Regional transit director outlines fixed‑route redesign and microtransit pilot plans for Tulare

Derek Wenning, executive director of the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency, briefed the council on a draft short‑range transit plan designed to improve schedule coordination, expand 30‑minute peak service on key routes and optimize the mix of fixed routes and microtransit.

Wenning said the plan aims to provide “bidirectional travel” and 30‑minute peak headways on primary local routes to reduce waiting times and widen 15‑ and 30‑minute accessibility zones for riders. He described proposed changes to regional connections — such as routing C‑40 into the Tulare Transit Center to improve transfers to the 11X line to Visalia — and said the consultant team conducted outreach, rode routes and surveyed over 350 riders.

The presentation addressed fiscal constraints. Wenning noted microtransit expanded rider access and door‑to‑door service but is costly; the pilot consolidated microtransit with paratransit and TCAG has committed funding for the pilot through 06/30/2027. He said the plan’s modeling reflects reduced service hours (from the current baseline) yet improves access through coordination and fare‑capping mobile payments.

Council members asked about equity and senior access; one councilor pressed for data on microtransit wait times and for options like monthly passes to keep the service affordable for frequent riders. Wenning and staff said they would provide route maps and the PowerPoint to council and would continue outreach to ensure changes minimize disadvantage for riders who travel to Visalia and other regional destinations.

Next steps: TCRTA will continue public outreach, refine the draft short‑range plan and return with details and slide materials for council review.