Committee recommends keeping a loop bus while shifting limited service to on‑demand WinReady; seeks Laurel Ridge contribution

Winchester Transit managers presented proposals to reallocate vehicles and adjust service after WinReady (the on‑demand transit service) exceeded capacity at peak times.

Operations manager Kevin Johnson and transit staff told the committee WinReady ridership has grown rapidly since its launch and that the number of unfulfilled ride requests has spiked in recent months. Staff proposed three options for loop‑route service: eliminate the loop and redeploy both loop buses to WinReady; keep one loop bus and use the other for WinReady; or make no changes. To increase WinReady capacity during peak hours while minimizing new operating cost, staff recommended retaining one fixed loop vehicle and using other available resources to add three vehicles for WinReady over time (two redeployed, one added in FY26). Staff estimated an annual operating cost impact of about $43,000 if both loop vehicles are redeployed, and noted a supplemental appropriation could be required depending on actual demand.

The discussion also covered the fixed route to Laurel Ridge Community College. Ridership on Fridays and during summer sessions is very low; staff proposed cutting Laurel Ridge service to Monday–Thursday (option A) to free resources, which would save about $15,000. The college has been asked to contribute to service costs but, to date, told staff it had no funding available.

Committee members emphasized reliability and continuity for existing loop riders; transit advisory feedback showed strong preference to keep at least one loop bus. Several committee members said they preferred option 2 (keep one loop bus, redeploy the second) combined with option A for Laurel Ridge (service Monday–Thursday), so the net savings help expand WinReady capacity. Members also asked staff to return to City Council with fare‑change scenarios (small increments such as $0.10–$0.25) and clear public‑notification plans if service patterns change on July 1. Staff said any federal or state funding changes require public comment and added that the city already receives substantial state and federal transit support (FTA and DRPT grants discussed separately).

At the committee vote the body authorized forwarding the proposal to Council recommending Option 2 for the loop route (one loop bus retained) and Option A for Laurel Ridge (Monday–Thursday service). Staff will present supplemental cost scenarios, fare‑change impacts and a rider notification plan to Council.