By Michael Bielawski
Green Mountain Transit will have two public meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 17, concerning substantial reductions in services over the next year for those who travel via public transit.
Although some legislators are ready to spend billions to implement a Clean Heat Standard to reduce carbon emissions in home heat, they have been less willing to invest commensurate sums in a proven carbon emissions strategy: more public transportation.
Public transportation is also regarded as more fiscally progressive – i.e. it redistributes government resources to help the most needy.
The scheduled meetings will explain why there will be fewer routes available for Vermonters to ride on its rail and bus lines. The initial announcement from Aug. 27 states, “Green Mountain Transit today announced a draft service reduction plan that looks to cut $3 million of its routes and services. This difficult decision comes in response to ongoing financial instability that has severely impacted the organization’s ability to maintain current service levels.”
The times and locations are a video conference starting at noon (call in number is 309 205 3325 and meeting ID is 750 755 1826) as well as in-person at 5:30 pm at the Majestic 10 Theater in Williston.
GMT is also moving away from its ‘zero fare’ policy, which was supported by state funding during the Covid years.
This legislature this year budgeted $5.8 million for state/public transportation operational assistance.
What will be cut?
Some of the proposed cuts to services will include their services for school children to get to school. It states that there will be, “Restructured routing and timing of Neighborhood Specials for 2024-2025 School Year” which should save $105,550. Other savings are sought via “[Eliminating] all 4 runs of the Jeffersonville Commuter” to save $84,600. Another proposal is to eliminate the “Transfer to GMT Rural or Elimination of Montpelier” which would save $132,662.
In all $2,428,165 in savings are anticipated via numerous cuts. The full list of route changes includes the anticipated number of riders impacted and the cost savings for each cut.
Vermonters paying premium for dubious climate mitigation
This occurs while Vermonters face massive artificial cost of living increases in transportation, heating, and electricity costs all in the name of mitigating climate change. While those initiatives offer no claims of measurable climate impacts, they are widely expected to damage the ability to live affordably in Vermont.
“We’ve now spent more than a year working on a legislative mandated policy before we knew what it would cost, if it would work, or if we could even do it,” wrote Gov. Phil Scott regarding the muti-billions in public funds needed for the controversial Clean Heat Standard.
Meanwhile, there is universal consensus that mass transportation is among the most effective methods to mitigate emissions.
“Public transport is one of the best, most cost-effective solutions available to address today’s climate and development challenges,” states the World Resource Insititute in December of 2023.
The report further states, “Buses and trains can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to two-thirds per passenger, per kilometer compared to private vehicles. The UN’s latest climate action report says that shifting more trips to public transit is ‘essential’ to curbing climate change.”
A public outcry
Further details from GMT’s report include that the true budget deficit is closer to about $2 million but the extra million in savings may help improve overall operations. The proposals are already eliciting impassioned responses from those who rely on the service.
“First and foremost, the idea that cuts are even considered as a reasonable solution to Green Mountain Transit’s budget issues makes me wonder if those we elect to Montpelier and Washington actually understand what it’s like for hundreds of working Vermonters in their daily effort getting to and from work,” wrote Ron Jacobs of Winooski for VTDigger.
Clayton Clark, General Manager for Green Mountain Transit, is quoted in GMT’s release stating, “We know Vermonters are hurt when the service they rely on to get through their day is no longer there. Reducing transit options is counter to our vision of public service, but to continue serving our community we must remain financially viable.”
Vermonters already tapped out
These efforts come while the state hasn’t yet begun to feel the economic impact of the Clean Heat Standard, which is estimated to cost the small state up to $11 billion to meet carbon emissions goals. This does not include other increased costs of living associated with electric car mandates, electric production mandates, double digit rises in education costs, inflation, and more.
The author is a writer for the Vermont Daily Chronicle