City staff review Iteris transit study and consider on‑demand pilot over restoring fixed circulator

City staff presented a transit‑feasibility study conducted by Iteris (completed in mid‑2024) that analyzed demand, route alternatives and costs for restoring a local circulator or other local transit service in Lakewood.

Assistant Director Boss said the study began with a public survey in April 2024 that yielded more than 550 responses. The presenter summarized key findings: walking was the top mode for intra‑city travel, only about 3% of survey respondents rely on RTA as their sole mode, and 44% ranked riding the bus among their top three preferred modes, indicating latent interest despite low current transit use. Popular local destinations named in the survey included Lakewood Park and the public library.

Iteris modeled six alternatives (three fixed‑route, three on‑demand/micro‑transit). Staff presented forecast ranges: annual boardings on fixed-route scenarios that fit Lakewood could run roughly 43,000–68,000, while capital costs were estimated at about $1.3M–$2.5M per ten years and annual operating costs ranged from roughly $1.1M to $3.7M depending on the model. Fare revenue was estimated in the range of $100,000–$190,000 annually. The study concluded none of the studied models are revenue‑positive without subsidy; external benefits (congestion, emissions, parking) were modeled qualitatively.

Given the cost‑ridership tradeoffs, Iteris recommended an on‑demand contracted system (similar to the city’s arrangement with Senior Transportation Connection) as the most cost‑efficient, lower‑risk option for Lakewood. Staff noted that fixed‑route service would likely require contracting with an operator or a partnership with RTA, which did not provide detailed capital cost estimates to Iteris.

Councilmembers asked whether school districts or RTA had been engaged as partners and requested historic data for the former Lakewood circulator (operated roughly 1998–2009/2011). Staff said they had not engaged the school district or RTA directly as part of Iteris’ work and would follow up to secure more detailed ridership or contract data. Multiple members suggested possible near‑term, low‑cost pilots using existing vehicles and fare‑free short trials to test demand. One member emphasized the need to define the city’s success metrics—maximum riders, equity, or external benefits—before selecting a model.

What’s next: Staff committed to follow up on historic circulator data, pursue stakeholder conversations (including with RTA and the school district), and examine the feasibility of small pilots and funding partners before bringing a formal proposal back to council.