START’s 5-Year Transit Plan turns on drivers, housing and real money
On May 28, the START Board is set to discuss and approve the 5-Year Transit Development Plan, with service growth tied to operator housing, staffing and a budget path rising toward $13.4 million by 2031.
The START Board is scheduled Thursday to discuss and approve the 5-Year Transit Development Plan, a five-year route, fare and service plan that is only as real as the drivers and housing behind it, according to the START Board agenda. The plan’s practical choice is Scenario 2: put the new network in place without an immediate jump in miles, hours or staff, then add frequency as START can house and hire operators. That matters for anyone counting on commuter service from the rural edges, because every added commuter round trip takes another operator.
Background
| Date | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $9.3 million |
| 2027 | $9.8 million |
| 2028 | $11.4 million |
| 2029 | $12.0 million |
| 2030 | $12.7 million |
| 2031 | $13.4 million |
On April 30, 2026, the START Board approved the 2026–2031 route plan (excluding airport service) with a 5-1 vote, launching phased transit expansion, network redesign, and fare simplification.
Latest: 2031 — Projected operating budget peaks at $13.4 million; goal of 300,000 additional annual boardings reached if all expansions are implemented.
curated as of 2026-05-27
On July 23, 2026, the START Board approved recommending service reductions to address a $1.5M budget shortfall, with final decisions pending a public hearing and Joint Board approval.
Latest: 2026-08-20 — Scheduled public hearing to receive comment on proposed service reductions and fare changes before Joint Board approval.
curated as of 2026-07-22
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
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2026 | START Board Regular Meeting Agenda | agenda |