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Transit staff defends grants, highlights first-in-state CNG buses and plans for cashless fares
Summary
Transportation officials briefed the committee on five new CNG buses ordered to complement the first-in-state CNG fleet, said offsets from FTA operating grants reduce general fund demand (~$3.595M general fund for transit), and outlined a plan to pursue grant funding for a cashless fare system to address limited payment options.
Transportation staff told the finance committee the borough has successfully operated the state's first compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses and has five more on order, explaining related operating and capital budget adjustments in the transit division.
Staff said most transit increases are offset by federal grants (FTA 5307 and other grant lines), with the net general-fund contribution to the transit division around $3.595 million in the recommended budget. The presentation noted rebalancing of FTEs between admin and transit to align grantable positions and discussed small operating changes tied to the fleet move, utilities at a new facility and temporary advertising revenue losses because federal grant terms prohibit advertising on the CNG vehicles until the grant is closed out.
Assembly questions focused on service coverage and accessibility. Assemblymember Wilson asked whether fixed-route buses go to the VA clinic; staff said fixed-route service currently does not stop there because of route and turnaround constraints but that route planning will be revisited under the next budget cycle as part of public planning work. Another exchange clarified that the borough cannot advertise on the new CNG buses until federal grant closeout and that SurveyMonkey/route-match software increases are driven by retention requirements and the federal retention policy for paratransit records.
On fares and payment technology: staff confirmed a decline in fare revenue tied to limited mid-day and Saturday service and driver shortages, and said the borough is pursuing grant funding to implement a cashless fare app; until grant funding is secured, staff said change and paper-based systems remain in place.
The committee did not vote on transit-related items during this session; staff said more detailed ridership and revenue reports could be provided upon request.
