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wp content uploads 2024 11 Testimony VITRAN Subsidy 10.30.2024

Collection
Executive Agency Records
Sub-shelf
Public Works
Kind
Government Report
Date
2024-10-30
Pages
5
Text
Native Text

C O M M I T T E E O N B U D G E T , A P P R O P R I A T I O N S & F I N A N C E Derek Gabriel Commissioner Department of Public Works OCTOBER 30, 2024 D P W . V I . G O V 1 Good morning, Honorable Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, Chairperson of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance; committee members; other Senators in attendance; and the listening and viewing public. My name is Derek Gabriel, and I am the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Assistant Commissioner Rueben Jennings is accompanying me in the well today. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on the local subsidy for the public transportation system. The Department of Public Works requests a $5,000,000 appropriation to the Public Transportation Fund to subsidize VITRAN operations. The Government of the Virgin Islands has historically funded most of VITRAN’s operations, with federal funds covering less than 30% of daily operations. As detailed in the attached documentation, the subsidy budget for VITRAN personnel is $4.9 million, covering 68 positions. …

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C O M M I T T E E O N B U D G E T , A P P R O P R I A T I O N S & F I N A N C E Derek Gabriel Commissioner Department of Public Works OCTOBER 30, 2024 D P W . V I . G O V 1 Good morning, Honorable Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, Chairperson of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance; committee members; other Senators in attendance; and the listening and viewing public. My name is Derek Gabriel, and I am the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Assistant Commissioner Rueben Jennings is accompanying me in the well today. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on the local subsidy for the public transportation system. The Department of Public Works requests a $5,000,000 appropriation to the Public Transportation Fund to subsidize VITRAN operations. The Government of the Virgin Islands has historically funded most of VITRAN’s operations, with federal funds covering less than 30% of daily operations. As detailed in the attached documentation, the subsidy budget for VITRAN personnel is $4.9 million, covering 68 positions. The remaining $100,000 from the subsidy is allocated for fuel. Funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) currently covers 20 personnel at a cost of $1,421,475.47. Federal funds are primarily obtained through competitive grants and largely designated for capital improvement projects and procuring equipment such as buses. Just within the last few years, the department was given the authority to utilize these funds to cover operational costs. The omitted $5,000,000 appropriation from DPW’s FY2025 budget is essential for funding VITRAN’s personnel costs, fuel, and supplies necessary for daily operations. Without this funding, VITRAN will face severe financial constraints and be forced to significantly reduce or even cease operations and furlough employees. 2 In fiscal year 2024, VITRAN served 269,868 fixed-route and Paratransit riders. Of that, 44,240 rides were free, which amounts to approximately 20% of our ridership. The department increased rates on June 1, 2024, to help cover operational costs. Fixed-route service was increased to $2, and Paratransit service to $4. The department saw that global economic factors such as logistics and supply chain issues and the pandemic adversely impacted services. Also, operating costs have skyrocketed – whether it’s the cost of replacement parts, consumables such as diesel and oil, or replacement buses. Discounts for Medicare Cardholders and free rides for seniors will remain in effect. The paratransit ridership is high, and most daily trips include rides to dialysis treatment centers, other medical visits, personal care visits, and work. Most riders are senior citizens and persons with disabilities, including children and young adults. Competitor costs for similar services are much higher, up to 20x higher than the current Paratransit fee. The loss of these services would devastate our community, particularly those who rely on public transportation for their daily commutes and access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. Due to paratransit client demand, we also offer those services on weekends and holidays. As an aside, the department is under contract, utilizing federal funds, for seven new medium-duty buses and has an amendment for two additional buses. It expects to acquire 12 new ADA Paratransit vans during this fiscal year. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before this committee regarding this extremely important budgetary issue. Assistant Commissioner Jennings and I stand ready to answer any questions you may have. Date Position ID* Position Name* FTE* Funds TYPE SALARIES TOTAL FRINGE TOTAL TOTAL 2025 261000210 BUS DRIVER/DISPATCH 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000151 BUS DRIVER 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000157 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000567 SUP MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 51658 25260.027 76918.027 2025 261000196 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000220 MECHANIC I 1 6058 45272.61 29862.81802 75135.42802 2025 261000227 MECHANIC III 1 6058 37661.61 20900.15152 58561.76152 2025 261000186 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000181 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 12707.04608 51780.96608 2025 261000187 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000154 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000572 BUS DRIVER 1 6058 39073.92 566.57184 39640.49184 2025 261000465 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000160 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 12707.04608 51780.96608 2025 261000570 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27909.42608 66983.34608 2025 261000185 BUS DRIVER 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000217 MECHANIC II 1 6058 42059.04 28861.79096 70920.83096 2025 261000212 BUS DRIVER/DISPATCH 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000531 SUP MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 50645 24944.4775 75589.4775 2025 261000197 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 12194.02608 51267.94608 2025 261000805 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000224 MECHANIC II 1 6058 42059.04 28861.79096 70920.83096 2025 261000501 SUP MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 53745 32501.9675 86246.9675 2025 261000552 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000563 SUPERVISOR MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 51658 31851.867 83509.867 2025 261000464X MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000195 BUS DRIVER 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000175 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000457 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000156 BUS DRIVER 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 161000529 VITRAN OPS MANAGER 1 6058 EXEMPT 75000 36772.9 111772.9 2025 261000225 VITRAN BUS MEC III 1 6058 37661.61 20877.65152 58539.26152 2025 261000133 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000236 SECRETARY/ADA 1 6058 30197.49 25166.91814 55364.40814 2025 261000231 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000030 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000211 BUS DRIVER/DISPATCH 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000135 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000176 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000189 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000234 MECHANIC III 1 6058 37661.61 27491.99152 65153.60152 2025 261000166 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000158 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000152 BUS DRIVER 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000029 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000205 CUSTODIAL WORKER 1 6058 31329.89 25519.66074 56849.55074 2025 261000242 UTILITY WORKER STT 1 6058 32504.79 25885.64209 58390.43209 2025 161000058 EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 1 6058 EXEMPT 40000 28220.4 68220.4 2025 261000184 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000551 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 161000235 OPERATIONS MANAGER STJ 1 6058 EXEMPT 70000 29798.56 99798.56 2025 261000466 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 161000556 ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST 1 6058 EXEMPT 40000 21628.56 61628.56 2025 261000222 MECHANIC II 1 6058 42059.04 28861.79096 70920.83096 2025 261000203 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000216 MAINTENANCE CLEANER 1 6058 31329.89 18927.82074 50257.71074 2025 261000239 UTILITY WORKER STT 1 6058 32504.79 25885.64209 58390.43209 2025 261000188 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000164 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 261000163 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000461 SUP MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 57035 26934.9625 83969.9625 2025 261000219 MECHANIC I 1 6058 45272.61 23270.97802 68543.58802 2025 261000173 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 27931.92608 67005.84608 2025 261000230 MECHANIC II 1 6058 42059.04 22269.95096 64328.99096 2025 161000115 SENIOR TRANSPORTATION DATA MANAGER 1 6058 EXEMPT 55000 32892.9 87892.9 2025 261000194 BUS OPERATOR 1 6058 39073.92 21340.08608 60414.00608 2025 22834369 OVERTIME 1 6058 300000 22950 322950 2025 A00000043 HOLIDAY PAY 1 6058 149600 11444.4 161044.4 2025 A00000045 FEES & COMP 1 6058 11000 841.5 11841.5 2025 A00000048 DIFFERENTIAL 1 6058 11000 841.5 11841.5 2025 261000226 MECHANIC III 0.5 6058 18830.805 13745.99576 32576.80076 2025 261000550 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 0.5 6058 19536.95 10670.03993 30206.98993 3,225,446.46 $ 1,671,673.24 $ 4,897,119.69 $ Date Position ID* Position Name* Funds DepartmTYPE SALARIES TOTAL FRINGE TOTAL TOTAL FRINGE AS A % OF SALARIES 2025 261000134 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 3100 610 39,073.92 21,340.09 60,414.01 0.546146537 2025 161000549 TRANSIT ADA ASST 3100 610 EXEMPT 30,000.00 25,105.40 55,105.40 0.836846667 2025 261000556 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 3100 610 39,073.92 21,340.09 60,414.01 0.546146537 2025 261000559 CUSTODIAN 3100 610 31,329.89 18,927.82 50,257.71 0.604145777 2025 161000050 OPERATIONS MANAGER 3100 610 EXEMPT 35,000.00 18,195.20 53,195.20 0.519862857 2025 161000063 ADMINISTRATOR DRUG & ALCOHOL 3100 610 EXEMPT 46,350.00 26,258.33 72,608.33 0.566522654 2025 161000536 TRANS PLANNER 3100 610 EXEMPT 76,000.00 30,257.56 106,257.56 0.398125789 2025 161000538 DEPUTY COMM OF TRANSPORTATION 3100 610 EXEMPT 90,000.00 31,328.56 121,328.56 0.348095111 2025 261000516 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 3100 610 39,073.92 21,340.09 60,414.01 0.546146537 2025 161101024 ROUTE MATCH ADMIN 3100 610 EXEMPT 45,000.00 14,553.02 59,553.02 0.323400444 2025 161000537 TRANS PLANNER 3100 610 EXEMPT 82,400.00 37,339.00 119,739.00 0.453143204 2025 261000523 VI TRANS BUS MECH II 3100 610 42,059.04 13,123.89 55,182.93 0.312034962 2025 161000062 ADA COORDINATOR 3100 610 EXEMPT 43,775.00 29,396.31 73,171.31 0.671531982 2025 261000557 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 3100 610 39,073.92 27,931.93 67,005.85 0.71484832 2025 161000064 FEDERAL FISCAL OFFICER 3100 610 EXEMPT 60,513.00 28,018.36 88,531.36 0.46301389 2025 161000502 COORDINATOR FERRYBOAT OPERATOR & MAINTENANCE 3100 610 EXEMPT 60,000.00 27,858.56 87,858.56 0.464309333 2025 161000511 TRANSIT SPECIALIST 3100 610 EXEMPT 27,040.00 17,591.52 44,631.52 0.650573964 2025 261000560 CUSTODIAN 3100 610 31,329.89 18,927.82 50,257.71 0.604145777 2025 161000520 MASS TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR 3100 610 39,073.92 21,340.09 60,414.01 0.546146537 2025 261000558 VI TRANS BUS MECH I 3100 610 45,272.61 29,862.82 75,135.43 0.659622187 941,439.03 480,036.44 1,421,475.47