VRT Public Hearing: September 2024 Discontinuance of 160 Eagle On-Demand

On Monday, September 9, the VRT Board of Directors voted to discontinue the 160 Eagle On-Demand due to insufficient funding within the City of Eagle’s FY2025 adopted budget. The last day of service will be Monday, September 30, 2024. VRT’s Beyond Access service will still be available for older adults and persons with disabilities who qualify.

The 160 Eagle On-Demand service was designed to provide a flexible transportation option for the City of Eagle. Unlike fixed-route bus services, VRT On-Demand riders can book rides as needed, offering convenience that is well-suited for lower-density areas like Eagle.

“While the discontinuation of the 160 Eagle On-Demand service represents an unfortunate change for our riders, we remain committed to exploring ways to help improve transportation in Eagle,” said VRT CEO Elaine Clegg. “We heard from members of the public how valuable this service has been, and we will continue to work with our partners to build upon existing services, like VRT Beyond Access, to bring connection and independence to the region.”

Lacking taxing authority, VRT plans transit services based on voluntary funding contributions from cities, counties, universities, and other regional entities.

“This is a great example of why we need to find a better way to fund our transit system,” Clegg added. “With the current limitations, it is very challenging to plan and provide reliable transportation services and presents incredible burdens on the already strained budgets of our city and county partners. I look forward to working with our partners and state representatives to find the solution we need in this fast-growing region.”

-About the 160 Eagle On-Demand-

The result of a lengthy planning process between VRT and the City of Eagle, VRT introduced the 160 Eagle On-Demand as a pilot in May 2023 and began full-fare service in September 2023, with service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The City Council voted to expand the service in April this year, providing a longer span of service, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to attract riders. Transit services often take a year or more to fully realize ridership potential.

The 160 Eagle On-Demand coverage area includes most of the City of Eagle, St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center, The Village at Meridian, Gary & Bunch, and the State of Idaho Chinden campus. It also serves major destinations such as the Eagle Public Library, Eagle Island State Park, various city parks, and other shopping centers.