SALEM, MA — The Salem Skipper discount rideshare program — which officials said has provided more than 630,000 rides to Salem and North Shore residents during its six years of operation — will continue to operate through a $1 million state grant after it was set to cease operations on Sept. 30.
Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo announced the service extension on Friday. The program was originally funded using cannabis fees and taxes under former Salem mayor and current Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, but that revenue stream dried up in 2022 because of state law changes.
Since then, the Skipper has been funded through grants and one-time state and federal funding sources.
"As the former mayor of Salem, I know firsthand what a difference a program like the Skipper can make for a community," Driscoll said in a statement. "This investment is about making sure Salem residents have affordable, convenient transportation options that make it easier to get to work, run errands, and get where they need to go."
Pangallo said the $1 million will allow the extension of the Salem Skipper "for a limited amount of additional time." Pangallo said his administration is working on a proposal to the City Council that would "enable it to remain in operation permanently and sustainably."
"Our goal is to provide an affordable, reliable transportation option that meets the needs of residents and supports our broader mobility goals as a community," Pangallo said.
Earlier this summer, the Skipper run was extended for 30 days after it was originally set to end in August. Expanded service to Beverly and Danvers ended this spring and hours of operation were scaled back within the Witch City.
Salem officials said this summer that the cost of the service is up to $3 million per year, with the city subsidizing ridership up to 90 percent of the rides — which cost riders between $1 and $2.
Pangallo said a Request for Proposal has been issued to manage the service after the city's contract with Via expires on Sept. 30.
Pangallo said in August that he expected there might be a hiatus in service as the city explored alternative funding sources and, potentially, a new provider.
"Every community deserves affordable, reliable transportation, and that's exactly what the Salem Skipper provides," Gov. Maura Healey said. "The program is already making a real difference, with tens of thousands of rides helping people get where they need to go at an affordable cost.
"This funding will build on that success, and we're proud to partner with Salem to make sure residents have the transportation options they need."
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