Arcata council votes to transfer local transit system to Humboldt Transit Authority

The Arcata City Council voted on March 19 to transfer ownership and management of the Arcata/Mad River transit system to the Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) and authorized the city manager to execute the necessary documents.

City staff described the agreement as a final step in a long process to regionalize transit operations. The presentation said the transfer would move vehicles and funding streams to HTA, who would assume responsibility for operations and advertising revenue; any major changes by HTA would require consultation with the city and the city would retain a council seat to provide input on significant changes.

Council members and members of the public expressed support for the regionalization but raised concerns about rider amenities at the local transit center. Staff said drivers and riders currently use the transit center for restroom access and benches; with city driving staff positions disallocated, there is no dedicated lunch/break room, though restrooms and benches would remain available. Staff and council said they would continue discussing possible rental or shared use of space with HTA.

Public commenters, including regular bus riders, urged the council to preserve indoor access and seating for riders. "Having access indoors is really important to people like me who ride the bus," a longtime rider said during public comment.

The council approved the agreement after staff and public comment and expressed optimism that the move could support better regional coordination and improved headways for routes between Eureka, McKinleyville and other communities.

Next steps: the transfer is effective per the executed agreement; staff will coordinate with HTA to finalize operational details, bus stop maintenance responsibilities (beginning July 1 in staff presentation), and use of the existing transit facility.