TransitItem 9.CCity Council Regular Meeting, October 21, 2026
Weekend buses on Route 9 would come every 30 minutes instead of every 15
Council votes
Wed, Oct 216:00 PM · in 7 days
Cost
Saves $640,000 a year.
Where
Northpark, Downtown
In plain words
The city's bus budget is short $2.1M because federal pandemic money ran out. To save $640K a year, weekend buses on Route 9 (Northpark to Downtown to the university) would run half as often, and two late-night routes would be merged.
Who it affects
- A bus rider: If you ride Route 9 on weekends, you could wait up to 30 minutes instead of 15.
- A student: Route 9 is the main weekend bus to campus. Trips could take up to 15 minutes longer.
- A senior: Longer waits at stops, with fewer buses on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Arguments for and against
👍 Why some support it
- Weekend buses on Route 9 are about half full on average.
- Cutting service is cheaper than raising fares for everyone.
👎 Why some oppose it
- Weekend riders are often shift workers and students with no other option.
- Less frequent buses tend to lose more riders over time.
- Other cities have filled gaps with parking revenue instead.
Where it is now
- Transit agency proposed cutsAug 15, 2026, done
- Transit Committee reviewSep 24, 2026, done
- Council voteNextOct 21, 2026
- New schedule would startJan 10, 2027