SporTran outlines 2027 budget, service plans to Shreveport City Council
(The Center Square) - SporTran, Shreveport's public transit agency, presented its 2027 budget to the City Council Monday, highlighting rising operating costs, Bossier City service expansion and plans to request $175 million federal funding. SporTran CEO Dinero' Washington told council members that the agency's proposed budget is just under $21 million, an increase of about 6.6% from last year. "The big changes in our budget this year for increases is labor," Washington said. "It has to do with [collective bargaining agreements] for fixed-route as well as our on-demand rivers. Our fringe benefits, of course, will increase due to that." SporTran is also working with Bossier City to expand services, including night and weekend routes. Washington said Bossier City's contribution increased from $900,000 to $1.5 million. "Looking at bringing nights and weekend service back in Bossier and had some great conversations with them," Washington said. Washington said there are plans for a new transfer facility in Bossier City with a follow-up meeting scheduled Wednesday to discuss the facility. "They're willing to build there in Bossier," Washington said. "So, we're headed in the right direction." Washington also acknowledged that increased insurance costs were due to the agency's new bus fleet. He said
