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Paratransit third-shift cut had little effect on ridership; committee to consider Saturday fixed-route hours next month
Summary
After eliminating third-shift paratransit hours April 1, staff reported little change in overall paratransit ridership and said the service reduction appears manageable; the committee plans to review fixed-route Saturday hours in the coming budget cycle.
City staff told the Transportation Committee that eliminating third-shift paratransit service on April 1 produced little net change in paratransit ridership through early May.
Staff presented ridership numbers showing a year-to-date increase of roughly 250 paratransit rides despite the service cut. Staff said some trips shifted to the Access-to-Jobs (rural program) service on certain dates; one spike noted between April 24 and April 25 likely reflects that shift.
"Overall, it really hasn't made much of a difference," a staff member said when reporting the ridership figures. Staff acknowledged a few individual complaints but said they worked with riders to find alternatives.
Committee members supported continuing to monitor ridership. Staff also said the committee will discuss fixed-route service hours on Saturdays next month as part of conversations that will continue through the budget cycle.
No formal action was taken; staff said they will continue to watch metrics and return with further recommendations as needed.
