Board approves MET contract with University of Southern Indiana for campus shuttle and West Connect
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Summary
The Evansville Board of Public Works approved an annual MET contract with the University of Southern Indiana covering campus shuttle service and the West Connect, noting a full contract value of $569,603.85 and modest year‑over‑year price growth; Metro staff said ridership remains below pre‑COVID levels.
The Evansville Board of Public Works on Nov. 7 approved a contract between MET and the University of Southern Indiana to operate campus shuttle services and the West Connect, with the full contract total stated as $569,603.85. City staff earlier in the packet listed a monthly billing line of $47,466.99.
Jonathan Sebeking of MET, who introduced the item, said the agreement covers the campus shuttle’s white and red lines and the West Connection service. “Usually, I’m here to ask you for money. Today, I’m asking you to sign a contract to bring money in,” Sebeking said, explaining the services MET will deliver under the contract.
Staff told the board the contract’s cost rose by about 1% from the prior year. Sebeking said ridership remains below pre‑COVID levels and that the campus system is operating with two buses (the blue line has not been restored), but he added that the service remains popular during extreme weather.
The board voted by voice to approve the contract. The city did not read a roll‑call tally of individual votes; the clerk recorded the motion, second and a unanimous “aye.”
Next steps: the signed contract will be executed by the city and MET will continue to operate the routes described in the agreement.
