Summary
CART bus service costs jump from $47,000 to $123,000 now that federal COVID relief has dried up. Councilors want a conversation with Salem Caregivers about alternatives and floated cutting on-demand rides to three days a week.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 1, 2026.
Impact analysis
A $76,000 increase in town funding for the service.
Seniors and residents without cars who rely on rides to doctors and shopping.
Taxpayers cover the gap left by expired federal funding.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Town Council - Oct 1, 2026
CART bus service costs jump from $47,000 to $123,000 now that federal COVID relief has dried up. Councilors want a conversation with Salem Caregivers about alternatives and floated cutting on-demand rides to three days a week.
Town Council - Mar 2, 2026
Salem pays about $45,000 a year in CART bus dues and Councilor Withrow questioned why federal funding never reduces the town's share. Councilor Sweeney noted one-time COVID funds have kept dues flat since 2012, but that could change.
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