Planning commission forwards 10‑year public transportation plan to city council amid debate over cost and scope

The Laramie Planning Commission voted to adopt the 10‑year public transportation plan and forward it to city council for final adoption after a detailed consultant presentation and extended discussion about costs, governance and target riders.

Mary Bork, the city project manager for the study, and consultant Paul Silverman (Mead & Hunt) presented the plan, which they said was funded by the Federal Transit Administration and Wyoming DOT. The presentation outlined outreach (dozens of public events and stakeholder interviews), existing service gaps—no direct fixed service to West Laramie, no evening or Sunday fixed route service—three short‑term routes (including a new West Laramie loop), and phased implementation over short (1–3 years), mid (4–7 years) and long (8–10 years) horizons.

Consultant Paul Silverman summarized fleet and cost estimates: the initial phases would require buying or leasing vehicles phased over time, with fleet size rising to roughly 15–22 vehicles in full buildout and estimated annual operating costs in the range of $7–$10 million at full scale. He noted upfront vehicle purchasing estimates of roughly $3.5–$5.5 million depending on vehicle size and spec, and suggested a mix of funding sources including fares, grants, employer contributions, mill levies or sales tax contributions and public–private partnerships.

Commissioners questioned financial feasibility and statutory constraints. One commissioner noted Wyoming authority statutes typically require public authorities to be self‑sustaining; others warned of political resistance to new taxes or mill levies. Consultant Silverman acknowledged the sticker shock and emphasized the plan is strategic: "We were never proposing that this plan would be self sustaining… transit is a public good," he said, urging a phased approach and noting many smaller projects could be funded through grants or coordinated with development.

Public commenters highlighted urgent local needs: several residents urged immediate service to West Laramie, better hospital and Greyhound connections, and support for low‑income and elderly transit users. Nancy Sindelar said she regularly uses the bus and advocated reconnecting West Laramie, while other speakers recounted personal examples of mobility challenges for seniors and airport visitors.

Commissioner Sharon moved to adopt the planning commission resolution (2026‑02) to certify the plan to city council; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The plan will be presented at a city council workshop and is scheduled for council adoption consideration later in January.

The consultant and staff advised commissioners that specific projects will require additional design, funding commitments and partner agreements (for example with Union Pacific or WYDOT) before construction or service launch.

Key next steps include pursuing grant opportunities, identifying pilot routes for near‑term implementation and coordinating with Albany County Transportation Authority and the university on operations and governance.