Green Mountain Transit has announced a tentative plan to eliminate 25 to 30 percent of its bus routes and services next year. If all the changes are implemented, the regional transit authority would save about $3 million.
The decision came on the heels of years of financial instability due to the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds and the agency’s reinstatement of fares for services in Chittenden County after a hiatus of more than three years during the pandemic.
“It’s depressing,” said Clayton Clark, the agency’s director general. “We all came to GMT because we wanted to improve public transit, not destroy it.”
The bulk of the proposed cuts would be to weekend and overnight service, which are among the most expensive. The agency will likely eliminate the Jeffersonville Commuter and cut some weekend trips in Williston, Essex and to Burlington International Airport. The plan could also potentially eliminate the Montpelier LINK and the weekday airport connection.
GMT will make very few changes to Lines 1 and 2 to Williston and Essex Junction, which are among the busiest lines.
Green Mountain Transit: Budget crisis could lead to service cuts
Green Mountain Transit: Budget crisis could lead to service cuts
By Rachel Hellman
Healthcare
The $29 million operation is funded by a mix of local, state and federal funds, but the switch to a fare-free model during the pandemic led to declining revenue. For the past three years, the agency has relied on one-time pandemic relief funds.
Clark’s biggest concern is that some cities will withdraw their funding, which would make the situation worse.
“I’m going to have to go to these communities in a few weeks and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to cut some services, and we want you to give us not only what you’ve been giving us, but even more,'” he said.
The first round of benefit cuts is scheduled to take effect in November, with the rest scheduled for February and June 2025. Clark hopes lawmakers can find enough money next session to limit the number of cuts.
The agency will schedule five public hearings on the proposed cuts in the coming months. Clark encouraged citizens to attend and voice their concerns.
“People really want to hear what impact this has on drivers,” he said.
The agency has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday morning to discuss the changes.
