Gulf Coast Transit District outlines microtransit metrics, plans connector express to Texas City

Representatives of Gulf Coast Transit District told the Dickinson City Council on April 22 that the agency's shift from a fixed-route model to microtransit has produced thousands of pickups and drop-offs originating in Dickinson and that an express connector between Dickinson and Texas City will start in May 2025.

Lacey Hernandez, deputy executive director, and Tim Sykes, public affairs specialist, said the district migrated to app-based microtransit on Feb. 14, 2024, which lets riders schedule curb-to-curb trips. The district reported 32,950 total pickups and drop-offs originating in Dickinson for several recent reporting windows and said average trip distance originating in Dickinson was about 10.66 miles, average travel time about 28.9 minutes and average wait time roughly 35 minutes.

Officials said microtransit counts each pickup or drop-off as a "ride" (a round trip can count as two rides). The district also plans a connector express bus service (launching May 2025) that will run from the Texas City terminal to a Dickinson stop at Food O Rama and Dickinson Library, with a local vehicle available to carry riders within the city. Officials emphasized paratransit capacity, wheelchair and mobility-scooter accommodations, and veteran service trips to the Michael E. DeBakey VA hospital with 48-hour advance booking.

Council members pressed the agency on utilization and efficiency, noting that buses are sometimes seen with few passengers; transit staff said the microtransit algorithm and designated local vehicle assignment will increase efficiency and that many rides previously invisible on fixed routes now occur in neighborhoods.

The council requested the district provide the presentation materials to the Dickinson Management District for an upcoming funding discussion. No council vote was required; the presentation was informational.