Transit services agreement between Sac RT, Elk Grove approved

After 13 years, Elk Grove will kill its contract with MV Transporation and
renew a relationship with Sacramento Regional Transit. | 

By a 4 - 0 vote the Elk Grove City Council last night approved an agreement for Sacramento Regional Transit (Sac RT) to provide bus and paratransit services for Elk Grove residents. The item had been initially scheduled for the February 27 city council meeting but was delayed after Sac RT had stipulations added to the agreement.  

The agreement between the city and Sac RT represents a reunification after a 13-year separation of services between the two entities. In 2006 Elk Grove broke with Sac RT and contracted with MV Transportation Inc. who launched the oft-maligned eTran bus services.

During the ensuing 13 year agreement, MV's eTran bus service suffered from numerous operational problems but was able to retain the contract even though it was deemed not the best value bidder during a contract renewal in 2009. Interestingly MV Transporation had regularly made campaign contributions to city council members.

According to the staff report presented at last night's meeting, the city will save approximately $543,000 over the course of the three-year agreement. Of importance to Elk Grove transit users, the contract will include current services including the popular commuter express routes to downtown Sacramento.

During council deliberations, Mayor Steve Ly asked city transit manager Mike Costa and Sac RT vice president of planning Laura Ham what would happen with drivers currently employed by MV Transporation. Addressing Ly's concern, Ham said by law the drivers would have an opportunity to work for Sac RT.

"All the employees will be offered an opportunity to be hired by Sac RT," Ham said. "We are offering an improved compensation package as well." 

The new contract will become effective on July 1.