scenario 1: Maintain theStatus QuoProjected Surpluses/Deficits 2020-2045Scenario 2: Maintain the StatusQuo New State FundingProjected Surpluses/Deficits 2020-2045SAN LUIS VALLEYSAN LUIS VALLEYRegional Transit Revenue TrendsSAN LUIS VALLEY TPRSENATE BILL-267 PROJECTSFunding Programs &OpportunitiesFederal funding is the primary revenuesource for transit and human servicesproviders in the State of Colorado forboth operating and capital projects.CDOT serves as the designated recipientfor Enhanced Mobility of Seniors andIndividuals with Disabilities (5310) andGrants for Rural Areas (5311). 5311 fundingis allocated based on a Colorado-definedrural funding allocation methodology. CDOTallocates Bus and Bus Facilities (5339) andPlanning (5304) funds through an annualcompetitive grant application process opento rural providers in the State.CDOT’s Transportation Commissionapproved SB-267 transit projects inDecember 2019, with 3.02 million allocatedto the SLV TPR over four years. Projectsinclude: Renovation and expansion of existingPoncha Springs Welcome CenterOutrider stop and shelter improvementsat three locations between Alamosa andBuena VistaPartner/capital call for projects (TBD)Historically, limited funding for operating and capital transit needs has been available. In 2017, thestate legislature approved Senate Bill 267 (SB-267), which allocates 500 million in general funds foreach of four years to address transportation needs. SB-267 mandates that at least 10 percent, or 50million, is allocated to transit capital projects annually. Twenty-five percent of the SB-267 transitfunds are allocated to CDOT projects, including Bustang; approximately 50 percent of funds are to beallocated to CDOT and partner agency projects; and 25 percent of funds are allocated to local agencytransit improvement projects. SB-267 is only a four-year program; for the funding to continue, the statelegislature would have to approve such legislation.Given the limited state funding for transit, many transit agencies in the state rely heavily on local fundsto support their service, especially operating dollars. Alternative funding sources to support transitservices locally and regionally include:Source: CDOTScenario 1 assumes that no additional operatingor capital funds are available for transit through2045. Due to inflation, operating funds continueto diminish over the 25-year planning horizon.Capital revenue declines through 2029 with aspike in revenues in 2030. This is due to theannual investment required to retire the currentbacklog of vehicles operating beyond their usefullives by 2029 and ensuring that all other vehiclesare replaced on time to maintain a state of goodrepair. While capital projections are still in adeficit, the impact is less severe after 2030.PAGE 18Source: CDOTScenario 2 builds on Scenario 1 by assumingan additional 50 million in state fundsare allocated to transit each year through2045. The projection is based on the SB-267funding allocation formula. The Region’sallocation of state transit funding from2023-2045 is split 50/50 between capitaland operating. New state funding positivelyimpacts operating revenues through 2045.However, additional capital funding sourceswill be required. General fundsLodging taxesParking feesProperty taxes Public-private partnershipsRural transportationauthoritiesSales and use taxes Sponsorship/donationsTourism taxesUtility taxes/feesVehicle feesFederal Transit Administration Funding Programs Accelerating Innovative Mobility - 5310Access and Mobility Partnerships - 5310Bus and Bus Facilities Discretionary Program-5339(b)Capital Investment Grant - 5309Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individualswith Disabilities - 5310Grants for Buses & Bus Facilities – 5339(a)Grants for Rural Areas – 5311Human Resources & Training - 5314Integrated Mobility Innovation - 5310Low or No Emission Vehicle Program – 5339(c) Mobility for All Pilot Program Grants - 5310Mobility on Demand (MOD) SandboxDemonstration Program - 5312Pilot Program for Transit-OrientedDevelopment Planning 20005(b)Planning Grants - 5304Public Transportation Innovation - 5312Rural Transportation Assistance Program –5311(b)(3)State of Good Repair Grants - 5337Technical Assistance & Standards Development- 5314(a)PAGE 19

Implementation actions are meant to be near-term,practicable measures related to the TPR’s transit vision andgoals and to support the implementation of identified transitprojects in the Region. Advocate for stable funding to maintain the operationof existing transit servicesAdvocate for full funding of TPR identified transitcapital, operating, and planning projects (see projectlist on pages 22 and 23)Maintain all assets in a state of good repairMaximize existing and seek new funding sources toexpand local and regional services to include additionaldays, hours, and geographic coverageImprove transit amenities in the Region throughincreased signage and sheltersCoordinate with CDOT and regional partners to fund andconstruct transit centers and Park-n-Rides in the RegionFormalize the Regional Coordinating Council and ensureit has adequate resources and fundingAdvocate for increased coordination efforts betweenNeighbor to Neighbor/Chaffee Shuttle, coordinatingcouncil, local governments, other transit providers, andCDOTPartner and collaborate with CDOT and local agenciesto increase coordination on marketing, outreach, andhuman servicesStudy the possibility of establishing a One-Call/OneClick Call Center for the RegionEstablish fixed-route and demand response transitservices along major highways to serve populations oncorridorsExpand interregional transit service to increase mobilityfor residents,employees, and visitors in the RegionCoordinate and plan for future use of the TennesseePass Rail LineSANSAN LUISLUIS VALLEYVALLEYSAN LUIS VALLEYImplementationStrategiesCity of SalidaPhoto Credit: Colorado.comPriorityProjectsCottonwoods at Medano CreekPhoto Credit: National Park ServicePAGE 20Based on findings from public i

Human Services Transportation: Service provided by a human services agency that is typically for a . specific population, such as older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans. Private. For-Profit Transportation: Services that are operated privately and can include taxis, resort transportation, ridehailing services (Uber, Lyft), etc.