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Tehama County transit staff report rising ridership on several routes and outline volunteer METS medical-ride program
Summary
At its March 23 meeting, the Tehama County Transit Agency Board heard staff reports showing ridership gains on several routes and received details on METS, a volunteer driver program that provided 597 rides in 2025 and 355 trips so far in fiscal 2025–26.
The Tehama County Transit Agency Board on March 23 received a monthly transit update showing ridership increases on several routes and an informational briefing on METS, the agency’s volunteer medical-ride program.
Staff member Sharon told the board Route 2’s ridership rose to about 15.35 passengers per hour in February, with a year‑to‑date average of 14.27 passengers per hour, and said the added stop to serve the path center adds roughly six to seven minutes to the route. Route 1 is averaging about 10.69 passengers per hour year to date, with seasonal summer increases expected. Routes 3A and 3B to Los Molinos are performing near 4–4.85 passengers per hour, and some longer regional routes show mixed results.
Sharon said the board had asked about adding service and that ridership has been steadily increasing on several lines, though longer routes remain sensitive to trip time and connectivity.
On the METS volunteer driver program, Sharon said METS provides rides to medical appointments outside Tehama County for residents who have no other means of transportation. In 2025 METS transported 86 distinct clients across 597 rides; in fiscal 2025–26 the program has provided 355 trips so far. Drivers operate fuel-efficient vans (Sharon said the fleet averages about 40 miles per gallon), the program requests a suggested $10 donation for trips to Redding or Chico, and year‑to‑date fuel costs were cited at roughly $3,500.
A board member asked whether METS can bill Medicare or Medi‑Cal for trips. Sharon said METS is not set up to bill Medicare and that Medi‑Cal brokerage programs exist elsewhere; she described METS as a small, volunteer-driven program with limited scope. Another board member asked about driver qualifications; Sharon said volunteers do not need commercial driver licenses but are checked for driving records and backgrounds and must take a four‑hour defensive driving course.
Sharon said the program currently relies on two regular drivers plus one backup and does not operate weekend medical rides. The Chair thanked Sharon for the reports; staff said they will return on routine scheduling and bring follow-ups as needed.
The update informed short- and medium-term planning for service adjustments and capital projects the board will consider in coming meetings.
