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Alachua County seeks options to bridge paratransit gap as MV Transport signals higher costs
Summary
County staff say MV Transport proposed a higher annual price to continue ADA/paratransit service; commissioners directed staff to negotiate short-term bridge options and return with recommended choices by January amid concern about service disruption for vulnerable riders.
Alachua County is seeking short-term options to prevent disruption to ADA paratransit service after MV Transport submitted a proposed increase in annual funding, county staff told commissioners at the Nov. 4 special meeting.
Staff said MV Transport provided a funding estimate of roughly $738,777 for continued service over a year; that figure, combined with existing state reimbursement and the county’s current contribution, would substantially increase the county’s share. Commissioners and staff discussed options to bridge any gap through negotiations with MV Transport, exploring fixed-route transit provider RTS as an alternative, and asking the City of Gainesville and institutional partners to accelerate planning for city coverage when feasible.
Jeff Hayes, growth management director, reported the county’s understanding that MV Transport’s request would double the prior combined county/state cost for the service area; commissioners pressed staff to return with actionable options by January that would avoid interruption of the roughly 15,000 annual paratransit trips stated in the meeting. Several commissioners underscored the urgency: paratransit riders include dialysis and medical-appointment patients who need reliable service.
County staff said they will continue negotiations with MV Transport, consult with RTS and the City of Gainesville on transition scenarios, and return with recommended bridge arrangements and financial options at the board’s next substantive update.
No formal contract decision was recorded at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to pursue options and to report back with proposals for board consideration.
