Westport Gets Fed Approval for After-School Bus Shuttles

A news release from the Westport First Selectman’s Office:

Westport’s First Selectman Jim Marpe announced that late this afternoon he received notification from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that it has approved Westport’s requested exemption to operate the Westport after-school shuttle service through Dec. 31, 2014.

Selectman Marpe said, “This is great news for Westport’s after-school programs, parents and our participating students. I know it will be a great relief to many working families who were worrying how they were going to get their children to the after-school programs without the bus service they have come to rely on.”

Selectman Marpe offered his thanks to the many local and Federal officials who helped Westport achieve this exemption. He also thanked the Federal Transit Administrators for understanding the dilemma the initial ruling had caused and for showing flexibility by granting Westport more time to deal with the situation.

The Selectman added, “while it was a challenging task to try and meet the Federal requirements and gain an exemption in the short time frame we were given, I am gratified that working with the Norwalk Transit District, we were able to be successful.”

The Selectman’s Office indicated that there is still substantial planning and coordination that needs to occur before the service can begin running again. However, in discussions this afternoon with the Norwalk Transit District, it seems probable that the service will be available beginning Monday, Sept. 8, in time for the beginning of most after-school programs.

First Selectman Marpe added that while this is a good success for Westport, it is still only a temporary reprieve. “It does give us the time as a community to discuss how to develop a plan for post January 1.”