VRT Public Hearing & Open House: Proposed Service Changes in Nampa and Caldwell
2026-06-22 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Boise) | Nampa Civic Center: PacificSource North Room, 311 3rd St South, Nampa, ID, 83651, United States
Valley Regional Transit will conduct a public hearing and open house to receive comments on proposed changes to Nampa and Caldwell transit services.
The proposals are necessary to align service levels with the City of Nampa’s reduced annual contribution to VRT (from $880,000 to less than $500,000 for FY2027).
VRT’s primary objective is to maintain service continuity for riders within the available budget.
A drop-in open house will begin at 3:30 p.m. to allow the public to review the proposed changes and ask questions, followed by a public hearing at 5 p.m. for participants to testify.
3:30 PM /// Open House
5:00 PM /// Public Hearing

In-person: Nampa Civic Center (311 3rd St S, Nampa, ID 83651)
Virtual link: ridevrt.org/Nampa-Caldwell-Hearing-2026
The Nampa Civic Center can be accessed on VRT On-Demand and Route 42 Happy Day – Towne Square Mall, both of which serve bus stop CN059 in front of the facility.

VRT is also taking feedback with a survey, which can be found at ridevrt.org/Nampa-Caldwell. The survey will close July 3.

> Learn more about proposed changes in Nampa and Caldwell
> Public hearing legal notice
> Public hearing boards
View the Public Hearing on Proposed Service Changes in Nampa and Caldwell Here

Meridian Dairy Days Parade
2026-06-27 11:00 - 13:00 | ID
Meridian Dairy Days Parade
Valley Regional Transit will be participating in the Meridian Dairy Days Parade, one of the Treasure Valley’s longest-running community traditions celebrating Meridian’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.
VRT will be showcasing our 250 American-wrapped bus, a crowd favorite that honors our nation’s history while highlighting the important role public transportation plays in connecting communities throughout the Treasure Valley. Community members are encouraged to watch for the bus along the parade route and give a wave as we help celebrate this beloved annual event.
The Meridian Dairy Days Parade brings together local businesses, community organizations, schools, first responders, and residents for a morning of family-friendly fun and hometown pride. VRT is proud to participate alongside so many organizations that help make the Treasure Valley a great place to live, work, and play.
Events like Dairy Days provide an opportunity for VRT to connect with the community, celebrate local traditions, and raise awareness about the transportation services and mobility options available throughout the region.
Event Details
📍 Downtown Meridian
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
🕘 Parade begins at 11:00 AM
We look forward to celebrating Meridian’s rich history and community spirit with residents and visitors from across the Treasure Valley. Be sure to keep an eye out for the VRT bus in the parade!

VRT at First Thursday Under the Tree: Celebrating America 250
2026-07-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Cherie Buckner-Webb Park, 1100 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702, Boise, ID, 83702
We’ll be bringing our special America 250 commemorative bus to Cherie Buckner-Webb Park as part of this community celebration honoring Boise’s place in America’s story. Stop by to explore the beautifully wrapped bus, meet the VRT team, learn about public transportation in the Treasure Valley, and discover how transit has helped connect our communities for generations.
We’ll also be signing up eligible youth for Youth Ride Free and handing out Youth Ride Free bus cards on-site, making it easy for kids and teens to ride VRT buses for free this summer. Whether you’re new to transit or already a regular rider, our team will be there to answer questions and help you get ready to ride.
This family-friendly evening will feature live music, snow cones, local history, and community organizations celebrating the diverse people and stories that have shaped Boise. Don’t forget to snap a photo with our America 250 bus and share your celebration with friends!
📅 Thursday, July 2, 2026
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Cherie Buckner-Webb Park
1100 W. Bannock St., Boise
Join us as we celebrate 250 years of American history while connecting our community through public transportation. We can’t wait to see you there!

Idaho 4th of July Parade
2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Downtown Boise
Idaho 4th of July Parade
Valley Regional Transit will be participating in the Idaho 4th of July Parade in Downtown Boise, joining thousands of Idahoans in celebrating Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday.
VRT will be showcasing our 250 American-wrapped bus as part of this community-wide celebration of patriotism, service, and civic pride. The bus serves as a rolling tribute to the people and communities that public transportation connects throughout the Treasure Valley, and we’re excited to share it with parade attendees along the route.
The Idaho 4th of July Parade brings together veterans, community organizations, businesses, marching bands, elected officials, and families from across the state for one of Idaho’s premier Independence Day celebrations. The event begins with community activities and a pancake breakfast before the parade makes its way from the Boise State area to the Idaho State Capitol.
Community events like the Idaho 4th of July Parade provide an opportunity for VRT to celebrate alongside the people we serve while raising awareness about the transportation services that help connect residents to work, school, healthcare, recreation, and community events every day.
Event Details
📍 Starting around the Morrison Center, traveling down Capitol Blvd. to Downtown Boise
📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ Parade begins at 10:00 AM
VRT is proud to be part of this historic celebration and looks forward to sharing the spirit of community, freedom, and connection with parade attendees from across Idaho. Keep an eye out for the VRT 250 bus along the parade route and give us a wave as we roll by!

How to Ride VRT - Virtual Class
2026-07-20 16:00 - 17:00 | ID
How to Ride VRT – Virtual Class🚍💻
Curious about riding the bus but not sure where to start? Join Valley Regional Transit for a free virtual How to Ride the Bus Class and learn everything you need to travel with confidence.
This interactive online class is designed for new riders, returning riders, parents, students, older adults, and anyone interested in learning how public transportation works in the Treasure Valley.

During the workshop, we’ll cover:
🚌 How to plan a trip using VRT tools and resources
📱 Using the Umo & ETA Transit app and other rider tools
💳 Understanding fares, passes, and Youth Ride Free options
🗺️ Reading route maps and schedules
🚏 Finding bus stops and understanding transfer points
♿ Accessibility features and rider accommodations
❓ Common rider questions and transit tips

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, practice trip planning, and learn about additional travel training opportunities available through VRT.
Whether you’re preparing for work, school, appointments, or simply exploring your community, this workshop will help you feel comfortable and confident using public transportation.

Cost: Free
Location: Online (meeting link provided: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/260555875100662?p=Z9LLBUNCrVe7ySll51)
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in learning how to ride VRT services
Join us from the comfort of your home and discover how easy it can be to get around the Treasure Valley by bus! 🚍✨

Want to learn in person?
No problem, join a Ride the Bus with Us – see details on our events page.
Events from June 9 – December 7 – Valley Regional Transit

Bus to Banana Ball
2026-07-31 - 2026-08-01 | Albertsons Stadium, 1400 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID, 83706, United States
Don’t go bananas trying to get to The Blue. VRT is making it easy to get to Banana Ball on The Blue with free bus service for all ticketholders along with expanded service hours and Park & Ride options for easy access.
🎟️ Your Banana Ball ticket is your pass for a free ride. Just show your driver your ticket and get on board!
🚌 VRT’s routes 2 and 29 are perfect options to get you to and from The Blue. We’ll also be extending service and adding buses to the evening trips to get you home safely.
🅿️ Park for free at Towne Square Mall and catch Route 29
🅿️ Park for free at Timberline High School and catch Route 2
🕥 Friday, July 31: Last bus departs Albertsons Stadium at 10:30 p.m.
🕤 Saturday, August 1: Last bus departs Albertsons Stadium at 9:30 p.m.

Plan your trip, track your bus, and learn more

VRT Executive Board Meeting | August
2026-08-03 11:00 - 13:00 | VRT Administrative Offices, 700 NE 2nd St., Meridian, ID, 83642, United States
VRT Executive Board

The VRT Executive Board is a standing committee of the Board of Directors. It reviews matters related to budget, finance, operations, governmental, and legislative actions. The Executive Board focuses on the internal and operational issues of the agency and works closely with the executive director in the management of Valley Regional Transit. Members are the board chair, past chair, chair-elect, vice-chair, treasurer, five at-large members from Ada and Canyon counties, as well as a representative from Boise State University.
The Executive Board is scheduled to meet on the first Monday of every month but September. The meetings are held at 11 a.m. in the first-floor Board Room at the VRT administrative offices, 700 NE 2nd Street in Meridian. Posted agendas will contain a call-in link for remote participation.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Jarom Wagoner (Chair, City of Caldwell)
Lauren McLean (Chair-elect, City of Boise)
Alexis Pickering (Vice-chair, Ada County Highway District)
Dale Reynolds (Secretary/Treasurer, City of Nampa)
Todd Lavoie (Ada County at-large, City of Meridian)
Tom Dayley (Ada County at-large, Ada County Commission)
Joe Stear (Ada County at-large, City of Kuna)
Greg Rast (Canyon County at-large, Canyon County)
Debbie Kling (Canyon County at-large, City of Nampa)
Sabrina Minshall (Canyon County at-large, Canyon County Commission)
Lantz McGinnis-Brown (Boise State University)

bold = Board officers

VRT Board of Directors Meeting | August
2026-08-03 12:00 - 14:00 | VRT Administrative Offices, 700 NE 2nd St., Meridian, ID, 83642, United States
VRT Board of Directors

The Valley Regional Transit (VRT) Board of Directors establishes policy and guides the strategic priorities for the agency. Board members include representatives from Ada and Canyon counties, the incorporated cities, and highway districts. In addition, there are representatives from Boise State University, the Capital City Development Corporation, the Idaho Transportation Department (ex-officio), and the Meridian Development Corporation.
The Board is scheduled to meet four times a year – January, April, August, and October. The meetings are held at noon in the first-floor Board Room at the VRT administrative offices, 700 NE 2nd Street in Meridian. Posted agendas will contain a call-in link for remote participation.
board members

Jarom Wagoner (Chair, City of Caldwell)
Lauren McLean (Chair-elect, City of Boise)
Alexis Pickering (Vice-chair, Ada County Highway District)
Dale Reynolds (Secretary/Treasurer, City of Nampa)
Todd Lavoie (Ada County at-large, City of Meridian)
Tom Dayley (Ada County at-large, Ada County Commission)
Joe Stear (Ada County at-large, City of Kuna)
Greg Rast (Canyon County at-large, Canyon County)
Debbie Kling (Canyon County at-large, City of Nampa)
Sabrina Minshall (Canyon County at-large, Canyon County Commission)
Lantz McGinnis-Brown (Boise State University)
Ryan Davidson (Ada County Commission)
John Brunelle (Capital City Development Corp)
Jeff Flynn (College of Western Idaho)
Ashley Ford-Squyers (Meridian Development Corp)
Jimmy Hallyburton (City of Boise)
Chuck Stadick (City of Caldwell)
Helen Russell (City of Eagle)
John Evans (City of Garden City)
Rob Fisher (City of Greenleaf)
David Tiede (City of Meridian)
Dave Hershey (City of Star)
Caleb Lakey (ex-officio, Idaho Transportation Department)

bold = Executive Board members

VRT Public Hearing: Meridian Service Discontinuation
2026-08-03 17:30 - 18:30 | ID
Based on low ridership and ready alternatives, VRT proposed to the City of Meridian, to suspend Route 30 Pine, which serves Meridian. Currently, Route 30 and Route 45 work together to provide extended commute service with periods of 30-minute service between Ten Mile and the Village. Existing riders will be able to use Route 45 to complete their current trips.
VRT has scheduled a public hearing to gather testimony regarding these service cuts, preceded by an open house for the public to review information. Details are as follows:
5:30 PM /// Open House
6:00 PM /// Public Hearing
> Meridian City Hall (33 E. Broadway Ave, Meridian, ID 83642)

Members of the public are welcome to make comments at the public hearing, limiting comments to no more than three (3) minutes. Comments may also be submitted via mail or email by midnight Monday, August 4th, 2026 to:

Mail: Valley Regional Transit, Attn: Public Information Officer, 700 NE 2nd St Suite 100, Meridian, ID 83642
Email: feedback@ridevrt.org

A summary of the proposed changes can be found at ridevrt.org/changes.
Adopted changes to service are expected to be implemented October 12, 2026.

For questions or accommodation needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Jason Rose, VRT Public Information Officer, at 208-803-5183 or jrose@ridevrt.org.

VRT Public Hearing: Nampa Public Transit Service Removal
2026-08-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Happy Day Transit Center, 5907 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83607, Caldwell, ID, 83607, United States
VRT will conduct a public hearing and open house to receive comments on the removal of all public transit services in Nampa as a result of the Nampa City Council voting to cut VRT funding for services in Nampa.
Learn more about the proposed service cuts
A presentation and public hearing will begin at 5 p.m. to learn about the proposed changes and provide testimony. VRT staff will be available to discuss changes and answer questions at a drop-in open house beginning at 3:30 p.m.
3:30 PM /// Open House
5:00 PM /// Public Hearing

In-person: Happy Day Transit Center (5907 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83607)
Virtual link: ridevrt.org/nampa-hearing-link

HOW TO GET HERE
Happy Day Transit Center can be accessed with the following VRT routes and services:

40 Caldwell/Boise Express
42 Happy Day – Towne Square Mall
45 Boise State – CWI
VRT On-Demand
VRT Access (for those that qualify)
VRT Beyond Access (for those that qualify)

Attendees that plan to ride on VRT On-Demand, Access, or Beyond Access after the meeting should contact VRT Customer Service to book their trip. Rides will be provided after the public hearing ends.
Rides must be booked by 5 PM Monday, August 3rd.
VRT Customer Service: 208-345-7433

Feedback can also be shared:

Email: feedback@ridevrt.org
Survey: ridevrt.org/nampa-survey

/// Plan your trip ///

For questions or accommodation needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Jason Rose, VRT Public Information Officer, at 208-803-5183 or jrose@ridevrt.org.

Bus to Soul Food Fest
2026-08-08 11:00 - 20:00 | ID
Skip the parking and take Valley Regional Transit to the Boise Soul Food Festival at Julia Davis Park! The festival takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and several VRT routes stop right in front of the park, making it easy to get there.

BUS TO SOUL FOOD FEST
Coming from South Boise?
Route #3 Vista stops directly in front of Julia Davis Park. Buses are scheduled to arrive every 30 minutes from 7:15 AM to 9:30 PM from the airport to downtown Boise along Vista.
Coming from West Boise?

Route #5 Emerald stops directly in front of Julia Davis Park. We are adding more service from Towne Square Mall to downtown Boise via Emerald, with buses arriving every hour from 8 AM to 11 AM and every 30 minutes from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Park & Ride for free at Towne Square Mall!
Coming from Overland?

Route #29 Overland stops directly in front of Julia Davis Park. Buses are scheduled to arrive every hour from 8:30 AM to 7 PM from Towne Square Mall to downtown Boise via Overland.
Park & Ride for free at Towne Square Mall!

HOW TO PAY
You can pay your fare:
💵 With cash or coins when you board the bus, or
📱 Through the Umo Mobility app for a quick and convenient digital payment experience.
Fares
Adults: $2.50 for an all-day pass
Reduced Fare Riders: $1.25 for an all-day pass (youth, older adults, and people with disabilities)
Youth Ride Free: Kids ages 6–18 can ride FREE through the end of August with a Youth Ride Free pass. Be sure to sign up before your trip here: Youth Ride Free – Valley Regional Transit
First ride free: Your first ride is on VRT! Plan your trip and claim your pass at ridevrt.org/firstride.

PLAN AHEAD
Be sure to plan your trip in advance and check return schedules so you don’t miss the last bus home. We recommend using the ETA Transit app for real-time bus arrivals and the Umo Mobility app to purchase fares and manage your pass.

VRT Tools & Apps

We can’t wait to see you at the Boise Soul Food Festival!

VRT Executive Board Meeting | September (Remote)
2026-09-14 11:00 - 12:00 | VRT Administrative Offices, 700 NE 2nd St., Meridian, ID, 83642, United States

VRT Executive Board Meeting | October
2026-10-05 11:00 - 12:00 | VRT Administrative Offices, 700 NE 2nd St., Meridian, ID, 83642, United States

VRT Board of Directors Meeting | October
2026-10-05 12:00 - 14:00 | VRT Administrative Offices, 700 NE 2nd St., Meridian, ID, 83642, United States

VRT Executive Board Meeting | November (Remote)
2026-11-02 11:00 - 12:00 | VRT Administrative Offices, 700 NE 2nd St., Meridian, ID, 83642, United States

VRT Executive Board Meeting | December
2026-12-07 11:00 - 13:00 | VRT Administrative Offices, 700 NE 2nd St., Meridian, ID, 83642, United States
