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City approves $300,000 in state vouchers to add third shuttle to free 'Frank' service
Summary
Council approved a $300,000 appropriation from state Clean Mobility Options vouchers to add a third NEV to the Frank free-ride program; staff said the program provided more than 40,000 rides and cannot meet current demand with two vehicles.
The National City Council voted unanimously to accept an additional $300,000 in voucher funding for the city’s free microtransit program known as Frank, a state-funded pilot that operates NEV shuttles within city limits.
Martha Juarez, assistant director of engineering and public works, said the program began operations in September 2023 and that in roughly 19 months it has provided "over 40,000 rides with just 2 little NEV shuttles operating seven days a week." Juarez told council the state grant and port funds will pay for a third vehicle and associated staffing, initially focused on peak summer months with the intent to continue service into the next year if funding permits.
Councilmembers praised the program’s ridership and encouraged staff to pursue sustainability measures, including small rider fees or advertising to reduce dependence on grants. The council moved and seconded the appropriation and approved the item unanimously.
Staff said the program is funded largely by vouchers from the state and regional partners and is slated to remain funded through a multiyear grant period. The addition of a third vehicle is intended to reduce wait times and improve reliability in neighborhoods that have used the service frequently, including seniors and school riders, officials said.
