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Board hears transit funding squeeze, GMT service shifts and senior‑transport concerns
Summary
Board members raised concerns about a large FY27 UPWP funding gap and proposed GMT service reductions/transfers that could reduce fixed‑route and non‑medical senior trips. Staff discussed phasing projects, trimming partner budgets and pending FHWA eligibility guidance.
Board members and staff spent substantial time discussing public transit funding and local service changes.
Staff reported an unusually large potential shortfall in the draft FY27 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) — roughly a $500,000–$600,000 gap between requests and expected funding — driven by rising partner and consultant requests and staff cost increases. To address the gap staff proposed phasing larger projects (for example, the Shelburne Road master plan), trimming partner consultant budgets, and awaiting clarifications from Federal Highway on eligibility for some items.
Members then focused on transit. Several attendees said GMT has increased partner requests and is considering dropping or consolidating fringe routes; staff reported GMT plans to transfer some paratransit/medical‑trip operations to RCT as of July 1. Members expressed concern about the impact on seniors, non‑medical trips (groceries, day programs), and rural residents who may lose fixed‑route access or face higher trip costs. Staff noted multiple funding streams (Medicaid, ADA/paratransit, local programs) are fragmented and do not always align to cover non‑medical needs.
Board members suggested future agenda time to dive deeper into public transportation strategy and coordination among providers; staff said municipal pilot projects and partner proposals will continue to inform UPWP decisions.
