Commission recommends capping Dixon "Golden Pass" at 25 rides per month

The Dixon City Transportation Advisory Commission on Aug. 20 voted to recommend City Council limit the Golden Pass to 25 rides per month per person, reverting excess trips to the 60‑plus discounted fare.

Lauren Kato, public works director, presented the five‑year update and said the Golden Pass pilot—approved in 2020 and limited to Dixon residents—had grown to 67 participants taking 2,498 trips this year, producing an estimated fare revenue loss of $5,620. "Ten percent of ReadyRide's expenses are covered by fares," Kato said, adding that the city must preserve that farebox ratio to maintain grant eligibility. She told commissioners that Golden Pass riders accounted for 6.2% of trips and 5.9% of potential fares in the latest year.

Commissioners raised concerns about a small number of frequent users—staff reported the highest individual total was 405 trips for the year—and about the system's driver shortage and limited fleet availability. Commissioners discussed options that include raising the age threshold, limiting rides per person, adding alternate funding, or canceling the program. A motion was made to recommend a 25 rides per month limit (annualized to 300 rides per year) with any trips beyond that reverting to the 60+ discounted fare; the commission voted unanimously to send that recommendation to council.

Staff noted drivers already tabulate trip counts and that tracking would not impose substantial new burdens; the recommendation is advisory and will be considered by City Council. The commission also asked staff to continue annual reporting on the program's fiscal impact and utilization.