Brian (public transportation staff) presented the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation proposed 2026 budget and told the Lafayette Common Council the agency expects a shortfall next year without new funding, and thus is presenting a balanced budget that includes an anticipated service reduction.

“Absent any new funds coming in, this presents a balanced budget with an anticipated service reduction next year,” Brian said, describing efforts at the statehouse to hold state funding and unsuccessful local revenue proposals.

Councilors pressed for detail. Council member Jerry asked whether the suspended route was the Purdue connector; Brian said the suspension was driven by an emergency-level shortage of vehicle operators rather than the budget itself and that the connector was chosen because it is heavily duplicated by other routes. He said operator classes are scheduled, and the agency expects to restore the route as staffing improves.

On fleet costs and fuel, Brian confirmed the $200,000 line for hydrogen fuel is for vehicle fuel operations at the station, and staff clarified increases in repair-parts spending reflected a reclassification of expense categories advised by new auditors rather than a single aging-vehicle failure.

The budget includes federal funds to pay for a multi-year planning study (20% local match) to set sustainable levels of service and a temporary reduction in service as a near-term balancing step. The council conducted a roll-call on Ordinance 2025-35 (the PTC appropriation) and approved it 8-0.

Public commenter Sarah Trume, who said she has a functional neurological disorder and advocates for the disability community, told the council the route reductions have already affected riders who rely on the connector and said she plans to present ideas for alternate transportation options in the future.

Discussion and staff answers made clear the suspension was operational (driver shortage) and that the budgeted service reductions are a policy choice to balance the 2026 projection until additional funding or staffing is secured. The council did not direct a different immediate course of action during the hearing.