START Board to weigh service cuts and new fares for Oct. 1 gap
START’s board is set to revisit service-reduction rankings and a new fare structure meant to close a $1.5 million deficit starting Oct. 1, with the biggest rider impacts likely in commuter, late-night, and On-Demand service.
The START Board is set to revisit service reductions and a new fare structure designed to close a projected $1.5 million budget deficit that begins Oct. 1, 2026, including potential reductions to commuter and late-night service and shortened START On-Demand hours. The packet notes the system “needs to reduce the budget by a total of $1,500,000,” and staff will ask the board to reaffirm or adjust the July 23 motions after hearing more public comment Thursday. START Board packet
For wildlife and air quality, how we move people through the valley matters, because fewer cars in winter inversion season means less exhaust settled into our creek bottoms and neighborhoods. A service contraction can push riders back into individual vehicles, at the same time the board is looking at fares that would add new costs for On-Demand trips and change prices across routes. The board’s discussion will set up the recommendation that ultimately goes to the Town Council and Teton County commissioners, and the contingency plan in the staff report ties any service and fare changes to an October start date. START Board packet
Background
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
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
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| August 20, 2026 | START Board Regular Meeting Agenda Packet | packet |