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Regional transit still below pre-pandemic levels; NECCOG discusses $2 administrative fee for paramedic transports
Summary
Executive Director John Filchak reported deviated-fixed route ridership remains roughly 1,000'to'1,500 riders short of pre-pandemic levels and Elderly & Disabled service has not rebounded; Filchak outlined a proposed $2.00 administrative fee per transport to support the paramedic program and other FY24 assessment changes, with no formal vote taken.
John Filchak, NECCOG executive director, reported that deviated-fixed route transit is recovering but remains about 1,000 to 1,500 riders per month below pre-pandemic volumes. He said Elderly & Disabled ridership has not returned to previous levels, citing alternate transportation choices, telehealth appointments, and a persistent driver shortage. Filchak noted that pre-pandemic NECTD operated as many as three buses for elderly/disabled service five days a week; current operations rely on one driver and three days per week.
Filchak also presented the most recent December 2022 paramedic-program numbers (the minutes note the figures were shown but do not provide them verbatim) and described proposed FY24 assessment changes including a new $2.00 administrative fee per transport intended to offset paramedic-program costs, increases to GIS base funding, and higher hourly rates for land-use services. Council members discussed the proposed fee; there was conversation but no formal vote during the meeting, and the minutes record no objection to sending the proposed numbers to participating towns for further consideration.
The transcript does not include direct verbatim quotes for the presentation; figures and proposals are summarized from the meeting minutes.
