CITY COUNCIL APPROVES YEARLY AGREEMENT WITH TRANSIT DISTRICT TO CONTINUE EZ RIDER

(Oct. 28, 2025)

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- The Midland City Council approved its yearly funding agreement to keep public transportation going in Midland.

The council approved an agreement with the Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District (MOUTD), which operates EZ Rider in both Midland and Odessa. The 12% increase compared to fiscal year 2025 is because of inflationary costs, which include rising fuel prices, and provisional increases to drivers’ wages to remain competitive with Midland Independent School District.

The MOUTD reports an increase was needed as requested amounts from the Cities of Midland and Odessa remained flat from 2021 through 2024.

Officials stated the City of Midland and the City of Odessa will both contribute $820,000. The FY 2026 Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District budget also reports more than $5.4 million in state and federal grants are expected to help fund operations.

The MOUTD also reported that monthly ridership in Midland averaged 9,638 between January and August of this calendar year.