Coppell staff seeks multiyear continuation of DCTA workforce transit with Silver Line stop planned

City staff told the Coppell City Council Sept. 9 they plan to ask the council on Sept. 23 to approve continued participation in the city’s workforce transit partnership with the Denton County Transportation Authority and Lyft, and to consider a three‑year interlocal agreement with a two‑year renewal option.
The program pays up to $15 toward each Lyft ride that connects employees from six regional transit stops to Coppell employers, with riders paying the first $2 and anything above the subsidy. Staff reported ridership has been steady and the largest growth in trips is serving employers on the city’s east side.
Why it matters: The program is designed to address a first-mile/last-mile barrier that local employers say makes hiring difficult; it costs the city tens of thousands per year but is intended as a business-retention and attraction tool.
What staff reported: Through July the city spent $26,136.38 this fiscal year (about $16,544 on rides and $9,592 to DCTA for administrative costs), with a 2025 budget line at $50,000; staff said expenses have historically stayed under budget. Staff noted DCTA’s administrative fees are relatively high because Coppell is not a DCTA member city.
Contract proposal and the Silver Line: Staff recommended moving from one‑year renewals to a three‑year contract with an option to renew, so DCTA and staff can evaluate longer-term transit options — and to add a stop at Cypress Waters when the regional Silver Line opens. “If council is interested in continuing the program, then we will bring that ILA for consideration at your September 23 meeting,” staff said.
Council questions: Councilmembers asked whether employers report that the service improves retention and whether large or small businesses are using it. Staff said employers have expressed appreciation and that smaller businesses are increasingly using the service. Council also asked how many employer codes exist (staff said about 25), whether high‑school students could use the program (staff said riders may include students if employers register), and whether the agreement allows later changes in service type if the Silver Line changes travel patterns (staff said DCTA and Coppell will evaluate alternatives during the proposed multi‑year period).
Next steps and budget: Staff will return to council Sept. 23 with the proposed ILA for formal approval. The city is encumbering unspent funds to cover future demand and will monitor ridership as the Silver Line opens.
Ending: Council did not take a vote at the Sept. 9 meeting but supported staff continuing discussions with DCTA; council will consider the ILA at the Sept. 23 meeting.