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ACTR and Randolph bus companies seek to join forces

MIDDLEBURY — Two local transportation companies — one that serves Addison County and the other that serves the Orange County and North Windsor County — are looking to merge.
Middlebury-based Addison County Transit Resources (ACTR) was called in by the Vermont Agency of Transportation to help Randolph-based Stagecoach Transportation Services (STSI) in January 2014 when STSI’s executive director stepped down
ACTR Executive Director Jim Moulton and other ACTR staff worked with STSI to improve services, increase ridership and ensure greater financial stability. STSI
With those tasks achieved and numerous other benefits realized on both sides of the mountains, the two organizations’ boards of directors have announced that they are ready to look at merging into one legal entity.
Neither ACTR nor Stagecoach anticipates any job losses.
“From day one of the partnership we have been focused on efficient and effective operations,” Moulton said. “This has already resulted in shared administrative, finance, purchasing, human resources and training staff.”
The Boards have voted to launch a due diligence process, during which each organization will take a closer look at the proposal to make sure lingering questions are identified and addressed.  ACTR and STSI expect this process to be complete by late spring with a final vote shortly thereafter.  Both organizations expect to hold community meetings to discuss the topic. 
Community members are also encouraged to provide written feedback to [email protected] and [email protected]
“We weren’t sure what to expect at first but the management agreement has worked incredibly well to help Stagecoach address its leadership and fiscal stability needs in order to successfully deliver on its mission,” said STSI board Chair Paul Kendall.  “The benefits have been so clear that continuing the relationship on a more permanent basis only makes sense.”
“ACTR has gained strength through this partnership,” stated ACTR board Chair Adam Lougee.  “It is clear to the board that we are poised once again to meet growing community needs and we are excited that a more permanent partnership will give us a better chance to expand services.”
During the past three years, the ACTR-STSI partnership has been largely invisible operating behind the scenes without much public notice.  Each agency has continued to address the service needs of its respective region and has also maintained its independent identity, all the while building new levels of administrative and financial strength.  Should the merger be completed, that is expected to continue seamlessly.
“Stagecoach celebrated 40 years of service in 2016 while ACTR will reach its 25th anniversary in 2017,” Moulton noted.  “Both organizations have long histories of serving their respective communities with respected identities, and that should be built upon.”

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