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Public transit reports ridership and fare increases; requests same county allocation as prior year
Summary
Public transportation staff reported year‑over‑year increases in trips, fares and ridership during a demonstration service and asked the county for an annual allocation similar to last year’s $42,000 while pursuing larger state/federal grant funding for 2026.
The county’s public transportation director reported higher use of the demonstration service: quarter‑to‑quarter comparisons showed a 45% increase in trips, a 51% increase in fares and a 36% increase in ridership compared with the prior year. The director thanked the county for support of a new garage and asked the council for the same annual allocation the program received previously ($42,000) while staff pursue expanded state and federal grant funding for 2026.
Details: The director said the service is in its second demonstration year, currently operates weekdays with expanded hours, and is running multiple vehicles on a growing schedule. The program received NDOT demonstration funding and an annual state allocation; the director said last year’s NDOT funding was $50,000, this year $100,000, and she is preparing a grant application for 2026 that will take approximately six weeks to complete.
Funding request and next steps: The transit director asked the council to plan for the same allocation as the prior year—$42,000 from county funds—to support operations while larger state and federal funds are pursued. Staff said the formal county budget process occurs in August and that the allocation request is for council to include in budget planning.
Impact story and operations: The director highlighted an example of a rider who used the transit service to reach work and obtain a driver’s license—illustrating how service can support employment and independence. The director also said the new garage is substantially complete pending a water tap and that securing indoor storage will protect the county’s $500,000 vehicle inventory.
Ending: The request will be considered in the budget process; transit staff will submit standard budget materials and continue pursuing NDOT and other grant opportunities for 2026.
