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Commission OKs $300,000 transfer to DASH operations as ridership lags recovery
Summary
After presentations on ridership declines and fleet and grant issues, the commission approved a $300,000 transfer to support DASH operations. Staff and riders said ridership remains around 55–58% of pre‑COVID levels; plans for bus replacements were delayed by procurement and tariff disputes.
Bob Thompson (speaker 8) asked the commission to approve a $300,000 transfer to support operations for the DASH commuter bus service and summarized the service’s post‑COVID ridership struggles and fleet status. "In 2017... there were probably 120 riders taking the dash up to Chicago. Compared to today, we're around 75," Thompson said, describing ridership at roughly 55–58% of pre‑COVID levels.
Thompson said the service reduced to four daily buses (Monday–Thursday) and two on Fridays after federal CMAQ funding ended for a demonstration fifth route. He also described an on‑going procurement challenge to acquire coach buses: an order was paused because of a dispute between a manufacturer (MCI) and the Federal Transit Administration over tariffs, so replacement plans are on hold.
Commissioners and staff described budget support in the RDC 2026 budget (staff noted $600,000 had been budgeted with $300,000 earmarked for new buses and $300,000 for operations). Following discussion about ridership trends, marketing options and possible Hobart routing, the commission approved the $300,000 transfer for operations.
