County to pilot state-funded shuttle between Chatham and Hudson; service expected within weeks

A county staff member identified as Michael explained that the state has apportioned $200,000 to fund a pilot shuttle between Chatham and Hudson, saying the program could begin "in the next, 2 to 5 weeks." Michael described the service as running 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., twice a week, performing three loops per run and initially operating through March to the end of the state fiscal year if launched as planned.

"So the state has apportioned, $200,000 for us to run a shuttle between, Chatham and Hudson. So we're really excited to be able to launch this... hopefully in the next, 2 to 5 weeks, we'd be able to have the service that would run 9AM to 2PM twice a week between Chatham and Hudson. We do 3 we do 3 loops. And the exciting thing is that it's completely paid for by the by the state," Michael said.

Why it matters: Supervisors characterized the pilot as an experiment intended to improve transportation access for seniors and others who need to reach shopping and medical appointments; county staff said prior studies show a demand for such service.

Operational caveat: Michael said the county was "waiting for sort of from the final confirmation from the department of transportation around exactly how we can get reimbursed." The meeting record showed no board vote was taken; supervisors expressed support but treated the project as a staff-led pilot.

Next steps: If reimbursed as expected, the service would run through the end of the state fiscal year and county staff will monitor outcomes for potential extension. No specific performance metrics or rider-cost details were provided in the meeting record.

Ending: Supervisors thanked staff and partners for arranging the pilot; the board did not adopt new policy or fund a local match during the meeting.