Chris James

The Get Board of Directors approved the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget. The budget projected 4 million miles traveled by drivers between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, with total budgeted costs of $28.6 million. Revenue sources include customer fares ($5.4 million), State TDA funds ($17.7 million), federal funds for preventative maintenance ($5.1 million), and other sources ($459,000). Operational expenses totaling $3.3 million for fuel, parts, and maintenance, and $21.6 million for salaries, wages, and benefits, are primarily funded by state tax dollars, with a state requirement that 20% of operational expenses be covered by fares. Capital projects, totaling $16.8 million and funded primarily by federal grants, include the purchase of 10 bus shelters, five G Lift vehicles, and 24 fixed route buses, alongside a $500,000 partnership with the City of Bakersfield for improving disabled customer access. Additionally, service on Route 61 was expanded from hourly to 30-minute service during weekday peak hours, commencing July 3rd. The board decided against an immediate fare increase but will review fares again in five months.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included several key components. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of the meeting agenda, approval of minutes from previous meetings (Board of Directors' Meeting of December 2, 2025, and Facilities and Equipment Board Committee Meeting of January 13, 2026), acceptance of payable check disbursements, and approval of a digital signage contract. The Regular Agenda items included the Election of Chair and Vice Chair, approval of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Transit Bus Purchase, adoption of the Year 2 -- Fourth Quarter Strategic Plan Update with discussion on Year 3 of 5 Strategic Plan Initiatives, and receiving reports on the Second Quarter RiderShip Reports & Performance Metrics, and November & December 2025 Financial Position and Results of Operations.

This document outlines the annual Short Range Transit Plan for GET, covering a five-year period and updated annually. Its objective is to achieve district goals by following the mission statement. The plan includes a detailed analysis of the transit system, service and performance standards, ridership characteristics, demographic data, and financial projections. Key components involve a recommended five-year service plan with proposed improvements to routes, evening services, and headways, as well as a financial plan outlining revenues, expenses, and funding. The plan is described as a living document, subject to annual updates and incorporating public feedback, with future considerations for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) expansion and improvements to service catchment areas through enhanced pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

The GET Board approved the 16-17 budget, which includes 230 GET drivers traveling more than 4 million miles from July 1st, 2016, to June 30th, 2017. The service is budgeted to cost $28.6 million. Budgeted revenue includes customer fairs, State TDA funds, federal funds for preventative maintenance, and other sources. Operational expenses include salaries, wages, benefits, fuel, parts, maintenance, outside services, insurance, and utilities. Capital projects are funded primarily by federal grants, and GET is required to match 20% of these grants. Federal projects include the purchase of bus shelters, G lift vehicles, and fixed route buses. The capital budget also includes a partnership with the city of Bakersfield to improve access to bus stops for disabled customers. GET also budgeted for expanded service on Route 61. The board considered a fair increase but decided not to change fairs and will review them again in 5 months.

The discussion involved a public hearing regarding a proposed fare increase. A motion was made to reject the fare increase but to revisit the possibility after route changes have been implemented, with a suggestion to reevaluate after five months instead of six. The motion was amended and seconded, and ultimately carried.