Transportation Nampa transit routes cut after city council reduces funding, Lyft added to VRT On-Demand

NAMPA, Idaho — The Nampa City Council and Valley Regional Transit on Thursday announced that it is changing its system by removing routes in Nampa and adding Lyft to VRT On-Demand.

According to VRT, beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, routes in Nampa will be reduced "as a result of the city council decision to reduce funding," with changes to Route 40 and the suspension of Route 30 in Meridian.

The changes come after months of budget discussions between VRT and the Nampa City Council. These changes are based on officials' input, rider feedback, and system performance.

Route 40 – which now runs down Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard, serves stops near the College of Western Idaho and continues into Boise – would be rerouted to connect downtown Caldwell, the county fairgrounds, and the Ten Mile interchange. The route had about 3,250 annual boardings in Nampa, according to VRT.

VRT On-Demand is ending in most of Nampa, according to officials. Riders can still use the service for select trips to College of Western Idaho campuses, St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus locations.

In Meridian, VRT is discontinuing Route 30 Pine, which connected Ten Mile Crossing and The Village. VRT stated its Route 45 covers nearly all of the same stops. Paratransit service connected to Route 30 is also ending, although VRT’s Beyond Access and Rides2Wellness programs will continue for eligible riders.

VRT On-Demand riders may now be offered a $2 Lyft ride during booking if VRT can’t match them with other riders. The regular fare is $1.50, and riders can decline Lyft.

VRT stated that Caldwell riders will still be able to use the On-Demand service in Caldwell and get rides to partner locations in Nampa, including CWI, St. Luke’s, and Saint Alphonsus.