The Soledad City Council meeting on December 4, 2024, highlighted significant advancements in public transportation and infrastructure safety, particularly through the collaboration with Monterey Salinas Transit (MST). The council discussed the implementation of a new fixed route circulator, Line 32, which is set to launch in January 2025. This service aims to enhance transit accessibility for residents, providing connections to key locations such as schools, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities every 30 minutes.

MST expressed its support for the city’s ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 project. The transit agency emphasized that over 85% of its passengers rely on walking, biking, or other non-motorized means to access bus stops, underscoring the importance of safe transit environments.

Council members acknowledged the transition from the existing on-call service, which had seen minimal usage, to the new circulator service. They stressed the need for effective community outreach to ensure residents are informed about the changes and the benefits of the new transit options.

In addition to transportation discussions, the council approved an amendment to the salary range for the water resources manager position, effective December 7, 2024. This decision aims to address staffing needs within the public works department, particularly in managing water systems and compliance with state regulations. The city is currently navigating challenges in retaining engineering staff, and the new role is expected to bolster operational efficiency.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to enhancing public transportation and infrastructure, with a focus on safety and community engagement. The anticipated changes are expected to improve transit access and operational management in Soledad, paving the way for a more connected and safer environment for residents.