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Background and History of the Council - Deputy Director Riske-Gomez
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Requested Action(s)
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Informational presentation regarding the history, purpose, roles and responsibilities of Social Services Technical Advisory Counsil to the Tehama County Transit Agency Board.
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Financial Impact:
None.
Background Information:
The Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) is a state-mandated advisory body established under the California Transportation Development Act (TDA) (Public Utilities Code § 99238).
SSTAC serves as an advisory group to the Tehama County Transit Agency Board (TCTAB) and plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing the transit needs of transit-dependent and transit-disadvantaged populations, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, and low-income residents.
SSTAC Responsibilities
As outlined in the Public Utilities Code (PUC) § 99238(c), the SSTAC is responsible for
• Identifying Unmet Transit Needs: SSTAC reviews public input on gaps in transit services and makes formal recommendations to the Tehama County Transportation Commission (TCTC) and TCTAB regarding necessary improvements.
• Coordinating Services: SSTAC helps streamline and integrate transportation services among different providers to maximize efficiency, save money, and avoid duplication
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• Providing Advisory Input: The council offers guidance on specialized transit programs, accessibility enhancements, and other transportation-related issues affecting the mobility of disadvantaged populations.
• Holding Public Hearings: SSTAC facilitates public engagement by soliciting feedback from the community through public hearings, as required by TDA (PUC § 99238.5), to assess and document unmet transit needs.
SSTAC Membership and Compliance with TDA
SSTAC is composed of representatives from transit user groups, social service organizations, and the general public, as required by PUC § 99238(a). Members are appointed by TCTAB and serve to ensure that transit services align with the evolving mobility needs of Tehama County residents.
As part of the TDA Unmet Transit Needs process, SSTAC's findings and recommendations are submitted to TCTC for evaluation. Per PUC § 99401.5, the Commission must determine whether the identified needs are "reasonable to meet" before allocating Local Transportation Funds (LTF) for non-transit purposes.
SSTAC meetings provide an opportunity for community members, stakeholders, and transit users to share input on how transit services can be improved. Residents are encouraged to attend meetings, participate in discussions, and provide direct feedback on transportation challenges.
For more information about SSTAC activities, meeting schedules, and opportunities for involvement, visit TakeTrax.com <https://taketrax.com/resources/sstac/> or contact TCTAB staff directly.