Stagecoach Announces Start of Expanded I-89 Commuter Service
Stagecoach Transportation Services plans to expand its commuter transportation services along I-89, by beginning the operation of a new segment from Montpelier to Randolph Center, Randolph Village, and South Royalton. Open to the public, the new service may begin as early as mid-December and will provide direct transportation from Montpelier along I-89, with stops at the park & ride lots at Exits 8, 7, and 5, through to Vermont Technical College, Gifford Medical Center, and the Vermont Law School.
In recognizing these key employers, Stagecoach Manager David Palmer stated, "The application submitted by Stagecoach stood strong amid statewide competition due to our partners, VTC, Gifford Medical Center, and the Vermont Law School, who helped define the scope and committed to the local share of funding." In applauding the award, Michele Kupersmith of the Vermont Law School expressed, "Let's hope this is just the beginning of a new era of convenient, affordable, and low-carbon-footprint travel in this part of the state."
Funding for the new route is provided by the Federal Transit Administration through the Vermont Agency of Transportation for an initial three year period. It is this same source of funding that has allowed the Stagecoach to develop the 89er commuter service between Randolph, Bethel, Royalton, and Sharon to the Upper Valley area and a similar commuter service operating along the I-91 corridor.
The 89er North, which the new service will be known as, will operate Monday through Friday, commencing at 7:00am from Main Street (by Shaw's) in Montpelier and continue to the park & ride lot at Exit 8, and then south on I-89, with stops at the park & ride lots at Exits 7 and 5. Upon reaching the park & ride lot at Exit 4 (Randolph Center) a second vehicle will transfer passengers continuing to the Vermont Law School in South Royalton, while the main route will make stops at VTC at 7:45am, and then in Randolph Village, concluding at Gifford Medical Center by 7:55am. The evening trip retraces the same route, originating from the Vermont Law School at 5:00pm and Gifford Medical Center at 5:05pm, VTC at 5:15pm, with the evening transfer at the Exit 4 park & ride lot occurring at 5:20pm, and then continuing north to Exits 5, 7, and 8, concluding back at the Main Street stop in Montpelier at 6:00pm. A 24-passenger vehicle will be operated between Montpelier and Randolph.
