Council adopts short‑range transit plan and flags farebox recovery target

Bowmont’s City Council held a public hearing June 2 and adopted the city’s FY2026–29 short‑range transit plan, approving staff recommendations that include a reconfiguration of Route 2 to reduce duplicated service and preserve system efficiency.

Administrative Services Director Carrie Mendoza told council the transit program projects roughly 142,000 annual boardings, about 22,000 revenue service hours and a capital plan totaling approximately $4.3 million for equipment, zero‑emission transition work and technology upgrades. Staff reported boardings have recovered to pre‑pandemic levels and emphasized ongoing outreach and a multi‑phase comprehensive operational analysis (COA) that will return to council in late fall or early winter. Mendoza said the system’s operating budget is roughly $3.9 million, funded primarily with local transportation funds and Measure A plus grants.

Council members and staff focused on farebox recovery—the share of operating costs paid by fares—because Bowmont enters a new urbanized status that requires a blended 20% minimum next fiscal year. Staff presented a projected fairbox recovery of 17.02% for FY26–27 and said the department will continue fare promotions, youth programs (pending grant confirmation) and service adjustments while seeking additional federal funding and operational efficiencies.

Council also requested more attention to bus‑stop placement (council asked staff to evaluate adding a stop at 106) and coordination with the forthcoming COA to ensure routing and stop locations match community needs. The council approved the plan for submission to the county transportation commission with recommended edits.