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Council approves transfer of Yaveline microtransit operations to SIMPO on July 1
Summary
Prescott Valley approved an assignment and assumption agreement to transfer the Yaveline microtransit pilot, vehicles and contracts to the regional transit agency SIMPO effective July 1; town leaders said the move preserves service while reducing the local funding burden once federal CARES funding ends.
The Prescott Valley Town Council on March 20 approved an assignment and assumption agreement to transfer the Yaveline microtransit operation to the Yavapai County regional partner SIMPO effective July 1, 2025.
Heather Reuter (town staff) told the council the original microtransit pilot was funded by CARES Act grant dollars and was not intended to remain under town operation once that federal funding expired. Reuter said staff and SIMPO have coordinated to make the transition smooth; operational contracts and the vehicles purchased for the pilot will transfer to SIMPO on July 1.
Vinny Gallegos, executive director of SIMPO, told the council the service has exceeded 80,000 rides over two years and that current cost per ride is "just shy of $20." Town staff and municipal counsel said precise future annual town contributions will be determined during the upcoming budget process; Mr. Davidson (council staff) estimated the town’s anticipated contribution to the regional arrangement would be approximately $300,000 to cover Prescott Valley’s share, including membership and operations support. Council members described the service as important for veterans, health care access and employment connections; the number-one destination for riders from Prescott, they said, is the VA hospital.
A motion to approve the assignment and assumption agreement passed unanimously. Council members said Prescott Valley will continue to support the service and participate in regional planning.
The transfer does not immediately change day-to-day service; it reallocates operational responsibility and positions the service to rely on regional funding rather than local sole-provider funding when CARES Act support ends.
