Georgetown leaders are considering changes to the city's rideGTX program that could make trips more expensive, reduce late-night availability, and end service outside city limits.
A review at the Aug. 11 City Council workshop centered on the program's growing price tag, with city documents estimating annual costs between $795,000 and $865,000, according to Community Impact.
Here's what to know
As Georgetown, Texas, moves to phase out its older GoGeo transit system, Transportation Manager Lua Saluone walked council members through possible updates to rideGTX.
The proposals that appeared to draw support included a $1 increase in the standard rideGTX voucher fare, a shift from 24/7 service to operating hours from 6 a.m. to midnight, and ending trips in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Roughly 16 to 20 regular riders account for about 55 monthly trips in the city's ETJ, which would be affected if that service ends. Separately, Community Impact reported that cutting overnight service could save the city $40,000 to $50,000 each year.
District 5 council member Kevin Pitts framed the issue as a sign of the program's success: "I think we got a problem here which is a good problem. We created a new service, and it's working very well. Working too good actually for the money we have allocated for it."
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More background
Georgetown previously operated two transit programs.
One was GoGeo, which provided $2 trips for residents 65 and older and limited service for people with disabilities through CapMetro. The other was rideGTX, launched in 2025, which gave users 10 vouchers each month for ride-hailing trips.
Under the current rideGTX setup, riders pay the first $4 of a trip, the city covers up to the next $10, and any remaining cost falls to the user, Community Impact reported. Wheelchair-accessible trips are still uncapped, while riders continue to pay only the first $4.
Council members voted in February to shut down GoGeo at the end of the fiscal year and transition riders to rideGTX. That change could become harder for the residents Georgetown wants to help if rideGTX operates for fewer hours and in a smaller area.
District 1 council member Amanda Parr said rides for work, groceries, and medical care should remain the priority.
What's being done?
Rather than deciding on a full overhaul immediately, staff will work with transit contractor Trippp Consulting on an after-hours tiered pricing plan and then bring that proposal back to council, according to Community Impact.
That approach followed comments from District 3 council member Ben Butler, who said Georgetown should keep some late-night service because transportation choices can also affect public safety. He supported higher pricing on evenings and weekends while preserving an option for people who should not be driving at night.
Butler described the concern, saying, "I'd like to focus on those people, especially those people that are holding down a job, but can't or shouldn't be driving, and allowing them to get to work without having to depend on their parents or other people."
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