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Alachua County faces paratransit funding gap as MV Transport seeks higher payments; staff to return with options
Summary
MV Transport told the county it needs roughly $738,777 more to maintain ADA/paratransit service; commissioners directed staff to continue negotiations, seek options (including RTS or other providers), and return with recommendations by January to avoid service disruption.
County staff briefed commissioners on a budgetary problem affecting ADA/paratransit service after MV Transport submitted a funding request that would raise the county’s share of operating costs significantly. Staff said MV’s letter proposes about $738,777 in additional annual funds to maintain current service levels; with state reimbursement likely unchanged, the county’s portion of the contract would rise substantially.
Commissioners discussed alternatives including asking Regional Transit System (RTS) to take on contract segments, exploring a temporary county contract, and negotiating with MV and institutional partners such as the University of Florida to share costs or trips. Staff warned procurement issues and contract terms constrain immediate unilateral changes and that a short-term bridged solution may be necessary to avoid service interruption.
The board directed staff to continue negotiating with MV Transport for a bridge arrangement and to present options (including cost comparisons and procurement paths) by January. Commissioners emphasized the priority of avoiding interruptions for riders who rely on scheduled medical and ADA trips and asked staff to keep the board informed in the interim.
Staff also discussed that the City of Gainesville is exploring its own service changes and that governance and regional coordination challenges remain central to a sustainable long-term solution. The board asked staff to pursue options with municipal and institutional partners and to return with implementable alternatives to ensure continuity of service.
