Consultants from LSC Transportation Consultants presented the draft final Short Range Transit Plan to the Redwood Coast Transit Authority on Oct. 27, outlining constrained and unconstrained service and capital scenarios and requesting board feedback ahead of a planned adoption later in December.

Genevieve Evans, a principal with LSC Transportation Consultants, told the board the SRTP is intended to function “as a business plan for Redwood Coast Transit” and to guide “what to implement and how to spend your money over the next few years.” The study combined onboard and online surveys, stakeholder interviews and service-performance metrics to shape alternatives.

Under the constrained plan — described as essentially status quo with a few targeted changes — Route 20 was rerouted to serve the Crescent City Walmart. LSC estimates that change will raise passenger trips by about 600 a year while adding a small amount of vehicle mileage. The constrained alternatives also include a possible summer service reduction on Route 199 (making summer service match the winter schedule with two round trips a day) to save about $9,600 annually at the cost of an estimated 170 passenger trips, and the option to reduce late evening service on Routes 1 and 3 if deeper cuts are required.

The consultants modeled a $2 flat fare on Routes 20 and 199 to simplify transfers and encourage ridership. LSC estimated that measure would lower fare revenue by roughly $14,000 but increase ridership by approximately 2,100 trips annually.

Financially, the constrained scenario projects only modest operating cost increases and preserves a positive operating balance through 2030 under current assumptions, including use of some SB1 funds and continued LCTOP support for subsidized fares. The unconstrained scenario — which assumes additional funding such as expanded North State Express support — would add frequency (half-hour service on Routes 1 and 2 for roughly $25,000/year), implement Sunday local and regional service, and add a year-round midday Route 20 run. That scenario increases projected ridership (LSC estimated about a 13% gain over status quo) but creates an operating deficit in the model (LSC cited an approximate $845,000 shortfall under current assumptions).

Board members asked questions about ridership assumptions and the cost of capital projects, and consultants said the plan will be revised to reflect updated ridership data and board feedback before returning for formal adoption. Evans said she expected the plan to come back for board adoption in mid-December after staff and consultants incorporate comments.

The presentation included capital priorities — replacement vehicles, compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) EV requirements and passenger amenities — and noted capital funding remains constrained without new outside revenue sources.

LSC requested written comments and offered to work with staff to refine cost, ridership and implementation assumptions. The board did not take action on the SRTP at the meeting.