Red Bank seeks $50,000 to cover rising CARTA paratransit costs as ridership surges
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Summary
Staff requested an additional $50,000 from the general fund to cover a steep increase in CARTA paratransit ridership and costs; staff noted ridership and medical/employment trips have risen, per‑trip operational cost now near $47.50–$50, and municipalities pick up costs after passenger fare (currently ~$2.50–$3.50).
Mr. Pham, standing in for Director Slade, told commissioners the CARTA paratransit contract is seeing a notable increase in ridership and trips since the contract period began. Geofencing and usage charts show growing numbers of dialysis, medical and employment trips originating in Red Bank.
Staff said the municipality budgeted $30,000 for the year and had additional county support (about $9,000 reported), but current demand and higher per‑trip operational costs have produced a shortfall. CARTA’s operational per‑trip cost was described in the discussion as roughly $47.50, with other references to about $50 per trip; the rider fare was described as $2.50–$3.50 depending on distance to fixed routes, and municipalities cover the remainder under a full‑cost recovery model.
Because of the rise in rides and costs, staff asked the commission to authorize $50,000 in additional FY26 funding from the general fund to maintain current service levels and cover expected invoices. Commissioners discussed whether improved scheduling by CARTA contributed to the increase, the potential FY27 budget implications (estimates ranged from about $100,000 to $130,000+ if current trends continue), and whether the local fare level should be revisited during the budget process.
Staff said they based the request on recent six‑month averages with some cushion and that they will continue monitoring usage and costs.