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Candidates, board members split on micromobility: skepticism of Uber/Lyft subsidies; ADA paratransit obligations noted
Summary
Interviewees told the committee they are wary of subsidizing ride‑hail for core service and are cautious about micotransit efficiency; they also noted federally required door‑to‑door paratransit service must be maintained.
Both candidate Zach and board member Kent expressed skepticism about using Uber and Lyft to substitute for fixed‑route service, particularly for late‑night demand, while acknowledging some microransit models can support access for riders with special needs.
Zach said he was "skeptical of microtransit" as a primary strategy and worried the agency had "seeded" late‑night service to private ride‑hail rather than restoring fixed routes. Kent agreed microransit can fill needs but observed that operating it through contract drivers (Uber/Lyft) is inherently less efficient than in‑house service and that driver shortages complicate bringing those services inhouse.
Both speakers noted Bloomington Transit operates federally required complementary paratransit (Access BT) and that the agency must meet those obligations; Kent said the agency probably "has done more than is required by the federal government" for disabled service. The interviewees recommended careful cost‑benefit review if the agency considers expanding microransit beyond federally mandated paratransit.
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