The Redwood Coast Transit Authority board discussed a roughly $200,000 operating shortfall driven by a sharp drop in State Transit Assistance and one‑time pandemic funds soon running out. The board voted to continue the winter schedule and defer this summer’s service enhancement to save about $70,000.

Staff reported the LCTOP-funded free fares program provided roughly 50,000 boardings last fiscal year, warned that state re-tiering of LCTOP threatens future allocations, and asked the board to approve a corrective action plan to move about $80,000 from an electrification project back to fares; staff also floated narrowing eligibility (removing Route 20) as an option.

The RCTA board approved the 2026–27 budget and authorized filing its TDA claim while staff outlined multiple potential service reductions — from shorter weekend hours to eliminating select evening trips — to address a $200,000–$300,000 structural shortfall once one-time COVID funds end.

Staff reported receiving over $7 million in TRSIP Cycle 6 funds for three projects — Williams Drive EV chargers, procurement of battery-electric buses, and the Crescent City Transit Center — and recommended borrowing from the transit-center construction allocation to complete the Williams Drive chargers while applying for additional grant tranches.

LSC Transportation Consultants presented a draft Short Range Transit Plan that offers a constrained, fiscally balanced scenario and an unconstrained scenario that would expand frequency and add Sunday service if additional funding materializes. The board asked clarifying questions; consultants will take comments and return a final plan for adoption

Committee adjourns without quorum, plans October meeting for document review and public outreach.