RCT Warns of Cuts

by Amy Kolb Noyes

A lack of incoming federal funds has led Rural Community Transportation
to warn of possible emergency cuts in programing and staff. While the
cuts do not directly affect RCT's services in Lamoille County, RCT
Vermont Rideshare Coordinator David Towle warned this could be just the
first route affected, if the federal government fails to come through
with promised grant funding.
RCT operates a Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) route in the
Northeast Kingdom. The route supplied over 4,500 rides to commuters last
year, according to Towle. He noted half the route's funding comes from
the state, but a federal grant is also needed to run the program.
RCT Executive Director Mary Grant stated, "The Vermont Agency of
Transportation has always been helpful and we appreciate what they've
done. Without them, we wouldn't be able to offer the quality of service
that the public demands." She continued, "Without federal funding it
will affect hundreds of workers in the Northeast Kingdom. JARC gives
them the ride they need to get to their job. It doesn't just stop there.
All the employers where our riders work could also feel an impact."
Grant said she has warned RCT employees of possible layoffs. A public
meeting will be held at the RCT office in St. Johnsbury at 3 p.m. on
Monday, September 27. Grant said, "The fate of the JARC route and its
passengers will be decided then."
Meanwhile, Grant said, "We're waiting for the federal government to come
up with their share of the funding. It's just a matter of keeping our
fingers crossed for now. We will probably get it at the last minute and
hope that the delay isn't politically motivated."
While the JARC route is not operated in Lamoille County, RCT provides
rides to seniors and others needing transportation to places such as
healthcare appointments and grocery stores. Towle assured that service
is not affected by this particular federal grant. He told the News &
Citizen, "The funding for the JARC route will not have any impact on the
service we provide in Lamoille County."
In fact, Grant extended an invitation to local residents stating,
"Anybody needing a ride to work within Caledonia, Essex, Orleans and
Lamoille Counties should call us. We have a large network of people
looking for a ride or willing to supply rides to common locations and
will match them up the best we can."