VINE's Route 11 preserved for now

The VINE’s Route 11 between Calistoga and Santa Rosa will continue to operate while Upvalley cities consider helping to cover some of the costs.

More people are riding Route 11 to medical appointments, shopping and school in Santa Rosa, but not enough to cover the expected local share of expenses, Deborah Brunner, the Napa County Transportation and Planning Agency’s transit manager, told board members Wednesday.

At the urging of the board’s St. Helena and Calistoga members, directors agreed to keep Route 11 afloat. Agency staff had recommended shrinking the service.

Currently, Route 11 is generating enough fare revenue to cover only 6 percent of its operating costs, Brunner said. The expected standard is 16 percent. Other transit revenues cover the lion’s share.

Supervisor Bill Dodd said Route 11 should carry its own weight lest it jeopardize the financial health of the larger VINE system.

American Canyon Councilwoman Joan Bennett said the agency should not forget “the human element.” Some people who ride Route 11 to Santa Rosa for medical care may not have another transportation option, she said.

Agency staff had suggested turning Route 11 into an on-demand service as well as coordinating with Cardinal Newman and Ursuline schools in Santa Rosa for school-related trips.

The service costs about $120,000 annually, Brunner said.

The agency may apply for a state grant to cover a substantial portion of Route 11 costs.

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