Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transit Ridership topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Valley Regional Transit reports ridership gains after 2024 service consolidation; some specialized services cut to meet budget
Summary
Valley Regional Transit (VRT) told Meridian commissioners Feb. 3 that ridership has increased on consolidated routes after a June 2024 service change, but budget constraints forced reductions on several specialized services, including the Meridian veterans shuttle.
Meridian — Valley Regional Transit reported Feb. 3 that a June 2024 service consolidation has produced overall ridership gains on several Meridian routes, but operating budget limits prompted temporary service reductions to some specialized programs.
Kate Dahl, principal planner for VRT, told commissioners the June 2024 service change eliminated underperforming routes and consolidated service on higher‑ridership corridors, producing measurable increases on routes that serve Meridian, notably routes 30, 45 and 42.
Dahl said the route 30 (a Meridian‑exclusive route) was shortened but, through overlap with route 45, now receives roughly 30‑minute service on Pine Street and has maintained steady ridership despite the shorter alignment. Route 42 moved to all‑day hourly service and has shown month‑to‑month increases.
Specialized services and budget limits
On the specialized side, Dahl described the Beyond Access program consolidation (a single number to schedule rides covering Ada and Canyon counties) and said ridership for that program has increased. By contrast, the Meridian veterans shuttle and the Rights Wellness medical‑transport service saw service reductions last summer to stay within operating budget, after which ridership fell; ridership began to rebound in the October–December quarter.
Funding and next steps
"We don't have any direct tax funding like other government agencies," Dahl said, explaining VRT must request partner contributions annually from each partner community (City of Meridian, City of Boise, City of Nampa, City of Caldwell, colleges, counties and highway districts) and then use local funds to match for federal grants.
Commissioners asked whether the veterans shuttle is funded fully by the City of Meridian; Dahl said she did not have that detail on hand and would report back next month. Dahl also said VRT is starting its budget request cycle and will assess partner funding availability.
Ending: VRT plans follow‑up on per‑ride cost and specific funding for the Meridian veterans shuttle; commissioners encouraged staff to seek that breakdown ahead of budget conversations.
