Transit advocates, senators discuss convening stakeholders to coordinate demand‑response trips

Representatives of the Vermont Public Transportation Association told the Senate Transportation Committee they support language in the draft bill to convene stakeholders to improve coordination of demand‑response trips, particularly for medical appointments and opioid‑treatment programs.

Jim Fallon, representing the Vermont Public Transportation Association, praised the committee’s attention to transit in the bill and asked for a stakeholder process that includes demand‑response providers, the hospital association, methadone clinics and dialysis providers to explore scheduling that reduces duplicate trips. "We do the best we can on our side, but sometimes we're given a day or a time for an appointment. It would be great if we could have some sort of stakeholder process ... to look at better coordinating and scheduling demand response appointments," Fallon said.

Why it matters: Coordinated scheduling could reduce volunteer‑driver hours, lower operating costs, and improve service reliability for riders who depend on non‑emergency medical transportation and treatment appointments.

Committee members and agency staff signaled broad support. Participants suggested statutory language directing the Agency of Transportation (or an appropriate convener) to bring together VPTA, the hospital association, methadone clinics, dialysis providers and other stakeholders. Committee members emphasized including non‑hospital providers where appropriate and noted that participation by some providers would be voluntary.

The agency indicated it will convene the group and that staff are willing to help organize the stakeholder discussions. No formal vote was taken; members said they expect a stakeholder convening and further follow-up incorporated into the bill drafting process.