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Hillsdale backs regional transit pilot, seeks grant funding for $20,000 start-up
Summary
The board unanimously approved a resolution supporting a one-year pilot with the South County Connector and authorized grant applications; presenter Tim Coleman outlined a service model estimating 700–1,500 rides in year one and strong resident interest from a local survey.
The Hillsdale Town Board unanimously passed a resolution supporting a one-year pilot with the South County Connector regional transit service and authorized the Safe at Home committee to apply for related grants, including a local foundation request for $5,155.
Tim Coleman, director of public transportation for Great Barrington, presented the service model and survey findings: about 251 total respondents (195 Hillsdale residents) and roughly 65% of resident respondents saying they would be likely or very likely to use the service. "We provided over 25,000 rides last fiscal year," Coleman said, arguing that rural on-demand shared rides can fill gaps for seniors, people with disabilities and workers.
Estimated pilot costs discussed by board members were approximately $20,000; the board authorized grant applications and agreed to pursue multiple funding sources before committing town funds. The board also noted potential climate-smart benefits connected to a municipal silver track and asked for continued coordination on intermunicipal agreements and reimbursement streams.
