Homewood council directs city manager to pursue microtransit pilot with BJCTA

The Homewood City Council voted 5–0 April 27 to direct City Manager Mr. Smith to evaluate adding microtransit services and bring back a proposed agreement with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) for council consideration.

Council members described the initiative as the most concrete progress in a multiyear conversation about flexible, on-demand transit. Councelor Lane told colleagues the idea began in previous terms and cited a regional planning commission survey; he said it could help residents reach medical appointments, services and local businesses and described broad resident support. "I think there's a lot of opportunity to better serve our residents by adding this service," Councelor Lane said.

Speakers discussed a proposed 15-month pilot ramp, monthly data collection to refine routes and usage, and possible expansion in vehicle units if demand outpaces initial assumptions. Councilors also cautioned staff to plan clear public education and outreach so residents know how to use the service if the pilot launches.

Budget and operational questions surfaced: councilors acknowledged start-up expense concerns and the potential need for more vehicles than initially proposed, and they asked staff to identify tradeoffs in next year’s budget. Mr. Merl and staff confirmed the council vote was to direct evaluation and return a final proposal for a June vote; implementation was discussed as a July start if approved.

The motion to direct the city manager to prepare the BJCTA microtransit proposal passed unanimously and was recorded as resolution 2640. The council did not appropriate operating funds at the April 27 meeting; funding and exact pilot parameters will be part of the staff report returned to council.