HEALDSBURG, CA — A free bus expansion and two volunteer-driven vehicles could shape Healdsburg's next transportation moves, while a proposed shuttle carries a $1.8 million annual price tag.
Healdsburg council members put a new on-demand shuttle on hold, choosing to test expanded bus service and study future SMART connections before answering several central questions for the city: who needs a ride, where are they going, and who will pay for it all.
They opted to put the privately operated service, Via, on hold after staff outlined a potential $1.8 million annual cost and warned that startup grants would not sustain it.
The council instead backed an approach that would evaluate an expanded Route 67, explore improvements to the volunteer-driven DASH program, and coordinate connections with future SMART train service.
Staff previously explored a one-year pilot with Via that would deploy three vehicles, including two wheelchair-accessible vehicles, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The proposed service would cover Healdsburg and Fitch Mountain, with potential weekend trips to nearby wineries. Staff estimated annual costs of approximately $1.8 million, including city staffing.
The city sought $1.44 million in federal funding for the pilot but did not receive it, according to staff.
Staff said narrower service hours and a more specific group of riders could reduce costs. Riders would include workers, seniors, students, residents without reliable transportation, or hotel guests.
Several members questioned whether the city should subsidize trips between hotels and restaurants or transport visitors outside city limits for wine tasting. The city also needs more data about demand from residents from public transit before adding new services.
In the meantime, a three-year, $1.25 million grant will expand operations on Healdsburg's free Route 67 by roughly 65%.
Proposed changes include expanded hours, trips, and frequency, additional service to northern neighborhoods, and a consistent one-hour loop. Council members also discussed aligning service with school schedules.
Staff reported that Route 67 carried slightly more than 12,000 rides during fiscal year 2026, at an operating cost of about $47 per ride.
The city contributes approximately $13,000 annually toward the fare-free service. Total annual operating costs reach approximately $564,000.
Council members urged the city to promote the route, collect ridership information, and assess the expansion before adding another transportation system.
Councilmember David Hagele flagged a connection problem: the draft Route 67 map he had reviewed did not stop at either proposed SMART station location.
Staff expected Sonoma County Transit to present the proposed changes at the second council meeting in January.
The DASH program provides free rides through volunteer drivers and two city vehicles. Riders typically reserve trips a week ahead.
Staff reported 525 rides so far in 2026, compared with 336 during the program's launch year in 2019. One employee devotes approximately one-third of their working time to the program.
Council members suggested stronger promotion, expanded eligibility, and better access for riders with disabilities.
Councilmember Ariel Kelley questioned whether the city maximizes the vehicles' use, pointing to a ride total averaging fewer than two trips per day.
Other members praised the program's efficiency but cautioned that expansion depends on residents volunteering to drive.
Approximately $360,000 in one-time grant funding might support a vehicle purchase, subject to approvals. Staff said those funds would not cover routine operating costs.
Staff said SMART plans to coordinate local bus, bicycle, and other connections at a future station. But the agency does not plan to provide Healdsburg with the SMART Connect shuttle service offered in its airport and Larkspur service areas.
Council members discussed whether private hotel and residential shuttles could help connect workers and other riders with the train.
Two hotels had discussed potential contributions of about $250,000 annually toward a shared service.
Staff said that neither hotel had committed funding and that participation would depend on meeting their transportation needs.
Public speakers also urged the city to improve sidewalks and bicycle routes, question the cost of microtransit, and examine existing bus use.
The council decided to evaluate Route 67 and future SMART service while staff gathers additional ridership information and advances a community transportation survey. Members also supported continued coordination with Sonoma County Transit as it develops its strategic plan.
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