Transit committee recommends lowering short‑route passenger standard; MTA highlights new electric buses and ridership efforts

The Transit Productivity Committee recommended that MCOG adjust its short‑route passengers‑per‑hour performance standard from 10.2 to 7, reflecting recent ridership trends and analysis in the short‑range transit development plan. The board approved the change in a roll‑call vote on May 4.

Staff explained the 10.2 standard was not aligning with current operations and that a recommended minimum of 6 and a target of 8 were advised in the short‑range plan; the TPC recommended a standard of 7 for the board to adopt. The board accepted the TPC recommendation and also received the annual transit performance review through Dec. 31, 2025.

Mendocino Transit Authority representatives described several steps to increase ridership, including simplification of the fare structure, coordination with housing developers to site bus stops, targeted route and schedule adjustments for weak performing lines, and development of a Yukaya area transit center. MTA also reported it had taken delivery of six new all‑electric buses and will deploy them to Fort Bragg and other routes after road testing.

Why it matters: Performance standards frame how transit funding and service effectiveness are monitored and can influence allocations under state and local programs. MTA's fleet electrification and service changes may affect vehicle operations, maintenance planning and funding needs.

Next steps: The board ratified the policy advisory committee action, accepted the TPC recommendations and requested continued coordination between MCOG staff, MTA and the TPC on implementation, ridership strategies and reporting.