Service Reductions

Green Mountain Transit Announces First Round of Service Reductions in Chittenden County

Burlington, VT — October 17, 2024 — Green Mountain Transit (GMT) is announcing the implementation of the first round of service reductions in our Chittenden County service area, effective December 2, 2024. These changes come as a result of financial challenges that GMT has faced in recent months, driven by rising operational costs and reduced revenue streams.

While this decision was not made lightly, these service adjustments are necessary to ensure the sustainability of our transit operations. GMT remains committed to providing reliable service and minimizing the impact on our riders, while balancing the financial stability of the organization.

The service reductions will affect the following routes: 

• #3 Lakeside Commuter: This route will no longer operate; however, we will serve the Lakeside Community with an inbound #5 Pine Street bus so riders can connect to services departing the Downtown Transit Center at 6:20 AM.
• #5 Pine Street: Saturday Pine Street service will be adjusted to operate every 60 minutes.
• #6 Shelburne Road: The following Saturday trips (leaving the Downtown Transit Center) will no longer operate: 6:30 PM, 9:15 PM, and 10:30 PM.
• #7 North Avenue: The following Saturday trips (leaving the Downtown Transit Center) will no longer operate: 6:30 PM, 9:15 PM, and 10:30 PM.
• #8 City Loop: Saturday City Loop service will be adjusted to operate every 60 minutes. Each bus will serve both McCauley Square and Fern Hill bus stops.
• #9 Riverside/Winooski: The following Saturday trips (leaving the Downtown Transit Center) will no longer operate: 6:00 AM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM, and 10:30 PM.
• #10 Williston/Essex: This route will no longer operate on Saturdays.
• #11 Airport: The following Saturday trips (leaving the Downtown Transit Center) will no longer operate: 6:45 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM, and 10:30 PM.
• #36 Jeffersonville Commuter: This route will no longer operate.

Final schedules for these routes will be posted online prior to December 2, 2024 and a new Bus Map and Guide will be released at that time.

In addition to the service reductions above, the GMT Board of Commissioners also approved a fare increase from $3 to $4 for ADA Paratransit service. This door-to-door service is available, based on eligibility, for riders in our community who are unable to use fixed route service and who live within 3/4 mile of a route.

GMT encourages riders to visit our website at RideGMT.com/service-reductions or email planning@ridegmt.com for detailed information on the updated schedules and alternative options. Additionally, we are actively working to communicate these changes across multiple platforms, including social media, in-person notifications, and community outreach efforts.

We understand that these reductions may create challenges for many of our passengers. GMT remains committed to advocating for long-term solutions that will allow us to reinstate services as soon as possible. We also invite our riders to share how these changes are affecting them through our “Rider Impact Stories” initiative, which will help inform our efforts during the upcoming legislative session. If you would like to participate in our campaign, please contact Jamie Smith via email at jamie@ridegmt.com or by phone at 802-540-1098.

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Green Mountain Transit Announces Service Reductions Due to Financial Instability

[Burlington, VT] – [August 27, 2024] – Green Mountain Transit (GMT) 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.

As public transportation remains a critical service for many residents, this draft service reduction plan was made after a thorough analysis and consideration of all available options. GMT’s priority remains the safety and reliability of its services for those who depend on public transit.

“We know Vermonters are hurt when the service they rely on to get through their day is no longer there,” said Clayton Clark, General Manager for Green Mountain Transit. “Reducing transit options is counter to our vision of public service, but to continue serving our community we must remain financially viable.”

GMT will work closely with local governments, community organizations, and other stakeholders to mitigate the impact on riders. The organization is also exploring alternative funding sources and service models to ensure the long-term sustainability of public transit in the region. During the month of September, dates to be determined, GMT will present the draft service reduction at a series of public meetings.

The first round of service reductions is scheduled to take effect in November 2024, with the remaining service reductions scheduled in February and June 2025. GMT will be providing detailed information to customers regarding the specific routes and services that will be affected, as well as alternative transportation options.

To find the most current information regarding service reductions, please visit www.RideGMT.com/service-reductions. Anyone who wishes to make a public comment can do so by emailing planning@ridegmt.com.