REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Receive Information Regarding Potential Shuttle Options and Authorize City Manager to Apply for Micro Transit Grants With 50% Maximum Local Match
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2023, Council proposed a Study Issue to "Evaluate Range of Options for Shuttle Service and Alternative Transportation Options for Fremont and Homestead High School Students Who Live in North Sunnyvale" (Study Issue DPW 23-06). Staff began preparing the scope of work as the first step in the process to hire a consultant and has a target completion date of August 2025. Study Issue DPW 23-06 is planned to evaluate various potential transportation options including but not limited to partnering with neighboring cities on any existing shuttle service, expanding Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus service, working with Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) on school buses, and partnering with existing ride share companies. The study would survey students and parents on transportation needs, evaluate estimated costs, funding sources, populations served, and other factors.
At the January 9, 2024 Council meeting, FUHSD Board Member Rod Sinks presented an overview of the Silicon Valley Hopper (SV Hopper) shuttle and asked Council to apply to the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) for a Transit & Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant to join the SV Hopper program. There was a sense of urgency as Mr. Sinks' understanding of grant timing was that Sunnyvale could apply for a grant in the first quarter of 2024, obtain grant in the second quarter of 2024, and be operational by the third quarter of 2024. On March 12, 2024, the State published preliminary guidelines for the TIRCP grant and a tentative application due date of July 23, 2024.
At the January 9th meeting, Council directed staff to evaluate options for an on-demand shuttle service in Sunnyvale like the SV Hopper. Council also asked staff to identify potential funding sources and consider...
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