SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Southeast Vermont Transit (SEVT) CEO Randy Schoonmaker attended the Monday, July 21, Springfield Selectboard meeting, to share the news that SEVT, also known as the MOOver, will soon operate a microtransit public transportation system in Springfield. The in-town bus route will begin offering pickup and dropoff services via MOOver’s lift-equipped small buses in early fall.
Available Monday-Friday, from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., the system is free to anyone traveling within the boundaries of Springfield and North Springfield. A software program similar to what Uber employs will be used to schedule rides and ride shares. Schoonmaker said Springfield will be the sixth community to join the MOOver microtransit system.
Two public meetings have been scheduled “to provide information on what microtransit is, how it will work in Springfield, answer questions, and receive public input.” Both meetings will have the same agenda, with one held on Tuesday, July 29, at 5:30 p.m., and the other scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7, at 12 p.m. Both meetings will be at the Springfield Public Library, in the Flinn Room. Information is available by calling SEVT at 888-869-6287, or visiting www.moover.com/springfield-microtransit.
The board approved an event permit request from Springfield on the Move (SOM) to hold a Friday night concert series during the month of August at Comtu Cascade Park. “These concerts have been popular the past few years,” town manager Jeff Mobus reported, “and we haven’t had any issues.” All concerts are scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
Mobus reported on the latest meeting of the Long-Term Capital Planning Committee and a discussion on how best to spend $70,000 budgeted for economic development. Mobus said that a subgroup of the committee, which included himself, Mike Martin, and Heather Frahm, met with Bob Flint from Springfield Regional Development Committee, and Vanessa Rebentisch of SOM to discuss options. Mobus presented the board with a summary of the Main Street Revitalization Program they are proposing, which utilizes $50,000 of that fund, to be reimbursed by a revitalization grant.
Mobus outlined four project objectives: support new businesses with financial reimbursements for essential assets and resources, encourage popup shops to attract visitors and stimulate community engagement, enhance signage to highlight local businesses and events, and foster community engagement and inclusion. The targeted outcome is to expand business diversity, increase foot traffic, improve the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, and stimulate economic growth.
The project will establish a committee consisting of representatives from the town and SOM, local business owners, and community stakeholders to review applications and make funding decisions. The board approved the proposal, and requested Mobus follow up at a future meeting to present the results of the revitalization effort.