Transit officials discuss restoring night and weekend routes, developing a new Bossier transfer facility and advancing infrastructure projects.
SHREVEPORT, La. — SporTran is working with Bossier City officials on plans to restore night and weekend transit service and develop a new transfer facility as Bossier City’s annual contribution to the regional transit system is expected to increase to approximately $1.5 million in 2027.
SporTran CEO Dinero’ Washington outlined the developments Monday during the Shreveport City Council’s administrative conference, where officials reviewed the agency’s proposed 2027 budget.
Washington said Bossier City’s funding is increasing from approximately $900,000 to $1.5 million, a roughly 67% increase.
The additional support comes as SporTran explores restoring evening and weekend operations in Bossier City.
“Looking at bringing nights and weekend service back in Bossier,” Washington told council members.
He said discussions with Bossier City officials have also advanced plans for a new transit transfer facility. The agencies have identified city-owned property as a potential location and scheduled another meeting for Tuesday, Nov. 10, to discuss the project.
“We’ve identified some land in Bossier that is owned by the city of Bossier, and we’re working to build that facility,” Washington said.
SporTran currently operates a Bossier City Transfer Hub at 301 Broadway Street. Officials have not announced whether the proposed new facility would replace or supplement the existing location.
Expanded service could improve transportation access for employees working outside traditional weekday business hours, including those in retail, hospitality, healthcare and other service industries.
Specific routes, operating schedules and a construction timetable for the proposed Bossier facility have not been announced.
SporTran proposes nearly $21 million budget
SporTran’s proposed 2027 operating budget totals just under $21 million, approximately 6.6% higher than the current year’s budget.
City officials attributed the increase primarily to higher labor, equipment, utility and insurance costs, along with matching requirements for capital grants.
Washington said insurance expenses have risen as the agency’s fleet has expanded and modernized. He reported that the fleet’s value has increased from approximately $18 million to $42 million as new buses have entered service through federal grant funding.
The transit system also plans to continue its zero-fare program in 2027, allowing passengers to ride without paying fares.
Washington said SporTran is approaching 5 million rides, which he described as the second-highest transit ridership total in Louisiana.
New facilities and technology projects advance
Beyond the proposed Bossier City expansion, Washington outlined several infrastructure and technology initiatives.
He said SporTran is advancing plans for an $8 million federally supported ADA Resource Center near Cherokee Park in Shreveport’s Martin Luther King Jr. community.
The project also appears on U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy’s fiscal 2027 congressional funding request list, which identifies $8 million for replacement of an ADA hub and administrative complex serving the Shreveport Area Transit System.
Washington told council members that SporTran is working with Thrash Construction and hopes to begin construction during the first quarter of 2027.
The agency is also advancing its autonomous transit program, SporTran EVOLVE, which was unveiled in August following a federal SMART grant award of nearly $1 million.
Washington said SporTran has received grant funding for approximately 400 electronic information signs at bus stops. The signs would provide passengers with real-time service information and updates.
The agency is continuing to install bus shelters throughout its service area.
Washington also referenced a pending $175 million federal funding opportunity and said agency representatives were preparing for discussions in Washington, D.C. The funding has not been announced as an award.
Transit security also under review
Council members questioned security arrangements at transit facilities.
Washington said SporTran was testing a pilot program involving off-duty police officers, with additional oversight from police supervisors.
The initiative is intended to help officials evaluate security needs before establishing a longer-term staffing and funding plan.
City officials said additional money had been included in SporTran’s proposed budget to help cover potential security expenses.
The proposed 2027 transit budget remains subject to the city’s review and approval process. The Shreveport City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed municipal budget Tuesday, Nov. 10.