The McKinney Urban Transit District Board convened on October 6, 2025, to discuss key transportation initiatives and partnerships aimed at enhancing transit services in the region. The meeting began with a presentation by Ryan, who highlighted the importance of local attractions, particularly the Samaritan Inn, which serves as the largest unhoused community in Collin County. He emphasized the district's partnership with the Inn to provide essential transportation services, enabling residents to access jobs, medical appointments, and educational opportunities.
Following this, Jasmine Stilwell presented an overview of the North Texas Council of Governments' Regional Transit 2 Study. She noted that the study, which builds on findings from the 2021 Collin County Transit Study, emphasizes the need for sustainable funding to support transit growth and development. Key recommendations from the study include exploring paratransit demand response and micro transit options in the near term, while considering fixed-route bus services and regional rail in the long term.
Stilwell pointed out that effective regional transit must compete with personal vehicles, and she discussed potential funding strategies, such as development impact fees and collaborative planning with neighboring cities. She also mentioned the importance of integrating transit services to improve regional connectivity.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the next steps for the transit district, including exploring new transit modes and creative funding options to better serve residents. The board also considered an amendment to the McKinney Urban Transit District cost-sharing policy, signaling ongoing efforts to enhance transit services in the area. Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving transportation access and collaboration with community partners.