Riders urge free or lower-cost fares, more seating and safer crosswalks

During the open-forum public comment period, residents urged the council to address transit access and the new downtown plaza's design. Dave Billund proposed funding free bus fares by increasing the sales tax to eliminate rider fares and add routes; he said such a change would aid students, veterans and low-income riders who depend on transit. Melany Perry supported Billund's suggestion and urged more outdoor seating at the new plaza and more convenient crosswalks at busy bus stops.

Speakers described recurring rider problems: long waits when buses are missed, a lack of seating near the plaza and crossings that force riders to walk multiple blocks to reach a stop safely. The comments were part of the open-forum agenda and no formal council action was recorded during the session on those requests.