Tracy Tracer (Tracy, CA)
The City of Tracy's "Tracer" provides fixed-route service to the public in this 60,000-resident, rapidly growing city, located on the cusp of the Bay Area in Southeastern San Joaquin County, California. The need for this service arose during Tracy's tremendous growth from a population of 25,000 in the early 1990s to its current size. Before the advent of Tracer, Tracy's burgeoning population placed stress on the City's existing general-public dial-a-ride service. According to Karen McNamara, Tracy's Parks and Community Services Director, Tracer provides a useful public service while retaining its dial-a-ride service.
What have been the biggest hurdles while initiating fixed-route service in Tracy?
Karen explained that, "finalizing the route presented significant challenges, since the new system had to meet disparate needs and make operational and economic sense." She added that last-minute logistical details were also challenging. Signs, route maps in the vehicles, and other small items can fall through the cracks; however, they are a big part of putting useful service on the road.
What are some important lessons learned during the process and in getting things running?
According to Karen, checking in with policymakers and the community as much as possible really helps; public stakeholders and policymakers were taken through each step of the process, from logo design to route options. Karen cautioned to "…let people know that the initially implemented service isn't final. Let them know that you can make modifications and improvements. This fact needs to be introduced at the outset."
How are things going now?
The Tracy Tracer is performing as expected, running on time and to places people need to go. The system switched from general public dial-a-ride to fixed route operations more slowly than originally planned, but the transition went smoothly.
What do your passengers think of the service?
Karen finds that riders are generally happy. However, people have expressed interest in some destinations that are not on the route, so the system is exploring service alterations.
What do policymakers and local politicians think of the service?
Politicians are pleased with the system. It had been discussed for years and well planned. Policymakers were also kept informed throughout the process, and the Tracer continues to receive support from key government leaders.
What are your next plans?
Karen says that the Tracy Tracer is considering service expansion with a third loop. It is also considering additional peak period service, including early morning commuter services to the Altamont Commuter Express (connecting Tracy with Eastern Contra Costa County and San Jose). At the same time, the Tracer and dial-a-ride services are working to eliminate taxi subsidies. In short, the Tracer is looking at expanding operations and increasing efficiency, building from its successful start.
For more information on the Tracy Tracer, please see: www.mvtransit.com/Tracer_home.htm |
