On Sunday, May 17, I joined Concord Greenspace on their group bus ride “Open House” event for Concord Area Transit (CAT). CAT does not offer weekend service, and it was extremely telling how many regular riders approached the staff during this event to ask “Is the bus running today?” CAT is in need of several hundred thousands of dollars to meet their federal match, and the state is unable or unwilling to assist. Consider testifying in favor of additional City support of CAT during the budget process. In the meantime, CAT is looking to local employers for assistance and/or an “adopt-a-spot” program for additional funding an visibility. It is of note that this is the largest requested increase in support CAT has potentially ever made.
- FY16 requested increase: 34%
- FY17 requested increase: 32% (plus vehicle purchase)
- FY18 requested increase: <1% (plus vehicle purchase)
- FY19 requested increase: 6%
- FY20 requested increase: 3%
- FY21 requested increase: 3%
- FY22 requested increase: 3%
- FY23 requested increase: 4%
- FY24 requested increase: 12%
- FY25 requested increase: 2%
- FY26 requested increase: 8%
- FY27 requested increase: 58%
- FY27 proposed increase: 6%