Transit advocates seek volunteer-driver expansion, mobile medical services and a transit mobility fund; AOT cautions on agency role

Representatives from the Vermont Public Transportation Association (VPTA) asked the Senate Transportation Committee to pursue four items: expand the pool of volunteer drivers, investigate mobile dialysis units, investigate mobile substance-use-disorder treatment, and establish a public transportation mobility special fund.

AOT staff (identified in the meeting as Michelle) told the committee that the two investigations into medical services are “fully outside of our realm of expertise,” and that the agency would focus its work on mobility services and volunteer-driver recruitment. Michelle said AOT would not request a dedicated special fund for transit in its current budget posture but would work on operational proposals related to volunteer drivers.

Committee members discussed using a portion of one-time general fund surplus — variously described in the meeting as “a million dollars” — to support an initial effort to expand volunteer-driver programs and hire coordinators. One senator asked that the DMV consider adding a checkbox on its form to indicate willingness to volunteer as a driver; staff said that idea would be included in proposals where feasible and that the agency would comment on it as a draft is circulated.

VPTA’s proposal to investigate mobile dialysis and mobile SUD treatment prompted discussion about which state agencies and health partners would need to be involved; committee members suggested soliciting input from health and human services partners and providers.

Ending: Staff said they will draft a proposal reflecting committee discussion (including volunteer-driver expansion and recruiter funding options), circulate it to AOT for comment, and present placeholder language at the next meeting.