The Mat-Su Borough is grappling with a looming deadline to secure funding for its public bus service or face its complete discontinuation. A change in federal transportation funding rules necessitates that the borough contribute 50% of the program's cost, a significant financial shift from the current model where a federal grant largely covers expenses. Borough officials are exploring various options to manage this financial burden, including service reductions and the implementation of a new fixed-route bus line.
A shift in federal transportation funding guidelines compels the Mat-Su Borough to shoulder 50% of public transit expenses and assume operational control of the region's bus service by July, or risk complete forfeiture of the funding. Currently, a substantial federal grant largely underwrites the program, managed by the nonprofit Valley Transit without borough oversight. However, due to the borough's population size, this grant is no longer applicable.
Termination of the service would leave hundreds of residents stranded without commuter transportation to Anchorage and on-demand shuttles for essential services. Borough officials are poised to propose service reductions, including fewer daily trips and diminished on-demand availability, to mitigate costs. Additionally, the implementation of a new fixed-route bus line is under consideration to enhance operational efficiency
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FUNDING MAT-SU BOROUGH VALLEY TRANSIT BUDGET CUTS FIXED-ROUTE BUS
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