| ITEM #: 6. DATE: 06/22/2026 AI #:3339 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | APPROVAL OF A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER TRANSIT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (RPTA) FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2027 |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Christine McMurdy, Project Management Coordinator |
SUMMARY
The Master Transit Services Agreement Amendment will renew the Regional Public Transit Authority's (RPTA) obligation through Valley Metro operational services to provide Route 562 commuter express bus trips at the Goodyear Park and Ride, regional fixed route bus service on Route 3 (Van Buren Street) and Route 17 (McDowell Road), and Paratransit/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) services via Dial a Ride and RideChoice. The city’s estimated cost to continue the provision of transit services in Goodyear for FY2027 is $235,694.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve the first amendment to the Master Transit Services Agreement with the RPTA and providing authorization and direction to the City Manager, or their designee, to take actions and execute documents necessary to carry out the intent of the Agreement and approve the related FY2027 budget transfer. (Christine McMurdy, Project Management Coordinator)
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY2027 total cost of the city’s share of services under this amendment is $235,694 for RideChoice service. The FY2027 cost to continue Regional Paratransit (Dial-a-Ride) service is completely funded by a combination of fares and federal operating assistance (FTA). The regional fixed route bus and commuter express bus service continue to be fully funded by the regional transportation tax (Proposition 400/479).
The city's FY2027 RideChoice cost is included the approved FY2027 budget. At the end of every fiscal year, RPTA reconciles costs with a subsequent true-up of actual versus estimated costs. Accordingly, the FY2027 budget includes contingency, if necessary.
The city's FY2027 RideChoice cost is included the approved FY2027 budget. At the end of every fiscal year, RPTA reconciles costs with a subsequent true-up of actual versus estimated costs. Accordingly, the FY2027 budget includes contingency, if necessary.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
At the June 23, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, Council approved the Master Transit Services Agreement, Contract No. 25-0698, with RPTA. In addition to Regional Paratransit services, this amendment continues existing regional fixed route bus (Routes 3 and 17) and commuter express bus (Route 562) services through June 30, 2027.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Regional Paratransit service is required to be provided within three-quarter miles of regional fixed route services (Routes 3 and 17). Schedule C of the Transit Services Amendment shows that after applying estimated fare revenue from FY2027 and federal operating assistance, the city is not required to contribute any additional funds toward Regional Paratransit service in Goodyear.
Schedule D refers to the RideChoice program. RideChoice is available citywide to ADA certified residents of Goodyear that need a trip to work, school or medical appointments. There are program options for Goodyear residents based on how often and how far they need to travel. The base program costs $3 for up to 8 miles, with any additional miles costing $2 per mile. There is also a mileage-based option that allows customers to travel up to 400 miles per month, for trips of up to 50 miles in length, for $3 per trip. Valley Metro estimates that Goodyear will provide at least 10,660 RideChoice trips in FY2027. After estimated fare revenue and federal operating assistance is applied to the estimate, the cost of service for FY2027 is $235,694.
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) continues to develop the guidelines for programming transit operations under Proposition 479 and expects to implement the new guidance in FY2028. Staff will provide an update on any new guidance or changes to the transit program ahead of the FY2028 budget process.
Staff recommends approving the first amendment to Master Transit Services Agreement with the RPTA (Attachment A).
Schedule D refers to the RideChoice program. RideChoice is available citywide to ADA certified residents of Goodyear that need a trip to work, school or medical appointments. There are program options for Goodyear residents based on how often and how far they need to travel. The base program costs $3 for up to 8 miles, with any additional miles costing $2 per mile. There is also a mileage-based option that allows customers to travel up to 400 miles per month, for trips of up to 50 miles in length, for $3 per trip. Valley Metro estimates that Goodyear will provide at least 10,660 RideChoice trips in FY2027. After estimated fare revenue and federal operating assistance is applied to the estimate, the cost of service for FY2027 is $235,694.
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) continues to develop the guidelines for programming transit operations under Proposition 479 and expects to implement the new guidance in FY2028. Staff will provide an update on any new guidance or changes to the transit program ahead of the FY2028 budget process.
Staff recommends approving the first amendment to Master Transit Services Agreement with the RPTA (Attachment A).