MPO briefs county on planned regional transit feasibility study; county'share expected to be small

The Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) informed the Vanderburgh County Council that it plans to start a 16-month regional transit feasibility study to explore improved connections between local providers and to determine the most efficient regional transit network.

Matt Schrieffer of the MPO said the study will be a partnership between the MPO, METS (Evansville's transit agency), the City of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Warrick County and the City of Henderson. "This study will be a partnership...[and] will be funded by using federal funds through our office, which will cover 80%," Schrieffer said. He added that when the final cost is determined, Vanderburgh County would be responsible for roughly 4% of the total based on population in the urbanized area.

Council members asked questions about likely outcomes and whether the study would produce actionable recommendations rather than simply another report. Schrieffer said the MPO's goal is to identify efficiencies and improve connectivity so residents across jurisdictions can reach more jobs and services. "The goal of this regional transit feasibility study is to create greater connectivity by determining the most efficient regional transit network that will provide service to the greatest number of people possible," he said.

Council members were cautious but receptive: some said they have seen studies before that did not lead to implementation, while others pointed to a perceived regional appetite among stakeholders to pursue changes. The MPO said the study team will hold stakeholder and public engagement sessions and that council members will be invited to participate.

The MPO will return to the council with a formal request for the county'share once contract negotiations with the selected consultant are complete.