Update

Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force

MTC’s Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force wrapped up its work in July 2021 by approving a set of 27 actions to be taken by MTC and other agencies to guide the future of the Bay Area’s public transportation network as the region adjusts to new conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following its April 2020 action to approve federal emergency funds for public transit, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission released on May 7, 2020 a framework for creation of a 32-member Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force.

The Task Force assisted MTC in understanding the scale of the crisis facing Bay Area transit systems because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It helped guide MTC's regional response through expedited distribution of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Phase 2 funds.

The Task Force in July 2021 approved 27 specific near-term actions to re-shape the region’s transit system into a more connected, more efficient, and more user-focused mobility network across the entire Bay Area. This set of actions forms the cornerstone of a formal Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan, adopted by the Commission in fall 2021. As part of the Action Plan effort, consultants to the Task Force also prepared a Regional Network Management Structures Evaluation Report.

Task Force Goals & Objectives

The Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force adopted goals and objectives to guide the development of the Action Plan. The goals are:

  • Recognize critical recovery challenges facing transit agencies
  • Advance equity
  • Identify near-term actions to implement beneficial long-term network Management & Governance reforms
  • Establish how current MTC and state transit initiatives should integrate with Network Management & Governance reforms

Read the full description of the Task Force’s goals and objectives, adopted in November 2020.

Network Management Business Case Advisory Group

This multi-stakeholder advisory group followed up on the work done by the Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force. It supported the Network Management Business Case, evaluated the benefits, costs and risks of transit network management alternatives, and is guiding recommendations for a  preferred network management alternative structure.

A SolTrans bus and a WestCAT bus at the El Cerrito del Norte BART station.
Task Force Members

The Task Force was chaired by MTC Commissioner and Solano County Supervisor Jim Spering.

It included:

  • Local elected officials
  • Advocates for people with disabilities
  • Representatives from the state Senate and Assembly
  • California State Transportation Agency
  • Transit operators
  • Business and labor groups
  • Transit and social justice advocates

 

Goals & Equity Principles

The Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force adopted goals and objectives in November 2020 and equity principles in January of 2021 to guide the development of a Transformation Action Plan.

In March of 2021, the Task Force adopted a problem statement to identify issues or problems that transit network management reforms might help to resolve.

Transit Transformation Action Plan

Visit the Transit Transformation Action Plan page for the latest updates.

The Blue Ribbon Transit Recovery Task Force in July 2021 developed a Bay Area Transformation Action Plan for consideration by MTC at its September 2021 meeting.

The Access and Mobility Work Plan is just one component to come out of the Transformation Action Plan. Learn more about the Access and Mobility Work Plan.