long beach transit

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Long Beach Transit Board of Directors Barbara Sullivan George, Chair Freda Hinsche Otto, Vice Chair Lori Ann Farrell, Secretary/Treasurer Maricela de Rivera, Director Donald M. First, Director Victor Irwin, Director Dr. James P. Norman, Jr., Director Michael Conway, City Representative David Roseman, City Representative President and Chief Executive Officer Laurence W. Jackson Long Beach Public Transportation Company Board of Directors Regular Meeting May 20, 2013 12:00 P.M. Long Beach City Hall City Council Chambers 333 West Ocean Boulevard Long Beach, California 90802 Agenda 1. Call to Order. Barbara Sullivan George 2. Roll Call. Olga Livingston 3. Approval of Minutes of Board Meeting held April 22, 2013. Barbara Sullivan George RECEIVE AND FILE 4. Employees of the Month for May, 2013. Marcelle Epley Angel Carillo, Operations Roberto Vargas, Maintenance Vivian Garcia, Staff

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Page 1: Long Beach Transit

Long Beach Transit

Board of DirectorsBarbara Sullivan George, ChairFreda Hinsche Otto, Vice Chair

Lori Ann Farrell, Secretary/TreasurerMaricela de Rivera, Director

Donald M. First, DirectorVictor Irwin, Director

Dr. James P. Norman, Jr., DirectorMichael Conway, City RepresentativeDavid Roseman, City Representative

President and Chief Executive OfficerLaurence W. Jackson

Long Beach Public Transportation CompanyBoard of DirectorsRegular Meeting

May 20, 201312:00 P.M.

Long Beach City HallCity Council Chambers

333 West Ocean BoulevardLong Beach, California 90802

Agenda

1. Call to Order. Barbara Sullivan George

2. Roll Call. Olga Livingston

3. Approval of Minutes of Board Meeting held April 22, 2013. Barbara Sullivan George

RECEIVE AND FILE

4. Employees of the Month for May, 2013. Marcelle Epley

Angel Carillo, OperationsRoberto Vargas, MaintenanceVivian Garcia, Staff

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5. Financial Report for the Month of April, 2013. Lisa Patton

RECEIVE AND FILE

6. FTA Triennial Report. Lisa Patton

RECEIVE AND FILE

7. Statement of Investment Policy. Lisa Patton

An annual review by the Board is required.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Company’s Statement of Investment Policy.

8. FY 2013 – 2015 Strategic Business Plan Update. Marcelle Epley

A review by the Board is required.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Company’s updated 2013-2015 Strategic Business Plan

9. Executive Session – Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (b) (1) Position:President/Chief Executive Officer, Executive Search Update.

10. Electric Bus Project Update. Rolando Cruz

INFORMATION

11. Public Comment

Any member of the public may approach the lectern and, upon recognition by the Chairperson, statehis or her name and address for the record and proceed to address the Board on any item within thesubject matter jurisdiction of the Board, provided that no action may be taken on off-agenda itemsunless authorized by law. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes for all comments, unlessdifferent time limits are set by the Chairperson, subject to the approval of the Board.

12. Adjourn. The next regular meeting will be held Monday, June 24, 2013.

NOTE: The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance withthe Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If special accommodation is desired, please call theCity Clerk Department 48 hours* prior to the meeting at 570-6101.

(* The City Clerk's office is closed on weekends. To assure proper accommodations please call by4:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the meeting.)

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(Telecommunication Device for the Deaf – Please call 570-6626. Inquire at the City CouncilChamber Audio Visual Room for Assistive Listening Device.)

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AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY

We are requesting the Board’s approval of the Company’s Statement of InvestmentPolicy which is pursuant to annual review.

Background

The Statement of Investment Policy establishes policies and procedures for Long BeachTransit’s cash management system and investment activities. The policy applies to allfinancial assets of the Company, excluding pension plan assets which are covered under aseparate investment policy.

The California Government Code requires an annual review and adoption of theCompany’s Investment Policy. Each year staff evaluates the policy to ensure it meetsthe objectives of preservation of principal, liquidity, yield, safety, compliance withcurrent law, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and the needs of LongBeach Transit.

There were no changes during the last year to the California Government Code, GASB orthe State of California’s Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Policy which requireamendments to our existing investment policy. Therefore, the Company’s Statement ofInvestment Policy remains unchanged.

As detailed in the Quarterly Investment Reports, Long Beach Transit’s investmentscontinue to be handled by the State of California’s Local Agency Investment Fund(LAIF) and the Corporate Investment Account which contains investment vehiclessimilarly structured to LAIF.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Company’s Statement of InvestmentPolicy.

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AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: FY 2013 – 2015 STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANUPDATE

Long Beach Transit Memorandum

To: Long Beach Transit Board of Directors

From: Marcelle Epley, Chief Administrative Officer & Senior Vice President

Date: May 20, 2013

Re: Long Beach Transit Strategic Business Plan: Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Update

Attached for the Board's adoption is the updated FY 2013-2015 Long Beach Transit StrategicBusiness Plan. Information in this plan reflects current key economic markers that impact ouranticipated funding levels, service demand and overall business direction heading into FY2014. The FY 2013-2015 Strategic Business Plan serves as a planning document at thehighest level of the day-to-day operations of the organization, to which we are developing theFY 2014 operating and capital budgets that will be presented to the Board in June. Thefollowing is a brief summary of information that has been updated in the plan.

Funding OutlookConsidering that 60% of Long Beach Transit’s operating income comes from county andstate subsidies that are sales tax based, unemployment and consumer confidence play a majorrole in anticipating funding levels. Compared to early 2012, national, state and localunemployment rates have dropped. More people are returning to work and have discretionaryincome that support increased sales tax revenue. Alongside this trend, consumer confidencehas remained virtually unchanged, but remains well above devastating levels seen at theheight of the recession. These two indicators support the prediction provided to the Board lastyear in the FY 2013-2015 Strategic Business Plan that the economy would begin to improve.These optimistic signs show a recovering economy and a sign that county and state subsidieswill begin to rise.

Ridership OutlookWhile our region is not experiencing $5 per gallon gas prices seen in parts of California in2012, southern California gas prices remain relatively high around $4 per gallon, andcontinue to persuade residents to leave their cars at home and ride public transportation.Further, the desire to take public transportation to be “green” and clean up our environmentcontinues to increase patronage from discretionary riders. These factors, in conjunction withincreased housing density and a growing proportion of senior citizens, point to increasingdemand.

Organizational PrioritiesWhile this updated information does not significantly impact the initial business directionoutlined in the FY 2013-2015 Strategic Business Plan, it does support the original goals ofachieving our mission and corporate standards of excellence, budgeting conservatively,

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May 16, 2013

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focusing on cost efficiency, modestly enhancing our service within our financial means,investing in employee skill development, improving the quality that we communicate withour customers, and seeking out alternative revenue sources.

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Chapter 1 – Executive Summary……………………….…….…01

Chapter 2 – Review Scope and Methodology………….…07

Chapter 3 – Program Compliance………………………………11

Chapter 4 – Prior Recommendations…………………………17

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 5 – Data Reporting Analysis...........................21

Chapter 6 – Performance Analysis...............................25

Chapter 7 – Functional Review………………………………….43

Chapter 8 – Findings and Recommendations…………….61

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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CHAPTER 1 – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Triennial Performance Review (TPR) of Long Beach Transit’s public transit program covers a three-

year period ending June 30, 2012. The California Public Utilities Code requires all recipients of Transit

Development Act (TDA) funding to complete an independent review on a three-year cycle in order to

maintain funding eligibility.

This chapter summarizes key findings and recommendations developed during the Triennial

Performance Review (TPR) of Long Beach Transit’s public transit program for the period defined as:

• Fiscal Year 2009/10,

• Fiscal Year 2010/11, and

• Fiscal Year 2011/12.

The Triennial Performance Review was conducted in accordance with the processes established by the

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as outlined in the Performance Audit Guidebook for

Transit Operators and Regional Transportation Planning Entities, as well as Government Audit Standards

published by the U.S. Comptroller General. The Triennial Performance Review includes five elements:

• Compliance requirements,

• Follow-up of prior report recommendations,

• Analysis of program data reporting,

• Performance review, and

• Functional review.

Description of Transit Program

The City of Long Beach began operating public transit service in 1963 when the City became the sole

shareholder in the newly-formed Long Beach Public Transportation Company. Marketed as Long Beach

Transit, the City’s transit program serves Long Beach as well as other South Bay and Gateway

communities including Artesia, Bellflower, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood,

Norwalk, Paramount, Seal Beach, and Signal Hill.

Long Beach Transit’s service offerings have evolved significantly since 1963, expanding upon traditional

fixed-route bus service to include limited-stop routes, a shuttle serving downtown businesses and

tourist destinations, demand-response service, and two water taxi services.

Long Beach Transit operates 31 regular fixed routes, most of which operate seven days a week, from as

early as 4:30 a.m. to as late as 1:30 a.m. These routes form the backbone of the agency’s service

offerings and generally operate along major thoroughfares (i.e., Cherry Avenue, Anaheim Street, Pacific

Coast Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, etc.). Long Beach Transit also operates two ZAP routes (Route 96

along Seventh Street and Bellflower Blvd and Route 176 along Pacific Coast Highway and N. Lakewood)

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which operate during peak hours and are targeted toward specific populations (i.e., students or

commuters).

Long Beach Transit introduced the Runabout service in 1991 to alleviate congestion during the Long

Beach Grand Prix. Now called Passport, the service is offered free within downtown Long Beach and,

during the review period, consisted of four routes serving popular tourist destinations, major employers,

and the Blue Line station/Transit Mall. In August 2012, three of the Passport routes were converted to

regular fixed routes. The remaining Passport route – which is free to ride – serves the Queen Mary,

Aquarium of the Pacific, and other popular locations.

In 1998, Long Beach Transit introduced the AquaBus, a 40-foot water taxi linking downtown Long Beach

with popular destinations around Queensway Bay including the Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary,

Shoreline Village, Pine Avenue Circle, and the Hotel Maya. The AquaLink service was introduced in 2001

using a 68-foot, 75-passenger catamaran. The AquaLink connects Long Beach Harbor with the Queen

Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Belmont Pier, and Alamitos Bay Landing. The AquaLink Express service

provides faster service between Alamitos Bay Landing and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Base fare is five

dollars for the AquaLink/AquaLink Express and one dollar for the AquaBus. The services operate seven

days a week during summer months. AquaLink and AquaBus are operated under contract by Catalina

Express.

Long Beach Transit also offers the Dial-A-Lift service for persons with disabilities residing in Long Beach,

Signal Hill, and Lakewood who are at least 18 years of age. The shared-ride, curb-to-curb service is

operated via contract with Taxi Systems, Inc. (TSI) (all fixed-route services are operated by Long Beach

Transit employees). Base fare is two dollars for the Dial-A-Lift service, with 10-ride ticket books available

(membership cards are an extra charge). A Personal Care Attendant may ride free, while a companion is

required to pay the two dollar fare.

Test of Compliance

Based on our review, we conclude Long Beach Transit complies with all Transportation Development Act

(TDA) regulations in an efficient and effective manner. Therefore, no material findings specific to the

compliance element have been developed.

Status of Prior Recommendations

The prior Triennial Performance Audit – completed in 2010 by Moore & Associates, Inc./Ma and

Associates for the three fiscal years ending June 30, 2009 – forwarded the following recommendation:

1. Increase marketing funding levels in an effort to attract more “choice” riders to the

service.

Status: Implemented.

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Findings

Based on discussions with Long Beach Transit staff, analysis of program performance, and a review of

program compliance and function, the audit team submits no compliance findings for Long Beach

Transit.

Recommendations

Given there were no findings submitted as a result of this review, no recommendations are presented

herein.

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2. REVIEW SCOPE

AND METHODOLOGY

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CHAPTER 2 – REVIEW SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY

The Triennial Performance Review (TPR) of Long Beach Transit’s public transit program covers the three-

year period ending June 30, 2012. The California Public Utilities Code requires all recipients of Transit

Development Act (TDA) funding to complete an independent review on a three-year cycle in order to

maintain funding eligibility.

The review is designed to be an independent and objective evaluation of Long Beach Transit as a public

transit operator. The review has four primary goals:

1. Assess compliance with TDA regulations,

2. Review improvements implemented subsequent to the prior TPR as well as progress

toward adopted goals,

3. Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the transit operator, and

4. Provide sound, constructive recommendations for improving the efficiency and

functionality of the transit operator.

The review was conducted in accordance with the processes established by the California Department of

Transportation, as outlined in the Performance Audit Guidebook for Transit Operators and Regional

Transportation Planning Entities, as well as Government Audit Standards published by the U.S.

Comptroller General.

The TPR is a systematic review of performance evaluating the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of

the transit operator. The review of Long Beach Transit’s public transit program included six tasks:

1. A review of compliance with the TDA requirements and regulations.

2. An assessment of the implementation of recommendations contained in prior

performance reviews.

3. A verification of the methodology for calculating performance indicators including

the following activities:

• Assessment of internal controls,

• Test of data collection methods,

• Calculation of performance indicators, and

• Evaluation of performance.

4. Comparison of data reporting practices:

• Transit Performance Measurement,

• National Transit Database, and

• Transit Operator Reports.

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5. Examination of the following functions:

• General management and organization,

• Service planning,

• Scheduling, dispatching, and operations,

• Personnel management and training,

• Administration,

• Marketing and public information, and

• Fleet maintenance.

6. Conclusions and recommendations to address opportunities for improvement based

upon analysis of the information collected and the review of the transit operator’s

major functions.

The methodology for this review included a site visit to the Long Beach Transit offices located at 1963 E.

Anaheim Street on December 5, 2012. The audit team met with Marcelle Epley (Chief Administrative

Officer), Robyn Gordon-Peterson (Chief Operating Officer), Lisa J. Patton (Executive Director), Ashley S.

Zu (Accounting Manager), Rhea Morallos (Finance Manager), and Jennifer Abro (Controller); reviewed

materials germane to the triennial review; and toured the operator’s transit maintenance and

operations facility.

An exit interview with Long Beach Transit staff was conducted via phone on March 14, 2013, at which

time the operator was given the opportunity to address and comment on any issues. Discussions and/or

details from that interview were subsequently incorporated into this report.

This report is comprised of eight chapters divided into three sections:

1. Executive Summary: A summary of the key findings and recommendations developed

during the Triennial Performance Review process.

2. Review Scope and Methodology: Methodology of the review and pertinent

background information.

3. Review Results: In-depth discussion of findings surrounding each of the subsequent

elements of the review:

• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements,

• Progress in implementing prior recommendations,

• Consistency between data reported to different agencies,

• Performance measures and trends,

• Functional review, and • Findings and recommendations.

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3. PROGRAM

COMPLIANCE

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C H A P T E R 3 – P R O G R A M C O M P L I A N C E

This section examines Long Beach Transit’s compliance with the Transportation Development Act as well

as relevant sections of the California Code of Regulations. An annual certified fiscal audit confirms TDA

funds were apportioned in conformance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The Los Angeles

County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) considers full use of funds under California

Code of Regulations (CCR) 6754(a) as referring to operating funds but not capital funds. The Triennial

Performance Review findings and related comments are delineated in Exhibit 3.1.

Compliance was determined through discussions with LBT staff as well as a physical inspection of

relevant documents including the fiscal audits for each year of the triennium, TDA claim forms, State

Controller annual filings, California Highway Patrol terminal inspections, year-end performance reports,

and other items deemed relevant by the audit team.

Long Beach Transit met the test of compliance with respect to Transportation Development Act (TDA)

regulations.

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Exhibit 3.1 Transit Development Act Compliance Requirements

REQUIREMENT REFERENCE COMPLIANCE COMMENTS

The transit operator submits annual reports to the RTPA based upon

the Uniform System of Accounts and records established by the State

Controller.

PUC 99243 In compliance.1

FY 2009/10: 10/14/2010

FY 2010/11: 10/18/2011

FY 2011/12: 10/11/2012

The operator has submitted annual fiscal and compliance audits to the

RTPA and the State Controller within 180 days following the end of

the fiscal year, or has received the appropriate 90-day extension

allowed by law.

PUC 99245 In compliance.

FY 2009/10: 10/29/2010

FY 2010/11: 12/14/2011

FY 2011/12: 11/30/2012

The CHP has, within the 13 months prior to each TDA claim submitted

by an operator, certified the operator’s compliance with California

Vehicle Code §1808.1 following a CHP inspection of the operator’s

terminal.

PUC 99251 In compliance.

CHP reports with a satisfactory rating

dated:

Anaheim St:

01/21/2010

01/12/2011

01/27/2012

Cherry Ave:

11/12/2009

11/23/2010

11/17/2011

The operator’s claim for TDA funds is submitted in compliance with

rules and regulations adopted by the RTPA for such claims. PUC 99261 In compliance.

The operator’s operating budget has not increased by more than 15%

over the preceding year, nor is there a substantial increase or

decrease in the scope of operations or capital budget provisions for

major new fixed facilities unless the operator has reasonably

supported and substantiated the change(s).

PUC 99266 In compliance.

1 Note: Reflective of guidance received from Caltrans, a standard 30-day month was used to determine compliance with regard to the submission of Transit Operators Financial

Transaction Reports and annual fiscal and compliance audits to the State Controller. Therefore October 31 and December 31 were considered as cut-off dates in determining

compliance.

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REQUIREMENT REFERENCE COMPLIANCE COMMENTS

The operator’s definitions of performance measures are consistent

with the 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 miles, (f) total passengers, (g) transit vehicle, (h)

vehicle service hours, (i) vehicle service miles, and (j) vehicle service

hours per employee.

PUC 99247 In compliance.

If the operator serves an urbanized area, it has maintained a ratio of

fare revenues to operating cost at least equal to one-fifth (20

percent).

PUC 99268.2,

99268.4, 99268.5 In compliance.

FY 2009/10: 23.7 percent

FY 2010/11: 23.6 percent

FY 2011/12: 24.7 percent

*Data taken from Transit Performance

Measurement reports.

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 for 40 years.

PUC 99271 In compliance.

Annual Pension Cost in both of the

company’s retirement plans is 100

percent funded for all three years of

the review period.

If the operator receives State Transit Assistance funds, the operator

makes full use of funds available to it under the Urban Mass

Transportation Act of 1964 before TDA claims are granted.

CCR 6754(a)(3) In compliance.

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4. PRIOR

RECOMMENDATIONS

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C H A P T E R 4 – P R I O R R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S

This section reviews and evaluates the implementation of prior Triennial Performance Review

recommendations. This objective assessment provides assurance Long Beach Transit has made

quantifiable progress toward improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of its public transit

program.

The prior review – completed in 2010 by Moore & Associates, Inc./Ma and Associates for the three fiscal

years ending June 30, 2009 – prescribed three recommendations.

1. Increase marketing funding levels in an effort to attract more “choice” riders to the service.

Discussion: Long Beach Transit has historically marketed itself effectively to traditional “core

riders” such as the ride-dependent. This has been accomplished through, among other things,

applying approximately one-third of the its marketing budget to Spanish-language advertising

and outreach as well as hiring a separate Latino-focused advertising agency (LatinSphere) in

addition to the more traditional advertising agency under contract (Nostrum). However, the

prior auditor did not feel Long Beach Transit had devoted sufficient resources to marketing itself

to discretionary or “choice” riders. Therefore, the prior review recommended Long Beach

Transit build upon its success marketing to specific ethnic communities and ride-dependent

populations by increasing its marketing budget to comprise at least three percent of its total

operating budget. The prior audit also recommend Long Beach Transit identify specific

strategies geared toward positioning itself as not only the “green” alternative (as the operator

has successfully accomplished through its RideHybrid program), but also the reliable, low-cost,

convenient alternative to the automobile.

Progress: A marketing budget of three percent of the total operating cost would total

approximately $2.2 million given Long Beach Transit’s current operating costs. The prior auditor

noted implementation of this recommendation may not be feasible until the economy and

transit funding climate improve. However, Long Beach Transit did take a number of steps to

promote marketing to new riders and engage ethnically diverse populations. In its FY 2011/12

Marketing Budget and Media Plan, “new rider” marketing efforts make up 64 percent of the

total marketing dollars spent. Other activities included a television commercial in English and

Spanish, floor graphics at a local mall during the winter holidays, the “Look. Ride. Connect”

campaign targeting seniors, the “99 Reasons to Ride” campaign in FY 2009/10, the

implementation of its Rider Rewards merchant partnership program (with specific promotion to

Hispanic businesses and residents), and the launch of its Employee Rider Program. FY 2012/13

will include messages promoting the affordability of Long Beach Transit at the Long Beach

Airport.

Status: Implemented.

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5.

5. DATA REPORTING

ANALYSIS

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C H A P T E R 5 – D A T A R E P O R T I N G AN A L Y S I S

An important aspect of the Triennial Performance Review process is assessing how effectively and

consistently the transit operator reports performance statistics to local, state, and federal agencies.

Often as a condition of receipt of funding, an operator must collect, manage, and report data to

different entities. Ensuring such data are consistent can often times be challenging given the varying

definitions employed by different entities as well as the varying reporting timeframes. This chapter

examines the consistency of performance data reported to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan

Transportation Authority (LACMTA), State Controller, and Federal Transit Administration by Long Beach

Transit during the audit period. Submissions to these entities were included within the Transit

Performance Measurement (TPM) report, Transit Operators Financial Transactions Report (TOR), and

the National Transit Database (NTD) report, respectively.

Exhibit 5.1 provides a comparison between performance data reported within TPM, NTD, and TOR

reports for the prior audit period (beginning in FY 2006/07) through the current audit period (ending in

FY 2011/12). Data for FY 2006/07 through FY 2008/09 reflects the prior audit completed by Moore &

Associates/Ma and Associates.

Performance data reported to all three reporting entities is largely consistent for all performance

measures. Some variation in reporting is normal, as reporting deadlines differ and not all information is

finalized at the time of submittal.2

2 Note: Total Vehicle Hours and Total Vehicle Miles are not reported as part of the Transit Operators Financial Transaction

Report.

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Exhibit 5.1 Data Reporting Consistency

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

TPM $61,351,818 $69,484,729 $68,130,611 $69,892,392 $73,440,639 $73,276,202

National Transit Database $61,351,819 $69,484,729 $68,130,611 $69,948,064 $73,679,266 $73,254,821

State Controller Report $61,351,818 $69,484,722 $68,130,611 $69,892,388 $73,440,639 $73,276,201

TPM $14,291,815 $14,893,788 $15,857,912 $16,545,718 $17,350,225 $18,107,329

National Transit Database $14,291,815 $14,893,789 $15,857,912 $17,387,194 $18,075,367 $18,798,989

State Controller Report $14,291,815 $14,893,781 $15,857,912 $16,473,909 $17,308,290 $18,085,943

TPM $7,755,498 $9,783,299 $6,096,840 $5,361,218 $6,665,290 $7,157,677

National Transit Database $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

State Controller Report $2,616,512 $2,543,571 $1,624,888 $1,573,351 $1,077,660 $1,056,548

TPM 686,782 699,542 689,652 690,521 674,323 678,076

National Transit Database 686,782 687,796 689,652 687,644 672,427 675,127

State Controller Report 686,782 687,796 689,652 687,644 672,427 675,127

TPM 717,592 730,928 725,177 725,082 707,489 710,330

National Transit Database 717,592 722,132 725,177 722,205 705,593 707,381

State Controller Report Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported

TPM 7,307,211 7,453,355 7,280,824 7,221,703 6,862,041 6,833,996

National Transit Database 7,156,841 7,237,604 7,280,824 7,210,798 6,855,569 6,819,979

State Controller Report 7,307,210 7,237,604 7,280,824 7,210,798 6,855,569 6,819,979

TPM 7,923,826 8,082,304 7,994,358 7,909,035 7,518,731 7,473,804

National Transit Database 7,923,826 7,936,119 7,994,358 7,898,130 7,512,259 7,459,787

State Controller Report Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported

TPM 26,636,190 27,168,914 29,799,051 28,650,509 27,939,234 28,271,455

National Transit Database 26,636,190 28,285,338 29,799,051 28,605,571 27,912,518 28,230,703

State Controller Report 26,636,190 28,285,338 29,799,051 28,605,571 27,912,518 28,230,703

TPM 696.0 0.0 684.0 779.0 772.0 759.0

National Transit Database 669.6 665.1 684.4 702.7 676.7 726.1

State Controller Report 829.0 665.0 684.0 687.0 661.0 711.0

TPM 197 197 201 204 201 201

National Transit Database 197 196 201 201 198 197

State Controller Report 197 197 201 201 198 197

Peak Vehicles

System-Wide

Operating Cost (Actual $)

Fare Revenue (Actual $)

Local Subsidies & Auxilary Revenue

Vehicle Service Hours (VSH)

Total Vehicle Hours

Vehicle Service Miles (VSM)

Total Vehicle Miles

Performance Measure

Passengers

Employees

Source: Transit Performance Measurement, National Transit Database,

and Transit Operator Financial Transaction Reports.

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6. PERFORMANCE

ANALYSIS

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C H A P T E R 6 – P E R F O R M A N C E A N A LY S I S

Performance indicators are typically employed to quantify and assess the efficiency of a transit

operator’s activities. Such indicators provide insight into current operations as well as trend analysis of

operator performance. Through a review of indicators, relative performance as well as possible inter-

relationships between key functions is revealed.

The Transportation Development Act (TDA) requires recipients of TDA funding to track and report five

performance indicators:

• Operating Cost/Passenger,

• Operating Cost/Vehicle Service Hour,

• Passengers/Vehicle Service Hour,

• Passengers/Vehicle Service Mile, and

• Vehicle Service Hours/Employee.

To assess the use and accuracy of performance indicators, the audit team completed the following

activities:

• Assessed internal controls in place for the collection of performance-related

information,

• Validated collection methods of key data,

• Calculated performance indicators, and

• Evaluated performance indicators.

The procedures used to calculate TDA-required performance indicators for the current triennium were

verified and compared with indicators included in similar reports to external entities (i.e., State

Controller, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Federal Transit

Administration).

Operating Cost

The Transportation Development Act requires an operator to track and report transit-related costs

reflective of the Uniform System of Accounts and Records developed by the State Controller and the

California Department of Transportation. The most common method for ensuring this occurs is through

a compliance audit report prepared by an independent auditor in accordance with California Code of

Regulations Section 6667.3 The annual independent financial audit should confirm the use of the

3 CCR Section 6667 outlines the minimum tasks which must be performed by an independent auditor in conducting the annual

fiscal and compliance audit of the transit operator.

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Uniform System of Accounts and Records. Operating cost – as defined by PUC Section 99247(a) –

excludes the following:

• Cost in the depreciation and amortization expense object class adopted by the State

Controller pursuant to PUC Section 99243,

• Subsidies for commuter rail services operated under the jurisdiction of the Interstate

Commerce Commission,

• Direct costs of providing charter service, and

• Vehicle lease costs.

Vehicle Service Hours and Miles

Vehicle Service Hours (VSH) and Miles (VSM) are defined as the time/distance during which a revenue

vehicle is available to carry fare-paying passengers, and which includes only those times/miles between

the time or scheduled time of the first passenger pickup and the time or scheduled time of the last

passenger drop-off during a period of the vehicle's continuous availability.4 For example, demand-

response service hours include those hours when a vehicle has dropped off a passenger and is traveling

to pick up another passenger, but not those hours when the vehicle is unavailable for service due to

driver breaks or lunch. For both demand-response and fixed-route services, service hours will exclude

hours of "deadhead" travel to the first scheduled pick-up, and will also exclude hours of "deadhead"

travel from the last scheduled drop-off back to the terminal. For fixed-route service, a vehicle is in

service from first scheduled stop to last scheduled stop, whether or not passengers board or exit at

those points (i.e., subtracting driver lunch and breaks but including scheduled layovers).

Passenger Counts

According to the Transportation Development Act, total passengers is equal to the total number of

unlinked trips (i.e., those trips that are made by a passenger that involve a single boarding and

departure), whether revenue-producing or not.

Employees or Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

Employee hours is defined as the total number of hours (regular or overtime) which all employees have

worked, and for which they have been paid a wage or salary. The hours must include transportation

system-related hours worked by persons employed in connection with the system (whether or not the

person is employed directly by the operator). Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is calculated by dividing the

number of person-hours by 2,000.

Fare Revenue

Fare revenue is defined by California Codes of Regulations Section 6611.2 as revenue collected from the

farebox plus sales of fare media.

4 A vehicle is considered to be in revenue service despite a no-show or late cancellation if the vehicle remains available for

passenger use.

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TDA Required Indicators

To calculate the TDA indicators for Long Beach Transit, the following sources were employed:

• Operating Cost was not independently calculated as part of this review. Operating Cost data

were obtained via National Transit Database reports submitted to the Federal Transit

Administration for each fiscal year covered by this review. Operating Cost data included

within the reports are consistent with TDA standards.

• Fare Revenue was not independently calculated as part of this review. Fare revenue data

were obtained via National Transit Database reports submitted to the Federal Transit

Administration for each fiscal year covered by this review. Fare revenue from the reports is

consistent with TDA guidelines.

• Vehicle Service Hours (VSH) data were obtained via National Transit Database reports

submitted to the Federal Transit Administration for each fiscal year covered by this review.

Data from these reports was then compared to information included within monthly

performance data summary reports. LBT calculates VSH using schedule hours reconciled

with driver trip sheets, and its calculation methodology is consistent with PUC guidelines.

• Vehicle Service Miles (VSM) data were obtained via National Transit Database reports

submitted to the Federal Transit Administration for each fiscal year covered by this review.

Data from these reports was then compared to information included within monthly

performance data summary reports. The LBT calculates VSM by subtracting deadhead and

out-of-service miles subtracted from total vehicle mileage (as noted on each vehicle’s

odometer). This methodology is consistent with PUC guidelines.

• Unlinked trip data were obtained via National Transit Database reports submitted to the

Federal Transit Administration for each fiscal year covered by this review. Data from these

reports was then compared to information included within monthly performance data

summary reports. LBT’s calculation methodology is consistent with PUC guidelines.

• Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) data were obtained via Transit Operator Reports (TORs)

submitted to the State Controller for each fiscal year covered by this review. Data from

these reports were then compared to information included within monthly performance

data summary reports as well as reports to other external agencies. LBT’s calculation

methodology is consistent with PUC guidelines.

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Performance Trends

Performance trends were analyzed for Long Beach Transit for the three years covered by this Triennial

Performance Review. Indicators were calculated using the methodologies described in the previous

section. Additionally, performance data from the prior audit period were provided to illustrate trends

since the last audit period.

System Performance

System operating cost for Long Beach Transit increased 7.8 percent the first two years of the triennium,

before declining slightly in FY 2011/12 (0.2 percent). The number of Vehicle Service Hours and Vehicle

Service Miles decreased across the review period. Vehicle Service Hours decreased 1.8 percent while

Vehicle Service Miles declined 5.4 percent between FY 2009/10 and FY 2011/12. Ridership began

declining in FY 2009/10, rebounding slightly in FY 2011/12 to end the review period just 6.0 percent

higher than FY 2006/07. Fare revenue continued to increase, however, ending 9.8 percent higher at the

end of the review period than in FY 2009/10.

Efficiency of LBT’s services declined slightly in FY 2010/11 before rising again in FY 2011/12. The

decrease in VSM and VSH ultimately resulted in increased passengers/VSH and passengers/VSM. The

increase in fare revenue and decrease in ridership resulted in a 10.3 percent increase in fare/passenger.

Operating Cost/VSH had a net increase of 6.8 percent across the review period and Operating Cost/VSM

saw a net increase of 10.8 percent during the same period. Operating cost/passenger also increased,

rising 6.6 percent between FY 2009/10 and FY 2011/12.

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Exhibit 6.1 System Performance Indicators

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Operating Cost (Actual $) $61,351,818 $69,484,722 $68,130,611 $69,892,388 $73,440,639 $73,276,201

Annual Change 13.3% -1.9% 2.6% 5.1% -0.2%

Fare Revenue (Actual $) $14,291,815 $14,893,781 $15,857,912 $16,473,909 $17,308,290 $18,085,943

Annual Change 4.2% 6.5% 3.9% 5.1% 4.5%

Vehicle Service Hours (VSH) 686,782 687,796 689,652 687,644 672,427 675,127

Annual Change 0.1% 0.3% -0.3% -2.2% 0.4%

Vehicle Service Miles (VSM) 7,307,210 7,237,604 7,280,824 7,210,798 6,855,569 6,819,979

Annual Change -1.0% 0.6% -1.0% -4.9% -0.5%

Passengers 26,636,190 28,285,338 29,799,051 28,605,571 27,912,518 28,230,703

Annual Change 6.2% 5.4% -4.0% -2.4% 1.1%

Employees 829.0 665.0 684.0 703.0 677.0 726.0

Annual Change -19.8% 2.9% 2.8% -3.7% 7.2%

Performance Indicators

Operating Cost/VSH (Actual $) $89.33 $101.03 $98.79 $101.64 $109.22 $108.54

Annual Change 13.1% -2.2% 2.9% 7.5% -0.6%

Operating Cost/Passenger (Actual $) $2.30 $2.46 $2.29 $2.44 $2.63 $2.60

Annual Change 6.7% -6.9% 6.9% 7.7% -1.3%

Passengers/VSH 38.78 41.12 43.21 41.60 41.51 41.82

Annual Change 6.0% 5.1% -3.7% -0.2% 0.7%

Passengers/VSM 3.65 3.91 4.09 3.97 4.07 4.14

Annual Change 7.2% 4.7% -3.1% 2.6% 1.7%

Farebox Recovery 23.3% 21.4% 23.3% 23.6% 23.6% 24.7%

Annual Change -8.0% 8.6% 1.3% 0.0% 4.7%

Hours/Employee 828.4 1034.3 1008.3 978.2 993.2 929.9

Annual Change 24.8% -2.5% -3.0% 1.5% -6.4%

TDA Non-Required Indicators

Operating Cost/VSM $8.40 $9.60 $9.36 $9.69 $10.71 $10.74

Annual Change 14.3% -2.5% 3.6% 10.5% 0.3%

VSM/VSH 10.64 10.52 10.56 10.49 10.20 10.10

Annual Change -1.1% 0.3% -0.7% -2.8% -0.9%

Fare/Passenger $0.54 $0.53 $0.53 $0.58 $0.62 $0.64

Annual Change -1.9% 1.1% 8.2% 7.7% 3.3%

Performance MeasureSystem-Wide

Source: Transit Operators Financial Transaction reports.

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Exhibit 6.2 System Ridership Exhibit 6.3 System Operating Cost/VSH

26,636,190

28,285,338

29,799,051

28,605,571

27,912,518

28,230,703

25,000,000

25,500,000

26,000,000

26,500,000

27,000,000

27,500,000

28,000,000

28,500,000

29,000,000

29,500,000

30,000,000

30,500,000

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

$89.33

$101.03

$98.79$101.64

$109.22

$108.54

$0.00

$20.00

$40.00

$60.00

$80.00

$100.00

$120.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Exhibit 6.4 System Operating Cost/VSM Exhibit 6.5 System VSM/VSH

$8.40

$9.60

$9.36$9.69

$10.71

$10.74

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

$8.00

$10.00

$12.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

10.64

10.52

10.56 10.49

10.20

10.10

9.80

9.90

10.00

10.10

10.20

10.30

10.40

10.50

10.60

10.70

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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Exhibit 6.6 System Operating Cost/Passenger Exhibit 6.7 System Passengers/VSH

$2.30

$2.46

$2.29

$2.44

$2.63 $2.60

$2.10

$2.20

$2.30

$2.40

$2.50

$2.60

$2.70

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

38.78

41.12

43.21

41.60 41.5141.82

36.00

37.00

38.00

39.00

40.00

41.00

42.00

43.00

44.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Exhibit 6.8 System Passengers/VSM Exhibit 6.9 System VSH/FTE

3.65

3.91

4.09

3.97

4.07

4.14

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

828.4

1,034.3

1,008.3

978.2 993.2

929.9

0.0

200.0

400.0

600.0

800.0

1000.0

1200.0

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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Exhibit 6.10 System Farebox Recovery Exhibit 6.11 System Fare/Passenger

23.3%

21.4%

23.3%23.6% 23.6%

24.7%

19.0%

20.0%

21.0%

22.0%

23.0%

24.0%

25.0%

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

$0.54

$0.53 $0.53

$0.58

$0.62$0.64

$0.00

$0.10

$0.20

$0.30

$0.40

$0.50

$0.60

$0.70

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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Fixed-Route Performance

Given LBT’s fixed-route transit service comprises the lion’s share of the total budget (i.e., $72.3 million

of a total system budget of $73.2 million), fixed-route performance closely mirrors that of the system as

a whole.

Exhibit 6.12 Fixed-Route Performance Indicators

Performance Measure

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Operating Cost (Actual $) $60,119,540 $68,164,953 $66,874,586 $68,762,681 $72,512,810 $72,347,675

Annual Change 13.4% -1.9% 2.8% 5.5% -0.2%

Fare Revenue (Actual $) $14,159,033 $14,712,964 $15,707,476 $16,388,078 $17,223,998 $18,004,465

Annual Change 3.9% 6.8% 4.3% 5.1% 4.5%

Vehicle Service Hours (VSH) 674,840 675,962 678,363 677,353 662,899 665,854

Annual Change 0.2% 0.4% -0.1% -2.1% 0.4%

Vehicle Service Miles (VSM) 7,033,621 6,966,309 7,031,434 6,997,824 6,681,274 6,648,365

Annual Change -1.0% 0.9% -0.5% -4.5% -0.5%

Passengers 26,577,075 28,228,397 29,746,317 28,556,522 27,865,454 28,183,414

Annual Change 6.2% 5.4% -4.0% -2.4% 1.1%

Employees 829.0 665.0 684.0 687.0 661.0 711.0

Annual Change -19.8% 2.9% 0.4% -3.8% 7.6%

Performance Indicators

Operating Cost/VSH (Actual $) $89.09 $100.84 $98.58 $101.52 $109.39 $108.65

Annual Change 13.2% -2.2% 3.0% 7.8% -0.7%

Operating Cost/Passenger (Actual $) $2.26 $2.41 $2.25 $2.41 $2.60 $2.57

Annual Change 6.7% -6.9% 7.1% 8.1% -1.4%

Passengers/VSH 39.38 41.76 43.85 42.16 42.04 42.33

Annual Change 6.0% 5.0% -3.9% -0.3% 0.7%

Passengers/VSM 3.78 4.05 4.23 4.08 4.17 4.24

Annual Change 7.2% 4.4% -3.5% 2.2% 1.6%

Farebox Recovery 23.6% 21.6% 23.5% 23.8% 23.8% 24.9%

Annual Change -8.4% 8.8% 1.5% -0.3% 4.8%

Hours/Employee 814.0 1016.5 991.8 986.0 1002.9 936.5

Annual Change 24.9% -2.4% -0.6% 1.7% -6.6%

TDA Non-Required Indicators

Operating Cost/VSM $8.55 $9.78 $9.51 $9.83 $10.85 $10.88

Annual Change 14.5% -2.8% 3.3% 10.4% 0.3%

VSM/VSH 10.42 10.31 10.37 10.33 10.08 9.98

Annual Change -1.1% 0.6% -0.3% -2.4% -0.9%

Fare/Passenger $0.53 $0.52 $0.53 $0.57 $0.62 $0.64

Annual Change -2.2% 1.3% 8.7% 7.7% 3.4%

Fixed-Route

Source: Transit Operators Financial Transaction reports.

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Exhibit 6.13 Fixed-Route Ridership Exhibit 6.14 Fixed-Route Operating Cost/VSH

26,577,075

28,228,397

29,746,317

28,556,522

27,865,454

28,183,414

24,500,000

25,000,000

25,500,000

26,000,000

26,500,000

27,000,000

27,500,000

28,000,000

28,500,000

29,000,000

29,500,000

30,000,000

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

$89.09

$100.84

$98.58$101.52

$109.39

$108.65

$0.00

$20.00

$40.00

$60.00

$80.00

$100.00

$120.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Exhibit 6.15 Fixed-Route Operating Cost/VSM Exhibit 6.16 Fixed-Route VSM/VSH

$8.55

$9.78

$9.51$9.83

$10.85

$10.88

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

$8.00

$10.00

$12.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

10.42

10.31 10.3710.33

10.08

9.98

9.70

9.80

9.90

10.00

10.10

10.20

10.30

10.40

10.50

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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Exhibit 6.17 Fixed-Route Operating Cost/Passenger Exhibit 6.18 Fixed-Route Passengers/VSH

$2.26

$2.41

$2.25

$2.41

$2.60

$2.57

$2.00

$2.10

$2.20

$2.30

$2.40

$2.50

$2.60

$2.70

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

39.38

41.76

43.85

42.16 42.04 42.33

37.00

38.00

39.00

40.00

41.00

42.00

43.00

44.00

45.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Exhibit 6.19 Fixed-Route Passengers/VSM Exhibit 6.20 Fixed-Route VSH/FTE

3.78

4.05

4.23

4.08

4.17

4.24

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

814.0

1016.5991.8

986.0

1002.9

936.5

0.0

200.0

400.0

600.0

800.0

1000.0

1200.0

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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Exhibit 6.21 Fixed-Route Farebox Recovery Exhibit 6.22 Fixed-Route Fare/Passenger

23.6%

21.6%

23.5%23.8% 23.8%

24.9%

19.0%

20.0%

21.0%

22.0%

23.0%

24.0%

25.0%

26.0%

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

$0.53

$0.52 $0.53

$0.57

$0.62$0.64

$0.00

$0.10

$0.20

$0.30

$0.40

$0.50

$0.60

$0.70

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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Demand-Response Performance

Operating Cost for LBT’s demand-response transit program decreased significantly in FY 2010/11,

reflective of decreases in passengers, VSH, and VSM across the review period. Overall, the program

became more cost-effective and efficient across the review period as Operating Cost/VSH and Operating

Cost/Passenger decreased while Passengers/VSH and Passengers/VSM increased. Long Beach Transit

does not calculate the Full-Time Equivalent metric for its demand-response service given it is purchased

transportation.

Exhibit 6.23 Demand-Response Performance Indicators

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Operating Cost (Actual $) $1,180,003 $1,215,798 $1,183,636 $1,129,707 $927,829 $928,526

Annual Change 3.0% -2.6% -4.6% -17.9% 0.1%

Fare Revenue (Actual $) $80,507 $76,846 $78,047 $85,831 $84,292 $81,478

Annual Change -4.5% 1.6% 10.0% -1.8% -3.3%

Vehicle Service Hours (VSH) 11,942 11,834 11,289 10,291 9,528 9,273

Annual Change -0.9% -4.6% -8.8% -7.4% -2.7%

Vehicle Service Miles (VSM) 273,589 271,295 249,390 212,974 174,295 171,614

Annual Change -0.8% -8.1% -14.6% -18.2% -1.5%

Passengers 59,115 56,941 52,674 49,049 47,064 47,289

Annual Change -3.7% -7.5% -6.9% -4.0% 0.5%

Employees Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported 16.0 16.0 15.0

Annual Change 0.0% -6.3%

Performance Indicators

Operating Cost/VSH (Actual $) $98.81 $102.74 $104.85 $109.78 $97.38 $100.13

Annual Change 4.0% 2.1% 4.7% -11.3% 2.8%

Operating Cost/Passenger (Actual $) $19.96 $21.35 $22.47 $23.03 $19.71 $19.64

Annual Change 7.0% 5.2% 2.5% -14.4% -0.4%

Passengers/VSH 4.95 4.81 4.67 4.77 4.94 5.10

Annual Change -2.8% -3.0% 2.1% 3.6% 3.2%

Passengers/VSM 0.22 0.21 0.21 0.23 0.27 0.28

Annual Change -2.9% 0.6% 9.0% 17.2% 2.0%

Farebox Recovery 6.8% 6.3% 6.6% 7.6% 9.1% 8.8%

Annual Change -7.4% 4.3% 15.2% 19.6% -3.4%

Hours/Employee Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported 643.2 595.5 618.2

Annual Change -7.4% 3.8%

TDA Non-Required Indicators

Operating Cost/VSM $4.31 $4.48 $4.75 $5.30 $5.32 $5.41

Annual Change 3.9% 5.9% 11.8% 0.4% 1.6%

VSM/VSH 22.91 22.93 22.09 20.70 18.29 18.51

Annual Change 0.1% -3.6% -6.3% -11.6% 1.2%

Fare/Passenger $1.36 $1.35 $1.48 $1.75 $1.79 $1.72

Annual Change -0.9% 9.8% 18.1% 2.3% -3.8% Source: Transit Operators Financial Transaction reports.

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Exhibit 6.24 Demand-Response Ridership Exhibit 6.25 Demand-Response Operating Cost/VSH

59,11556,941

52,674 49,049 47,064

47,289

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

$98.81

$102.74

$104.85

$109.78

$97.38

$100.13

$90.00

$92.00

$94.00

$96.00

$98.00

$100.00

$102.00

$104.00

$106.00

$108.00

$110.00

$112.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Exhibit 6.26 Demand-Response Operating Cost/VSM Exhibit 6.27 Demand-Response VSM/VSH

$4.31

$4.48

$4.75

$5.30

$5.32

$5.41

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

22.91

22.93

22.09

20.70

18.29 18.51

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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Exhibit 6.28 Demand-Response Operating Cost/Passenger Exhibit 6.29 Demand-Response Passengers/VSH

$19.96

$21.35

$22.47

$23.03

$19.71 $19.64

$17.00

$18.00

$19.00

$20.00

$21.00

$22.00

$23.00

$24.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

4.95

4.81

4.67

4.77

4.94

5.10

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Exhibit 6.30 Demand-Response Passengers/VSM Exhibit 6.31 Demand-Response VSH/FTE

0.22

0.21 0.21

0.23

0.270.28

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

Not reported Not reported Not reported

643.2

595.5

618.2

0.0

100.0

200.0

300.0

400.0

500.0

600.0

700.0

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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Exhibit 6.31 Demand-Response Farebox Recovery Exhibit 6.32 Demand-Response Fare/Passenger

6.8%6.3%

6.6%

7.6%

9.1%

8.8%

0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

$1.36

$1.35

$1.48

$1.75$1.79

$1.72

$0.00

$0.20

$0.40

$0.60

$0.80

$1.00

$1.20

$1.40

$1.60

$1.80

$2.00

FY 2006/07 FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 FY 2011/12

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7. FUNCTIONAL REVIEW

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C H A P T E R 7 – F U N C T I O N A L R E V I E W

A functional review of Long Beach Transit’s public transit program is intended to assess the extent and

efficiency of the operator. Following a general summary of Long Beach Transit’s service, this chapter

addresses seven functional areas. The list, taken from Section III of the Performance Audit Guidebook

published by Caltrans, reflects those transit services provided by Long Beach Transit through its transit

program:

• General management and organization;

• Service planning;

• Scheduling, dispatch, and operations;

• Personnel management and training;

• Administration;

• Marketing and public information; and

• Fleet maintenance.

Service Overview

The City of Long Beach began operating public transit service in 1963 when the City became the sole

shareholder in the newly-formed Long Beach Public Transportation Company. Marketed as Long Beach

Transit, the City’s transit program serves Long Beach as well as other South Bay and Gateway

communities including Artesia, Bellflower, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood,

Norwalk, Paramount, Seal Beach, and Signal Hill.

Long Beach Transit’s service offerings have evolved significantly since 1963, expanding upon traditional

fixed-route bus service to include limited-stop routes, a shuttle serving downtown businesses and

tourist destinations, demand-response service, and two water taxi services.

Long Beach Transit operates 31 regular fixed routes, most of which operate seven days a week, from as

early as 4:30 a.m. to as late as 1:30 a.m. These routes form the backbone of the agency’s service

offerings and generally operate along major thoroughfares (i.e., Cherry Avenue, Anaheim Street, Pacific

Coast Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, etc.). Long Beach Transit also operates two ZAP routes (Route 96

along Seventh Street and Bellflower Blvd and Route 176 along Pacific Coast Highway and N. Lakewood)

which operate during peak hours and are targeted toward specific populations (i.e., students or

commuters). The fare structure for fixed-route service is provided in Exhibit 7.1.

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Exhibit 7.1 Long Beach Transit Fixed-Route Fare Structure

Fare Category Fare Cost

Single-Ride/Cash Fares

Base fare $1.25

Inter-agency transfer $0.50

Medicare $0.60

Senior (62 years and older) $0.60

Disabled cash $0.60

Legally blind Free

Wheelchair passenger Free

Children (age 4 and under) Free

Multi-Ride Fare Media

25-ride ticket book $31.25

Regular day pass $4.00

Reduced fare day pass $2.50

Regular 5-day pass $18.00

Reduced fare 5-day pass $9.00

Regular 30-day pass $65.00

Student 30-day pass $40.00

Reduced fare 30-day pass $24.00

EZ Transit pass $84.00

Reduced fare EZ transit pass $35.00

Long Beach Transit introduced the Runabout service in 1991 to alleviate congestion during the Long

Beach Grand Prix. Now called Passport, the service is offered free within downtown Long Beach and,

during the review period, consisted of four routes serving popular tourist destinations, major employers,

and the Blue Line station/Transit Mall. In August 2012, three of the Passport routes were converted to

regular fixed routes. The remaining Passport route – which is free to ride – serves the Queen Mary,

Aquarium of the Pacific, and other popular locations.

In 1998, Long Beach Transit introduced the AquaBus, a 40-foot water taxi linking downtown Long Beach

with popular destinations around Queensway Bay including the Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary,

Shoreline Village, Pine Avenue Circle, and the Hotel Maya. The AquaLink service was introduced in 2001

using a 68-foot, 75-passenger catamaran. The AquaLink connects Long Beach Harbor with the Queen

Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Belmont Pier, and Alamitos Bay Landing. The AquaLink Express service

provides faster service between Alamitos Bay Landing and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Base fare is five

dollars for the AquaLink/AquaLink Express and one dollar for the AquaBus. The services operate seven

days a week during summer months. AquaLink and AquaBus are operated under contract by Catalina

Express.

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Long Beach Transit also offers the Dial-A-Lift service for persons with disabilities residing in Long Beach,

Signal Hill, and Lakewood who are at least 18 years of age. The shared-ride, curb-to-curb service is

operated via contract with Taxi Systems, Inc. (TSI) (all fixed-route services are operated by Long Beach

Transit employees). Base fare is two dollars for the Dial-A-Lift service, with 10-ride ticket books available

(membership cards are an extra charge). A Personal Care Attendant may ride free, while a companion is

required to pay the two dollar fare.

General Management and Organization

Long Beach Transit is a nonprofit corporation owned by the City of Long Beach. The President/Chief

Executive Officer is responsible for day-to-day management and reports directly to the Board of

Directors, which establishes the overall direction, goals, and policies for the company. The Board is

composed of seven members appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council and two ex-

officio members appointed by the City Manager. Each member is appointed to a four-year term, and

may serve up to two consecutive terms. Board of Directors meetings are held on the fourth Monday of

each month in the Long Beach City Council Chambers located at 333 W. Ocean Boulevard.

In 2009, Long Beach Transit underwent a significant reorganization. The organization was divided into

three primary functions: Operations, Administration, and Finance. These functional areas are overseen

by the Chief Operating Officer/Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer/Senior Vice President,

and Executive Director/Vice President Financial Services, all of whom report to the President and CEO.

The Operations side includes Planning and Service Development, Maintenance and Facilities, and

Operations and System Security. The Administration side includes Administrative Services, Information

Systems Technology, Marketing and Customer Services, and Government Relations. The Financial

Services department oversees grants as well as all financial functions. Four organizational charts for

Long Beach Transit (representing Management, Administration, Operations, and Finance) are presented

on the following pages.

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Exhibit 7.2 Organizational Chart - Management

Source: Long Beach Transit.

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Exhibit 7.3 Organizational Chart - Administration

Source: Long Beach Transit.

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Exhibit 7.4 Organizational Chart - Operations

Source: Long Beach Transit.

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Exhibit 754 Organizational Chart – Finance

Source: Long Beach Transit.

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Long Beach Transit implements service adjustments three times a year, in August, February, and June.

Given the impact of students and/or tourists on LBT ridership, several routes regularly change between

a fall/winter schedule and a summer schedule. The changes to its service during the review period are

outlined below.

FY 2009/10:

• August 2009

o Passport routes A and D returned to the school schedule operated in February.

o Late evening service on Friday and Saturday eliminated on Line 34.

o One bus removed from peak-hour service on Line 80.

o Slight adjustments to ZAP service (Lines 90 and 96).

o Running time adjustments on Lines 100, 110, 170, and 190.

o Additional bus added to Line 171 due to cancellation of CSULB Off-Campus Shuttle

Service.

o Early morning and late evening service frequency reduced on Line 180.

• February 2010

o Alignment adjustments on Passport routes A, C, and D.

o Major routing changes to Line 60.

o Additional trips added to ZAP Lines 90 and 96 and Line 171.

o Reduction in frequency on Line 130.

• June 2010

o Service frequency reduced on Passport routes A and D, ZAP Lines 90 and 96, and Line

171.

o Service frequency increased on Passport route B.

o Early morning service frequency reduced on Line 40.

o ZAP Line 66 service replaced with school trippers.

o New weekday schedules on Lines 172, 173, and 174.

FY 2010/11:

• August 2010

o Reduced weekday frequency on Lines 1, 2, and 70.

o Passport routes A and D and Line 171 returned to winter schedule.

o Reduction in evening service frequency on Lines 34 and 180 and Passport route B.

o Reduction in early morning service frequency on Lines 40, 50, and 60.

o Running time adjustments on Lines 50, 60, 90, 100, 110, and 130.

o No service on school holidays on ZAP Line 96.

• February 2011

o Weekend service frequency reduced on Lines 1, 20, 70, 171, and 180.

o Slight service adjustments to Passport routes A and D.

o Weekday service frequency reduced on Passport route C.

o Running time adjustments on Lines 50, 60, and 110.

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o Additional trips added on ZAP Lines 90 and 96.

• June 2011

o Shift to summer schedule on Passport routes A, C, and D and Lines 91, 92, 93, 94, 96,

111, 112, and 171.

o Expanded evening service on Line 45.

o Introduce weekend service on Line 45.

o Minor schedule adjustments on Lines 21, 51, 191, 192, and 193.

FY 2011/12:

• August 2011

o Passport routes A, C, and D; ZAP Lines 90 and 96; and Lines 110 and 171 returned to

winter schedule.

o Service frequency reduced on Passport route B.

o Line 100 modified to provide more direct crosstown service and improved service to

Long Beach Airport.

o Alignment changes to Line 101.

o Line 102 expanded to provide direct service from Blue Line to Long Beach Airport.

o Line 103 added an extension to Lakewood High School during peak hours and the

service span was expanded to run all day rather than peak hours only.

o New Line 104 expanded service along East Spring Street to serve El Dorado Park and

Nature Center and downtown Los Alamitos.

• February 2012

o Service modifications to Passport routes A, B, and D; ZAP Lines 90 and 96; and Lines 171

and 192.

o Running time adjustments to Lines 51, 61, 63, and 170.

o Service frequency reduced on Line 182.

• June 2012

o Shift to summer schedule on Passport routes A, C, and D and Lines 91, 92, 93, 94, 96,

111, 112, and 171.

A number of service changes also took place in August 2012, immediately following the review period.

The most significant changes were the decision to transition three of the four Passport routes to regular

fixed routes, discontinue service to Seal Beach, and introduce Line 176 (funded by a JARC grant).

Several other improvements were noted during the review period. In June 2009, Long Beach Transit

opened its Transit and Visitor Information Center (at First and Pine, adjacent to Metro Blue Line and

Transit Gallery) through a partnership with the Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the

Downtown Long Beach Associates. In June 2011, the First Street Transit Gallery (formerly known as the

Long Beach Transit Mall) reopened following renovations. In addition, 64 new CNG vehicles were

delivered during the first half of FY 2012/13 and the CNG fueling station at the Jackson Transit Center

opened in September 2012.

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In 2011, Long Beach Transit was accepted into the FTA/Virginia Tech two-year Environmental and

Sustainability Management Systems (ESMS) program for transit systems. The primary goal of the

program is reducing environmental impacts throughout every aspect of operations. Thus far, efforts

have included the conservation of water and energy through the installation of efficient fluorescent

lights, motion sensors, low-flush toilets, and solar-powered bus stops. Long Beach Transit is currently

developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Work Instruction Plans (WIP) to systematically

address environmental issues.

Long Beach Transit regularly cooperates with other local and regional transit

entities. It regularly participates in joint ventures for equipment purchases and

maintenance training programs, and by sharing its procurement experience

with other agencies. The current Executive Director/Vice President of Planning

and Service Development has a strong background in intergovernmental

relations. Long Beach Transit is also a member of the Regional Integration of

Intelligent Transportation Systems (RIITS) project sponsored by the LACMTA to exchange ITS information

and improve transportation systems.

Long Beach Transit representatives also participate in other regional activities, including LACMTA

Gateway Sector, Bus Operators Subcommittee, and Board and Committee meetings; the Gateway

Council of Governments Transportation Committee; and OCTA service development meetings.

Service Planning

The mission of Long Beach Transit is "to provide public transit services that enhance and improve the

quality of life for the residents of our community." Management develops a Business Plan/Short Range

Transit Plan every three years. The Business Plan includes internal goals and objectives as well as

program/staff strengths and weaknesses. It can be updated in off-years as necessary. Program and staff

performance is compared to the goals and objectives included within the Plan on a quarterly basis.

System performance is monitored regularly and frequently. Staff generates weekly and monthly reports

to management with critical performance information such as ridership, fare revenue, road calls,

preventative maintenance schedule adherence, etc. Each quarter, management reviews performance

versus adopted goals and objectives and takes a proactive approach toward addressing any problems.

Key performance indicators are reported to the Board twice annually. Long Beach Transit also conducts

physical passenger counts using random staff (“mystery rider” program). Automatic passenger counters

(APCs) have been installed on 35 transit vehicles, with more slated to receive the technology in the near

future. Ridership data is also generated by the GFI fareboxes. All vehicles feature an Automatic Vehicle

Locator (AVL) system which can be used to monitor on-time performance. All coaches are equipped

with cameras.

Long Beach Transit conducts a comprehensive (i.e., 100 percent) line-by-line analysis every three years,

which includes on-time performance/productivity checks as well as customer surveys. The line-by-line

analysis assists staff in evaluating current performance and provides information upon which to base

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service planning decisions. A line-by-line analysis also helps staff through a detailed analysis of travel

patterns at the route, route segment, day-part, and operating day levels; intra- and inter-system transfer

patterns analysis; and customer preference/satisfaction results.

ADA complementary paratransit service and certification provided by Access Services Inc (ASI) also Long

Beach Transit began providing special service with Dial-A-Lift for persons with disabilities in 1976 as a

supplement to its fixed-route service. Dial-A-Lift (operated by Taxi Systems, Inc.) is a curb-to-curb

service offered for mobility impaired adults not physically able to use the fixed route system. It

supplements Access Services by providing additional services to Long Beach, Lakewood, and Signal Hill.

The hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday and holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and

Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Reduced fares on the fixed-route service are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, and

Medicare card holders. The legally blind and wheelchair passengers ride fixed-route for free with

appropriate identification. All vehicles are handicap-accessible; however, eight stop locations are not

accessible. These locations are identified on the Long Beach Transit website.

An annual Customer Satisfaction Survey and additional research are conducted by an outside contractor.

The survey typically records customer satisfaction data but does not document travel data

(origin/destination, etc.).

Scheduling, Dispatch, and Operations

Long Beach Transit performs its own run-cutting, scheduling, and dispatch in-house using HASTUS

software along with Transit Watch (Fleet Watch for the marine service). Drivers bid assignments three

times annually based on seniority. Included within the pieces of work being bid upon are 151 full-time

extra board assignments. Work is assigned to the extra board drivers based on seniority. LBT has not

used part-time operators since 1996, and has 475 total operator positions. All operators are trained to

operate all rolling stock, including the over-the-road coaches utilized for charter service.5

Twenty-two road supervisors and four operations assistants are responsible for day-to-day supervision

of fixed-route operations. Vehicles are assigned to routes based on whether they can operate on that

specific route alignment. Dispatchers have a list indicating which vehicles can be assigned to specific

routes. Dispatch and operations for the Dial-A-Lift service is handled by the operations contractor, Taxi

Systems, Inc; while dispatching and operations of the AquaLink and AquaBus services are handled by

that operations contractor, Catalina Express.

5 Note: Long Beach Transit received an exemption from the Federal Transit Administration for its charter service.

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Personnel Management and Training

The Administrative Services Department is responsible for all recruitment, administering employee

benefits, and labor negotiations. The recruitment of sufficient qualified drivers is not a problem; in fact,

there is a relatively low turnover rate. Operations and maintenance personnel are represented by the

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). The contract stipulates represented full-time employees are entitled

to medical, dental, and vision coverage (available to dependents as well), retirement benefits, life

insurance, and paid time off.

Long Beach Transit has a stringent eight-week training program for all bus operators as well as state-

mandated annual remedial training. The Administrative Services Department is responsible for all

training (administrative staff, operators, maintenance personnel, etc). The Department has a staff of

seven trainers under the supervision of a Training Manager.

Long Beach Transit is a founding member of the Southern California Regional Transit

Training Consortium (SCRTTC), a partnership organization of public and private

transportation service operators and community colleges focused on developing

instructional curriculum and training in bus technology and equipment maintenance.

Maintenance staff and mechanics are required to participate in an eight-week training program through

Long Beach City College.

Management strives to create a "family" environment. Employees of the month are recognized for both

exemplary safety and maintenance.

Administration

Purchasing for Long Beach Transit is the responsibility of the Administrative Services Department. Any

procurement exceeding $2,500 triggers a competitive-bid process wherein Long Beach staff advertises

the bid in the local print publication. The operator has an annual Disadvantaged Business (DBE) goal and

DBE participation program which is administered by a DBE Officer who reports directly to the Chief

Executive Officer. Long Beach Transit applies Federal Transit Administration standards to all grants and

procurements.

A one-year operating budget is crafted on an annual basis. The Finance Manager leads the budget

process, while the Controller is in charge of the capital aspect of the budget. Long Beach Transit does

not operate on a “line-item” basis, meaning individual budget items can exceed their budgeted

expenditures, so long as overall budget figures are met. The budget process begins in February of each

year and is adopted by the Board of Directors in May. Long Beach Transit has a mechanism for mid-year

revisions in January as necessary. Staff regularly monitors the budget to ensure expenses and revenues

are on target. Finance reports to the Board on a monthly basis and the ledger is reviewed quarterly to

identify any problems associated with individual accounts. The Controller position provides Long Beach

Transit with an internal audit function.

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The Controller oversees both a grants accountant and a grants administrator. Compliance reporting is

supported by Ellipse software which helps track key performance indicators. Risk management is under

the Administrative Services Department, ultimately reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Long Beach Transit uses fareboxes that segregate and cash and non-cash fare media as well as record

individual boardings by type (via driver key-in). Each facility has a secure, limited-access cash room

wherein all coins and cash are counted. Money is collected at both facilities daily via armored car

service. Farebox receipts are reconciled with money deposited at the bank. Long Beach Transit has not

implemented any aspect of the regional Universal Fare System (TAP). Staff sees the value in having a

universal fare system and is eager to take part in the program, but is waiting until more progress is made

with respect to improving operating rules and resolving hardware/software problems. The agency is an

active participant in working groups related to the universal fare program.

The Dial-A-Lift program is operated under contract by Taxi Systems, Inc. All Dial-A-Lift vehicles are

owned and maintained by LBT, while dispatch and operations are handled by the contractor. The

vehicles are used for normal taxi service while Dial-A-Lift customers are not on-board. A Dial-A-Lift

Administrator in the Operations and System Security Department is responsible for managing customer

eligibility and program administration.

Marketing and Public Information

The Marketing and Customer Services Department reports to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Marketing staff develop and update the Long Beach Transit marketing strategy which is provided to one

of two advertising agencies under contract (one traditional and one specializing in Spanish-language

advertising). The advertising agencies are responsible for all media planning, creative, and production.

The current Marketing and Customer Services Manager also has advertising agency experience.

Marketing staff regularly reviews program performance and compares it to program goals and

objectives. Staff also reviews ridership patterns to determine the efficacy of marketing and advertising

efforts. Approximately two-thirds of the LBT marketing budget is currently devoted to “new rider”

marketing efforts.

Long Beach Transit has a real-time “next bus” system on its website as well as electronic signage at 64

high-volume bus stops. The TranSmart system also allows for on-board computerized stop

announcements. Every stop is marked with a four-digit code allowing customers to call in to track the

arrival of the next bus. The system also provides real-time vehicle monitoring capabilities for

operations/dispatch personnel as well as on-time performance data for planning purposes.

Long Beach Transit utilizes an Interactive Voice Recording (IVR) system on its customer service phone

lines to assist customers with questions and trip planning when live staff is not available to answer

phones. A smartphone version of the website was launched in August 2012.

Immediately prior to the review period (June 2009), Long Beach Transit opened a new customer service

center adjacent to the First Street Transit Gallery. The customer service center is staffed with

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knowledgeable customer service personnel who can answer service-related questions, assist with trip

planning, take complaints/feedback, and sell fare media. The facility also features self-service kiosks for

customers to use after-hours when the facility is not staffed. All personnel at the call center are cross-

trained to work the customer service center at the Transit Gallery as well.

Long Beach Transit has a long history of working collaboratively with local businesses and education

institutions to encourage the use of mass transit among students, faculty, and employees. LBT has an

agreement with California State University – Long Beach (CSULB) to allow all part- and full-time students

and staff to ride any Long Beach Transit fixed route free of charge. The “U-PASS” program has proven

wildly successful, creating some capacity issues along some routes serving the campus.

The Customer Services Department handles rider comments. The department phone number is listed

online as well as an option to submit a comment electronically. Long Beach Transit boasts strong

customer satisfaction numbers (record highs in the Fall 2012 Customer Survey), which have increased

over the years along with overall ridership.

Long Beach Transit conducts outreach prior to each service change. A federal Title VI Assessment

Report completed in 2010 found transit services and amenities are distributed in a non-discriminatory

manner.

Maintenance

Long Beach Transit performance all vehicle maintenance at two facilities – 1963 E. Anaheim Street and

the Jackson Transit Center at 6860 Cherry Avenue. The James A. Ditch Maintenance Facility and

Learning Center is located within the Jackson Transit Center. In September 2012, a CNG fueling station

opened at the Jackson Transit Center, in concert with the delivery of the first CNG coaches. Ultimately,

Long Beach Transit aims to maintain all CNG coaches at the Jackson Transit Center, and all gasoline-

electric hybrid and future electric buses at the Anaheim Street facility. LBT is working toward phasing

out its “clean diesel” buses in order to have a 100 percent clean fleet by 2016.

All vehicles are inspected every 6,000 miles (+/- 5 days), this cycle is a combination of major and minor

inspections based on the CHP’s A-B-C maintenance program. Specifics of each Preventative

Maintenance Inspection (PMI) vary for each vehicle series. Ellipse computer software identifies repairs

covered by warranty; all warranty work is performed on-site by the respective manufacturer. All tire

work is performed by a Goodyear Tire Company employee housed on-site at the Anaheim Street facility

(the tire contract is bid competitively every five years).

All PMI scheduling/monitoring and parts management is handled by the Ventyx Ellipse EAM and EAP

software platforms. Computer terminals are placed throughout each Maintenance facility, allowing

maintenance personnel to review work orders and update the status of maintenance being performed

on each vehicle. Preventive maintenance performance is monitored monthly (on-time, percent on-time,

and average). Long Beach Transit was recently awarded a state of good repair grant to develop an

industry standard comprehensive asset management system, as well as a grant for bus lift replacement.

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Access to the parts room is controlled via a Storeroom Supervisor and six Parts Storekeepers and

inventory is monitored through the Ellipse system.

Maintenance and Facilities personnel also are responsible for cleaning and maintenance of all bus

shelters within the system. Long Beach Transit reviews all stops within the system on an annual basis,

analyzing ridership and usage patterns to determine which can be improved with new/enhanced

amenities and artwork given available funding. Maintenance and upgrades of all shelters are now

included within the regular preventative maintenance program and maintenance personnel regularly

switch shelters out and rehab them (fresh coats of paints, deep cleaning, etc).

Fleet vehicles range from model year 1996 to 2009. LBT strives to maintain its fleet in a "like new"

condition, providing a cosmetic upgrade halfway through each vehicle’s lifespan. Thirty-three CNG

vehicles were delivered in August 2012, with another 31 delivered by end of 2012. Twenty-nine 30-foot

diesel buses were retired in August 2012 and replaced with CNG-fueled vehicles.

Exhibit 7.6 Long Beach Transit Fleet

Model

Year Manufacturer/Model

Fuel

Type Use

Number of

Vehicles

1996 New Flyer D40LF5 Diesel Contingency 20

1997 New Flyer D40LF6 Diesel Contingency 4

1997 New Flyer D40LF6 Diesel Fixed-Route 14

1998 New Flyer D40LF6 Diesel Fixed-Route 16

1998 Willard AquaBus Diesel Ferry 2

1999 Prevost H Series Diesel Charter 1

2000 New Flyer D40LF6 Diesel Fixed-Route 18

2001 Chance/Optima Opus Diesel Fixed-Route 29*

2002 New Flyer D40LF6 Diesel Fixed-Route 39

2002 Kvichak AquaLink Diesel Ferry 1

2003 New Flyer D40LF6 Diesel Fixed-Route 13

2004 New Flyer GE40LF Hybrid Fixed-Route 22

2005 New Flyer GE40LF Hybrid Fixed-Route 27

2007 New Flyer GE40LF Hybrid Fixed-Route 15

2007 El Dorado Amerivan Gasoline Demand-Response 3

2008 El Dorado Amerivan Gasoline Demand-Response 10

2009 New Flyer GE40LFA Hybrid Fixed-Route 25

2009 El Dorado Amerivan Gasoline Demand-Response 2

2012 Gillig G27B102N4 CNG Fixed-Route 64

2012 Kvichak AquaLink Diesel Ferry 1

*Retired in August 2012.

Source: Long Beach Transit.

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8. FINDINGS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

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C H A P T E R 8 – F I N D I N G S A N D R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S

Based on discussions with Long Beach Transit staff, analysis of program performance, and a review of

program data, the audit team submits no findings or recommendations for Long Beach Transit.

Discussion

While not presented as a finding or recommendation, we would like to offer discussion of one additional

issue that arose during the review.

Initially, Long Beach Transit did not report Full-time Equivalent (FTE) data according to the definition

included in PUC 99247(j) in its State Controller filings, as it did not report contractor hours for its Dial-A-

Ride service. However, Long Beach Transit has already identified this problem and has submitted

corrected TORs to the State Controller. Given LBT has already addressed and corrected the issue, we do

not submit this as a compliance finding at this time. Instead, this discussion is intended to document

this inaccuracy and explain the presence of past incorrect State Controller filings.

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Long Beach Transit | FY 2013‐2015 Strategic Business Plan | FY14 UPDATE  1 

 

Introduction 

This  document  is  a mid‐life  update  of  the  FY  2013‐2015  Strategic  Business  Plan,  to  revisit 

economic uncertainties that existed at the start of FY 2013. The economic climate from 2008‐

2012 could be described as fairly frightening and unpredictable at best. Our nation was plagued 

with  record  high  unemployment, massive  layoffs,  devastating  funding  cuts  for  government 

entities, civil unrest, record high fuel prices and corporate scandals. For our organization, that 

equated  to  an  experience mixed  with  tough  decisions made  to  balance  our  budget,  while 

attempting  to  survive  the  financial  impacts  of  a wild  racing  economic  roller  coaster. All  the 

while,  we  remained  true  to  our  corporate mission  statement,  which  is  “to  provide  public 

transit  services  that  enhance  and  improve  the  quality  of  life  for  the  residents  of  our 

community,”  while  attempting  to  minimize  the  negative  impact  on  our  customers  and 

employees. 

Despite  financial  sacrifices  endured  by  our  staff,  our  organization  and  our  customers,  we 

achieved virtually all of our corporate standards of excellence (see Appendix 1). Other notable 

accomplishments during the last three years include:  

A major renovation of one of the busiest transit hubs  in Southern California: The First 

Street Transit Gallery and other economic stimulus projects, provided by federal funds 

received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  

Our coach operators and staff provided world class customer service, which contributed 

to receiving all‐time high ratings from our customers.  

Our new modern, sleek 2900 series coaches, the first to be put in service in the nation, 

turned heads and set a new standard for what a fun customer‐friendly bus can look like. 

These accomplishments achieved by our Long Beach Transit employees are truly remarkable 

considering  the difficult operating environment  that  strained our  financial  resources  the past 

four  years.  This  strategic  business  plan  is  based  on  our mission  and  the  reason we  are  in 

existence.  It  serves as a  roadmap  that will  set  the direction of our organization during  fiscal 

years 2013‐2015. 

 

 

 

 

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Executive Summary 

Where will Long Beach Transit be  in  fiscal years 2013‐2015, and how will we get there?   This 

plan outlines the challenges we  face, the opportunities we have, our strategic business goals, 

the  objectives  that will  pave  the way  to  achieve  those  goals,  and  how we will  continue  to 

achieve our mission and our corporate standards of excellence. 

Between  2008  and  2012,  Long  Beach  Transit  took  the  following  actions  to  address  budget 

reductions caused by dire economic conditions:  

Raised bus fares twice in two years, equating to an overall increase of 39%   Cut service by 3.5% and finalized plans for additional service reductions up to 10%  Froze wages for the past four years  Implemented a 5% pension contribution and an increased healthcare contribution for all 

employees  Left critical positions unfilled   Eliminated all nonessential travel and meetings and reduced overhead expenses  Used $23 million in federal capital funds to cover operating expenses, as permissible by 

federal law  Used $3 million annually from our emergency reserves for the past three years to pay 

for operating expenses 

By taking these steps, we were able to maintain a balanced budget and weather the economic 

storm without any  layoffs  to date. Given  that we operate  in a global economy and  there are 

many  unknowns  at  the  world  level,  it  is  difficult  for  anyone  to  predict  how  fast  our  local 

economy  will  rebound.  As  of  May  2013,  the  economic  outlook  that  showed  hope  of 

improvement in 2012 has continued on a positive trend toward recovery. Consumer confidence 

and spending has increased, the stock market has recovered for the first time to levels not seen 

since before the recession, unemployment  is declining, and organizations have started to hire 

again. We are hopeful  that  the  financial bleeding has  stopped and we  can  slowly  regain our 

momentum to make conservative and incremental improvements to grow our transit system. 

Over the next two fiscal years, our priorities as an organization will remain to continue a strong 

focus on achieving our mission and corporate standards of excellence. We will stay focused on 

cost  efficiency  as well  as  budget  conservatively.  Considering  a more  stable  and  prosperous 

economy, we are  formalizing plans  to modestly  improve our  service,  invest  in employee  skill 

development,  improve the quality with which we communicate with our customers, and seek 

out alternative revenue sources. 

 

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Current and Projected Business Conditions 

Two  major  factors  impacting  our  current  environment  that  will  influence  future  business 

conditions are funding and ridership.  

Funding Outlook 

Greatly  influencing our  funding  is  the unemployment  rate. According  to  the Bureau of Labor 

Statistics, the average unemployment rate in the United States in 2007 before the recession hit 

was 4.6%. That  figure peaked  in October 2009 at 10%, which equated  to 13.7 million people 

without jobs. In 2012, that rate dropped to 8.3% and as of May 2014 is 7.6%. In California, the 

unemployment rate peaked at 12.4% in July 2010, was 11.2% in 2012, and is 9.4% in May 2014. 

Locally  in  the  Long  Beach/Los  Angeles Metro  area,  the  unemployment  rate  is  11.3%,  down 

slightly from 11.6%, last year. This figure still reflects over 500,000 people locally unemployed. 

See Appendix 2. 

High unemployment directly affect consumer spending. Considering that approximately 60% of 

our operating  income comes from county and state funds that are sales‐tax based, when  jobs 

are  lost, consumer spending declines. Conversely, as the economy gets better and people find 

jobs, consumer spending should increase, and so too should the amount of our subsidies.  

Consumer  confidence,  an  economic  indicator  that  measures  the  degree  of  optimism  that 

consumers  feel about  the overall state of  the economy and  their personal  financial situation, 

also  impacts  spending  and  ultimately  our  funding  outlook.  It  is  closely watched  because  it 

constitutes  70%  of  U.S.  economic  activity.  A  reading  of  90  or  above  indicates  a  healthy 

economy, but that number has not been reached since December 2007. Consumer confidence 

hit an all‐time  low  in March 2009 at 25.3. As of February 2012, consumer confidence was the 

highest  it’s  been  since  the  start  of  the  recession  at  70.8,  and  today  measures  68.1.  See 

Appendix 3. 

Ridership Outlook 

While the economy is moderately improving, our ridership remains high. We experienced 27.8 

million boardings in FY11 and 28.2 million in FY12. Demand is projected to increase slightly over 

the next two years due to the economy getting better as people get back to work, and a strong 

“green” movement  locally  and  statewide, making  public  transit more  appealing.  A  growing 

population and the  increasing number of transit dependent senior citizens will also contribute 

to  increased ridership. See Appendix 4 to 7.  In addition, the  increasingly high cost of  fuel will 

continue  to sway vehicle owners  to use our system. Ridership  increases as high as 10% were 

experienced  in summer of 2008, when gas prices spiked near $5 per gallon and drove people 

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out of their cars, on to our buses. In 2012, gasoline prices reached $5 per gallon in some parts 

of California and have slightly come down to about $4 per gallon. See Appendix 8. Our system 

continues to experience overcrowding during peak periods of service. Therefore, more service 

will be required to sustain demand should ridership spike again as a result of the high cost of 

fuel.  

 

Overall Business Direction FY 13‐15 

Taking  into account  the current and projected business conditions and our  ridership outlook, 

our six main goals and company focus will be the following: 

1. Focus  on  core  mission  every  day  with  strong  attention  to  LBT’s  Corporate 

Standards of Excellence 

2. Budget and plan conservatively with an emphasis on cost efficiency  

3. Prepare plans to modestly improve service  

4. Invest in employee skill development  

5. Improve  the quality with which we  communicate with  customers and develop 

“choice” riders 

6. Seek  alternative  funding  resources  by  developing  predictable  and  regular 

revenue streams 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LBT Business Objectives  

This portion of the plan lists our company objectives that will enable us to achieve our six main 

goals over the next three years: 

Goal #1: Focus on core mission every day with strong attention to LBT’s Corporate Standards 

of Excellence 

Objective  1A:  Achieve  LBT’s  Corporate  Standards  of  Excellence.  These  standards  keep  our 

organization  focused  on  providing  service  excellence  to  our  customers,  living  within  our 

financial resources, and achieving specific results in bottom line efficiency and effectiveness. 

Objective  1B:  Deliver  excellent  customer  service  to  our  customers,  business  partners,  our 

service vendors and each other. Ultimately, our passengers are our #1 customer; however, LBT 

departments also serve internal customers. For instance, Human Resources provides healthcare 

information to employees, Service Planning creates ridership maps for Marketing & Customer 

Service,  Finance  provides  managers  with  budget  updates,  Marketing  &  Customer  Service 

provides  customer  comment  details  to Operations,  Purchasing  keeps Maintenance  supplied, 

while Information Systems keeps our computer programs functioning, and so on. 

Goal #2: Budget and plan conservatively with an emphasis on cost efficiencies  

Objective 2A: Develop a  long‐term plan to  fund the operations of our company. For the past 

few years, LBT has been  forced  to use monies  intended  for our capital programs  to  fund our 

operations due to the state budget crisis and the recession.  If this trend continues, we would 

need to make a decision to reduce service or see the quality of our assets deteriorate. This five 

year projection will look at the current and future demand required of our system and how we 

will be able to fund our programs. See fleet funding replacement plan, Appendix 9. 

Objective 2B: Continue implementation of sustainable and “green” business practices that will 

ultimately  lead  to  long‐term  cost  savings  for  the  company.  LBT  is  a  signatory  to  the  UITP 

(International Association of Public Transport) Charter on Sustainable Development as well as a 

certified by the Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS). 

Goal #3: Prepare plans to modestly improve service  

Objective 3A: Long Beach Transit was recently awarded a grant to purchase electric vehicles. It 

will  be  our  goal  to  successfully  add  these  electric  buses  to  our  fleet  in  the most  desirable 

location for our customers and visitors. 

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Objective 3B:  Implement a  restructuring of  the existing Passport service  to accommodate 40 

foot buses and support the City’s development efforts. 

Objective 3C: Complete an update of our facilities master plan to ensure our operating facilities 

can support and sustain future service requirements.  

Objective 3D: Add CNG coaches to our vehicle fleet. Long Beach Transit recently purchased 64 

Compressed Natural Gas  (CNG)  coaches, which will  be  operated  and maintained  out  of  our 

6860 Cherry Avenue facility currently being modified to accommodate CNG operations.  

Objective  3E:  Develop  a  long‐term  vision  plan  for  the  organization. We  have  experienced 

positive, incremental growth over the last fifty years. What do we want our service to look like 

in the next 50 years?  

 

Goal #4: Invest in employee skill development  

Objective 4A: As technology, regulations and laws change, the skill sets of our team need to be 

developed accordingly. We will work to provide critical training as warranted to our staff. 

Objective 4B: Our workforce has modestly grown over  the years and  the  skillsets needed  to 

accomplish  our  tasks  has  become  more  complicated.  To  remain  fiscally  conservative,  we 

continue  to  operate  with  minimal  increases  to  our  employee  count.  Cross  training  and 

mentoring  programs  for  our  staff  will  enable  us  to  function  better  within  our  respective 

departments as well as provide opportunities for future leaders of LBT. 

 

Goal  #5:  Improve  the  quality  with  which  we  communicate  with  customers  and  develop 

“choice” riders 

Objective  5A:  Prepare  an  updated  Information  Systems  Business  Plan.  LBT  has  aggressively 

implemented new  technologies  (on‐board camera systems, TranSmart  real‐time bus  tracking, 

hybrid  and  CNG  coaches)  to  benefit  our  customers  and  community.  We  will  update  our 

Information Systems Business Plan to ensure our IS infrastructure can continue to support and 

maintain our technology systems. 

Objective  5B: Complete  a  comprehensive  analysis of our water  taxi  service.  The  service has 

been  in place  for over 10 years. The number of boats, available  stops and marketing efforts 

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have been enhanced since  then and so  too has our  ridership. This analysis will  tell us who  is 

riding, where they are going, and why. 

Goal #6: Seek alternative  funding  resources by developing predictable and  regular  revenue 

streams 

Objective 6A: Work with other municipal transit operators to encourage increased federal and 

regional transit funds. Ensure the community  is well  informed of the critical service that Long 

Beach Transit provides, as well as the impact of decreased funding at the state and local level. 

Objective  6B:  Negotiate  a  cost  effective  labor  contract  that  reflects  our  current  economic 

environment. We  are  approaching  negotiations  of  the  last  year  of  our  contract  and  a  new 

contract will need to be finalized for the period beginning July 1, 2013. 

 

Plan Implementation: 

The  implementation of  this plan will be directed by  the Executive Committee of  Long Beach 

Transit, consisting of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operating 

Officer, and Executive Directors of Finance, Operations and System Security, Maintenance and 

Facilities,  Administration  (HR/Risk  Management/Training/Purchasing),  Planning  and  Service 

Development, and Information Systems. The Executive Committee will ensure that: 

Appropriate resources are directed to accomplish the Business Plan objectives 

Departmental  action  plans  in  support  of  the  Business  Plan  are  planned  and 

implemented 

The Business Plan is communicated throughout the organization 

Results are reviewed and reported to the organization on a quarterly basis 

The plan is monitored and changed as necessary as a result of business conditions 

 

 

 

 

 

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APPENDIX 1: FY 2013‐2015 Long Beach Transit Corporate Standards of Excellence 

The  mission  of  Long  Beach  Transit  is  to  provide  public  transit  services  that  enhance  and improve the quality of life for the residents of our community. 

To achieve this mission, the company has  identified standards of excellence  in seven strategic business areas:   human  resources, safety and security,  facilities and  fleet, service quality and efficiency,  financial  resources and  revenue, customer satisfaction, and  leadership.    In each of these seven strategic business areas, the company has set specific  levels of performance that we will strive to attain in the conduct of our business.  Achievement of the Long Beach Transit standards of excellence will signify accomplishment of our corporate mission. 

A summary of  the standards we  intend  to achieve  is shown below.   The specific standards  in each of the seven strategic business areas are shown on the attached pages. 

Summary of Standards 

Human Resources:   Our employees are  the very  foundation of  the organization.   Long Beach Transit will  support our employees  in achieving excellence  in  serving our  customers  through training  and  development,  teamwork  building,  and  continuous  efforts  at  effective communication and treating each and every employee with dignity. 

Safety and Security:   We  recognize  the  tremendous  importance of safety and security  in  the operation of a public transit system.   Therefore, the safety and security of our customers and employees will  be  an  organizational  priority,  and we will  be  proactive  in  promoting  system safety.  Our goal will not be mere compliance with safety regulations, but an ongoing effort to operate a safe and secure transit system. 

Facilities  and  Fleet:   We will  strive  to  operate  and maintain  a modern  and  clean  fleet  and facilities that will be pleasing to our customers and a source of pride for the community and our employees.  In the purchase and operation of our transit fleet, we will be a leader in achieving regional clean air goals.  

Service Quality  and  Efficiency:   We will  deliver  dependable,  customer  friendly  and  efficient transit services to the communities we serve.  Further, we will look for opportunities to deliver innovative new services within the resources available.  

Resources  and  Revenue:    Long  Beach  Transit  will  live  within  its  means.    While  providing excellent  service  to  our  customers  and  communities,  we  will  do  so  within  the  financial resources available to us.  The financial good health of the company will not be compromised, and we will work to deliver good value for the taxpayers' investment in LBT.  Where new funds are available that allow us to bring meaningful transit improvements to our community that can be sustained over time, we will actively pursue those funds. 

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Customer  Satisfaction:    The  bottom  line  of  our  business  is  customer  and  community satisfaction with the quality of service we provide.   So we will actively listen to our customers and the communities we serve, respond to their concerns within the resources available to us, and encourage their involvement and feedback. 

Leadership:   We will  strive  to  continue  being  considered one  of  the  nation's  leading  transit systems.    To  achieve  this  strategic  goal, we will work  to maintain  cooperative  relationships within  the  industry  and  our  community,  and  to  develop  future  leaders  from  within  our organization. 

The  specific  standards of excellence  in each of  the  seven  strategic business areas are  shown below.  Some of the standards are quantitative, meaning they can be objectively measured with data  and  reported  statistically;  others  are  qualitative  or  subjective,  requiring  periodic assessment and analysis. 

Roles and Responsibilities for Standards of Excellence 

With policy guidance from the Board of Directors and input from throughout the organization, the President and CEO sets the corporate standards of excellence as detailed in this document.  The  Executive  Committee‐‐consisting  of  the  CEO,  CAO,  COO  and  executive  directors‐‐will communicate  the  standards  throughout  the  organization  and  direct  the  application  of organizational resources to achieve the standards.  The Executive Committee will also ensure a system  of  quarterly  reporting  of  results  in  achieving  quantitative  standards  and  annual reporting of qualitative standards is prepared and shared with the organization.   The Financial Services  Department  will  direct  the  preparation  of  the  quarterly  report  of  quantitative standards,  including  the  identification  of  what  data  are  necessary  to  compile  the  report.  Individual departments will be responsible for supplying such data as requested.  Finally, it will be  the  responsibility  of  each member  of  the management  team,  including  all  departmental managers,  to  ensure  that  standards  are  actively  communicated  and  discussed  throughout individual  departments,  that  departmental  resources  are  applied  to  achievement  of  the standards, and that feedback on performance regarding standards is made available in a timely manner to work groups and project teams. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Strategic Business Area ‐ HUMAN RESOURCES:  Our employees are the very foundation of the organization.   Long Beach Transit will support our employees  in achieving excellence  through training  and  development,  teamwork  building,  and  continuous  efforts  at  effective communication and treating each and every employee with dignity. 

Standard 1:   Enable our employees to achieve excellence  in serving our customers by building teamwork,  enthusiasm,  understanding  and  effective  communication within  the  organization. Measurement:    Subjective.   With  input  and  advice  from  throughout  the  organization,  the Executive Committee will conduct an annual assessment of the degree of achievement of this standard and report back to the organization. 

Standard  2:    Recruit,  promote  and  retain  highly  qualified  employees  to  achieve  LBT  service standards.  Measurement:    Subjective.    Annual  assessment  by  Executive  Committee  (as  in Standard 1 above). 

Standard 3:   Treat employees with dignity and fairness  in the application of employment and labor  laws,  company  policies  and  labor  agreements.  Measurement:    Subjective.    Annual assessment by Executive Committee. 

Standard 4:  Provide continuous development of organizational skills through ongoing training and  development  programs  that  result  in  personal  and  professional  growth  of  employees. Measurement:  Subjective.  Annual assessment by Executive Committee. 

Strategic Business Area ‐ SAFETY AND SECURITY:  We recognize the tremendous importance of safety  and  security  in  the  operation  of  a  public  transit  system.    Therefore,  the  safety  and security  of  our  customers  and  employees will  be  an  organizational  priority,  and we will  be proactive  in  promoting  system  safety.    Our  goal  will  not  be mere  compliance  with  safety regulations, but a continuous effort to operate a safe and secure transit system. 

Standard  1:    Establish  and  maintain  an  ongoing  system  security  program  that  proactively promotes  the  safety  and  security  of  customers  and  employees  on  all  Long  Beach  Transit vehicles  and  facilities.  Measurement:    Subjective.    The  Security  Committee  will  provide  a semiannual report to the Executive Committee on the results of LBT’s security program. 

Standard  2:    Total  risk  management  costs  will  not  exceed  8.5%  of  total  operating  costs. Measurement:   Objective.   Risk management costs and  total operating costs will be reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard  3:   Workers  compensation  claims will  not  exceed  11  per  100  full‐time  employees annually. Measurement:   Objective.   Claims will  be  reported  quarterly  by  Financial  Services.  Source of data will be Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) logs. 

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Standard 4:   Rate of preventable accidents will not exceed 1.7 per 100,000 miles of  service.  Measurement:  Objective.  Rate will be reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard  5:    Customer  and  community  perception  of  system  safety  will  be  at  least  90% favorable. Measurement:   Objective.    Communication &  Customer  Services Department will conduct  an  annual  survey  of  customers  and  community  residents within  generally  accepted statistical confidence levels and report results to the organization. 

Strategic  Business Area  ‐  FACILITIES AND  FLEET:   We will  strive  to  operate  and maintain  a modern and  clean  fleet and  facilities  that will be pleasing  to our  customers and a  source of pride for the community and our employees.  In the purchase and operation of our transit fleet, we will be a leader in supporting regional clean air goals. 

Standard 1:   Replace or retire 100% of all revenue vehicles within one year of their useful  life (buses  12  years,  minibuses  7  years,  minivans  3  years) Measurement:    Objective.   Will  be reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard 2:   Maintenance costs will not exceed 28% of  total operating costs.   Measurement:  Objective. Will be reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard 3:   Achieve  a 90%  favorable perception of  fleet  appearance by  customers  and  the community. Measurement:    Objective.    As measured  in  the  annual  Community  Evaluation conducted by Marketing. 

Standard  4:   Maintain  the  cleanest,  best  looking  urban  transit maintenance  facilities  in  the nation. Measurement:  Subjective.  With input from throughout the organization, the Executive Committee will assess this standard annually. 

Standard 5:   Achieve an 80% favorable perception of bus stops appearance by customers and community. Measurement:    Objective.    As measured  in  the  annual  Community  Evaluation conducted by Marketing. 

Standard 6:   Achieve all  federal and  state‐mandated maintenance practices  (such as on‐time preventative maintenance  inspections,  state‐mandated  record  keeping,  etc.) Measurement:  Objective.   Any  negative  FTA  or  state  (including CHP)  audit  findings will  be  reported  by  the Executive Director of Maintenance to the Executive Committee. 

Standard 7:   Achieve 7000 average miles between  revenue vehicle  road calls. Measurement:  Objective.  Will be reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard 8:  Establish and maintain fleet procurement and maintenance practices that support regional  clean  air  goals without  compromising  system  reliability. Measurement:    Subjective.  Reviewed annually by Executive Team. 

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Strategic  Business  Area  ‐  SERVICE QUALITY  AND  EFFICIENCY:   We will  deliver  dependable, customer friendly and efficient transit services to the communities we serve.   Further, we will look for opportunities to deliver innovative new services within the resources available. 

Standard 1:  Fixed route passengers per vehicle service hour will be 41 or greater system‐wide. Measurement:  Objective.  Reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard 2:  Service delivery rate shall be 99.8% or greater. Measurement: Objective.  Reported quarterly by Financial Services based on TransitMaster. 

Standard  3:    System‐wide  on‐time  performance  will  be  90%  or  greater.  Measurement:  Objective.  Reported quarterly by Financial Serviced based on TransitMaster. 

Standard  4:    Dial‐A‐Lift  passengers  per  service  hour  will  be  5.0  or  greater. Measurement:  Objective.  Reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard 5:  Dial‐A‐Lift on time performance will be 95% or greater. Measurement:  Objective.  Reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard 6:  Ferryboat load factor, a measure of occupancy on an average service day, will be 40%  for  AquaBus  and  35%  for  AquaLink. Measurement:   Objective.    Reported  quarterly  by Financial Services. 

Standard 7:  Ferryboat on‐time performance will be 90% or greater. Measurement:  Objective.  Reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard  8:    LBT will make  a  consistent  effort  to  explore  new  service  and  service  delivery options. Measurement:  Subjective.  Will be reviewed by the Executive Committee annually. 

Strategic Business Area  ‐ RESOURCES AND REVENUE:    Long Beach Transit will  live within  its means.   While providing excellent  service  to our  customers  and  communities, we will do  so within  the  resources  available  to  us.    The  financial  good  health  of  the  company will  not  be compromised,  and we will work  to deliver  good  value  for  the  taxpayers’  investment  in  LBT.  Where  new  funds  are  available  that  allow  us  to  bring  meaningful  improvements  to  our community that can be sustained over time, we will actively pursue them. 

Standard  1:    Cost  per  vehicle  service  hour will  not  exceed  95%  of  like  operators’  average. Measurement:  Objective.  Using survey data, Financial Services will compare and report LBT’s performance to peer operators and report annually. 

Standard  2:    Cost  per  vehicle  service  hour will  not  exceed  100%  of  budget. Measurement:  Objective.  Using financial statement data, Financial Services will calculate CVSH for the quarter and compare to the annual budget CVSH. 

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Standard  3:    Total  operating  costs  will  not  exceed  the  budget  approved  by  the  Board  of Directors. Measurement:  Objective.  Will be reported in monthly financial statements to Board. 

Standard  4:    Total  operating  and  non‐operating  revenue will  be  at  least  1%  above  budget. Measurement:  Objective.  Will be reported quarterly by Financial Services. 

Standard 5:   Grants and accounts receivable collections will average 95% within 60 days, and 99%  within  180  days.  Measurement:    Objective.    Will  be  reported  quarterly  by  Financial Services. 

Standard 6:  No significant negative financial audit findings. Measurement:  Objective.  Financial Services will report any negative audit findings to the Executive Committee immediately. 

Standard  7:    Ensure  that  all  capital  procurements  provide  good  value  to  taxpayers  and customers. Measurement:   Subjective.   The Executive Committee, under  the direction of  the CEO, will review the fiscal year capital budget to ensure this standard is being met.  All capital purchase requisitions over $50,000 will be reviewed by the CAO or CEO. 

Standard 8:  Promote productive and respectful relationships with our suppliers. Measurement:  Subjective.  Annual review by Executive Committee. 

Strategic  Business  Area  ‐  CUSTOMER  SATISFACTION:    The  bottom  line  of  our  business  is customer  satisfaction.    So we will  actively  listen  to  our  customers  and  the  communities we serve,  respond  to  their  concerns within  the  resources  available  to  us,  and  encourage  their involvement and feedback. 

Standard  1:    Achieve  a  90%  level  of  overall  customer  satisfaction with  Long  Beach  Transit service quality. 

Measurement:  Objective.  The “Customer Satisfaction Index” will be reported by Marketing & Customer Services annually as part of the Community Evaluation. 

Standard 2:  Information about LBT services will be readily and easily available to customers. 

Measurement:   Subjective.   Marketing & Customer Services will make an annual report to the Executive Committee assessing the results of activities in support of this standard. 

Standard  3:    Ensure  there  is  an  effective  system  of  listening  and  responding  to  customer complaints  and  concerns.  Measurement:    Subjective.    Will  be  reviewed  annually  by  the Executive Committee. 

 

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Standard 4:  We will actively seek community and customer input for our route, schedule, and service  planning.  Measurement:    Subjective.    Will  be  reviewed  annually  by  the  Executive Committee. 

Strategic Business Area ‐ LEADERSHIP:  We will strive to continue being considered one of the nation's  leading  transit  systems.    To  achieve  this  strategic  goal,  we  will  work  to maintain cooperative relationships within the industry and our community, and to develop future leaders from within our organization. 

Standard  1:    Maintain  cooperative  and  influential  relationships  with  funding  agencies. Measurement:  Subjective.  Will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee. 

Standard  2:    Develop  coalition  partnerships  with  community  leaders  and  decision makers, keeping  them well  informed of  the  integral  role  and  contributions of  transit. Measurement:  Subjective.  Will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee. 

Standard  3:    Provide  effective  leadership  for  Los  Angeles  County  transit  operators. Measurement:  Subjective.  Will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee. 

Standard  4:    Undertake  ongoing  efforts  to  develop  internal  leaders  at  LBT. Measurement:  Subjective.  Will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee. 

Standard  5:    Promote  effective  internal  communications  and  promote  the  values  of  the organization within LBT. Measurement:  Subjective:  Will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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APPENDIX 2: Unemployment Rates 

 

UNITED STATES 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 

 

Month 

CALIFORNIA 

Month 

7.6% 

9.4% 

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APPENDIX 3: Consumer Confidence  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‐ 68.1

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APPENDIX 4: 2012 Long Beach Transit Rider Demographics 

 

 

 

 

Ridership Demographics 

 

Ethnicity:  

Asian       8.2%  

African American  34.2% 

Caucasian    19.6% 

Hispanic    36.7% 

Other         1.2% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment Status: 

Employed    34.8% 

Student    43.4% 

Unemployed      6.9% 

Retired     11.0% 

At Home Parents     2.7% 

1.28.2

34.2 

19.6

36.7 

7.6% 

2.7

11.0

6.934.8

43.4

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Age: 

<24    49.0% 

25‐44    26.0% 

45‐61    15.0% 

62+    10.0% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Levels: 

<15,000    39.3% 

15,000 – 19,999  15.8% 

20,000 – 29,999  18.5% 

30,000 – 39,999  10.6% 

40,000 – 49,999     6.6% 

50,000 – 74,999     6.6% 

75,000 – 99,999     2.0% 

            100,000+     0.7% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<24

10.0

49.015.0

26.0

0.72.0

39.3

6.6

6.6

10.6

18.515.8 

Page 110: Long Beach Transit

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Trip Purpose: 

Work      30.4% 

School      44.1% 

Medical       7.6% 

Shopping         2.2% 

Recreation/social     4.2% 

Personal business    11.5% 

 

 

Ridership by Zip Code: 

Zip Code:    Percent: 

90746        0.5% 

90747        0.3% 

90749        0.3% 

90755        2.1% 

90801        1.3% 

90802        9.0% 

90803        4.5% 

90804      11.9% 

90805        7.7% 

90806      10.3% 

90807        2.6% 

90808        1.6% 

90809        0.3% 

90810        5.0% 

90813      13.8% 

90814        1.1% 

90815        3.7% 

90840        0.5% 

90845        0.3% 

Other       23.3% 

Total        100% 

 

FY Total Annual Ridership: 28,183,414    Source: Long Beach Transit 2012 Rider Survey  

 

11.5

4.2

2.2

7.6

44.1

30.4

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APPENDIX 5: Aging Population in Long Beach 

 

Source: 2010 U.S. Census 

 

 

 

Page 112: Long Beach Transit

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APPENDIX 6: Population Density  

 

Source: 2010 U.S. Census 

 

 

Page 113: Long Beach Transit

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APPENDIX 7: Population Age  

 

 

Source: 2010 U.S. Census 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 114: Long Beach Transit

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APPENDIX 8: California and U.S. Gasoline Prices  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: California Gas Prices.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 115: Long Beach Transit

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APPENDIX 9: LBT Fleet Funding Plan as of 5/20/2013 

2000's (18 Total) (2012-2013 Eligible for Replacement) ELECTRIC & CNG

2000's (8) CNG BUDGET Fully Funded $5,702,700

2000's (10) Electric Bus

Fully Funded $11,028,571

Total 2000's $16,731,271

2200's (39 Total) (2014-2015 Eligible for Replacement) ALTERNATIVE FUEL

Fully Funded $28,368,452

2300's Articulated (13) (2015 Eligible for Replacement) CNG

Fully Funded $15,115,950

2400's-2500's (47 Total) (2017 Eligible Replacement) Note: ALTERNATIVE FUEL 2015 Bond 1B $02015 Bridge 1B $02016 Measure R $554,386MTA Call 2016 -CNG $2,024,9835307 15% FY 15 $05307 15% FY 16 $0

$2,579,369Amount Needed $38,244,498

Current Funding Gap -$35,665,129