Summary
City bus staff told the APC they will propose a $1.5 million sustainability study (80% federal share) to model 5–10 year transit needs; they also warned current funding constraints may force service reductions of about 22–28% next summer without new revenue.
City bus staff informed the committee they will present a proposal to the board next week seeking to fund a 5–10 year sustainability study with a $1,500,000 budget and an anticipated 80% federal share.
A presenter said the agency has recently launched a redesigned route network and began service changes last Monday, but is already facing funding shortfalls that will likely require service‑hour cuts next summer. The presenter estimated necessary service reductions in the range of 22–28 percent unless the agency secures additional funding or the study identifies alternative revenue strategies.
Staff said the study will require amending the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and that no formal action was taken at the meeting; the item was provided as a heads‑up to APC members. The presenter said the study target would be to begin in January, with the duration to be determined once the consultant scope is developed.
Why it matters: The proposed study aims to identify sustainable funding and service models over a multi‑year horizon; impending service cuts would materially reduce transit access and may disproportionately affect riders reliant on fixed‑route transit.
What’s next: City bus will bring a formal proposal to the policy board next week and APC staff said an UPWP amendment will be necessary if the board approves the study funding.
