SCAG works with transit operators, the region’s transportation planning agencies, and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to develop goals, objectives, plans, and policies to provide effective and sustainable transit options for the region.
A key component of this partnership is the Regional Transit Technical Advisory Committee (RTTAC), composed of representatives from Caltrans, the region’s county transportation commissions, and various transit operators. The RTTAC provides a forum for input on the development of the regional transportation plan, the Federal Transportation Improvement Program, and SCAG’s Overall Work Program. Formal relationships and interactions between the above agencies, including RTTAC participation, are governed by a set of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) updated in 2018. The MOUs describe the roles and responsibilities of each party in carrying out and supporting the metropolitan planning and programming processes and include provisions for data sharing and the coordinated development of transit performance targets. These MOUs were executed under 23 Code of Federal Regulation 450.310(b).
In fiscal year 2017-19, SCAG prepared resources for providers of public transportation in the region to respond to expected challenges resulting from global climate change. This work, funded by a Caltrans Statewide and Urban Transportation Planning Grant, assisted transit providers with incorporating climate change adaptation into their existing processes.
SCAG produced a toolbox of resources to be used to identify critical assets and routes, integrate climate considerations into local and regional planning processes, and implement adaptation practices to improve transit system resilience while complying with state and federal regulations. This toolbox of resources was developed through a collaborative process with local agencies, through in-person workshops and panel reviews, to assist transit agencies in completing these activities with limited resources.
11 Elements of the Final “Climate Resilience Toolbox”
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Demand Forecast Tool
Federal statute establishes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit as a civil right intended to serve as a “safety net” for persons with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route bus or rail service because of a disability.
SCAG initiated a study in 2019 to develop a tool to assist transit providers with developing long-term forecasts of demand for ADA paratransit services. The ADA Paratransit Demand Forecast Tool helps inform SCAG’s long-range planning for ADA Paratransit needs in Southern California.
The tool is intended to measure the performance of plans in meeting the mobility needs of elderly and disabled residents and to estimate the resources necessary to meet future needs. The tool can also be used to support the region’s ADA paratransit providers in their planning and budgeting activities.
The ADA Paratransit Demand Forecast Tool, outputs, and associated data are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, whether expressed, implied, statutory, or otherwise, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Mobility Hubs
Mobility hubs are places where people connect with multiple modes of transportation safely, comfortably, and accessibly. Mobility hubs offer a range of transportation options (typically at least two) that seamlessly connect and interact with each other, providing the infrastructure foundation for multimodal trip planning with essential resources for a safe and convenient transfer between transportation modes.
Designing Mobility Hubs for Southern California
SCAG is developing the Local Jurisdictional Guidance for Mobility Hubs, which will include high-level siting and planning guidance for our 191 member cities and six counties, covering urban, rural, and suburban land uses.
The planning guide will be a tool for local and regional stakeholders to assist in developing mobility hubs.
Vision for Mobility Hubs
SCAG aims to support development of a network of regional mobility hubs that prioritizes people through universal accessibility, safety, and community integration. These hubs will seamlessly connect two or more modes of transportation: transit, bike, pedestrian, shared mobility services, carpooling and vanpooling, and on-demand services.
Through a flexible and context-sensitive design approach that addresses climate challenges, SCAG’s vision for mobility hubs empowers individuals to move efficiently and sustainably, fostering vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities.
SCAG’s strategy is to focus targeted investments in a set of prioritized mobility hubs distributed across the region.
SCAG’s Regional Council adopted Connect SoCal 2024 in April 2024, which included the region’s mobility hubs strategy.
SCAG’s strategy is to focus targeted investments in a set of prioritized mobility hubs distributed across the region and has included mobility hubs as one of our program areas for its Regional Pilot Initiative.
Project Timeline
The project started in March 2023. SCAG anticipates publishing “Mobility Hub Design and Implementation Guidance” in spring 2025 and offering a Toolbox Tuesday training on the guidance.
Spring 2024: Project initiation and management
Summer 2024: Key collaborator outreach
Fall 2024: Draft implementation guidance and conceptual designs
Spring 2025: “Regional Mobility Hub Implementation and Design Guidance”
