Cheyenne transit budget includes new buses, AI dispatcher and seeks FTA approvals for Westland move

Erin Johnson, transit manager, told council that Cheyenne’s public transit operates chiefly on federal, state, county and local grants and requires local match funds to use those grants. "There is a required 50% match on payroll and operations, and a required 20% match on capital assets, buildings, and buses," Nemechek said while describing the transit fund’s match requirements.

Johnson’s slides showed recent fleet additions and operational changes: four new buses are on the road and two more are expected in the summer. The system also added an automated dispatcher branded in the presentation as "Ryan AI," which the director characterized in summary remarks as "Some people love him, some people hate him," and staff said the AI allowed the department to convert one dispatcher position into an additional bus driver.

Johnson told the council the department plans to move operations to 1800 Westland Road and is working with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on a phased renovation. "We're working with the FTA. That is a challenge. But we're on track to bid phase 2 of the project," she said, adding the project will proceed once the FTA confirms available funds. Council members asked for two follow-ups: the per-minute cost or total cost model for Ryan AI and recent ridership figures since the system changed to fare-free service; staff said they would provide those figures after the meeting.

The transit fund presentation also included a line for advertising and a marketing campaign and mentioned replacement of routing software that staff said did not meet expectations. No formal council action was taken during the presentation; staff will supply the requested cost and ridership data as part of the broader budget process.