START Bus hearing would raise fares, cut trips for working riders
The START Board will take public comment Aug. 20 on proposed service cuts and new fares tied to a $1.5M shortfall, including possible limits on early morning and late-night On-Demand rides.
The START Board will hold a public hearing Thursday, Aug. 20 (3:45 to 4:15 pm) on proposed service and fare changes that could hit the riders who use the bus to make it to work, including early shifts and late nights START Board Regular Meeting Agenda.
Staff say the changes are being discussed because START needs to reduce its budget by about $1.5 million starting Oct. 1, 2026, after a federal grant reduction. Public comments already in the meeting packet include a St. John’s Health nurse asking the board not to narrow On-Demand hours because she needs a ride that gets her to work by 6:30 am, and another rider describing how longer Town Shuttle waits can make basic errands during a lunch break impossible. If you want to weigh in, the agenda says comments are limited to 3 minutes, and written comments can be emailed to info@startbus.com START Board Regular Meeting Agenda Packet.
Background
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
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
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| August 20, 2026 | START Board Regular Meeting Agenda | agenda |
| August 20, 2026 | START Board Regular Meeting Agenda Packet | packet |