Board discusses LC TOP cuts and recommends protecting free-ride program while covering EV pilot shortfall

Staff presented a recalibration plan for the LC TOP allocation after recent state budget changes reduced the program's apportionment by roughly 40 percent. The change stems from statewide adjustments in how cap-and-trade revenues are prioritized; staff said high-speed rail was placed at a higher funding tier, which reduced funds available to LC TOP and TRSIP.

"Our LC TOP's gonna drop by about 40%," Joe told the board and described the options for preserving the free-ride program that board members said has meaningfully boosted ridership. Staff recommended covering a $33,038 shortfall for the incoming pilot bus from the fleet-electrification silo and then transferring roughly $105,000 to maintain the free-ride program for about a year and a half.

Board members discussed tradeoffs. One member recused themself from the discussion because a family member uses the free-ride program. Several board members said they supported protecting the free-ride program to sustain ridership gains; staff emphasized that the recommendation was not a final decision item at this meeting and that the board would revisit the topic in a later workshop.

Next steps: staff will refine the numbers and present a formal decision at an upcoming workshop; if the board supports the recommendation, staff will request Caltrans move funds between program silos as permitted.