VTA Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
April 30, 2009
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board met on Thursday April 30, 2009 at 9:30 AM in the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street in Edgartown. Present were Alice Butler (Oak Bluffs), John Alley (West Tisbury) , Connie Teixeira (Tisbury), June Manning (Aquinnah), Lenny Jason (Chilmark) and Mary Beth Grady, (non voting disabled commuters’ representative), Angela Grant, Administrator (VTA) and Lois Craine, (VTA).
The meeting was called to order at 9:38 AM.
Approval of Minutes:
Mr. Alley moved to approve the minutes of March 19, 2009, Ms. Teixeira seconded. Ms. Manning and Mr. Jason abstained. M/s/c
Updates and Reports:
Economic Stimulus
Ms. Grant reported that the 9 buses the VTA will receive with $1.8 million stimulus money will arrive starting in June. Two are 25’ feet, two are 29’, three are 35’ and two are 40’.
Hybrid technology was not chosen due to excessive cost and production time.
State Budget
Ms. Grant reported that the $65Mil. needed to fund the RTAs has been reduced in the State Budget to $46Mil. Amendments will be submitted and Representative Madden has been asked to sign on to them. The outcome could mean up to 25% cut from the VTA’s operating funds. Should the State Legislature vote an increase in the State sales tax a percentage will go towards funding the RTAs.
New Business:
Fare increase.
Ms. Grant asked the Board to consider raising the cost of a one day pass in light of budget cuts. Ms. Manning proposed raising the cost of a one day pass, following a public hearing, from $6.00 to $7.00 starting July 1st, Ms. Teixeira seconded. Discussion followed.
Mr. Alley proposed raising the cost of an annual senior pass for island residents sold by the COAs from $10.00 to $15.00 starting January 1st 2010. Ms. Teixeira seconded. M/s/c.
The meeting adjourned at 10:33AM
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