Medina Expands On-Demand Transit Through 2027

Medina approves $90,000 for on-demand transit through 2027, starting April 2026

Medina Adds On-Demand Transit Through 2027

Medina residents will have access to expanded on-demand public transit services starting in April 2026 under an agreement approved March 23 by the city council. The city's partnering with Medina County Public Transit through August 31, 2027, contributing $90,000 over the two-year period. The shift to call-ahead scheduling has increased ridership while cutting fuel costs, officials said.

Context & Background

The service model change reflects a broader trend among smaller transit systems toward demand-responsive transportation rather than fixed routes. Community Development Director Andrew Dutton confirmed the transit services will begin in April 2026. The city's funding $75,000 from a Community Development Block Grant fund and $15,000 from the general fund. To meet CDBG requirements, a certain number of riders must be from the city of Medina, and the transit agency's responsible for tracking this data.

Key Details

Mayor Jim Shields noted that while a couple of fixed routes will remain in Medina, the focus on on-demand services has increased ridership and decreased fuel consumption. Eligible residents can call ahead to schedule rides rather than waiting at fixed stops on set schedules. The memorandum of understanding runs through August 31, 2027, providing service continuity for more than a year. Officials didn't specify which fixed routes will continue or how many vehicles will operate under the new model.

Timeline & Implementation

The agreement takes effect in April 2026, following the March 23 council approval. Services will continue through August 31, 2027, under the current funding arrangement. Officials haven't said whether they'll seek to extend the agreement beyond that date or what ridership benchmarks they'll use to evaluate the program's success during the two-year period.

Rider Impact & Moovit

Eligible Medina residents can begin calling to schedule rides when services start in April. The on-demand model offers more flexibility than traditional fixed-route service but requires advance planning. Riders can track real-time vehicle locations and plan trips using Moovit, which provides updates for Medina County Public Transit services throughout the coverage area.