START board delays $1 START On-Demand fare until new Downtowner contract
At its April 15 meeting, the START Board reviewed a proposed $1 fare for START On-Demand but staff recommended waiting to change fares until a new contract and public hearing are in place.
The START Board discussed implementing a $1 fare for START On-Demand as part of its FY27 budget update on April 15, but staff said the system is not yet set up to collect fares under the current Downtowner contract.
According to staff’s presentation, START would need to amend its scope of work and contract with Downtowner (which currently states the contractor will not collect fare), adopt a fare collection policy/SOP, and hold a public hearing with at least 15 days’ notice before any fare change can take effect. Staff said Downtowner is amenable to collecting fares and that collecting the fare would not add cost, but that the earliest a contract amendment could return to the board would be May or June with only about six months left on the current agreement.
Staff recommended waiting to implement any On-Demand fare change until a new contract is in place, and asked the board to clarify whether any trip types (such as trips to Albertsons or the library) should be excluded from the $1 fare and when the board wants to schedule the required public hearing. The FY27 budget materials include $120,000 in “On Demand Fares” revenue. Sources: START Board Meeting Agenda Packet.
Background
On August 20, 2026, START Board's proposed fare hikes and service cuts met strong public opposition, with the Board recommending local funding to avoid immediate changes.
Latest: 2026-08-20 — START Board held public hearing on proposed service and fare changes. Proposed a $2.00 flat fare for local service and $10.00 for commuter routes. Public comments overwhelmingly opposed both fare increases and service reductions. Board recommended covering the funding gap with General Fund dollars, delaying immediate implementation of changes.
curated as of 2026-08-25
To address a $1.5M deficit, START proposed service cuts and fare hikes effective Oct 1, 2026, unless Town/County funding is secured. Public hearing set for Aug 20, 2026.
Latest: 2027-07 — Potential for an additional $400,000 budget reduction depending on future developments.
curated as of 2026-08-19
START Board will hold a public hearing on August 20, 2026, for proposed service reductions and fare increases due to a $1.5M budget shortfall, with public input accepted in person, via Zoom, or by email.
Latest: 2026-08-20 — START Board holds public hearing on proposed service and fare changes, including reductions to commuter, Town Shuttle, and On-Demand services, and fare increases across all routes. Public input accepted in person, via Zoom, or by email.
curated as of 2026-08-19
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| April 15, 2026 | START Board Meeting Agenda Packet | packet |