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Committee reviews 2027 budget proposals including a Morehead microtransit pilot funded in part by Minnesota support
Summary
Committee reviewed draft 2027 operational and capital budgets, including proposals to eliminate Route 9 and expand Route 4 with a 4E express, and to pilot a three-vehicle microtransit service in Morehead (three 10-passenger vehicles, seven added drivers). Committee did not vote on the budget but set a June meeting to continue discussions.
Committee members discussed draft 2027 operating and capital budgets May 20 and focused on a Transit Development Plan (TDP)-driven set of proposals: realign Route 9 to interline with Route 6, add a 4E express service on the Route 4 corridor, and pilot a microtransit service covering southeast Morehead within Morehead city limits. Staff said Minnesota state funds are contributing materially to the package.
Julie Bon, transit director, said route adjustments would increase frequency where demand supports it and that the microtransit pilot would deploy three smaller (roughly ten-seat) vehicles with on-demand booking, use NDSU microtransit software integrated with paratransit systems, and require seven additional driver hires plus supervisory coverage. "The microtransit proposal would be... three vehicles... and would require an additional seven drivers," Julie said.
Staff said microtransit parameters would prevent bookings when an efficient fixed-route option exists by using fixed-route GTFS data to block redundant trips. The pilot would also include outreach and marketing to raise awareness and ensure accessibility for riders with disabilities. No formal budget vote was taken; staff will return with a budget package at the June meeting for further discussion and formal action.
Why it matters: The combination of service reallocation and microtransit is intended to improve frequency in higher-demand corridors while using smaller vehicles to serve lower-density neighborhoods. Minnesota funding support was described as a major enabler for Morehead service improvements.
Next steps: Staff will refine the budget materials and return in June with more detailed numbers and outreach/implementation plans.
