Island Transit is pleased to report it is in the midst of executing a recovery plan after having survived serious financial challenges requiring significant reductions in bus service in July and September 2014. A new Interim Executive Director was hired to implement recovery planning for future financial stability, and a new Board of Directors was appointed. At its first meeting of 2015, Island Transit’s Board adopted a stabilization plan including the following key strategies:

1. Development of a financial stabilization plan.

2. Consideration of new funding sources.

3. Review of overlapping service with other transit districts.

4. Ongoing review of all routes and schedules.

5. Investigation of collaborative transportation solutions with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), school districts, and other qualifying organizations.

6. Discussion with neighboring public transit districts for ways to improve operating efficiencies.

Embracing these goals and strategies, the management team is aggressively monitoring, analyzing, and implementing policies and projects that will contribute to operating efficiencies and improved services. At the same time, budget levels are within approved parameters, and future service reductions must be avoided. Meanwhile, a number of new, constructive activities are underway in 2015 to set the foundation for a more promising future. Some of these efforts include:

— A carefully balanced 2015 budget.

— Continuation of the Service Enhancement Plan to reinstate and modify most transit services that were eliminated or reduced in 2014.

— Continuation of efforts to identify new sources of additional revenue.

— Development of an Asset Management Plan and accompanying Asset Replacement Plan.

— Continue regional service coordination efforts with Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish Counties.

As the year progresses, we will continue to plan for added weekday service, the return of discontinued service, and scheduled replacement of aging buses. Improvements and expansion in transit service will be slow in coming, but Island Transit is more encouraged and excited about its future than it was just a few short months ago. Thank you, Island County, for your continued support.

Kenneth Graska

Rick Almberg

Jim Sundberg

Jill Johnson

Rick Hannold

Jackie Henderson

Island Transit Board of Directors