Commissioners vote 3–2 to make MARTY fare‑free as operator outlines route and vehicle options

The Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 on Nov. 4 to remove fares on Martin County’s public bus system (MARTY) after a presentation by the system’s new operator, Martin County Transit LLC, a division of Senior Resource Association (SRA).

SRA officials said they began operating MARTY on July 1 and described ridership growth since taking over. CEO Karen Deagle and Transportation Director Chris Stevenson outlined a three‑part strategy to increase ridership and improve service: route optimization (including new and modified routes), microtransit zones and hub‑based transfers to improve geographic coverage, and a vehicle‑mix strategy that would substitute smaller cutaway or microtransit vehicles where appropriate.

“Ridership has been increasing,” SRA CEO Karen Deagle told the board, and the operator emphasized that removing fares often leads to higher ridership and better state block‑grant funding tied to passenger counts. SRA staff also described technology and safety investments they would pursue, including automated stop announcements, automated passenger counters and additional on‑vehicle cameras.

Funding was a central part of the debate. County staff and the operator explained MARTY’s current funding structure: federal, state block grants and local contributions. Staff noted county local funding for MARTY is $1,000,000 annually; federal/state grants make up the remainder of the annual operating budget. The board was told the system received about $156,000 in fare revenue that is deducted from federal grant amounts, so removing fares would be effectively cost‑neutral in the near term and could increase state block‑grant receipts as ridership grows.

Supporters said fare removal reduces boarding times, eliminates small‑fare accounting burdens and encourages ridership growth that should expand state funding. Commissioner Campy argued that higher ridership and improved service will benefit traffic congestion and community access: “A rising tide lifts all boats,” he said in support of making MARTY fare‑free.

Opponents expressed fiscal caution. Commissioners Vargas and Hetherington both said they were concerned about relying on state and federal funding growth to replace fare revenue and worried about long‑term county obligations if grant levels change. Vargas said local bus usage appeared low in many areas and questioned the long‑term affordability of substituting vehicle types and adding service.

After discussion and public comment, the board adopted the fare‑free motion 3–2. Commissioners Vargas and Hetherington voted no. The operator and county staff said they will move forward with an implementation plan, pursue technology upgrades and apply for grants to support capital and operating expansions.

What the vote means: MARTY fares will be eliminated under the county’s policy direction; staff and the operator will present follow‑up information about implementation timing, projected ridership increases and how state and federal grant rules will be applied.