GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The City of Gainesville and the University of Florida (UF) announced on Wednesday they have agreed to a six-month contract extension for Regional Transit System (RTS) bus service.
The extension keeps existing bus routes and schedules intact while the parties continue to work on a mutually agreeable long-term deal.
In March, the university proposed a dramatic cut in the amount it contributes for pre-paid bus service for its students, staff and faculty. The proposal would have slashed $6.9 million from the RTS budget effective July 1, 2024.
In response, the city alerted the community it was preparing for massive cuts in bus routes and service hours. That prompted outcry from riders who say they rely on the service for transportation to school, work and access to things like government services, medical appointments and grocery shopping.
The bus bickering played out publicly until UF and the city began face-to-face negotiations last week. Gainesville City Manager Cynthia W. Curry and UF Senior Vice President Dave Kratzer spearheaded the talks.
One of the main issues the university questioned was how much it paid per rider versus non-UF riders. The city contended the university receives a nearly 40% discount and that the fare it charges does not cover actual operating costs.
“Discussions were had regarding the current funding model and whether that model should be modified to reflect changes in demographics around the university,” said the city in a news release.
During the contract extension, the city and the university say they will explore long-term methods of maintaining RTS bus service across the broader community while addressing the university’s specific needs.