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“This is great news for Westport’s after-school programs, parents and our participating students," Marpe said. "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.”
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.
"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,” Marpe said.
The First Selectman’s Office indicated that there is still substantial planning and coordination that needs to occur before the after-school bus service can begin running again.
However, in discussions 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.
Although this is a good success for Westport, it is only a temporary reprieve, he said. “It does give us the time as a community to discuss how to develop a plan for post Jan. 1,” Marpe said.
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