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CatchRide reports lower trip volume than pre-COVID, outlines vehicle-replacement costs
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Summary
CatchRide gave a year-end report showing 7,854 one-way trips in Decatur County in 2024 (about 62% of pre-COVID levels), described cost pressures for vehicle replacements and said it will seek matching funds for replacement vans and tablets.
CatchRide, the regional demand-response public-transport service that includes Decatur County, gave a year-end update to the council that described service levels, vehicle-replacement needs and steps to improve operations.
Michelle (surname not specified), a CatchRide representative, said CatchRide operates across six counties and in 2024 provided 7,854 one-way trips in Decatur County for roughly 133 distinct riders. She said most trips were for Decatur Industries clients, employment travel, dental appointments and shopping. She reported current trip volume in the county was about 62% of pre-COVID levels.
CatchRide staff said they received six replacement minivans in 2024 and have installed internal and backup cameras to reduce accidents and support driver coaching. They are updating payment options so passengers can pay by card online or mail and added a client-credit feature on the website. Staff said they received a marketing grant from the Bethany Legacy Foundation and expect new promotional materials in early 2025.
The presentation highlighted rising vehicle costs: small transit vehicles cost about $57,000 pre-COVID (2019), roughly $115,000 in 2024 and an estimated $140,000 in 2025. CatchRide said NDOT reduced federal matching requirements to 15% for 2025 (from 20%), but the local matching funds remain a significant challenge. Staff estimated a need of about $430,000 for matching funds through 2030 (estimate provided by presenter) as they replace multiple vehicles to maintain a planned fleet of 16 minivans and 16 small-transit vehicles.
Council members and CatchRide staff discussed fundraising options and community foundations as typical sources for local matches. CatchRide also said it is replacing driver tablets (moving to one tablet per driver) to improve security, training compliance and route management. No appropriation request for capital matches was presented at this meeting; the report served as an informational update.
