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Irving staff propose $1.7M pilot for connector routes and downtown circulator with VIA partnership
Summary
Public Works proposed a three‑part pilot — two connector routes modeled on DART service and a free downtown circulator loop — estimating about $1.7 million and targeting July 6 service start after contract and GMP funding actions; VIA will monitor ridership and staff will adjust stops and frequency based on weekly data.
City staff presented a planned transit pilot at the May 7 work session that would reintroduce two connector routes and create a new downtown circulator.
Melissa Baker, public works, described three components: Irving Connector 225 (two 15‑seat, ADA‑compliant Ford Transits to mirror a DART corridor), Irving Connector 255 (a revived DART route mirrored by city service) and an 11‑stop circulator operating as a free, figure‑8 loop around the urban center. Staff estimated circulator headways of about 15–30 minutes and said connector routes would charge a $3 rider fare during the pilot. The presentation listed a $1.7 million preliminary cost estimate and noted staff has discussed GMP funding dispersal with DART.
VIA representatives said they will collect ridership analytics and perform weekly service‑design reviews, and stressed the pilot is deliberately iterative: route stops and frequency may be adjusted after stakeholder feedback and early data. Councilmembers asked about spare vehicles, scaling if demand exceeds supply and funding options; VIA and staff said additional vehicle hours can be added but would incur incremental costs and that the city would be billed only for vehicle hours used.
Council members and staff also discussed connections to private partners, the potential to use the pilot to activate nearby entertainment and residential nodes, and public‑safety coordination with police and fire.
Why it matters: The pilot aims to improve first/last‑mile connections around the convention center, music venues and dense multifamily areas and to test demand for a people‑mover‑style circulator; success could influence future transit‑oriented investments and service agreements with DART and VIA.
What’s next: Staff recommended a contract and a 30‑day mobilization window after signature, with operations expected to begin July 6; Council will consider the item as an agenda bid and follow funding/disbursement decisions with DART and finance staff.
