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Maricopa launches 15‑month transit feasibility study after qualifying for FTA 5307 funds
Summary
Maricopa, with Maricopa Association of Governments and consultants, kicked off a transit feasibility study to evaluate routes, market demand and funding after the city became eligible for FTA 5307 funding; final report expected in about 12–15 months
The City of Maricopa and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) announced a 15‑month transit feasibility study on Sept. 16 to reassess local transit service, route options and funding after the city became eligible for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 funds.
Why it matters: The city’s transit needs have changed since the last study in 2018. Council members said seniors and youth are primary users, and they asked the project team to target outreach to those groups.
Matt Kozlowski, deputy city manager and chief financial officer, introduced the study and said Maricopa previously received 5311 funds through ADOT but is now eligible for FTA 5307 urban transit funding. Wendy Miller, transportation program manager at MAG: "The project purpose is to help create a connected city of Maricopa by providing residents and visitors with greater mobility and access to opportunity." She said the study will produce short‑, mid‑ and long‑term recommendations and a financial analysis.
Scope and schedule: MAG and its consultant outlined a six‑phase scope: project management; public and stakeholder engagement; existing conditions and best practices; market analysis and routing alternatives; detailed route and service recommendations; and a final report and implementation plan. The kickoff occurred Aug. 19; the team expects to complete work in about 15 months, with a final deliverable in October 2026.
Public engagement: The study will use a technical advisory committee, stakeholder interviews (planned six), online and in‑person outreach including Stagecoach Days and school and senior center engagement, and a public survey. The team emphasized benchmarking against peer systems, a market analysis identifying likely transit riders, and an operations and capital plan tied to funding projections.
Funding and immediate actions: MAG staff said federal 5307 funds are already available for the city (the transcript noted eligibility beginning in 2024) and that the study itself is funded with those resources to guide future investments. Council members asked whether service changes could start before the study ends; MAG said current FTA funding is available and the study will inform but not necessarily block immediate operational decisions.
Next steps: The team will conduct outreach in October and early 2026, complete technical analyses in early‑mid 2026, and present final recommendations in the fall of 2026. Council members requested targeted engagement at senior centers and schools.
Ending: City and MAG officials said they will return with a final plan and financial analysis; residents may expect public engagement opportunities during Stagecoach Days and subsequent outreach rounds.
