Alternative Transit Study

At a glance

Based on the approved minutes, which summarize rather than transcribe.

What: final report and recommendations of the consultant-led study of alternatives to the Smart Shuttle (see Smart Shuttle Service Expansion), presented by Bret Martin with Jorge Luna of the consulting firm VHB. It proposed more microtransit vehicles and stops, an advance booking option and two conceptual fixed routes.
Where it stands: Council tabled acceptance on November 25, 2025 until January 23, 2026 so the topic could be taken up at the Council retreat. Nothing in the 2025 minutes records the later outcome.
Why contested: Fender, Robotti and Scroggins-Johnson said the fixed routes leave out Breckenridge, Kitts Creek and the Senior Center, two of the largest subdivisions, and do not reduce waits; staff said the report is conceptual and acceptance would not adopt its recommendations.
Cost and timing: extra vehicles and nodes could be added under the current funding agreement; major changes wait for the next application period in late 2026; fixed routes need time to meet ADA standards and could be ready by FY2028. Remaining consultant budget could pay for a return visit.

Staff and consultant reviewed the final report. Scroggins-Johnson would accept it only if the circular route were changed, wanted an alternative proposal and GoCary funding partnerships, and later called the report incomplete. Fender said the data did not meet community needs and feared future Councils would read the report as approved. Robotti said the study did not meet the original goals and asked whether the consultant could return (staff: yes, budget remains).
Mayor Cawley and Rao favored accepting the results but not the recommendations; Garimella saw a gap between staff and Council views and suggested using the retreat to educate Council; Johnson favored adopting the resolution with a revised title, noting its "Therefore" clause accepts the report only as input to future decisions. Town Manager Zuidema recommended tabling and cautioned against editing a consultant's report. Mayor Cawley suggested postponing added consultant funding until after the retreat.
Bret Martin noted Council accepted a similar study in 2019 that led to the Smart Shuttle.
Vote: Robotti moved to table until January 23, 2026; Fender seconded; carried 7-0.

Presentation only. Fender, Robotti and Scroggins-Johnson criticized the fixed route options; Fender asked for advance booking and more vehicles; Robotti suggested a nominal fare with exceptions for seniors and children; Scroggins-Johnson favored an advance reservation pilot and opposed fixed routes; Garimella wanted neighborhood fixed routes serving commuters; Mayor Cawley wanted faster implementation of fixed routes plus more microtransit; Johnson backed adding vehicles and nodes now. Staff said four nodes are shared with Cary.

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