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Council hears loss of Smart bond could cost Trenton over $70,000 in senior-transportation subsidies
Summary
An agency representative told the council that the regional Smart bond subsidizes staffing, maintenance and fuel for Trenton’s senior transportation program, and that losing Smart funding could mean the city would have to cover more than $70,000 to maintain current service levels (about 7,300 one-way trips last fiscal year).
Council members discussed how a failed regional Smart bond could affect Trenton’s senior transportation service during the July 20 meeting.
A transportation representative explained that the city provides service for residents 55 and older within city boundaries and reported about 7,300 one‑way trips in the most recent fiscal year, primarily for medical appointments and errands. The representative said the program charges roughly $3.50 per one‑way trip and is heavily subsidized by Smart, which covers staffing, maintenance and fuel. “If we lost that funding we would probably lose over $70,000 in funding that is taken up by Smart,” the representative said.
Council members expressed concern about the potential service impact if Smart funding is reduced or removed. One council member noted that some cities are writing resolutions against the bond or opting out, but the representative said cities that opt out still access the same Smart buses and related services.
Council did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting but discussed the need to plan for possible funding changes and to communicate potential impacts to residents.
