Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Corona council hears short-range transit plan; microtransit pilot to target Metrolink, with phone access for riders
Summary
Staff presented a short-range transit plan aiming for service implementation by end of 2027, including fixed-route revisions, two microtransit zones, battery-electric microtransit vans, bus-stop amenity policies and phone-based access options so seniors and non-app users can ride.
City transit planner Sudesh Paul told the council that the short-range transit plan (FY2027–2029) focuses on service changes, fleet procurement and infrastructure to support a mix of fixed-route service and microtransit.
The plan revalidates routes adopted in 2023, includes dry runs of revised fixed routes, procurement of battery‑electric microtransit vans and work on an intelligent transportation system. Paul said the program intends to roll out service by the end of 2027, beginning with a pilot microtransit deployment in two zones.
Council members asked how the microtransit service will interact with existing Dial‑A‑Ride service for seniors and riders with disabilities. Paul said microtransit is designed for the general public and to close first‑/last‑mile gaps but not to replace Dial‑A‑Ride; the microtransit contract will include phone, online and app booking so riders who do not use smartphones can still access service.
"Part of the technology includes either an app, by phone. So we will have various different measures where a person should be able to call by phone or online," Paul said.
Council also discussed anchoring microtransit to Metrolink stations and the Corona Transit Center to strengthen regional connections. Paul said the rollout plan will target key destinations — including the two Metrolink stations and Norco College — and the city will continuously assess zone performance after implementation.
On bus stops, staff said they will phase in new stops (initially with posts), then evaluate ridership and install benches or shelters where policy thresholds are met; the amenity policy will come back to council for adoption.
Council and staff emphasized outreach: when the microtransit contract and policy are finalized, the city plans extensive public information efforts including pop‑up events, workshops and virtual sessions to explain how riders access the service and to ensure equity for seniors and people without smartphones.
The council approved the underlying consent item for the transit plan; staff indicated further return visits to council on specific service changes, procurements and the final microtransit rollout.
