START Bus hearing would raise fares, cut trips for working riders

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.