Menlo Park Shuttles Face 2027 Cliff as Council Eyes Ride-Hail Pilot

Menlo Park's subsidized shuttles are running out of road. Grants that pay for them expire in early and mid-2027, and staff told the City Council on Nov. 11, 2026, that keeping every route alive would take about $1.4M more in local money. In a study session with no vote, council members leaned toward a cheaper ride-hail pilot. They also unanimously declared a local emergency ahead of a forecast El Niño winter.

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• Shuttle funding cliff: Lifeline money ends Feb. 27, 2027, and the county transportation grant ends June 30, 2027
• $1.9M projected cost for FY2027-28, compared with $226,000 budgeted for FY2026-27
• $34,000 ride-hail pilot floated to replace the Shopper Shuttle, but riders likely face a gap starting March 1
• El Niño emergency declared 5-0, matching state and county declarations and clearing the way for pre-contracted flood equipment

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Shuttle Program Hits a Funding Wall

The basics: Menlo Park runs four shuttle services. They are the M1 Crosstown, the M3 and Marsh Road commuter shuttles, and the Shopper Shuttle. The money comes from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA), the Lifeline program, Measure A and limited developer fees.

Why it matters: Without new local money, the Crosstown and Shopper Shuttle end in February 2027 and the commuter routes end in June 2027. That would strand riders who don't have cars.

Where things stand: Staff said hourly operating costs are projected to top $250 in FY2027-28. The full program would cost about $1.9M that year. The city's revenue sources are much smaller:

• Measure A brings in about $1.2M a year, but only about $160,000 goes to shuttles.
• Developer fees add about $65,000 a year.

Staff laid out what each piece would cost to keep running:

• $105,000 would carry the Crosstown and Shopper Shuttle through the end of the fiscal year.
• Roughly $700,000 would be needed for those two routes the following year. Staff's wording on that figure was unclear.
• $740,000 would keep the Marsh Road and Willow routes going.

Staff asked for direction, including on ending the program July 1, 2027. They also said the city could ask SamTrans to extend Ride Plus, its on-demand service.

The ride-hail alternative: Staff proposed a four-month pilot modeled on Lyft Pass. It would use a transportation network company (TNC), the industry term for app-based ride-hail services. The pilot would:

• Subsidize up to $20 per trip for eligible residents
• Cost an estimated $34,000
• Run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Allow 20 one-way trips per month
• Limit trips to current shuttle destinations, including Stanford Medical Center, Stanford Shopping Center, Redwood City, Palo Alto and Menlo Park

Eligibility could be based on residency, age, disability or income. Staff said the pilot likely won't launch before Lifeline funding ends, leaving a gap starting March 1. About 15 regular users would be affected, and staff said it would notify them.

The other side: Public commenter Pam Jones, a Belle Haven resident, said residents without cars are isolated. She argued that if the city wants a welcoming, revitalized downtown, it has to give people a way to get there. She suggested District 3 and 4 development funds could pay for shuttles.

Public commenter Adina Levin called the ride-hail pilot a good idea, given shuttle costs of more than $200 an hour. She also pressed staff on outreach to employers along Marsh Road and raised the idea of a transportation management association for commuters. She doubted Ride Plus would work as a Caltrain connection, but noted ongoing advocacy for Ride Plus improvements that the city could support.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: No action was taken. Council members broadly supported a pilot. One member backed limits on residency, geography and hours, but not verification of age, disability or income. Members questioned cost per rider and whether to use general fund or Measure A money, which would compete with capital projects.

Councilmember Cecilia Taylor said she wants to explore other sources, such as development funds or the Bayfront mitigation fund. One member proposed using up to $50,000 from Bayfront mitigation funds to keep the Crosstown running through year end. Members also asked whether Ride PBI, run by Peninsula Volunteers, or the Sequoia Healthcare District could cover some riders.

The likely winners are budget hawks and riders who need flexible, door-to-door trips. The likely losers are commuters on the Marsh Road and Willow routes, plus regular Shopper Shuttle riders facing the March gap.

What's next: Staff will return with options based on council direction. The Bayfront funding idea was discussed but not formally adopted.

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Council Declares El Niño Emergency, 5-0

Why it matters: The declaration lets the city pre-contract equipment for a possible major flood. Staff warned that saturated soils, high tides and storms could converge from January to February.

Where things stand: Emergency preparedness coordinator Brandon Bond said the governor declared a state of emergency Sept. 23. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has also declared a local emergency.

The city has already cleaned drains and is activating sandbag stations. Staff meet monthly with the National Weather Service. Outreach includes:

• A San Francisquito Creek workshop on Nov. 14
• A postal mailer
• Library presentations
• A free Saturday sandbag event

Councilmember Taylor asked about wireless access, the Climate Action Plan's sea level strategy and costs. Staff said costs are hard to estimate and that the city's mitigation plan is with Cal OES, the state Office of Emergency Services.

Councilmember Jeff Schmidt promoted CERT, the Community Emergency Response Team training. He said it lets people willing to help their neighbors do so when disaster strikes.

The other side: No one opposed the resolution. Public commenter Pam Jones praised the planning but said her Belle Haven home sits partly below sea level. She urged attention to rising groundwater and sea level rise. Jenny Mitchell, president of MPC Ready, backed the staff recommendation. She urged residents to prepare by clearing drains, keeping backup lighting and getting vehicles ready.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: Councilmember Taylor moved the resolution and Vice Mayor Jennifer Wise seconded. It passed on a roll call (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0). Voting yes were Mayor Betsy Nash, Vice Mayor Wise and Councilmembers Taylor, Drew Combs and Schmidt. Low-lying neighborhoods such as Belle Haven have the most at stake.

What's next: Residents can attend the Nov. 14 creek workshop and the free sandbag event.

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Minor Items

• Consent calendar approved 5-0, including investment portfolio reports. Councilmember Taylor moved the item and Mayor Nash seconded.
• Proclamations: Council recognized November as Native American Heritage Month and Nov. 18 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Jones suggested opening each meeting with the land acknowledgment recognizing the Ramaytush Ohlone.
• Closed session: Council met on two pending lawsuits against the city. The city attorney reported no action.
• Climate Action Plan 2030 update: An ad hoc Environmental Quality Commission subcommittee may reset plan priorities next fiscal year. Council also thanked a departing climate staffer.

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Looking ahead: The shuttle debate returns as staff refine the ride-hail pilot and funding options. The clock is set by the Feb. 27, 2027, end of Lifeline funding.