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Benton Area Transit service delivery

March 17, 2026 in BC ProjectPW Projects

Status: Planning
Last updated: March 17, 2026
Location: Throughout Benton County

Project description

In the December 2, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board, based on the results of an assessment conducted by transportation consultants Kittelson & Associates, directed County staff to investigate how Benton Area Transit (BAT) self-performance could be implemented and to create a draft implementation plan. This process will take many months.

When it is ready, the Board will review and discuss the draft implementation plan. If it outlines a change to BAT operations that will provide the current level of service or better while meeting the increasingly stringent requirements of our state and federal funders and ensuring stability and growth potential, the Board will instruct staff to begin finalizing the plan so that it may be considered for budget adoption in spring 2027. If not, there will be no change in how BAT services are delivered.

Project goals

  1. Build fiscal sustainability
    Better leverage funds to create cost-efficiency and lower cost variability to be on par with peer agencies.
  2. Create efficient operations
    Provide services that meet riders’ needs, scale operations according to long-range planning, and communicate transparently.
  3. Provide context-appropriate service
    Build administrative services to track needs and plan for maintenance, expansion, and regional coordination.
  4. Maintain compliance
    Ensure alignment with state and federal regulations and funding requirements and address any noncompliance findings.

BAT program analysis documents from Kittelson & Associates

Transportation consultants Kittelson & Associates assisted Benton County with a program assessment of the Benton Area Transit (BAT) service. The consultant team reviewed information provided by Benton County, Corvallis Transit System (CTS), National Transit Database (NTD), and Benton County’s current contract with Dial-A-Bus (DAB). The assessment provides a baseline for comparing alternative service delivery models and how they may impact costs and levels of service.

Tentative timeline

Winter 2026Establish team to create draft Implementation Plan
Spring/Summer 2026Draft Implementation Plan
Summer/Fall 2026Collect feedback in public listening sessions (sign up to receive emailed invitations)
Collect Commissioner Feedback
Fall 2026Develop STIF Funding Plan
Spring 2027Incorporate final Implementation Plan into proposed 2027-29 County budget
Commissioner decision – move to self-performance model or maintain status quo?
Critical milestone for progressing to future steps
Summer 2027Set implementation date
Fall 2027Pre-operational preparations
2028Launch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between Benton Area Transit and Dial-A-Bus?

Benton Area Transit (BAT) is the County’s program. The County has chosen to contract with Dial-A-Bus to operate under a services contract overseen by County staff. The resources provided are the County’s responsibility and do not represent an entitlement or grant to Dial-A-Bus — only a contract for services. Dial-A-Bus has other services they provide directly that must be maintained separately from BAT.

Why is Benton County considering changing how BAT services are delivered?
  • Equipment costs have increased due to double-digit inflation.
  • Federal 5311 funds are allocated to agencies based on vehicle revenue miles, so the County needs to ensure stable or increasing miles to prevent funding decreases.
  • Agencies like Benton County are under increased pressure from new, stricter federal and state regulations.
  • Repeat federal noncompliance findings related to both administrative controls and how services are delivered are affecting the County’s ability to secure grants.
  • There has historically been insufficient data to provide accurate cost estimates for appropriate resource sharing. The County requires reliable financial data.
Why is Benton County taking away BAT services?

No matter how the Board of Commissioners chooses to proceed, BAT services will not be eliminated or reduced. There will be no disruption in service. In fact, the County hopes to be able to provide more rides for community members, which is one of the reasons we are investigating this change.

Is Benton County shutting down Dial-A-Bus?

A change in the County’s contract with Dial-A-Bus would not affect the organization’s other contracts. The proposed change only pertains to services provided by Benton Area Transit (BAT). Dial-A-Bus is an independent organization that is not operated by Benton County and will, to our knowledge, continue to provide all other services.

Is Benton County ending the contract with Dial-A-Bus to use another vendor to provide BAT services.?

If the County does not continue a relationship with Dial-A-Bus, the only alternative being investigated at this time is a self-performance model where all BAT operations are carried out by County staff.

More information

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