Transit staff update: ridership rising, 5310 application filed and coordination plan vote set for Dec. 8

A transit official briefed commissioners that ridership through October shows an increase and that the county applied for funding under the 5310 program (noted in the meeting as $53.10/5310) and requested an application amount of about $600,000. The staff member explained federal allocations are formulaic and tied to census and ridership figures, and said the county typically receives about $550,000 depending on available funds.

The official described a coordination plan required to receive 5310 funds and said Eastgate's general policy board will present the plan at a Dec. 8 meeting; commissioners were invited to attend or watch remotely. Staff explained if the county does not have a coordination plan in place, it cannot receive 5310 funding. The staffer also provided a timeline for grant award notifications (applications reviewed in March 2026, awards in April–May, with contract execution in June).

Commissioners asked about applying for larger amounts; staff said allocations are based on federal formulas and census data and that ridership increases alone do not immediately raise the allocation until formula changes occur. The commission asked staff to send reminders and meeting links so members can participate in the Dec. 8 presentation.