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State transit official warns Pulaski shortfall could force service cuts
Summary
DRPT transit programs manager Erin Clark told the Pulaski Town Council that rising operating costs and a reduced local pledge have produced a shortfall for Pulaski Area Transit; Clark said an accounting shortfall of about $52,417 (about $80,000 when federal reimbursement rules are applied) could prompt service reductions if not addressed.
Erin Clark, transit programs manager with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, told the Pulaski Town Council that rising operating costs and a reduced local pledge have created a budget shortfall for Pulaski Area Transit.
Clark said state, federal and local sources split operating funds for rural transit: federal operating funds and FTA 5311 grants make up a significant share, state operating funds are formula-driven, and local contributions fill the rest. "The actual shortfall this year is going to be about $52,417 between the town and county," Clark said, and added that because federal operating reimbursements are effectively paid at 50 percent, the practical shortfall could be closer to $80,000.
Why it matters: Clark warned that cutting local contributions now to balance this year’s budget can trigger a negative feedback loop — reduced service lowers ridership metrics, which in turn reduces future state and federal formula allocations. "As you reduce service, you will eventually reduce the amount of money that the state operating formula will allocate to you," she said.
Council members asked for detail about line items that drove cost increases. One councilor flagged a communications category that appeared to have jumped substantially; Clark said the aggregation of budget categories across multiple 5311 providers can create distortions and offered to follow up with a deeper review. She also outlined steps being pursued to reduce expenses, including transfers of certain routes to neighboring providers, eliminating underused stops, trimming nonrevenue hours and staffing adjustments, but said projected savings will not be known until the changes are implemented.
Clark framed the request as a plea to maintain current service levels rather than expansion. "This is just to simply meet the costs of operating this really critical service," she said, noting that fuel, maintenance and staffing costs have outpaced general inflation.
Next steps: DRPT staff offered to provide more detailed breakout information on requested categories and to post proposed route and schedule changes for public comment. Council members indicated they would consider the fiscal request alongside other budget priorities.
