Trinity County hears public request for paratransit; county plans study funded by grant

Trinity County — The Trinity County Transportation Commission held a statutory public hearing on June 17 to solicit comments on unmet transit needs. Staff reported that one frequent request from the public is for a paratransit-style dial-a-ride service, and that an awarded grant for fiscal year 2024–25 will fund a short-range transit plan update and a coordinated public transit plan to study feasibility.

Transportation planner Sarah Saa told the board that the study will examine service areas, fares, staffing and cost estimates and include public outreach and stakeholder engagement. Saa said the commission completed a request for proposals and a consultant has been selected; staff will bring the consultant contract to the board on July 1 if the board approves.

Nut graf: The study is intended to determine whether Trinity County can sustain a dial‑a‑ride/paratransit service for seniors, people with disabilities and others who need flexible transportation, and to produce cost and staffing estimates before any implementation.

Details and next steps

- Authority: The hearing was held pursuant to the Transportation Development Act. - Key public request: paratransit/dial‑a‑ride service for seniors and people with disabilities (similar requests were made last year). - Funding and timeline: a grant awarded in 2024–25 will fund the short-range and coordinated transit plans; staff will bring a consultant contract to the July 1 board meeting and begin community outreach if the contract is approved.

Ending: Staff said the goal is to develop a sustainable service model so the county does not create a short‑lived program that cannot be maintained.