IN THIS EDITION:

• STA Allocates Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) Microgrants for 12 Projects 
• Connected Mobility Implementation Plan Update: Approval of SR-37 Express Bus/Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan 
• STA Board approves moving forward on construction of Westbound I-80 Cordelia Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility Project 
• Construction update on I-80 Managed Lanes Project & SR-12 SHOPP Project
• Solano Mobility Second Quarter Update/Employer and Commuter Programs
• Solano County to Celebrate Bike to Wherever Days in May 
• STA Issues Call for Projects for Clean Air Projects
• SR2S Events Highlights
• Openings Available for STA Advisory Committees 
• STA Staff Update

STA Allocates Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) Microgrants for 12 Projects 

In 2019, the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Microgrant Pilot Program was launched in Solano County to enhance bike and pedestrian safety around schools through small-scale projects and capital purchases. The program, funded with Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA 3) funds, recently completed its third cycle, with applications accepted from December 22nd, 2023, to February 2nd, 2024.

During this period, Solano County cities, schools, districts, community organizations, and stakeholders were informed about Cycle 3 through various channels including the SR2S website, emails, social media, and stakeholder meetings. A total of twelve applications were submitted by the deadline.

Following evaluation, all twelve proposals received funding approval at the April 10th STA Board Meeting. The recipients of the grants include the City of Vacaville, City of Fairfield, City of Benicia, City of Vallejo, Fairfield Suisun Unified School District, Fairfield PAL Center, Fairview Elementary School, Green Valley Middle School, B. Gale Wilson, Hogan Middle School, Dan Mini Elementary School, and Nelda Mundy Elementary School.

Connected Mobility Implementation Plan Update: Approval of SR-37 Express Bus/Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan

The STA Board approved the California State Route 37 (SR-37) Express Bus/Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan during its April 10, 2024, Board meeting. STA, in partnership with MTC, Caltrans, Napa, Marin, and Sonoma County, has developed a detailed transit service/TDM plan for the SR-37 corridor. The California SR-37 Express Bus/TDM Plan explores four alternatives based on connectivity to other transit services, first/last mile access, and illustrates the high end of capital and operating costs for planning purposes. The report initially recommends vanpool options for this corridor because of reduced startup costs and the flexibility of reaching multiple destinations. The report includes a detailed phased and tiered service plan that includes route alignments, stop locations, equipment needs, contractual arrangements with partner agencies (e.g., use of San Rafael Transit Center), alternative transit options, capital procurement, Green House Gas (GHG) and Vehicle Miles Travel (VMT) impacts.

For more information on the SR-37 Express Bus/Transportation Demand Management Plan, click here.

STA Board approves moving forward on construction of Westbound I-80 Cordelia Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility Project

STA has been working cooperatively with the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to deliver the Westbound I-80 Cordelia Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility Project. The project will replace the existing Westbound (WB) I-80 California Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility (CCVEF) with a new facility located 0.7 miles east of the existing location and provide improved connections to/from WB I-80 and WB State Route 12. 

Through a combination of SB1 Trade Corridors Enhancement Program (TCEP) funds and Bridge Toll funds, this project is fully funded and is expected to be ready to start construction in the fall of 2024, pending acquisition of the necessary property interests.

Construction update on I-80 Managed Lanes Project & SR-12 SHOPP Project

Photos by California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

I-80 Managed Lanes Project

The Solano I-80 Express Lanes Project is in Solano County and begins just west of Red Top Road in Fairfield and ends east of Leisure Town Road in Vacaville. The 19.8-mile-long project consists of two major components. The first is constructing 10 miles of express lanes and the second part is converting the existing carpool lane into an express lane. The planned work for this project includes 10 miles of highway widening, widening of four bridges, constructing five retaining walls, installing overhead sign structures, and installing the toll system integrator for single occupancy commuters who wish to use the express lanes (transit buses and high occupancy vehicles will continue to have access to the express lanes without paying a fee).

SR-12 SHOPP Project

At the April 10 STA Board meeting, STA Projects staff provided an update on the SR-12 State Highway Operation & Protection Program (SHOPP) Project. Due to the different characteristics of the scope of work and the degrees of complexity among the SR-12 segments, Caltrans split the project into three individual construction packages:

• Segment 1-McClosky Road to Azevedo Road: Includes resurfacing and rehabilitating the existing roadway, replacing existing cross-culverts, and upgrading the existing guardrail.

• Segment 2-Summerset Road to Drouin Drive: Starts with the same work items identified for Segment 1. Shoulders will be widened and reinforced with backing to extend the life of the pavement. Additionally, the vertical curve will be corrected to improve sight distance. Church Road intersection requirements are included within this segment. 



• Segment 3-Drouin Drive to the County Line: Starts with the same work items identified for Segment 1. Upgrades existing sidewalks to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and creates a new pedestrian crossing. Additional Complete Streets elements such as Class 2 and Class 4 bike lanes in Downtown Rio Vista are included within this segment.

At this time, the improvements within Segment 1 have been completed. Segments 2 and 3 have been delayed due to the need to fulfill right-of-way certification requirements for several parcels. Caltrans is also working on finalizing the Utility Relocation Plan. Construction is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025.

Solano Mobility Second Quarter Update/Employer and Commuter Programs 

Solano Mobility's Employer Commuter Program provides commuter incentives and subsidies to encourage alternative transportation use for residents and employees in the county through ten regional and two local programs. The Solano Economic Development Corporation also partners with Solano Mobility to promote STA’s commuter benefits via direct mail, social media, business retention and expansion visits, and in-person events.

Many of the Employer Commuter programs continue to succeed and grow. Solano Mobility Express Vanpool riders have requested that STA extend the pilot program for an additional fiscal year. The Solano Express Guaranteed Ride Program continues to see use and Solano Express riders continue to express gratitude for the program. At the April 10th STA Board meeting, the STA Board approved STA's recommendation to extend the Solano Mobility Express Vanpool program and the Equitable Access to Justice Pilot Program to June 30, 2025.

Below is information on some of the Commuter programs offered by Solano Mobility.

REGIONAL COMMUTER PROGRAMS

2-for-1 Solano Express Incentive

$125 Clipper Card for monthly Solano Express Pass Purchase: There were eleven 2- for-1 incentives redeemed by Solano Express riders during the second quarter. 

Amtrak + Lyft

Ten-Ride Passes ($20)/Lyft Connections (max $25): Ten passes were purchased during the second quarter of FY2023-24. Three new commuters enrolled in the program in the second quarter, increasing the total enrollment to 125 participants since the start of the program in 2019. 

Bucks for Bikes

60% Reimbursement (max $300) for new Commuter Bike + Helmet: 3 reimbursements were provided for a total of $900 during the second quarter.

Equitable Access to Justice

100% subsidized rides to/from Solano County Court appointments for Jurors & Collaborative Court Participants: 74 rides were provided during the second quarter.

“As anticipated, we have ZERO jurors to date this fiscal year who have been unable to

report to court for jury service due to transportation barriers. I consider this a

major success for transportation in Solano and for justice in Solano County.”

- Wendy Getty, Presiding Judge (2023)

Solano County Superior Court

First/Last Mile

Solano County Transit Hub Connections (60% off Lyft up to $20 or low-income subsidy 80% off Lyft up to $20): 117 commuters registered for the First/Last Mile program during the second quarter of this fiscal year, increasing program registration to 1,577 commuters.

Solano Express Guaranteed Ride

Uber Voucher for Solano Express riders to use when bus cancels/is late. During the second quarter of this fiscal year, 77 Solano Express Riders registered to receive Uber Vouchers, bringing the total number of program registrants to 419. During the second quarter 1,290 rides were provided. 

Solano Mobility Express Vanpool Pilot

Professionally driven vans traveling between Dixon, Vacaville & Sacramento during commute hours with a $50/month introductory rate: During the second quarter, 19 riders participated in the program. A total of 3,083 rides were provided from program launch to April 19, 2024, with zero missed routes. The program received 300 ratings from riders for a 4.96/5 average as of April 16, 2024.

Vanpool (Traditional)

STA Subsidy ($200/month); MTC Subsidy ($500/month): Currently 65 vanpools operate in Solano County with 49 using Commute with Enterprise vehicles and 16 owner operated.

For more information about Solano Mobility programs, please visit www.solanomobility.org or contact the Call Center Monday – Friday, 8am‐5pm at 800‐535‐6883.

Solano County to Celebrate Bike to Wherever Days in May

STA invites Solano County to join the Bay Area in celebrating Bike to Wherever Days this May. Pledge to ride and sign up for the collective 30,000-mile Bay Area Bike Challenge celebrating 30 years of Bike to Work Day to win prizes. This year, Solano Mobility’s Employer Commuter Program is partnering with Safe Routes to School to feature:

• Community Bike Fairs in Green Valley on May 1st and Rio Vista on May 7th
• A Community Bike Ride in Vallejo on May 4th
• Bike to School Day on May 8th
• The 30th Annual Bike to Work Day on May 16th

The Bay Area Bike to Work Day (BTWD) began in 1994 as a celebration of bicycles as a fun and healthy way to get to work, as well as an opportunity for those who don’t usually bike commute to try it out. After 2020, as fewer people were biking to work during the pandemic, the event expanded into Bike to Wherever Days for the whole month of May, encouraging riders to choose their bicycle for more of their transportation needs. Now, Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days and Bike to Work Day reflect the new hybrid model of work and life. May is also a time to advocate for improved bicycle infrastructure and safety across the region. 

During the month of May, no matter where you need to go, you’re encouraged to bike to run errands, visit friends and family, ride recreationally, and to commute to work or school. Commit to riding by signing the Pledge and show off your pride by taking the Bay Area Bike Challenge. Be sure to come out for Bay Area Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 16th, to celebrate bicycling and to get your 2024 BTWD commemorative bag. Everyone on two wheels is welcome.

Visit https://www.solanomobility.org/bike-to-wherever-days-2024/ for more information.

STA Issues Call for Projects for Clean Air Projects

After the STA Board's approval at the April meeting, the STA has issued a Call for Projects for FY 2024-25 in Transportation Funds for Clean Air (TFCA) 40% Funds. Funding is available for clean air-eligible projects such as bicycle and pedestrian projects, smart growth/traffic calming, and other alternative fuel projects (e.g. electric vehicle chargers). Eligible recipients are public agencies within the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) jurisdiction, which include the cities of Benicia, Fairfield, Suisun City, Vallejo, and the southwestern unincorporated portion of Solano County. Non-public entities in the southern portions of Solano County are only eligible to apply for new alternative-fuel vehicle and infrastructure projects, and advanced technology demonstrations. Non-public entities are encouraged to partner with their local municipality for all other project types.

The application deadline is Friday, June 7, 2024, by 5:00 PM. Click here to download the BAAQMD TFCA 40% Fund Program Grant Application.

For any questions regarding either grant application, please contact Dulce Jimenez, Assistant Planner at (707) 399-3214 or through email djimenez@sta.ca.gov. STA staff are available to assist applicants with their project submittals.

SR2S Events Highlights

The SR2S staff has successfully reengaged the schools in Solano County, resulting in a return to pre-COVID participation levels. Currently, the SR2S Program is actively involved with 80 out of the 114 schools in the county. In the fiscal year 2023-24, SR2S Program Coordinators attended 53 events throughout the county, with 18 more yet to come. For more information on how to get involved with the Safe Routes to School Program, visit the Solano SR2S website here.

Openings Available for STA Advisory Committees

The STA currently has open positions on our Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC), PAC, and Paratransit Coordinating Council (PCC). 

The BAC and PAC advise the STA on the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities as an active mode of transportation in Solano County. To accomplish this, committee members assist the STA to develop countywide transportation plans and projects and provide funding recommendations for active transportation projects.

The PCC works on countywide senior and disabled transit issues as required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and makes recommendations on transit and paratransit funding, claims, and coordination. 

We are currently looking for the following representatives:

Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC)

• City of Dixon

Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC)

• City of Suisun City
• County of Solano
• Member-at-Large (Solano Community College)

Paratransit Coordinating Council (PCC)

• Public Agency – Education member

For more information on the BAC Open Positions, click here; click here for more information on the PAC Open Positions, and here for information on PCC Open Positions.

STA Staff Update

Elizabeth Sanchez was recently promoted from part-time Program Coordinator I to part-time Program Coordinator II in the Solano Mobility Call Center. She is supervised by Erika Dohina, Program Services Supervisor.