CCTA Driver Relationships Continue to Improve and Grow

July 2, 2015

In the past year, the relationship between Chittenden County Transit Authority (CCTA) drivers and management have come a long way. The relationship between everyone has been vastly improved, and the new commitment to better communication and increased public outreach has encouraged drivers to be better ambassadors for CCTA.

Today is no exception. In an effort to become more inclusive and bring the driver workforce together, the drivers and mechanics at Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA) will join the CCTA drivers and mechanics in the Teamsters Local 597.

“I am excited about the next step in this partnership. Our Labor team wants the same thing for this transit system as the CCTA management and the Board of Commissioners – to deliver first class transportation to the public” says Karen Walton, general manager. “We are working together on a couple of projects that will make CCTA/GMTA a very dynamic organization.”

GMTA operates the rural portion of the CCTA’s service. In July 2011, GMTA and CCTA became one legal entity, which formalized the operating relationship between the two agencies that had existed since 2003. This is one of many steps CCTA will be taking to bring the two agencies together. 

Catherine Dimitruk, CCTA board president states, “With the construction of the new transfer center in downtown Burlington, and a renewed enthusiasm with the employees, this is an exciting time for both the rural and urban side of the agency.”

In the next 12 months, CCTA and GMTA will begin to communicate both agencies with one mission, one voice to bring awareness to our services which, connects communities through urban and rural transportation services. Tony St. Hilaire, the business manager for the Teamsters stated, “The change in management at CCTA has been very positive for the employees and I am pleased with the constructive relationship between the company and Union. Jointly we are working towards the same goals: maintaining a workplace where employees are respected and valued, and keeping CCTA successful.”