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Council asks staff to refresh transit plan and cost estimates, weigh facility decision
Summary
Councilors asked staff for refreshed SIM/transit planning, updated cost estimates for transit operations and a build‑versus‑outsource analysis for an operations/maintenance facility; staff were asked for scenarios showing ridership and cost‑per‑ride implications.
During the workshop the council devoted a block of time to transit, mobility and circulation, including SIM/master‑plan questions and an operations and maintenance facility that councilors said requires a near‑term decision.
Council members identified desired outcomes (reduce cars on the road, increase ridership, refresh the existing transit plan) and asked staff to prepare scenario options showing levels of investment, costs per ride, updated capital and operating cost estimates and an assessment of whether to build a local maintenance/operations facility or continue to outsource storage and service functions. One councilor specifically asked for current cost‑per‑ride figures and for staff to show whether additional service reduces per‑ride cost or increases subsidy levels.
Staff and council also discussed timing and coordination with regional planning: MACOG's Verde Valley transportation master plan was noted as a concurrent regional input. Members emphasized the law of diminishing returns and asked staff to identify bottleneck projects, the potential role of intelligent transportation systems and whether pursuing additional capacity projects remains the most effective path.
Council asked staff to return with a concise set of scenarios and cost estimates so the council can decide how far to go on transit investments relative to other priorities such as housing and community engagement.
