KTA reports driver recruitment progress and service restoration timetable; downtown connector ridership rises after fare-free pilot

KTA staff provided updates on operations and service restoration at the meeting. Speaker 4 said the agency currently has 156 drivers, with 13 in training and 10 offers outstanding; another training class is scheduled to start next week. Staff said maintenance staffing is nearly complete but the agency continues to recruit roughly two mechanics.

On service restoration, Speaker 4 told the board the agency is "on track for March to bring back frequency on Route 12 and Route 20," and noted the restoration could be ahead of schedule, possibly occurring in April instead of May.

Staff also reported ridership gains on the downtown connector after KTA made the route fare-free in December. Speaker 4 said the agency saw an increase of about 1,300 riders, from roughly 6,100 in November to about 7,400 in December.

When asked how many drivers would be required to be fully staffed, staff estimated a target of about "190" drivers for the system to meet CAT Reimagine goals. On the downtown connector trial period, staff said they believed the fare-free trial runs until June but did not have the confirming memo available during the meeting.

These operational figures were presented as staff updates; no budget votes or contractual awards were recorded during this agenda item. The board asked follow-up questions to clarify timelines and staffing needs; staff committed to continue recruitment and to refine timing information in future updates.