START Board tees up $1 fare for On-Demand; may wait for new contract

The START Board’s April 15 agenda includes a combined FY2027 budget update and discussion/action item on implementing a $1 fare for START On-Demand microtransit. The packet notes the board previously voted March 18 to “prepare to roll out a $1 fare as soon as the FY allows,” contingent on elected-official approval and inclusion in the budget. (START Board Meeting Agenda Packet)

Staff outlines several steps needed before riders would see a fare: updating the scope of work and contract language with the On-Demand operator (DownTowner), creating a fare-collection policy and standard operating procedures, and holding a public hearing on the fare change with at least 15 days’ public notice. The presentation says DownTowner is amenable to collecting fares at no additional cost, but the “soonest” a contract amendment could return to the board is May or June. (START Board Meeting Agenda Packet)

On timing, staff recommends waiting to change the On-Demand fare until a new contract is in place, and asks the board to clarify whether there would be exclusions (the board had discussed, but not decided, potential exclusions such as trips to Albertsons and the library). The packet also flags a budget line for “Microtransit – East Jackson,” with the Town Manager recommending reducing the FY27 amount from $1.7 million to $1.6 million while an RFP is out and proposals are due April 27. (START Board Meeting Agenda Packet)