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Council approves ProPark contract for Go Monrovia transit; staff cites cost reductions from Lyft‑pass changes
Summary
After staff reported a drop in Lyft‑pass ridership and monthly Lyft costs following service and fare changes, the council approved a three‑year contract with ProPark (dba Empire Transportation) for ADA‑compliant transit services for an amount not to exceed $2,732,609, with two one‑year extension options.
The Monrovia City Council voted Tuesday to approve a three‑year agreement with ProPark LLC (dba Empire Transportation) to operate Monrovia Transit as part of the Go Monrovia program, with a not‑to‑exceed contract value of $2,732,609 and two one‑year extension options.
Staff presented data showing that program changes implemented on Feb. 10 — reduced Lyft‑pass hours and a higher per‑trip rider cost — produced an immediate decline in Lyft‑pass ridership and a decline in the variable monthly costs that previously strained the program. Management analyst Sofia Souza told the council Lyft‑pass monthly expenditures peaked at about $152,000 in December 2024 but have since fallen to roughly $40,000–$50,000 per month; Monrovia Transit fixed costs were reported at roughly $75,000 per month. Souza said those combined changes free transportation funds and would make just over $500,000 available for capital projects over the next two years.
Sofia Souza, the lead analyst on the program update, said the February changes were aimed at keeping transportation options available while aligning service hours with demand. “Council’s priorities included keeping transportation options available in Monrovia in a financially sustainable way, freeing up transportation funds for capital improvement projects, aligning service hours with actual ridership demand, and preserving late‑night and event‑based service,” she said.
Staff issued a request for proposals for Monrovia Transit services and received three qualified responses; ProPark was the lowest qualified bidder and the recommended vendor. The contract continues existing service operations, including on‑demand Lyft‑pass trips and ADA‑compliant transportation, and requires ProPark to provide support for special events and dignitary transport as needed.
Councilmembers asked whether newer microtransit providers could be viable alternatives; staff said they were exploring options and would report back. The contract includes a termination clause; staff said council could consider alternative service providers if they met city needs and contractual termination provisions were observed.
The council approved staff’s recommendation by roll call. Councilmembers Belden, Jimenez, Spicer, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Kelly and Mayor Becky Shevlin all voted yes.
Why it matters: The ProPark contract governs on‑demand and fixed transit services, including ADA access and support for events. Staff said the recent program adjustments reduced volatile Lyft‑pass costs and freed funding for capital projects.
What happens next: The city manager will execute the contract; staff will provide Go Monrovia expenditure updates every six months and continue to explore alternative service models.
