The McKinney Urban Transit District Board meeting on October 6, 2025, highlighted significant developments in local transportation services, particularly the transition to a distance-based fare system. This change, approved last fiscal year, aims to enhance sustainability amid rising operational costs while maintaining ridership levels.

In 2025, the district reported a total of 219 new riders, indicating a steady demand for transportation services. The number of unique riders has also shown a healthy increase annually, suggesting that the system is effectively meeting community needs. Board members noted that despite the fare adjustments, ridership has not significantly declined, demonstrating that users still value the service.

The meeting also addressed fare box revenue, which reflects the income generated from passenger fares. The board emphasized the importance of monitoring the subsidy per rider, which is calculated by subtracting fare box revenue from operational costs. Currently, the average subsidy per rider for dedicated vehicles is $29, while rides through the partnership with Lyft averages $11.26. This collaboration with Lyft not only helps reduce costs but also enhances customer satisfaction by minimizing wait times.

Overall, the discussions underscored the district's commitment to providing accessible and efficient transportation options while adapting to financial challenges. The board anticipates that these strategic changes will continue to support the growing demand for transit services in McKinney.