Otter Express reports steady ridership and plans to grow reserve to reduce local share

Kayla Sullivan presented an update on Otter Express operations and finances, saying the service transports riders to roughly 33 different businesses in the Fergus Falls area and is often the only affordable transportation option for those employees. “We approximately, transport about 33 business different businesses in … in the Fergus area, to and or from to their place of employment,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan and council members discussed funding and structure: Fergus Falls historically contributes $50,000 annually, and local partner jurisdictions combine local shares (roughly $200,000) that the board leverages with state and federal funds—staff said the pooled money can translate to about $1.8 million of potential reimbursement. Sullivan described building a reserve fund from base fares, bus advertising and surplus-vehicle sales: once the reserve reaches a target level, local shares could be reduced, though that would likely take years.

Council asked operational questions about scheduling and fares; Sullivan said most riders call one central number or email rides@autoexpress.com to schedule, fares can be paid with cash, check or via an app, and many buses are housed in Fergus with a few located in nearby communities. The board is also exploring marketing and a full-time communications hire (funded from refundable state dollars) to increase ridership.

What’s next: staff will provide route details and a route study funded through a MnDOT grant is in progress; council asked staff to continue reporting on facility options and local testing of service alternatives.