Valley Regional Transit proposes microtransit plus TNC model, Route 40 reroute to serve Caldwell

Valley Regional Transit (VRT) briefed the Caldwell City Council on June 15 about a proposed overhaul of the Caldwell'Nampa on'demand system: a turnkey microtransit contract for curb'to'curb service paired with transportation network-company (TNC) rides for very short or non'sharable trips.

'Elaine Clay of VRT said the new model would be "a complete turnkey service" in which a contracted microtransit provider would operate smaller curb'to'curb vehicles and VRT would augment the service with TNC rides at a defined $2 subsidy for certain trips. Clay told council the change is intended to lower cost per boarding and allow VRT to restore a faster fixed'route connection for Caldwell by rerouting Route 40 through the boulevard and downtown, cutting 15'20 minutes from travel time.

VRT estimated it can raise riders per trip by improving pairing efficiency and shifting some short trips to TNCs; the agency projected an overall ridership increase and said projected procurement and implementation could be achieved by October 2026. Clay invited council and the public to a required FTA public hearing next Monday at the Nampa Civic Center.

Council questions focused on rider notification, impacts on riders who do not want TNC shifts, how drivers and jobs will be affected, and whether specialized services (Beyond Access for seniors and riders with disabilities) will continue. VRT said riders would book through VRT's booking app and be asked to accept a TNC option when the algorithm recommends it; the agency committed to continuing beyond'access and to require contractors to meet FTA reporting and fare media requirements.

No council vote occurred; VRT will pursue procurement and public engagement ahead of a planned October start.