(December 2009) - The Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Addison County Transportation Resources (ACTR) have proposed to the Town Selectboard to provide weekday bus service from Hinesburg to Burlington and Bristol. This proposal was developed after extensive discussions with transportation providers, Hinesburg Rides, and NRG Systems, which has pledged support for local mass transit.

Proposed service would include two public bus runs in the morning and two in the afternoon, designed to support local residents commuting to Burlington and employees of area businesses commuting to Hinesburg. Bus service could start as early as 2011. The first step is for Hinesburg to join CCTA as a member township through a positive vote at Town Meeting in March 2010. As a member, Hinesburg would gain a seat on the CCTA Board of Directors, enabling CCTA and ACTR to pursue federal and state funding to subsidize this local bus service.

"Access to public bus service in Hinesburg would bring benefits to all local residents and businesses," says Hinesburg Rides Coordinator, Karla Munson. “You don’t have to ride the bus yourself to feel the difference it will make for our community.” Hinesburg mass transit would offer these advantages:

• Car-free access for Hinesburg-area residents to jobs, services, and support in Burlington and Bristol
• Convenient, reliable transportation for employees working for Hinesburg businesses and schools
• Enhanced community services to support local economic development and jobs
• Significant cash savings for bus riders who reduce their higher-cost car commuting
• Greater environmental sustainability through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lessened dependence on foreign oil

In preparation for March Town Meeting, Hinesburg Rides will provide further information about proposed bus service, timeline, and costs over the coming months. In the meantime, please consider what local mass transit would mean for you, your family, local businesses, and our community. If you have any questions, contact Karla Munson at 482-2778 or visit hinesburgrides.org for more information on all our programs.