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Transit and parking: DES proposes ART 43 frequency cut, previews BEB deliveries and micro-transit pilot
Summary
DES proposed reducing peak ART 43 frequency to 20-minute headways, explained ridership and fare revenue assumptions, and updated the board on battery-electric bus orders, a micro-transit pilot timetable and the performance-parking pilot.
At the March work session, Department of Environmental Services staff told the County Board they are proposing to reduce the ART 43 peak frequency (previously 10 minutes at peak) to a 20-minute headway throughout the day to soften a $4.5 million contractual increase in transit operating costs. DES said riders will still have frequent rail and bus options, but the change will reduce the one-seat convenience ART 43 currently provides.
Nut graf: Transit riders and board members pushed back on the proposed ART 43 frequency reduction, arguing the route provides a fast, direct north-south connection that is difficult to replace with transfers; DES said the reduction is part of a package aimed at balancing a large operations-contract increase and that routes 74 and 84 were reviewed but retained because of equity considerations.
DES staff reported ridership recovery to about 90% of pre-pandemic levels and used an 8% ridership increase assumption to set revenue projections for FY26. On battery-electric buses (BEBs), staff said a July 2023 order for four pilot BEBs reached production in February and deliveries are expected by June; an October 2024 order for eight additional BEBs is slated to start production in summer 2026 for fall 2026 delivery. DES is seeking state grant support (DRPT) that could fund a large portion of the BEB replacement cost; CTA final funding decisions are expected June 2025.
DES also previewed a micro-transit pilot: an RFP anticipated in April, vendor proposals due in May, and a target service start around Halloween, contingent on funding and vendor selection. On parking, DES described the ongoing performance-parking pilot, including a Ballston price change to $4.25 per hour in one high-demand area, and said enforcement and meter performance remain areas for future investment.
Ending: Board members asked DES to continue seeking alternatives and additional metrics before finalizing service reductions, and several asked staff to return with more analysis of ridership patterns and potential routing adjustments (for example, whether a stop at Long Branch might be feasible without degrading the ART 43's one-seat advantage).
