Santa Cruz County Transit and Transportation Agency Meetings - Audio Tracks

9/4/25 SCCRTC P6 - Hwy1 State Park to Bay-Porter Cost Overruns Summary

Overview

• Highway 1 Segment 2 construction is about 45-50% complete.
• $7.7 million in additional costs identified; $1.5 million in savings found.
• Contingency fund increased from 5% to 10% due to unforeseen issues.
• Major cost drivers: design changes, unforeseen site conditions, tree removal, and public safety measures.
• Commissioners raised concerns about cost overruns, transparency, and future funding impacts.

Highway 1 Project Status and Partnerships

• RTC delivered Highway 1 corridor improvements, including Bus and Shoulder Auxiliary Lanes.
• Segment 1 (Soquel Drive to 41st Avenue) is nearly complete; Segment 2 (Bay Porter to State Park Drive) is under construction.
• Caltrans administers both segments; strong partnerships with public, county, and cities.
• Unforeseen in-field conflicts in Segment 2 since April 2024 required additional contingency funds.
• Segment 2 is approximately 50% complete; projected completion in fall 2026.

Detailed Review of Project Challenges, Risks, and Savings

• Revised stage construction 1A to avoid full Bay Porter Ave interchange closure; ramps built piecemeal to reduce public impact.
• Mar Vista pedestrian overcrossing alignment changed due to unmarked sewer lines; bridge relocated, affecting 25 of 45 plan sheets, avoiding 1+ year delay.
• Retaining wall construction required more tree removal than estimated, causing environmental hurdles, project delays, and added costs.
• Unforeseen site conditions (unsuitable materials, buried objects, utility conflicts) led to change orders and increased risk for stage 1B.
• Total additional work cost: $7.7M; project cost savings: $1.5M; original contingency: $4.1M; remaining work: $44M; 10% contingency needed.

Commissioner Q&A: Cost Overruns, Design, and Accountability

• Original contingency was 5% (Caltrans standard), but future projects will use at least 10% due to increased risk and lessons learned.

Further Commissioner Discussion: Environmental, Funding, and Public Concerns

• Tree removal cost: $679,000 due to additional access needs and unplanned trees.
• Ramp inefficiencies at Bay and Porter Street: $500,000; total related change order: $1.9 million; combined: $2.4 million.
• Current projected cost overruns: $7.7 million (gross), net after savings: $6.5 million; represents nearly 10% of original $80 million budget.
• Bridge landing shifted 5 feet inward to avoid utility conflict, causing design and construction impacts but minimal perceptible change for pedestrians.
• Vegetation removal mitigated by replanting at regulatory ratios (typically 3:1); replanting to occur at project end.

Caltrans Report

9/4/25 SCCRTC P4 - Director’s Report Continued Summary

Action Items

Speaker C Clarify Segment Eight Timeline Confirm and communicate that segment eight construction will start late 2026 and complete by spring 2027.

Speaker A Highlight Community Investments Ensure all projects clearly communicate the investment from Measure D to the community to support future funding efforts.

Funding and Community Investment

• Speaker A thanks voters for Measure D and highlights $125 million invested plus $350 million in matching grants.
• Emphasizes the importance of showcasing community investments for future funding efforts.
• Notes the need to communicate where money has been spent to support future sales tax measures.

Project Segments and Timeline

• Speaker B seeks clarification on microphone system and project timelines.
• Segment eight is possible to be done in 2026; segment nine is not due to financial constraints.
• Speaker C clarifies segment eight construction would start late 2026 and complete by spring 2027.
• Speaker B confirms understanding that construction starts in 2026 but finishes in 2027.

Next Steps and Meeting Conduct

• Speaker A acknowledges the information and moves the meeting forward.
• Participants express appreciation for staff reports and follow-ups on expediting segments and emergency funding.
• Speaker B humorously notes learning the microphone system rules that only one person can speak at a time.

Overview

• $125 million spent on local transportation projects since Measure D inception through June 2024.
• $350 million in outside grants secured using Measure D as leverage.
• Zero Emission Passenger Rail & Trail Project community outreach completed; final report expected by October.
• Temporary pedestrian/bike path over Murray Street Bridge: $1.7 million cost, funding being sought after CTC denial.
• Staffing update: Nisha Singh appointed Director of Internal Services.

Measure D Annual Report and Financial Overview

• Measure D annual report for FY 2024 available on RTC website (item 14, consent agenda).
• From inception to June 2024, nearly $125 million spent on local roads, transit, paratransit, highway improvements, rail preservation, and coastal rail trail.
• Volunteer Taxpayer Oversight Committee reviewed audits and confirmed expenditures align with ordinance and expenditure plan.
• Measure D used as leverage to secure over $350 million in outside grants for regional projects through FY 2024.
• Expenditure plan lists projects exceeding tax revenue, intending to maximize local funds via grant matching.

Zero Emission Passenger Rail & Trail Project Outreach and Next Steps

• Community outreach for Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project conducted June 12–August 22.
• Outreach included virtual open house, nine office hours (virtual/in-person), informational session, partner meetings, and event tabling.
• Draft project concept report summarizes community input from Milestone 4.
• Next steps: compile feedback, prepare full cost estimate, address commission requests from August 7, finalize concept report.
• Final project concept report to be shared with community upon completion.

Murray Street Bridge Temporary Path: Options, Costs, and City Decisions

• City Council approved temporary pedestrian/bike path on RTC-owned rail bridge (Aug 26).
• Four options studied; selected 3,000-foot, 8-foot-wide compacted base rock path as most viable.
• Estimated cost: $1.7 million for installation and removal.
• Next steps: develop engineered plans, ensure regulatory compliance, seek RTC and railroad operator approval.
• City will not proceed with temporary rail shuttle due to higher costs and funding constraints.

Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8 & 9 Status and Funding Challenges

• Consulted with City of Santa Cruz staff on Rail Trail Segments 8 and 9 timeline.
• Project is at start of final design phase; lacks sufficient design funding.
• Final design, right-of-way, and environmental permitting require significant time.
• Completion by end of 2026 is not feasible.

Staffing Updates and TDM Conference Participation

• Nisha Singh appointed Director of Internal Services; over 16 years public sector experience.
• Nisha previously served as finance manager for City of Los Altos; led financial operations, budgeting, reporting.
• Holds MBA and BBA in finance; expertise in public budgeting, audits, payroll, financial reporting, enterprise systems.
• Sierra Topp to attend Transportation Demand Management Conference in Portland, Oregon, October.
• Topp manages TDM programs: Cruise 511, Go Santa Cruz County, Go Bike.

9/4/25 SCCRTC P2 - Commissioner Reports Summary

Overview

• Commissioner Jillian Ritter introduced as new First District RTC alternate.
• Ad hoc committee continues work on encroachments and easements along Santa Cruz Branch Trail.
• Updates on regional rail and transportation projects, including hydrogen train demonstration.
• Support and flexibility for Capitola event logistics highlighted as economic boost.
• Proclamations and activities planned for 'Week Without Driving' to promote mobility equity.

Commissioner Ritter's Introduction and Background

• Jillian Ritter introduced as first district alternate to RTC, appointed June.
• Joined Supervisor Koenig's office as staff in May.
• Lifelong District 1 resident, Santa Cruz County.
• Worked with Board of Supervisors (2016–2022) and various county departments, including Parks Department during rail trail project transition.

Ad Hoc Committee on Trail Encroachments and Easements

• Ad hoc committee for Santa Cruz Branch Trail encroachments/easements held second meeting on August 25.
• Committee continues to gather information and assess relief/mitigation options for mobile homeowners.

Regional Rail and Hydrogen Train Updates

• Attended Coastal Rail Coordinating Council in Los Angeles; discussed infrastructure planning for Olympics.
• Observed South County rail projects.
• Visited San Bernardino to inspect proposed hydrogen train for Santa Cruz.
• Interacted with engineers and toured train maintenance facility.
• Collaborated with colleagues from Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.

Event Coordination for Capitola Art & Wine Festival

• Expressed gratitude to Executive Director Sarah Christensen, Commissioner Manne Koenig, and Kim Serfer for support with Bay and Porter ramp closures in Capitola.
• Acknowledged flexibility in closure timing due to upcoming Art and Wine Festival, which provides significant economic benefit to the community.

'Week Without Driving' Proclamations and Mobility Equity

• Week Without Driving scheduled for late September to early October.
• RTC, Santa Cruz Metro, Community Traffic Safety Coalition, and County Office of Transportation participate with events and activities.
• Key events: Hazard Report webinar (Sept 29), Countywide Celebration at Capitola Mall (Sept 30), RTC Challenge contest (week-long), Route 78 ride in Watsonville (Oct 1).
• County and local city proclamations planned; commissioners and staff participating.
• Initiative emphasizes mobility access, public health, and understanding non-driver transportation challenges.

9/4/25 SCCRTC P1 - Consent Agenda Summary

Action Items

Speaker A Move motion to amend subsidy policy Move to amend the consent agenda to include direction that future subsidies only support e-bikes pedal assisted up to 20 mph, excluding faster models.

Speaker C Second motion to amend subsidy policy Second the motion to limit subsidies to e-bikes with max 20 mph pedal assist, pending public input.

Concerns Raised

• Commissioner Schiffrin expressed concern about subsidizing e-bikes that can go 28 mph, which he thinks is "too fast."
• Safety issues with faster e-bikes, especially involving children and teenagers, have increased significantly, with accidents up 300% in two years.

Policy Proposal

• Recommendation to change subsidy policy to only support e-bikes that pedal assist up to 20 mph.
• No subsidies for e-bikes exceeding 20 mph or with throttles.

State Pilot Influence

• Marin County state pilot program is being closely followed due to safety complaints.
• Current state law prohibits local action until pilot concludes.

Commission Discussion

• Staff confirmed it is feasible to limit subsidies without passing new laws, as subsidy program is discretionary.
• Commissioners agreed to bring the proposal to the public for input before making a motion.
• Motion to amend consent agenda with new subsidy direction was moved and seconded.

Update on Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Affected by the Murray Street Bridge Project - More comments and questions

The full agenda and video is here:

https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/City_Council_Regular_Meeting_2534_Agenda_Packet_8_26_2025_1_00_00_PM.pdf?meetingId=2534&documentType=AgendaPacket&itemId=0&publishId=0&isSection=false

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Rev9E2ndk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRHxhItEBaP3eI7Rmz8ywBT

Update on Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Affected by the Murray Street Bridge Project - Staff Presentation

The full agenda and video is here:

https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/City_Council_Regular_Meeting_2534_Agenda_Packet_8_26_2025_1_00_00_PM.pdf?meetingId=2534&documentType=AgendaPacket&itemId=0&publishId=0&isSection=false

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Rev9E2ndk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRHxhItEBaP3eI7Rmz8ywBT

Update on Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Affected by the Murray Street Bridge Project - Staff Presentation

There's a video of the presentation here:

https://youtu.be/ZxiG18ps2tE

The full agenda and video is here:

https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/City_Council_Regular_Meeting_2534_Agenda_Packet_8_26_2025_1_00_00_PM.pdf?meetingId=2534&documentType=AgendaPacket&itemId=0&publishId=0&isSection=false

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Rev9E2ndk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRHxhItEBaP3eI7Rmz8ywBT

Transportation and Parking Challenges near transit development projects

The full agenda and video is here:

https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/City_Council_Regular_Meeting_2534_Agenda_Packet_8_26_2025_1_00_00_PM.pdf?meetingId=2534&documentType=AgendaPacket&itemId=0&publishId=0&isSection=false

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Rev9E2ndk&list=PLo9N9AsVOVvRHxhItEBaP3eI7Rmz8ywBT