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Consultants recommend phased microtransit pilot for Laredo; council hears feasibility study
Summary
A Goodman Corporation feasibility study presented a phased microtransit plan for Laredo, recommending pilot zones, implementation steps and estimated first‑year operating costs; no action was taken but staff will return with next steps.
El Metro and consultants from the Goodman Corporation presented a feasibility study May 19 recommending phased microtransit — on‑demand, shared rides operating inside defined zones — as a complement to Laredo’s fixed‑route system.
Aneesha Khanna of the Goodman Corporation described the zone methodology, which targets low‑performing fixed routes (fewer than six passengers per hour) and aims to keep pilot zone sizes under 10 square miles to limit wait times. Consultants proposed starting with pilot zones in far North Laredo and a West Laredo zone, then expanding based on lessons learned; they said first‑year operating costs for most zones would be on the order of $1 million, with Zone 5 (largest, in South Laredo) costing substantially more. Late‑night citywide service — running after fixed routes end — was modeled separately and carries a higher first‑year cost (just over $2 million).
Goodman showed that microtransit can replace or augment low‑performing circulator routes and provide better coverage, potentially improving access to grocery, retail and medical facilities. The study used mobile location data and a public survey (about 130 responses) to estimate initial ridership and ramp‑up rates. Consultants stressed the importance of technology (app, phone/website booking options for the unbanked), transfer policies to avoid double fares, marketing and equity considerations.
Raymond Suarez of Hendrickson Transportation Group, whose firm has implemented microtransit elsewhere, said agencies typically deploy within six months once a pilot is approved. He advised a blended vehicle fleet (smaller transit vans and ADA vehicles) and noted high customer satisfaction in other cities after an initial learning period.
Councilmembers expressed interest but emphasized fiscal constraints under the recently adopted moratorium; staff and consultants agreed to refine recommendations and return with possible pilot implementation options and budget implications for future council consideration.
Provenance: presentation and Q&A during the Laredo Mass Transit Board portion of the meeting; no council motion or vote was taken on implementation.
