FY_2027_Transit Presentation for 05-19-2026 Council Meeting_pdf

Transit Services 
Intergovernmental Agreement with Valley 
Metro
Dave Trimble, Deputy Town Manager /
Administrative Services Director
May 19, 2026

Overview

1
Today’s Purpose
Requested action: Approve the FY 2027 Intergovernmental 
Agreement with Valley Metro.
1
Annual IGA
Each fiscal year, the Town and Valley Metro enter into an agreement to provide transit program administration.
2
Transit context
Budget constraints have narrowed the Town’s transit program.
3
RideChoice update
RideChoice continues as the Town’s transit option, and program changes begin July 1, 2026.

2
Current Transit Context
Budget constraints have narrowed the Town’s transit program.
No General Fund monies are currently spent on transit.
515 Express
Discontinued in April 2025 due to 
budgetary constraints.
RideChoice
The only remaining transit option for Town 
residents.
Program changes are being implemented to address the long-term funding imbalance.

3
FY 2027 Valley Metro IGA
Annual agreement needed to continue the RideChoice program.
WHAT THE IGA DOES
Keeps the annual agreement with Valley Metro in place
• Allows RideChoice to continue for eligible residents
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve the FY 2027 IGA with Valley Metro.
RideChoice program changes go into effect July 1, 2026.

4
RideChoice Changes Effective July 1, 2026
Two major program changes were directed at the November 12, 2025 work session.
1
Eligibility: disability-qualified residents only
The program will no longer auto-qualify residents based solely on age 65+.
2
Fare structure: $3 per trip + mileage charge
Riders will pay $2 per mile after the 8th mile of a trip, in addition to the $3 per-trip charge.
Goal: Preserve access while reducing costs and aligning usage with available funding.

5
Implementation & Resident Outreach
Valley Metro assessments and resident communication support the transition.
Nov. 12, 2025
Council direction
Begin cost-saving measures for 
RideChoice.
Feb. 2026
Assessment events
20 residents attended; all 20 
qualified.
May 20, 2026
Additional outreach
Community Center assessment 
event.
July 1, 2026
Changes begin
Eligibility and fare changes take 
effect.
Both the disability qualification and fare rate changes take effect July 1, 2026.

RideChoice Trips 
& Budget

RideChoice Usage Trend
*FY 26 – 28 are 
estimates
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22
FY23
FY24
FY25
FY26*
FY27*
FY28*
≈1,500 rides
available funding 
equivalent

7
Final Summary
Staff recommendation and key takeaways.
Staff recommends approval of the FY 2027 IGA with Valley Metro.
1
IGA approval supports continued RideChoice service.
Approval allows the Town to continue annual program administration with Valley Metro.
2
Program changes take effect July 1, 2026.
Eligibility shifts to disability qualification; fares add mileage-based cost after the 8th mile.
3
Program changes are intended to address the funding imbalance.
Existing fund balances are projected to cover FY26 and FY27 shortfalls while the Town monitors ridership and costs 
after implementation.

Questions?