Page begins transit overhaul; planners test 30‑minute mesa loop and microtransit options

Todd Morris (Northern Arizona Council of Governments) and Ginger Burgess (Quality Connections) told the council that the town’s transit operation had legacy scheduling and reliability issues tied to prior contracts, an aging fleet and limited passenger information systems. Quality Connections recently assumed operations and hired a transit manager to stabilize service.

Nut graf: The planning grant from ADOT will fund a 15‑month short‑range transit plan. Planners said they will temporarily implement a simplified 30‑minute circular route around the mesa with connections to Walmart and door‑to‑door demand response while the plan is developed, then use outreach data to recommend a durable network, including possible microtransit (app‑driven shared rides) where feasible.

Ginger Burgess summed up the system’s condition bluntly: "Page Transit is in critical condition," and said the immediate goal is to triage current service while the planning process develops a sustainable design. The team emphasized constraints: limited onboard data, frequent vehicle breakdowns, and narrow funding windows; they noted a key ADOT application deadline in December for two‑year grants. The plan aims for final recommendations next summer and a potential new service launch in early 2027.

Councilors asked about ridership metrics, funding prospects, and whether microtransit is appropriate for Page; presenters said public outreach and community surveys will determine demand and that vendors sometimes supply vehicles as part of microtransit pilots. Planners signaled outreach kickoff in fall events and invited council and residents to serve on a transit advisory committee.