FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Route and Schedule Information
Where can I get a Bus Map and Guide?
GMTA bus map and guides are available at numerous area hotels and travel lodges, shopping locations, municipal office buildings, welcome centers, human service agencies and restaurants. In addition, bus map and guides are available on all GMTA buses, area ticket outlet locations and at GMTA’s administrative offices (6088 VT Route 12 Berlin VT 05602).
How do I read the Bus Map and Guide?
Click here for additional information about how to read a GMTA Bus Map & Guide.
Do I have to be at a bus stop for the bus to pick me up/drop me off?
Passengers are asked to arrive at their pick up location 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick up time. The GMTA buses will pick up passengers at any safe location along a route if a designated bus stop is not within close proximity. Passengers can alert the driver from a safe location for a needed pick up by flagging/waving to the driver to stop. GMTA buses will drop off passengers at any safe location along the designated route. Please note that a driver will not stop the bus if the area requested is considered unsafe to either the passenger or surrounding traffic.
Funding Information
What is GMTA’s operating budget?
GMTA’s annual operating budget is approximately $3.5 million.
What is the breakdown of federal, state and local funding?
For FY08, local subsidies were 9%, State dollars 21% and Federal monies were 63%.
How are Elderly and Disabled services funded?
These vital services are provided through a grant known as the Elderly and Disabled grant (5311) through the state of Vermont. Elderly and Disabled funds support meal site, shopping, non-Medicaid medical, critical care and basic transportation needs for the elderly and people with disabilities. Distribution of these funds is allocated to each program through the determination of REDPAC (Regional Elderly and Disabled Program Advisory Committee) on an annual basis.
Operational Questions
How many buses does GMTA operate?
GMTA operates total service area with a fleet of 48 buses, which includes new 2007 emissions standard buses, which, like the rest of the fleet with the exception of the Mad Bus, are operated by biodiesel.
I am traveling with a large group, will we all be able to ride together on one bus?
If you are traveling in a group larger than 15 it would be helpful if you called ahead (802-223-7287) to inform us of your trip. Please be advised that your party may not all fit onto one bus depending on capacity.
Who decides where the routes go/service area?
GMTA will hold public hearings for service and fare changes according to our Fare and Service Change Policy. The GMTA Planning Department develops service plans to improve existing service and expand service (as funding permits) for board and public consideration. The planning staff is responsible for surveying ridership, planning and testing routes. We also depend on public input and suggestion regarding areas in need of public transportation service. To offer comments, please contact us at info@gmtaride.org.
Can I Tip a Volunteer Driver?
We ask that you do not offer a tip in thanks to our Volunteer Drivers for services provided. We do, however, encourage donations to GMTA in support of the program which serves the most transit dependent community members.
Ridership
When did the Montpelier LINK start?
September 2003
What are the trends in GMTA’s ridership?
For FY08, overall ridership saw a growth of 12.91% with over 297,160 rides provided on our regular fixed, seasonal and commuter routes. Particular areas of mention include the Montpelier LINK Express which increased by 44.52%, the Waterbury Commuter up by 24.08%, City Commuter up by 16.15%, Route 100 Commuter up by 13.74% and a 37.87% ridership increase for the Mad Bus Access Road service.
Our Elderly and Persons with Disabilities service saw an increase of 22.05% in ridership within our Volunteer Driver program.
Medicaid and Elderly and Disabled Service
Who do I call to request Medicaid transportation or Elderly and Disabled service?
Please call the GMTA office directly at (802)-223-7287 and ask to speak with a Trip Planner.
Who do I call about Mountain Road Shuttle complimentary paratransit service?
Please call (802) 864-0211 for assistance and information.
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