START Board tees up $1 fare for On-Demand; may wait for new contract
In its April 15 meeting packet, the START Board is set to discuss implementing a $1 fare on START On-Demand and FY2027 budget changes. Staff says fare rollout would require a public hearing (15-day notice) and likely a contract amendment or a new vendor 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)
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
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
START Board proposes simplified fares and service cuts for October 2026, pending public hearing and local funding decisions.
Latest: 2026-10-01 — Target implementation date for new fare structure and service reductions, unless local funding fills the gap.
curated as of 2026-08-19
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| April 15, 2026 | START Board Meeting Agenda Packet | packet |