Oshkosh committee backs shorter paratransit hours, recommends April 1 start date

The Oshkosh Transportation Committee voted to recommend revised city paratransit service hours on a motion that passed by roll call. The committee’s recommendation would set paratransit hours at 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, with the administration proposing an April 1 effective date if the Common Council approves the resolution.

Committee members and staff said the change aims to improve on‑time performance, data collection required for federal reporting and program integrity, and to make the contract more attractive to potential vendors. “We’re required to do several reportings, and it’s important that we have accurate data,” a staff presenter said, arguing that removing the low‑use overnight window would reduce fixed staffing costs and could attract more bidders.

Why it matters: city staff and some members characterized the move as a compromise intended to preserve most daily service while reducing an overnight shift that averaged about 4.4 rides per night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Staff said the change could improve reliability for riders, lower vendor costs tied to rare overnight trips and protect eligibility for federal transit funds.

During discussion, staff described outreach carried out since November, including a December data review and two stakeholder/focus meetings. Staff said one focus meeting included about 85% of earlier concerned riders and that those stakeholders expressed support for the proposed hours. The committee discussed vendor recruitment challenges; staff said some firms told them 24/7 paratransit requirements make bids unattractive.

Committee members asked whether reduced hours would be temporary. Staff replied the change is intended as a short‑term compromise with the possibility of future changes depending on funding, bid responses and ridership shifts. “We think that will also help to improve the service,” a staff member said, adding the city hopes increased competition will raise service quality.

The committee moved the recommendation by voice and recorded roll call votes. Mister Staple moved the motion and Mister Armstrong seconded. The roll call recorded aye votes and the motion passed.

What’s next: the committee is forwarding the recommendation to the Common Council as a resolution (not an ordinance). Staff proposed April 1 as a realistic start date to allow rider notice and to coordinate with county partners; the committee approved forwarding the item to the council for their consideration.

The committee also discussed longer‑term service options such as microtransit but made clear those remain contingent on vendor capacity and funding.

Ending: Committee members called the recommendation a difficult but pragmatic compromise and asked staff to monitor vendor responses and rider impacts after implementation.