Marty transit reports 30% ridership bump after fare removal; board approves annual progress report

Martin County transit administrator Ash Beecher presented the Marty bus system’s annual progress report and the MPO approved the report unanimously.

Beecher said Marty operates five fixed routes, a paratransit program, and an on‑demand veterans transportation program (contracted via Uber). She reported that after Marty removed the fare requirement in November 2025, the system saw "roughly a 30% increase in ridership" in December 2025 and January 2026 compared with the prior year. Beecher also described recent service adjustments (two new stops on Route 3 to serve student athletes) and capital plans: Marty operates 19 revenue vehicles and has a 10‑year financial plan. The annual operating cost was cited as roughly $3.5 million, with about two‑thirds coming from federal and state funding and roughly $1 million covered locally.

Board members discussed microtransit pilots, fleet replacement (shifting from heavy‑duty buses to cutaways where appropriate), and cost‑per‑ride metrics. Staff said microtransit pilots and a route optimization study are planned, and the GPC (general planning consultant) will support analysis. Commissioners noted operational benefits of eliminating fares (reduced dwell time and administrative burden) and observed that grants tied to fare revenues can adjust; staff said grant formulas were taken into account.

The board voted to approve the Transit Development Plan annual progress report, moving the plan forward as the basis for state block grant funding and next steps on service changes.