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Transit contract prompts fresh questions as Lago Vista council weighs value and service
Summary
Councilors reviewed trip counts and costs for CapMetro service and discussed whether the city should continue participating or pursue alternatives. Staff and councilors asked for better service metrics, clearer route coverage, and options for reallocating annual payments if CapMetro service remains unsatisfactory.
Councilors examined recent ridership and cost data for CapMetro service after several council members raised concerns about cost per ride, routing and coverage.
Staff said 2023 saw 18,848 boardings that were charged to Lago Vista and that total city payments for the year were about $1.141 million, which equates to roughly $60.54 per boarding under that accounting. For 2024 the city reported average monthly ridership of about 194 riders and total annual payments near $1.2 million, which staff noted would imply a much higher subsidy per individual rider in that simplified calculation.
Councilors said the numbers highlight service and value questions: routes do not serve substantial parts of the city (some neighborhoods south of Boggy and other edges receive limited direct service), schedules are limited, and CapMetro’s contract operations are run by third‑party providers. Councilor Prince and others suggested the city pursue clear performance metrics and to request CapMetro provide a service map and recent operating data; several councilors recommended asking the school district about pupil trips that use CapMetro instead of school buses.
Staff and councilors discussed alternative approaches: demand‑response or targeted on‑demand service, senior/shuttle programs, or interim city‑run options to cover service gaps if the city exits CapMetro in the future. Several councilors noted the need for citizen outreach explaining alternatives and the implications of a future ballot measure if the city seeks to exit CapMetro’s regional taxing mechanism.
Ending: Council asked staff to seek a CapMetro briefing on the service map and recent usage patterns, to analyze alternate models with cost estimates, and to prepare public communications that would explain service options if the city contemplates a future ballot question.
