The City of Humboldt continues to forge ahead with a study to determine the best outcomes for its transit situation. With taxi services limited, some residents are finding it a challenge to travel within the city for necessities like food or medication. A recent agreement with the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation will provide transit access for those needing to meet medical appointments. However, the City wants to do more. 

The City of Humboldt has obtained $50,000 in federal funding from the Rural Transit Solution grant to offset the cost of the study. At Monday’s City Council Meeting, a report was presented outlining the steps going forward. The report states that the Director of Corporate Services and Leisure Service Director met with Dillon Consulting on October 12th to review the scope of the project, discuss timelines and the phases of the work. The plan is to have consultants conduct a needs assessment/ feasibility study, contact community organizations, residents and other stakeholders, and provide Council with options for addressing transportation issues.

In the first phase, Dillon has requested that the City’s administration provide available data of the current Mobility Van operations, names of key community stakeholders and any current transportation services available in the community. The City indicated it intends to meet the request by the end of October. 

The second phase will see a formal needs assessment and a wider dialogue with members of the community and key stakeholders. The intention is for the consultants to get a better understanding of the transportation demands and needs within the City and the surrounding area. These steps will include stakeholders meetings, an online survey, and a public/Council working session. The City anticipates these phases will be completed by the end of December. 

Following that the consultants will come back to the City with recommendations to consider. The report was adopted by City Council at the regular meeting.