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Universal City advances microtransit pilot for further review, council directs EDC analysis
Summary
The council voted to move forward with further review and analysis of a microtransit on-demand proposal (Via); the EDC presentation estimated a first-year cost of about $539,000 and suggested a subsidized or free trial period to encourage ridership.
Maribel, the EDC presenter, outlined a microtransit-on-demand proposal (a hybrid between fixed-route transit and ride-hailing) and recommended the council provide guidance to the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to pursue additional analysis. "We believe that this service will provide a much needed service to an invisible population within Universal City," the presenter said, citing 2024 U.S. Census American Community Survey figures for demographics and travel behavior.
The EDC’s cost estimates presented to council included a roughly $539,000 total for a 12‑month pilot year with an annualized estimate near $452,000 thereafter. The proposal described a two-van fleet (plus a spare), wheelchair-accessible vehicles, FTA-compliant drivers and analytics provided by the vendor (Via) to inform future configuration. Councilmembers asked about geographic limits, destinations (including the Converse VIA stop), possible grant offsets and whether fares would be subsidized. The presenter and council discussed starting with a free trial to build ridership — New Braunfels’ pilot was cited as a model — and noted the EDC could pursue grant opportunities to reduce the city’s share.
After discussion, a motion to provide guidance to the EDC and proceed with further review and analysis carried; the transcript records the mayor calling the vote and the clerk noting the motion carried.
