7. 26-0202 Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Circuit Transit Inc. for a Six-Month On-Demand Point-to-Point Local Microtransit Service Pilot Project and Appropriation of up to $540,626 in Proposition A Local Return Funds (Unbudgeted) (Community Development Department Director Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 1 Hr. and 30 Mins.)
A) DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0031
C) APPROPRIATE FUNDS
I support improving local transit options. Mobility for elderly is already tough and options like this will help our elderly residents who don't have the ability to drive or lack the support system to make basic short distance trips possible. According to studies by Kelly Bluebook, 60% of all personal vehicle trips being less than 6 miles. This basically helps alleviate parking and traffic for short hop trips. Metro Micro does a great job for Inglewood with this model and Torrance is already seeing similar adoption with their on demand rider service. This service element fills an important niche that BCT cannot: transport services that require on demand access. I can imagine smoother connections to the Redondo Beach Metro station with this on-demand service, especially for LAX travelers looking for alternatives to uber and taxis who are charging enormous fees to do so. The micro transit makes the final mile travel worth connecting to Metro's larger network.
Will the city lose these funds or can they be used for any transit related projects? Do not support if this is MB resident tax dollars that could be used for other projects.
I support the concept of a microtransit bus in Manhattan Beach, provided it serves the entire community equitably. The service should not be concentrated in one area or primarily designed to funnel riders into downtown. Instead, it should meet everyday needs—such as access to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations.
Additionally, I would expect students in MBUSD to use this service. Has student ridership been considered in the planning process?
I support improving local transit options. Mobility for elderly is already tough and options like this will help our elderly residents who don't have the ability to drive or lack the support system to make basic short distance trips possible. According to studies by Kelly Bluebook, 60% of all personal vehicle trips being less than 6 miles. This basically helps alleviate parking and traffic for short hop trips. Metro Micro does a great job for Inglewood with this model and Torrance is already seeing similar adoption with their on demand rider service. This service element fills an important niche that BCT cannot: transport services that require on demand access. I can imagine smoother connections to the Redondo Beach Metro station with this on-demand service, especially for LAX travelers looking for alternatives to uber and taxis who are charging enormous fees to do so. The micro transit makes the final mile travel worth connecting to Metro's larger network.
Will the city lose these funds or can they be used for any transit related projects? Do not support if this is MB resident tax dollars that could be used for other projects.
I support the concept of a microtransit bus in Manhattan Beach, provided it serves the entire community equitably. The service should not be concentrated in one area or primarily designed to funnel riders into downtown. Instead, it should meet everyday needs—such as access to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations.
Additionally, I would expect students in MBUSD to use this service. Has student ridership been considered in the planning process?