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Oak Ridge officials review ETHRA transit contract, app and proposed fare waiver
Summary
At a July work session, Kendall updated the Oak Ridge City Council on ETHRAoperations: FY25 ridership of 9,885 trips, funding shortfall in May, new rider app and data tools, and a proposal to waive fares while allowing four grocery-size bags per rider; staff will send a memo and may bring the contract to council in August or September.
Kendall, who presented the city's negotiations with ETHRA, told the Oak Ridge City Council at its July work session that the Oak Ridge Transit program recorded 9,885 trips in fiscal 2025 and served more than 500 unique riders. Funding for the service ran out in May, and staff said they have contacted the state about increasing the city's allocation.
Kendall said ETHRA demonstrated its Ecoline software during a recent site visit and that staff will require software-generated monthly data reports tied to invoicing so the city can independently verify on-time performance, ride denials and other metrics. "They have the ability to generate data reports for on-time performance metrics," Kendall said. She also said ETHRA has released an app that riders can use to schedule and pay for trips, track drivers on a map and receive push notifications.
City negotiators told council they pushed for a larger carry-on allowance in response to rider feedback about grocery trips. ETHRA proposed allowing four grocery-size bags and permanently waiving fares across Oak Ridge Transit so riders would not face a second charge when returning for additional groceries. "They propose that we do 4 bags, no fare charges," Kendall said.
Staff provided an estimate that waiving fares would reduce fare recovery to roughly $1,000',000 per month; past fiscal-year fare revenue was about $19,000. Council members asked for a written memo summarizing the negotiated contract elements, and Kendall said she would circulate that document. The item is scheduled to move to council in August but could be delayed to September if more time is needed.
Councilors requested clarity on ADA service standards (Kendall said ETHRA will continue to provide ADA-required assistance for non-ambulatory riders), pickup windows (the negotiated window is 24 hours or by 3 p.m. the day before, whichever is less), and how rider feedback will be collected. Kendall said the city and ETHRA are working on an online rider feedback form that will send submissions unaltered to both organizations.
The council did not take formal action at the work session. The next step is staff circulation of the memo and final negotiation of contract language before a council vote.
