Transit funding rules under Prop 4-79 will limit Gilbert’s regional paratransit funding area, staff warns

Jason of Transit and Valley Metro staff briefed council on how the Prop 4‑79 regional transportation measure will change the town’s ability to fund ADA paratransit. Under the Prop 400 structure that funded many local transit services, Gilbert used regional allocations to pay for demand (ADA) service across much of the town. Jason said the Prop 4‑79 rules as discussed at MAG would restrict regional funds to ADA service only within three‑quarters of a mile of a fixed‑route bus.

Jason said the restriction means Gilbert will not be able to use regional funding to cover ADA trips that start or end beyond that three‑quarters‑mile buffer of a fixed route; full implementation of Prop 4‑79 transit policy is expected to align with FY27. Jason proposed a set of steps: continue operating ADA service as long as Prop 400 funds remain available, work with MAG and Valley Metro to understand final program rules, explore fixed‑route expansion or route adjustments to increase coverage and investigate whether other local funding would be needed to maintain current townwide paratransit coverage.

Council members expressed concern about the likely loss of service for riders outside fixed‑route buffers and asked about mitigation, including outreach to riders about other coverage options and whether insurance or Medicaid could help fill gaps. Jason said staff will continue working with MAG and Valley Metro and return to council in summer or fall once the regional implementation details are settled.

Why it matters: The change could reduce regionally funded ADA demand service coverage in Gilbert and force the town to decide whether to use local funds, alter fixed routes to expand coverage, or reduce the geographic area served by ADA demand services.