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Bullhead transit reports rising ridership, 5311 closeout and urgent need for volunteers after senior service records no rides
Summary
City transit staff told commissioners they closed out a 5311 grant, expect annual ridership to top about 150,000, and are recruiting volunteers and paid drivers after senior transportation logged zero rides for several months due to volunteer shortages.
Michael (transit staff) updated the Bullhead Area Transit System Commission on operating and funding matters on Aug. 4, reporting that the agency has closed out its 5311 grant and continues to pursue remaining capital payments and apportionments from ADOT and the Federal Transit Administration.
Staff included quarterly ridership data and said ridership has trended upward over several quarters, with a projection to "crest over about 150,000 rides for the year." Michael said the city is preparing a transit asset management (TAM) plan required by the FTA and expects to finish and seek adoption in August or early September before applying for 5307 apportionment operating funds.
On operations, staff reported zero passenger complaints in the last quarter. Separately, staff said the senior transportation service has had zero rides for several months because core volunteers became unavailable for health reasons. Michael described ongoing volunteer recruitment at local fairs and said volunteers typically cover one day per week, with staff preparing manifests and providing training for the low‑floor minivan used for senior trips.
Michael encouraged applications for paid positions and volunteers: the transit office specialist position is posted on the city's website, full‑time and part‑time driver openings exist, and volunteer work often does not require a commercial driver’s license (for the low‑floor van program), while paid drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license and a passenger endorsement. He warned that further staff losses could threaten uninterrupted service and urged commissioners and community members to publicize openings.
Staff also announced planned service closures on Labor Day (Sept. 1) and Columbus Day (Oct. 13) and said small operational adjustments — for example, a routing change behind Safeway — have improved efficiency. Michael said the city will consider upgrades to its ITS system and possible real‑time displays for a future facility project.
