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Council directs DOT to prepare RFP for Smart Shuttle contingent on continued MTA funding
Summary
After extended debate about ridership and past performance, the council approved an amendment asking the Department of Transportation to prepare a new request for proposals for the Smart Shuttle program, contingent on Metro (MTA) continuing to fund the service; the motion passed 12-0.
The Los Angeles City Council approved an amendment instructing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to prepare a new request for proposals (RFP) for the Smart Shuttle service, contingent on continued funding from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The measure passed unanimously, 12-0.
Council debate reflected sharply different assessments of Smart Shuttle’s performance. Supporters said the program is now carrying roughly 260,000 riders per month across its service areas and that MTA has agreed to fund a fourth year for most areas. Critics said the program has duplicated MTA routes, failed to meet original goals such as door-to-door service, and that the city should not commit additional local funds when the program’s long-term funding is uncertain.
Councilmember discussion produced a compromise: an amendment by Councilmember Bernsen to send the DOT out with an RFP (Bernsen asked that it be done within 90 days) was adopted with the explicit condition that the city proceed only if MTA continues to fund the program. Staff said MTA had agreed to fund a fourth year in most areas and intended to work with the city on a business plan to clarify future funding and operations.
Key program details discussed by council and staff: - Smart Shuttle began as a demonstration program about three years ago and was run as a two-year pilot in multiple service areas. - Current reported usage is roughly 260,000 rides per month across four operating areas. - For one service area (MacArthur Park/Westlake/Koreatown/Wilshire Center) funding had been structured with roughly 65% from MTA and 35% city funds; MTA agreed to fund the fourth year for most areas at roughly 100% according to staff remarks.
The council instructed that any RFP and contract bring funding assumptions back to committee before final release. The motion to prepare the RFP contingent on MTA continuation passed on a 12-0 vote.
What’s next: DOT will prepare an RFP and present the draft to committee; the RFP exercise will proceed only after satisfactory confirmation of continued MTA funding, per the council’s contingency.
