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El Cajon approves $1.5 million state grant and agreement for two‑year on‑demand microtransit pilot
Summary
The El Cajon City Council unanimously accepted a $1.5 million state Clean Mobility Options grant and authorized a two‑year professional services agreement with Nomad Transit (VIA) to operate a three‑vehicle electric microtransit pilot, designed to provide first/last‑mile connections and a wheelchair‑accessible option.
The El Cajon City Council on Sept. 24 voted unanimously to accept a $1.5 million state Clean Mobility Options (CMO) grant and authorize a professional services agreement with Nomad Transit (operating as VIA) to run a two‑year on‑demand microtransit pilot.
City Engineer Mario Sanchez told the council the service will run with three electric minivans, including one wheelchair‑accessible vehicle, and is designed to “connect the first and last mile connections to transit and other locations within the city.” Staff estimated about 200 riders per day and 52,000 annual rides during the pilot and said fare policy will include a free trial month followed by a $2.50 fare per trip.
Brian Nelson, Nomad/VIA’s representative, described microtransit as complementary to fixed‑route service, saying his company had seen fixed‑route ridership rise in other deployments after microtransit launches: “With Utah Transit Authority, we did see fixed route ridership increase by 54% over the course of a year since they launched microtransit,” he said.
Council members pressed staff about outreach, liability and contract terms. Sanchez said the grant will fund Nomad operations for two years and that the city will evaluate sustainability and other funding options before the pilot ends. On insurance and liability questions, staff said Nomad/VIA must provide insurance and the city will have liability protection through the grant agreement.
Council member motioned to accept the grant and authorize the agreement; the motion carried unanimously.
The pilot is scheduled for deployment of the three vans in April 2025, with weekday service planned Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Staff said riders will be able to book via an app or by phone and that staff will pursue additional grant opportunities and community outreach targeted to seniors, low‑income areas and transit‑dependent residents.
The council’s action authorizes the city manager to execute the agreement with Nomad Transit in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 in CMO grant funds.
