First Day of Fare Service: January 2, 2024
In March 2020, Green Mountain Transit (GMT) and other transit providers across the state suspended fare collection due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fare-free service was introduced as a safety measure to minimize potential infection and expedite boarding. Pre-COVID, fares collected on GMT buses totaled about $2.5 million a year, and federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act made up for that loss of revenue. In 2023, GMT received state funding which allowed us to continue fare-free service for one more year.
Public Engagement
GMT will be issuing a public survey in June to collect feedback on fare resumption. In addition, we will be scheduling a Public Meeting to discuss fare resumption. Details of both are to be determined.
What are the Specific Routes that will Return to Fare Service?
The following routes will return to fare service:
- Chittenden County local fares.
- Chittenden County commuter service (116 Commuter (GMT’s trip only), Milton Commuter, Jeffersonville Commuter).
- LINK Express service (Montpelier LINK, St. Albans LINK).
Why are Fares Returning on These Routes?
The State of Vermont, Governor Scott, and the Legislature have taken the position not to provide funding to extend zero-fare operations in perpetuity on urban public transit. Given the choice of cutting service or restarting fares, the Green Mountain Transit Board of Commissioners chose to restart fares. GMT cannot cover the expense of existing service with zero fares unless the state provides this assistance.
Why are Rural Routes Remaining Fare-Free?
The State of Vermont, both Governor Scott and the Legislature, has taken the position to provide funding to extend zero fare operations in perpetuity on rural public transit. All rural public transit routes will continue to operate zero fare service, including our operations in Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Washington Counties (except LINK service in these regions).
Press Release
For specific questions or comments related to fare resumption, please contact
Clayton Clark, General Manager
cclark@ridegmt.com | 802-540-0491
or
Jamie Smith, Director of Marketing and Planning
jamie@ridegmt.com | 802-540-1098