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Porterville extends free-fare transit short term, to use LCTOP funds while planning a regional fare system
Summary
The council directed staff to continue the city’s zero-fare transit program past June 30 using the city's FY24‑25 LCTOP allocation (about $177,000) to extend service while staff works with regional partners on a longer-term unified fare collection approach.
Porterville City Council voted April 1 to continue its zero‑fare transit program beyond the June 30 expiration date and to use the city's FY 2024‑25 Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) allocation (approximately $177,000) to support a short‑term extension.
Staff reported ridership increases since the program began: fixed‑route ridership up roughly 74% and demand‑response (door‑to‑door) ridership more than doubled year‑over‑year; the system had provided about 270,000 free rides to date. Staff cautioned that the LCTOP funds would partially fund an extension and that full continuation for a year would likely require additional funding (staff estimated an annual shortfall in the $400,000+ range).
Council direction: The council asked staff to use the FY24‑25 LCTOP allocation for a short‑term extension, direct staff to continue working with regional transit partners toward a unified digital fare collection system, and return to council with options. Council set an evaluation checkpoint in late summer (August/September timeframe) so staff can report on ridership, funding availability and possible route consolidation scenarios.
Why it matters: Free transit has significantly increased ridership and access for seniors and riders with disabilities, but continued zero fares depend on limited state grant funds and decisions about longer-term funding and equipment for fare collection.
What’s next: Staff will bring a resolution at the next meeting to accept and commit the LCTOP allocation for short‑term fare free continuation and will return with options for fare collection equipment or a regional solution if the council decides to end zero fares later.
