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SolTrans reports ridership gains and budget shortfall; Clipper 2 issues and fare analysis underway
Summary
Board heard that ridership is up across most modes while operating revenue lags; staff said the agency is roughly $702,000 (4%) under budget through nine months, Clipper 2 data problems were fixed and daily Clipper revenue has improved, and staff will return with a fare‑increase proposal later this year.
SolTrans staff reported rising ridership across most service types, staff changes at the contracted operator and a modest operating surplus on expense lines but a revenue shortfall that has prompted a forthcoming fare analysis.
At the start of the meeting, Director Cranda highlighted the youth-ride-free pilot and said, “This past May, we hit a record of exceeding 20,000 riders.” Later, the system performance presenter reported that ridership year‑to‑date is higher across modes — local up 8%, school 1%, express 6% and ADA 13% compared with the same time last year — and that productivity improvements have been seen on several express routes.
The presenter also announced personnel changes at Transdev: General Manager Ray Robinson is retiring; Scott Keener will serve as interim general manager; Angela Johnson joined as safety manager. Keener introduced himself and described plans to address driver shortages, including a new training class.
Board members pressed staff on Clipper 2 (the regional contactless fare system) after noting revenue discrepancies following Clipper 2's rollout. A staff member said a December issue was reported to AMTC and Cubic and fixed in early May; “when I look at the daily Clipper revenue, it looks like it's gone up at least 40% a day,” the presenter said, but staff also cautioned that a full fiscal‑year analysis is needed.
On finances, Christina reported that through nine months the agency is about $702,000 (roughly 4%) under budget, driven by lower contracted transit expenses and fuel savings; operating revenue has trailed projections but is trending upward as Clipper receipts recover. Christina told the board staff are preparing a fare analysis and will bring a proposal later this year with separate considerations for express and local fares.
Board members discussed fare promotion tools such as fare caps and prepaid passes and urged continued outreach for low‑income fare programs. Staff said cash and Token Transit remain payment options for certain in‑county fares and emphasized they would return with more detailed Clipper revenue and fare recommendations.
