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CCRPC flags transit funding shortfalls; GMT to eliminate and combine commuter routes
Summary
CCRPC staff warned of federal discretionary grant uncertainty while Green Mountain Transit reported a $500,000 shortfall this year and a projected $3 million gap next year, leading to service reductions including elimination of the Jeffersonville commuter and combining St. Albans and Milton routes.
CCRPC Executive Director Charlie Baker told the Transportation Advisory Committee Feb. 4 that changes in federal policy have introduced uncertainty for discretionary grants and that RPCs will continue work on formula-funded planning while awaiting further federal direction. Baker asked members for input on state legislative matters, including a draft omnibus housing bill and Act 181 mapping requirements.
Members were also briefed on immediate transit funding concerns. Marshall Distel and Will Hodgson of Green Mountain Transit reported that GMT faces a $500,000 transit funding gap this year and projects a $3 million gap next year; the transit operator has already eliminated the Jeffersonville Commuter route and plans to combine the St. Albans and Milton commuter routes into a single route in March, with reductions to the Montpelier LINK service planned as well. Staff cautioned that reductions will affect Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service areas and said GMT will grandfather existing riders who use ADA service but may not be able to enroll new riders under reduced service levels.
Baker said RPC staff are tracking housing-related provisions and infrastructure needs that could affect municipal planning, and he noted concerns about the state’s capacity to move funding quickly to municipalities. Committee members offered assistance with grant applications and coordination where possible.
