Valley Regional Transit extends bus network update due to extensive community feedback, improved funding outlook

Boise, IDAHO – On June 5, the Valley Regional Transit (VRT) Executive Board voted to extend the timeline to implement Better Bus Routes — the agency’s proposed bus network redesign — due to significant community feedback and identification of adequate funding to sustain current levels of service through this year. VRT plans to implement service changes by summer 2024.

“We’re taking more time to listen and craft a network redesign proposal that moves toward more frequent buses while best reflecting our community’s needs,” said VRT’s Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Clegg. “We’ve heard from residents across the Treasure Valley about the value of public transportation and the role it plays in their daily lives, and we’ve had discussions with our funding partners on how critical our services are for the communities they serve.”

During the May comment period, VRT received more than 380 survey responses and 570 individual comments on existing or proposed routes. The Executive Board set the following schedule at the recommendation of VRT staff to design network updates that best meet community needs:

• June/July: VRT Board of Directors finalizes budgets and reviews feedback to develop the final service plan proposal based on existing hours.
• August/September: VRT Board of Directors introduces the final network proposal on August 7 at the Board of Directors meeting and another public comment period opens. Public hearings on the final proposal will be held in September.
• October: The VRT Executive Board and Board of Directors meet on October 2 to review proposed changes and public comments – and consider the final proposal.

“We’re grateful to our funding partners for their collaboration in helping create positive change, and, thanks to their contributions, we no longer have to plan to reduce total service hours,” Clegg added. “We now have an opportunity to explore ways to reinvest — through more frequent bus arrivals and innovative ways to provide transit access — without cutting the total amount of service available to the region.”

While public and stakeholder support for a higher-frequency network is strong, VRT hopes to strike a balance between frequency and coverage with the final proposal. Riders can expect routes to be modified or improved without significantly reduced service hours across the system.

“Our goal is to move toward a higher-frequency network while also providing service where and when it is most needed. We are exploring alternatives to intercounty options, the proposed Central Bench and Southeast Boise changes, and solutions to serve high ridership on routes that may not have strong all-day demand, such as Boise’s North End,” said Clegg.

Valley Regional Transit, 700 NE 2nd Street, Meridian, ID 83642
Lacking its own taxing authority, VRT plans for transit services based on funding contributions from cities, counties, and universities in the region. To stay up to date on the network redesign, please visit rideVRT.org/BBR or follow VRT on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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About Valley Regional Transit
Valley Regional Transit (VRT) has been connecting people to the community they love to live in for over 20 years and is the regional public transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties. VRT bus services include 18 fixed routes in Ada County, on-demand bus service in Eagle and Canyon County, four inter-county routes, and numerous specialized transportation options. For more information, please visit rideVRT.org.