Adopt Resolution 2026-120
The City of Banning, through it's transit system "Banning Connect", currently operates fixed-route public transit service within the unincorporated community of Cabazon. The service provides Cabazon residents with access to public transportation and regional connections to employment, shopping, healthcare, education, and other essential services. The City of Banning and County of Riverside have identified a shared interest in maintaining public transportation access for residents of Cabazon and coordinating transit service between the jurisdictions. The proposed Transit Service Funding Agreement provides a framework for the City and County to coordinate route planning, schedules, stops, transfers, fare policies, and the dissemination of transit information.
Under the proposed agreement, the City will continue providing fixed-route transit service within the Cabazon area. In support of this service, the County will provide Cabazon Revitalization Funding to the City in an amount not to exceed $90,000 over a three-year period, consisting of annual payments of $30,000. This funding would cover the City's local costs for providing the service to the Cabazon area.
The agreement will remain in effect for three years unless terminated earlier in accordance with its provisions. The agreement also provides for annual coordination between the City and County to discuss transit services for the following fiscal year.
Continuation of Banning Connect fixed-route service to Cabazon provides an important transportation connection for residents of the unincorporated community and supports access to employment, healthcare, shopping, education, and other essential destinations.
Because the service extends beyond the City of Banning's jurisdictional boundaries and provides a direct benefit to residents of unincorporated Riverside County, the proposed agreement establishes a cooperative funding arrangement between the City and County. The County's financial contribution recognizes the regional benefit of the service and offsets a portion of the City's costs associated with operating transit service within Cabazon.
The agreement also formalizes coordination between the agencies regarding route planning, schedules, stops, transfers, fare policies, and passenger information, helping ensure that service provided within Cabazon remains responsive to the transportation needs of the community.
Approval of the Transit Service Funding Agreement will allow the City to continue providing fixed-route transit service to Cabazon while receiving financial participation from Riverside County to support the service. Staff recommends approval of the agreement to maintain this regional transportation connection and continue the City's partnership with Riverside County.
Under the proposed Transit Service Funding Agreement, Riverside County will provide the City of Banning with an amount not to exceed $90,000 over the three-year term of the agreement, consisting of three annual payments of $30,000, that shall be paid by June 30 of each year starting with June 30, 2026. Funding will be provided through the County's Cabazon Revitalization Funding program.
The County's contribution will provide revenue to the City's Transit Fund to offset a portion (City's local match) of the operating costs associated with providing fixed-route transit service within the Cabazon area. The Transit Fund is an independent fund from the General Fund. Approving the agreement has no impact on the City's General Fund.