START Board backs 5-year transit plan, including ending Teton Village South

The START Board spent a major portion of its Feb. 26 regular meeting reviewing a new systemwide Transit Development Plan (TDP) and fare study intended to guide service and investment decisions over the next five years and beyond. The plan is framed as a “blueprint” for START’s network and includes recommended route changes and new mobility options. (See the meeting packet: START Board Regular Meeting Agenda Packet.)

Among the notable recommendations: no change to existing commuter service, discontinuing the Teton Village South service, and maintaining the current East Jackson START On-Demand zone while adding a new on-demand service area for South Park/Rafter J Ranch/Melody Ranch. The plan also calls for adjusting airport service schedules and leaving ADA service unchanged. (Transit Development Plan and Fare Study.)

The TDP’s implementation concepts include adding a vanpool program and a “Guaranteed Ride Home” option as early as FY27, plus longer-term exploration of carshare and bikeshare (with an implementation target around FY29). The plan also lays out “preferred” and “vision” networks, including potential headway and span-of-service increases (such as more frequent Town Shuttle service under a growth scenario). (Transit Development Plan and Fare Study.)

The same Feb. 26 agenda also included a FY27 budget and service-level presentation by START Director Michael Toronto, positioning the TDP recommendations to inform upcoming budget decisions. (START Board Regular Meeting Agenda.)