Transit agency seeks county match to buy smaller vehicles, touts volunteer driver program

Julia, representing HRDA/transit services, asked supervisors for operating and capital assistance to maintain and modernize local transportation services. She said Madison County accounted for roughly 3,666 trips last year and that the program has five volunteer drivers locally. HRDA is transitioning to Ford Transit nine‑passenger vehicles because full buses have multi‑year lead times and the smaller vans are easier to maintain and do not require CDL drivers.

Julia requested $17,000 in operating support and an additional $10,000 local match toward a vehicle purchase. She described the passenger endorsement training that enables non‑CDL drivers to operate transits and said HRDA had received roughly ten applications for two current openings. The board asked for a town‑level break‑out of ridership and confirmation of last year’s county contribution; Julia agreed to provide residency and trip destination data and to email supporting documentation.

Supervisors did not vote on the request at the hearing and directed staff to include the ask in the budget reconciliation.