Escalon Council approves short‑range transit plan recommending continuous flex route

The council voted to adopt the Escalon short‑range transit plan (2025–2034) after a staff and consultant presentation that recommended converting current dial‑a‑ride gaps into a continuous flex route while preserving the city’s connection to Modesto.

Transit Manager John Ando said the plan was developed with community outreach and two consultants; LSC Transportation Consultants’ Chris Sterner presented four service alternatives and recommended "Scenario 2" — continuous flex route service with six round trips per day — which the study estimated could increase trips by about 1,000 annually and require roughly $46,000 more in annual operating costs. Sterner and staff said the alternative preserves the Modesto connection, improves convenience for local trips and is more productive on paper than the declining dial‑a‑ride service.

Council discussed the recently ended MOAR car contract (high per‑ride subsidies) and an Uber subsidy program that staff said averaged 40–50 passenger trips per month with a $10 per‑direction discount; staff urged the council to consider lower‑cost options and partnerships. The consultant also noted state requirements to transition transit vehicles to electric/hydrogen power after 2029, a capital consideration included in the CIP.

After questioning and discussion, councilors moved to approve consent item number six — the short‑range transit plan — by voice vote; staff will continue community engagement before implementing service changes and will work with regional partners on funding options.