Fortuna council authorizes same‑day public transit pilot and staffing changes to stabilize service

Fortuna Council authorized staff to pursue a multi‑pronged plan to stabilize and expand Fortuna Transit. Kaylin Stainbrook, director of parks and recreation, described a small fleet (three vehicles, two approaching end of useful life), staffing shortages and a farebox recovery requirement (about 10% under TDA rules). She said the service averages roughly 35 trips per day across two vehicles and that recent revenue spikes were due in part to bulk purchases of punch cards, not sustained fare increases.

Stainbrook presented four options: (A) status quo; (B) recommended option — open same‑day public service to general riders, recruit a full‑time salaried transit supervisor, implement the RideCo scheduling app and a call center, replace at least two vehicles (consider Class C vans to broaden driver pool), and seek Measure O/STA assistance for startup costs; (C) explore outsourcing service to another agency; and (D) cease the city’s transit service. She recommended Option B as the balanced approach to increase ridership and secure stable funding while retaining local control of operations.

Public commenters including Katie Garrison (director of Saint Joseph's Food Pantry) urged adoption of Option B to better serve seniors and residents who need transportation. Councilmembers and staff discussed app usability and senior access; Stainbrook said phone scheduling and in‑person assistance would remain available for seniors and that the city would provide rider orientation to ensure accessibility. A motion to authorize staff to implement Option B, recruit a transit supervisor, approve RideCo services and a call center contract, and return with a progress report in FY27–28 passed unanimously.

Council directed staff to pursue available funding streams and to coordinate with the Humboldt Transit Authority and Humboldt County Association of Governments on startup and vehicle replacement options.