The Porterville City Council is set to discuss the reestablishment of bus routes, including a vital connection to Porterville College, during its meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on a date yet to be determined. If approved, the reinstated routes would take effect on January 2, 2026. Earlier this year, the council voted to suspend bus routes 4 and 6 temporarily, a decision that, while improving operational cost recovery, led to service gaps in areas with high demand, particularly regarding access to educational institutions.
In response to these gaps, city staff reported that proposals have been developed specifically to restore fixed-route service to Porterville College and enhance connections to key educational, employment, and medical destinations throughout the community, including the Family HealthCare Network. Two alternatives are on the table: Concept 4 and Concept 5.
Concept 4 suggests a four-route design with operations every 45 minutes. This plan would restore service south of downtown and key corridors such as Westfield Avenue. Each route would connect to the downtown Transit Center, serving Porterville College, Sierra View Medical Center, and the South County Justice Center. In contrast, Concept 5 consolidates service into three routes that would enhance frequency. Route B would operate every 30 minutes along Morton Avenue, Henderson Avenue, and Main Street, providing direct service to the college and downtown. Routes A and C would run hourly, ensuring access to schools, medical facilities, and commercial destinations.
Infrastructure Projects Under Review
In addition to transportation discussions, the council will address the completion of the “Center” Friant-Kern Canal Turnout and Basin Project, carried out by Romanazzi General Engineering. This project involved the installation of new water pipelines and structures and was completed at a cost of just under $1.69 million, slightly below the authorized budget of $1.7 million. The project supports the city’s compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act by constructing a turnout and groundwater recharge basin north of Avenue 160.
The council is also expected to approve increased funding for the Butterfield Stage Corridor, an active transportation route that extends 3.9 miles along the former Southern Pacific Railway line. The anticipated cost of this project is approaching $24 million. It will feature solar lighting, water stations, benches, controlled crossing systems, and landscaping. Notably, the project also includes the installation of a non-potable water main serving future connections to large water users, including Porterville College.
City staff indicated that adjustments were necessary due to unforeseen conditions encountered during construction. The presence of substantial rock formations required specialized drilling equipment, leading to an increase in costs from the initial estimate of $1,214,464 to approximately $1,862,539. To ensure the project remains on schedule, the council will consider allocating an additional $500,000 from the Storm Drain Developer Fund and $200,000 from the Water Replacement Fund.
Water System Improvements for Hope Elementary
Another important item on the council’s agenda is the Hope Elementary School Water System Improvement Project. This initiative aims to connect the school, located just south of Porterville, to the city’s water system. A public hearing will be held to discuss this matter further. Currently, Hope Elementary relies on a well with unacceptable nitrate levels. The proposed improvements will involve constructing new water mains along South Indiana Street and West Teapot Dome Avenue.
As part of the project, a 4-inch service connection and water meter will be installed at the school, allowing it to utilize the new water main for domestic use, irrigation, and fire flow. The existing well will be decommissioned, and fire hydrants will be placed along the proposed alignment at intervals of no more than 500 feet, ensuring adequate safety measures. This project is expected to provide a permanent solution to the school’s water quality issues, as it will eliminate reliance on the contaminated well.
The council’s upcoming meeting will address these crucial matters, underscoring Porterville’s commitment to enhancing public transportation and infrastructure to better serve its community.
