ACTR, Making News

May 14 Kick-off Celebration

We’re celebrating the official launch of the 116 Commuter on Monday, May 14 from 7:30-8:30am behind the Hinesburg Town Hall. Riders have been sharing lots of positive feedback about the route that began on April 23rd. Maybe you’ve “Tried-It” and liked it or you want to find out more. (Maybe you’ve never seen enormous ribbon cutting scissors up close – they’re a sight!) Hope you can join us for a donut from Kovals and some conversation. The celebration also marks the kick-off of Way to Go Commuter Challenge Week and the Governor’s proclamation will be delivered.

Background

Beginning Monday, April 23rd, you can hop on the 116 Commuter bus…from Middlebury, Bristol, Starksboro or Hinesburg and get to Burlington. Click on the Bus Schedules and Maps tab for map and schedule, and look under Fares and Info (rider’s guide) for fare information. Get a free water bottle for riding the 116 Commuter Bus on Monday while supplies last compliments of Hinesburg Rides.

Chittenden County Transportation (CCTA) and ACTR received a grant from the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation to offer new public transportation service for Route 116 communities and businesses. This service is the result of a unique public-private collaboration between the two transportation agencies, NRG Systems, the Town of Hinesburg, and the citizen group Hinesburg Rides.

The Route 116 Commuter is an innovative model of service for Hinesburg combining bus service from both directions – Burlington and Middlebury. This plan will create a commuter-oriented schedule for Hinesburg residents going north to Burlington jobs and Burlington residents traveling south to Hinesburg jobs as well as link Addison County residents in Middlebury, Bristol and Starksboro to Chittenden County via Hinesburg.

Hinesburg Rides, the Town of Hinesburg, and NRG Systems have actively advocated for this corridor bus service for several years. Local residents first voted at Town Meeting 2010 to set aside operating funds, renewing support the following year. NRG Systems has committed local match funds to cover capital costs.

Karla Munson, coordinator of Hinesburg Rides, underscores the value of the service for the entire corridor between Burlington and Middlebury. “On behalf of Hinesburg Rides, I would like to say what a great service our new commuter bus will be to the entire Route 116 corridor. I’d also like to say thank you to all who have helped support this project throughout the years, and especially NRG Systems. It has been a long time coming and I couldn’t be happier or more excited.”

One of Hinesburg’s top goals, as outlined in its Town Plan is to promote alternative transportation options such as rideshare and bus service. “Commuter bus service is a huge step forward for the Hinesburg Community,” Director of Planning and Zoning for the Town of Hinesburg, Alex Weinhagen, said. “The Town of Hinesburg sees bus service not only as necessary transportation infrastructure, but also as an important community asset.”

Public hearings to discuss specific route and schedule details and obtain public comments will be held in late February and early March in South Burlington, Hinesburg, Bristol and Middlebury. For hearing dates and more information, go to cctaride.org, actr-vt.org and Hinesburgrides.org.

“We believe that support for public transportation is one of the highest-leverage investments we can make,” Jan Blittersdorf, CEO of NRG Systems, said. “It is vital for strong community infrastructure, economic development and local jobs, and the environment.”

In Addison County this will provide much needed service for many rural residents along the Route 116 corridor. “We are pleased that this innovative public-private collaboration will enable us to provide folks with access to employment markets in Burlington, Hinesburg and Middlebury.” Jim Moulton, Executive Director of ACTR, said.

About ACTR – Since 1992, ACTR’s mission is to enhance the economic, social and environmental health of the region by providing transportation services that are safe, reliable, accessible and affordable for everyone. For more information about ACTR and other routes offered, please explore this website.

About CCTA – The mission of CCTA is to operate safe, convenient, accessible, innovative, and sustainable public transportation services in northwest and central Vermont that reduce congestion and pollution, encourage transit oriented development, and enhance the quality of life for all. For more information about routes and schedules, visit cctaride.org.