County transit ridership fell about 20%; staff studying weekend shared-ride taxi alternatives and ARPA use for local share

Washington County staff told the Highway Committee that total shared-ride trips fell roughly 20% compared with the prior year and that staff are studying alternatives, including ending weekend shared-ride taxi service and offering other options to the public.

Staff said December is typically a low month for trips and that the department will take another month or two to present detailed options on weekend service. Charlie, a transit staff member, is preparing analyses that will show realistic alternatives (for example, whether Uber and Lyft are available in the needed areas and whether options would work for riders who require wheelchairs or other accessibility support). "It's one thing to say, we'll go ahead and take Uber or Lyft; it's another thing to say there aren't any," a presenter said.

The packet shows an average fare received per trip of $7.44. Staff explained that fare-per-trip rose because the county increased fares, but higher fares were partly offset by an increase in the vendor contract price. County staff said fare revenue and contract costs both rose, and final impacts will become clearer in the next budget cycle.

Committee members pressed staff for data that distinguish trips from distinct riders: the presenters explained the numbers on the chart are trips (for example, a round trip counts as two) and that the county can provide charts showing how many distinct riders use the service and how frequently. Staff said they provided similar rider-frequency data in the past and will supply current charts.

Committee members asked about local match for 2024 costs. Staff said the final local-share totals were still being finalized and that ARPA (federal American Rescue Plan Act) funds are covering part of the local share this year and will continue to be used in 2025; staff said they expect ARPA funds to remain available into 2025 but are watching 2026 and contract-rate increases for future sustainability.

Staff emphasized there is no single explanation for the ridership decline: possible factors include other low- or no-cost providers such as Interfaith Caregivers increasing their trips, local municipalities providing their own service or demand shifting because of pandemic-related changes such as more online shopping or telework. Staff said they will return with options and more detailed data for the committee before any weekend service change is implemented.