Green Mountain Transit is potentially cutting services and discontinuing some routes due to budget challenges and rising fuel costs. This hour, we'll speak to GMT officials about their finances, expectations for services and what’s being done to make sure Vermonters have access to public transportation.
Our guests are:
- Jon Moore, GMT general manager
- Jamie Smith, GMT director of marketing and planning
Green Mountain Transit cut routes during the pandemic, leaving some riders worried they might not come back.
The Vermont Senate is considering a transportation package that would provide GMT $1.2 million to potentially reinstate those routes, and prevent further cuts.
That's after the transit system went fare-free in 2020, operating with COVID relief funds.
Moor says GMT is now considering the best path forward.
"Is the best investment to continue the fare-free service, or to use that money to maintain as much service, if not increase service?" Moore asked rhetorically on Vermont Edition.
"Because a free bus that doesn't get you where you want to go, when you want to get there, is not overly valuable."
Moore says GMT is working on a transit finance study to help determine what future services may look.
Broadcast live on Friday, April 15, 2022, at noon.
Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or tweet us @vermontedition.
