BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – It’s been over three years of free bus rides through Green Mountain Transit.
What began as a COVID precaution has been a financial game-changer for many riders. Tina Barratt, who takes the bus every day, says the money she saves lets her lead a more fulfilling life.
“The fact of being able to still do things for my kids, buy clothes and enjoy fun things,” Barratt said.
That ends this spring. With COVID relief funds and state support dried up, GMT is bringing fares back April 1 for Chittenden County local and commuter routes. Fare is two dollars, with half off for some riders. It’s pricier than pre-pandemic fares, but frequent riders can take advantage of new daily and monthly fare caps to keep costs low. Riders can pay by cash or card, GMT app or smart card.
Fares were supposed to return in January, but GMT pushed back to March due to a planning issue. Now, GMT says they need until April to clear up issues with their fare payment system.
“We were getting really, really close to launch date without a lot of time to set people up in the system,” Jamie Smith with GMT explained. Smith says a group of volunteers will test run the app throughout March to ensure a smooth rollout in April.
Some riders worry about coughing up the cash. “I think all fares should be free,” Barratt said. Fellow rider Lucy Tomkins added, “It’s gonna be hard to take the bus.”
Others understand the need for fares. “A bus is a bus,” Tong Kachurl shrugged. “It’s a bus business.”
“It’s been too long for free rides,” rider Kimberly Clark said. “I’m so happy they’re bringing it back.”
Bus driver Steven Kaplowitz says he hopes fares discourage some rowdy riders from taking the bus. “They have issues and they take it out on us the drivers,” Kaplowtiz reflected. “Sometimes it’s pretty violent.”
GMT estimates around a 16% decrease in ridership when fares return. They say they’re willing to lose some riders if it means helping others feel safe.
“Hopefully, folks will start to feel more comfortable getting on board to run their errands, to go shopping, to get to and from work,” Smith said.
GMT will host events in March to help riders transition to the new payment system.
