Fortuna council authorizes opening transit to same‑day public service, approves hiring and app contract

Fortuna — The Fortuna City Council on a unanimous vote authorized staff to proceed with "option B," a plan to open Fortuna Transit to same‑day service for the general public, recruit a full‑time transit supervisor, implement a scheduling application and contract a call center. The council also directed staff to report back on progress in fiscal year 27–28.

The decision follows a staff presentation from Parks and Recreation Director Kaylin Stainbrook outlining operational challenges and options. Stainbrook said Fortuna Transit’s fleet is aging and fragile — two vehicles are near recommended federal useful life guidelines — and that ridership and fare revenue have been inconsistent. "Our fleet is very unstable at this time," she said, and service cancellations and staffing shortages have limited marketing and growth.

Under the authorized plan, staff will recruit a salaried transit supervisor to manage marketing, training and reporting; implement a scheduling application to increase efficiency; maintain phone‑in assistance for seniors and riders who cannot use the app; and pursue additional funding with Humboldt County partners. Stainbrook said the proposal would eliminate one part‑time dispatcher, replace it with a full‑time supervisor and implement an app with desktop scheduling for staff; the city would seek supplemental funding streams, and initial startup assistance may be available from HCOG and HTA.

Council members and public commenters said opening to the general public would improve connectivity with regional fixed‑route service and broaden access for seniors and other riders. Katie Garrison, director of Saint Joseph’s Food Pantry, told the council her clients rely on transit and urged the city to adopt option B.

Staff estimated the long‑term general fund impact at roughly $35,000 annually beginning in later years, with much of the near‑term cost offset by reallocated regional funds if Measure O or similar sources are secured. The motion that authorized the work also approved the vendor application services and call center contract and requested a staff progress report in fiscal year 27–28.

The council vote was unanimous on the motion to authorize option B.

The staff direction does not immediately change fares or routes; the city will return with implementation details, start‑up costs and timelines.