Porterville Transit photo via the City of Porterville website

The City of Porterville announced Wednesday that its city-run Porterville Transit System will go into effect July 1, with an in-house management team looking to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

The announcement comes less than two weeks after the City’s most recent clash with the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA) over its decision to sever its partnership with longtime transit provider SM Transit.

“We are committed to providing efficient and sustainable public transportation that meets the needs of our community,” said Patrice Hildreth, Porterville’s city manager. “This move aims to offer more transparent, efficient and effective service to those who live, work and play in our city.”

The City entered a joint powers agreement with TCRTA in 2020 with the hopes of attaining a more cost-effective regional transportation option.

TCRTA also includes representation from Tulare County, as well as the cities of Tulare, Woodlake, Exeter, Dinuba, Farmersville and, until July 1, Porterville.

In 2020, the agency welcomed Richard Tree to spearhead TCRTA operations. Tree had served as the Transit Leader in Porterville prior to taking the position at TCRTA.

Tree left the agency in April 2023 citing health concerns, according to TCRTA’s current Executive Director Abul Hassan.

Hassan said that during Tree’s time at TCRTA, the agency failed to report information on its finances and operation to its partner municipalities, including Porterville. Following Hassan’s arrival at TCRTA in December, the agency has been incrementally correcting these and other issues.

The City notified TCRTA of its intention to sever the partnership last April after providing the agency a six-month timeline to provide more transparency and financial management.

When the agency failed to provide the information by the deadline, the City opted to formally withdraw. On Jan. 2 the city drafted a second letter and officially moved to terminate the partnership following a unanimous city council vote.

Hassan said that the city gave no reason for leaving the TCRTA.

As of July 1, transportation services in Porterville will once again be provided directly from the City.

“Pursuant to the City of Porterville’s unanimous City Council decision on December 5, 2023 to exit membership from the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA) the TCRTA was notified via a letter dated January 02, 2024 of the City of Porterville’s notice of withdrawal on July 1, 2024,” Hassan told The Business Journal Wednesday evening.

Tree, who acted as director of transportation and sustainability for Porterville Unified School District following his departure from TCRTA, has since returned to the City of Porterville as its director of transportation.

“We are committed to delivering a reliable, fully functional transportation service by July 1,” Tree said in the release Wednesday. “That is our top priority.”