Representative Town Meeting Budget and Special Meeting - DAY 2 (linked)

SEAT

NOUST,
° DUSTRY e
TOWN OF WATERFORD
15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385
860-442-0553
SOCIAL SERVICES GRANT FUNDING REQUEST
ORGANIZATION NAME: Southeast Area Transit District
REQUEST DATE (FISCAL YEAR): = FY24 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)
REQUESTED AMOUNT: $39,477
BENEFIT STATEMENT (Describe how these funds will be used)
These funds represent the local match requirement to fund public transit services (fixed route
and ADA Paratransit) in the town of Waterford, and connnecting services to adjacent localities.
The projected total annual operating costs for Waterford is $660,476 with a local match of 6%; the
balance of costs are borne by State and Federal grants and passenger fares. No capital contribution
from Waterford is required.
Per Town of Waterford Budget Guidelines: please attach a certified audit report of all funds
appropriated during the last completed fiscal year to your funding request.
DECLARATION
|, the requester, understand that | am requesting public funds from the Town of Waterford.
| declare that this request does not pose any potential conflict with the Town of Waterford
and | will provide any documentation requested by the Town of Waterford to authorize
funding this request or review the appropriateness of the request.
tA Ch (2/6 /zerw
Signature 04 Date

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SOUTHEAST AREA TRANSIT DISTRICT
December 9, 2022
Mr. Robert J. Brule
First Selectman
Town of Waterford
Fifteen Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385-2886
Dear Mr. Brule:
Per your correspondence of September 12, 2022, Southeast Area Transit District is pleased to provide
the following information concerning its FY24 Operating Budget request:
Amount Requested: $39,477. This represents a 10% increase over last year’s request. This figure is
based upon the following factors:
e The Local Match Allocation Model (based upon an equal weighting of Service Hours, Service
Miles, Population Density and Ridership).
( e |t assumes a modest increase in State funding which if not forthcoming, will require SEAT to
reduce service to all of its member towns, as the Board has directed that we not seek any
increase from its members.
e |t assumes current service levels.
e |t incorporates the second year of SEAT’s three- year labor contract with its Union representing
most of its employees.
e This request reflects increased input costs, primarily in employee fringe, fuel, and materials.
SEAT employs 73 people, 68 full-time and five (5) part-time. In addition, SEAT’s General Manager is a
contract employee with First Transit, and its ADA paratransit schedulers and operators are also contract
employees with Eastern CT Transportation Consortium. SEAT’s budgeted labor expense for FY24 is
$4,086,153.
Services Provided:
e SEAT provides both fixed-route transit services (Routes 1, 3, 12, 14 and 15) and complementary
Federally mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services in the Town and
the region. In FY 22, SEAT provided 47,897 fixed route passenger boardings and 50,033
alightings in Waterford, the majority accessing the retail shopping centers. Like all public transit
systems, SEAT ridership declined during the pandemic, but is recovering. At the request of
CTDOT, SEAT has been fare-free since April 2022, and ridership is now exceeding pre-COVID
levels. The fare-free program will end in March 2023, and we expect ridership to decline
slightly, but anticipate retaining a significant portion of the current increase.
Moving People & Connecting Communities
21 ROUTE 12 ¢ PRESTON, CONNECTICUT 06365 ¢ PHONE 860-886-2631 ° FAx 860-886-6097 ¢ www.seatbus.com

e Services will be provided throughout the fiscal year, six days per week, between the hours of
06:00 and 23:00 Monday — Saturday. SEAT does not operate on major holidays.
e The estimated total cost of the transit services in Waterford in FY24 is: $660,476. The Town’s
contribution represents 5% of the cost of these services. Please note that SEAT does not require
any capital contribution from the Town.
The balance of SEAT’s operating funds come from passenger fares (about 11%) and the State of CT
(about 73%) and Federal Transit Administration ARP funds (about 6%). SEAT’s capital costs are borne by
the Federal Transit Administration at 80% and the State of CT at 20%. SEAT does NOT receive any
contributions from the United Way or other charitable institutions.
Per your supplemental information requests:
e Social Services Funding Request Form
e SEAT’s FY23 Annual Performance Report
e Acopy of the FY21 audit is attached; the FY21 audit will be completed by month’s end, anda
copy will be provided at that time if necessary.
e A breakdown of local contributions by each of the 9 member towns of the District.
e Acopy of our FY23 and FY24 Operating Budgets are attached.
SEAT’s mission is to provide safe, effective, and outstanding regional public transportation linked to
intermodal resources, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors to the region. We
will further support regional growth for present and future transportation needs. As an organization,
we are focused on customer service, system development, fiscal responsibility, community benefits with
an orientation to the future.
SEAT’s primary goals for FY24 are to maintain service levels and ridership; continue to explore innovate
service options such as “MicroTransit”; Implement a bus stop and shelter program working with its
member towns; Continue to implement its capital program, including the facility evaluation and
improvements, focusing on electrification of SEAT’s fleet over the next five to ten years.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if additional information is required.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Carro
General Manage
860-886-2631x116
mcarroll@seatransit.org
c: Thailisa Clark, Finance Manager
Al Fritzsche, Grants Manager
SEa.qT
SOUTHEAST AREA TRANSIT DISTRICT

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
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Southeast Area Transit District
Annual Comprehensive Plan
Effective: July 2022 — June 2023
Managed by:
First Transit
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Management
Financial
Operations
Fixed Route
ADA Paratransit
Stonington « HOP » MicroTransit
New London « Smart Ride » MicroTransit
Maintenance
Vehicle Maintenance
Building & Grounds
Routine Maintenance
Planning
FY 23 Goals
FY 22 Accomplishments
Safety
Marketing & Community Engagement
Board Members/SEAT Staff
Appendix I — FY23 Budget
Appendix II — Fleet
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INTRODUCTION
Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) was established in 1975 under Chapter 103(a) of the
Connecticut General Statues which allows towns to create a transit district because “....private
enterprise lacks financial and other resources necessary to provide such systems of mass
transportation; and, therefore, that the formation and operation of transit districts with the powers
enumerated in this chapter are thus a public necessity”. Its founding members were East Lyme,
Griswold, Groton, Montville, New London, Stonington and Waterford. The town of Lisbon
subsequently joined as well.
The SEAT operates as a semi quasi-governmental unit. It has no authority to levy taxes, although
it can issue revenue bonds, acquire property, apply for grants, enter contracts and negotiate labor
agreements. Its affairs are governed by a Board of Directors, members who are appointed by its
member towns’ legislatures. Each member town is entitled, by State statute, one member, but
towns with populations of more than 20,000 (currently Groton, New London and Norwich) are
entitled to two members.
SEAT is a designated recipient of federal capital capital dollars. The UZA of the District is
approximately 210,000 and is therefore considered a “large” urban area Section 5307 of the
Federal act. The District relies primarily on State grants for operating assistance, with the balance
of operating funds coming from local contributions and fares. In 2002, the Board sought
management services from a third-party contract and subsequently awarded that contract to ATE
Management, which has continued uninterrupted to the present day under First Transit. The
contract requires First Transit to provide a general manager oversee the day-to-day onsite
operations. The management service contract with First Transit currently covers a five-year period
through December 31, 2024.
The SEAT operates three different types of service. First, SEAT operates local fixed route service
in Griswold, Groton, New London and Norwich and operates regional or connecting services in
East Lyme, Lisbon, Stonington and Waterford, as well as the towns served by local fixed route
service. Second, SEAT provides complementary ADA paratransit services throughout the
District’s service area. This service is currently provided under contract, by Eastern Connecticut
Transportation Consortium, although SEAT provides the rolling stock and scheduling software.
The third service operated by SEAT is a demand response service in the town of Stonington,
known as the “HOP”. Finally, SEAT is currently operating a pilot demand response service in the
City of New London, known as “Smart Ride”.
SEAT’s administrative and maintenance operations are based out of a facility 21 Route 12 in the
town of Preston (between Norwich and Groton). This facility is owned by the Connecticut
Department of Transportation and provided rent-free to the District; however, the District is
responsible for all maintenance, repairs and improvements to the facility. The facility underwent
a minor upgrade 2011 and roof replacement in 2016. The Preston facility contains all
administrative, dispatch and maintenance offices, and includes five (5) maintenance bays and
indoor vehicle parking. The site contains above ground (AST) storage tanks for diesel and gasoline
fuel. SEAT is presently in a lease agreement with the City of Norwich for space at City’s
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Intermodal Transportation Center (NITC) at 10 Falls Avenue to accommodate a waiting area for
bus passengers, ticketing office and bus transfer station. The station accommodates up to eight (8)
buses. The original term was for ten (10) years and is currently on its second ten (10) year extension
which expires June of 2032; after 2032 it can be extended for an additional twenty (20) years by
addendum. SEAT is responsible for its share of utilities at the NITC; the City of Norwich for
repairs and maintenance of the facility.
All employees except administration employees and vehicle mechanics belong to the
Amalgamated Transit Union. In 2021 management successfully negotiated a new Collective
Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024.
MANAGEMENT
Experience/Focus
First Transit/ Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT)
First Transit (FT) has managed SEAT for over 20 years; of those years, 9 have been with the
current general manager. Over the last nine years particularly, the greatest success has been in
the area of relationships: with passengers, the general public, the Connecticut Department of
Transportation, and the Southeast Connecticut Council of Governments (MPO). First Transit,
along with the cooperation of the SEAT, has worked to improve these relationships by increasing
knowledge and building awareness of what SEAT is and how it fits within the communities it
serves.
Key to this success has been the consistently solid and professional working relationship shared
by First Transit, CTDOT, and SEAT. Because of our relationship, FT management and the
SEAT have made great, collaborative efforts to communicate who we are and what we do, which
has resulted in positive feedback from all those we work with.
Through honesty, transparency, frequent communication, the willingness to work with
everybody, and by never getting comfortable in how we do things, FT management and the
SEAT changed perceptions and is now considered a vital part of the community. Our belief that
we are a great community asset and provide great value has become a reality made possible by
all those who are proud to work for SEAT and its First Transit management team.
FINANCIAL
The FY 2023 budget, which begins July 1, 2022, was approved by the Board at its March 2022
Board meeting. The operating budget is set at $8,597,261, which represents an increase of 13.9%
over FY 2022, mostly due to the twelve (12) months of Smart Ride service; Smart Ride only
operated for six (6) months in FY22. The budget is prepared annually by the general manager
and finance manager, with input from department heads, and reviewed and approved by the
Board of Directors. After the SEAT approves the budget, it is forwarded to the Connecticut
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Department of Transportation (CTDOT). Local match contribution invoices are sent out to the
member towns in late Spring.
As of June 2022, Pre-audited expenses SEAT was running approximately 4.4% under the FY
2022 planned budget.
The SEAT’s annual audit is submitted to the SEAT Board, Federal Transit Administration, the
Connecticut Department of Policy and Management and CT Department of Transportation
Financial statements are provided to the Board in the monthly board-meeting packet. This report
shows the breakdown of costs for each service SEAT operates using standard FTA cost codes.
System Funding
SEAT Fixed Route Service
e Fares T%
e State Fare Reimbursement 5%
e Local Grants 8%
e State Grants 86%
e Federal CARES/ARP Grants 6%
e Advertising Revenue 1%
e Interest Income 0%
SEAT revenues will be impacted by the sunsetting of Federal CARES/ARP grants after 2024. It
is expected that passenger ridership and revenue will recover to their pre-pandemic levels, and
that State funding will increase as well. In FY23, should State grants not meet planned levels,
SEAT will balance its operating budget with unprogrammed Federal ARP funding.
Management expects to offset any State and/or Federal grant revenue shortfalls in FY24 and
beyond by any combination of the following:
e Cutting expenses where possible
e@ Maximize the use of Federal capital grants for eligible operating expenses (Grant/Federal
Program administration, preventative maintenance and ADA expenses)
e Request an increase local grants
e@ Service reduction
SEAT ADA Paratransit Service
e Fares 3%
e State Fare Reimbursement 2%
e Local Grants 4%
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A,
State Grants 7T7T%
Federal CARES/ARP Grants 14%
SEAT Stonington HOP (MicroTransit Service)
Fares 2%
State Fare Reimbursement 1%
Local Grants TTM%
State Grants 79%
Federal CARES/ARP Grants 13%
SEAT New London Smart Ride Service (MicroTransit Service)
Fares 9%
State Fare Reimbursement 0%
Local Grants 0%
State Grants 84%
Federal CARES/ARP Grants 16%
Capital Improvements
Project Total Cost FTA Funds State Funds
Bus Wash $450,000 $360,000 $ 90,000
Facility Assessment $ 80,000 $ 64,000 $ 16,000
Demand Response $250,000 $200,000 $ 50,000
Software
Fixed Route $300,000 $240,000 $ 60,000
CAD/AVL/APC
Shop/Office $657,930 $526,344 $131,586
Improvements
MicroTransit Buses $625,000 $500,000 $125,000
Finance Impact Issues
State Fare Reimbursement Program for Fare Free Initiative
Freezing of State funding at FY24 levels for Transit Districts
Lapsing of CARES/ARP Federal grant funds
Delays in State reimbursements and need for commercial line of credit for cash flow
needs.
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OPERATIONS
Overview
Overall ridership is up 77% over previous year attributable to the State-wide fare free program
that was implemented in April 2022 and will continue through November 2022. The State
reimburses the District for the foregone fare revenue, which is reflected in the FY23 budget.
Ridership was increasing at a more modest rate prior to when fares were charged prior to April
2022. It is difficult to determine the impact on ridership when fare collection is resumed in
December.
Fixed Route
SEAT operates 17 fixed routes in all its member towns, although local service is concentrated in
the largest member towns, Groton, New London and Norwich. Peak pull-out is 17 heavy-duty
buses, and service span is Monday — Saturday, 6 AM to 11 PM. Evening service is reduced to 5
buses; Saturday service has a peak pull-out of 15 buses, and evening service is reduced to 4
buses. Currently, SEAT does not operate on Sundays. In FY22, SEAT fixed route service had
778,952 boardings and operated 1,030,634 miles and 66,824 hours. The fixed route service is
funded by fares, town grants and State grants, with State funding providing the bulk of support at
86% of the total funds; fare revenue, showing the impact of ridership loss due to the pandemic
and the fare free program provided 12% of revenues, with the balance made up with local and
Federal CARES grants. It should be noted that Federal operating assistance is time-limited and
is expected to expire in FY24. This system has a budget of $6,728,568 for FY23. The fare base
fare $1.75, but discounts are offered for period passes. SEAT also utilizes Token Transit in
addition to GFI magnetic stripe media for pre-paid passes.
Service Hours:
Monday-Friday 6:00 AM — 11 PM.
Saturday 6:00 AM — 11 PM
Sunday No Service
Fares:
Adult $1.75
1 Day Pass $3.50
31 Day Pass $40.00
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities pay half fare single rides.
System Totals:
Full-Time Bus Drivers: 43
Part-Time Drivers: 2 (stipulated in the CBA)
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ADA Paratransit Service
SEAT contracts the reservations and operations to Eastern Connecticut Transportation
Consortium (ECTC) to provide Federally mandated complementary paratransit service. The
service mirrors fixed route service, and has a peak pull-out of 4 buses. SEAT owns and
maintains the rolling stock, which is currently five Ford/Supreme cutaway units (gasoline
powered). In addition, SEAT provides the scheduling software, which is currently Spare Labs.
In FY22, SEAT ADA paratransit service had 4,435 boardings and operated 49,270 miles and
3,918 hours. The ADA service is funded by fares, town grants and State grants, with State
funding providing the bulk of support at 77% of the total funds; fare revenue, showing the
impact of ridership loss due to the pandemic and the fare free program provided 5% of revenues,
with the balance made up with local and Federal CARES grants. It should be noted that Federal
operating assistance is time-limited and is expected to expire in FY24. This system has a budget
of $352,579 for FY23. The fare base fare $3.50, and pre-paid 10 ride passes are also available, as
well Token Transit.
Service Hours:
Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. — 11:00 p.m.
Saturday 6:00 a.m. — 11:00 p.m.
Sunday No Service
System Totals:
Part-Time Drivers: 7
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SEAT operates the “HOP” service, which is a MicroTransit (Demand-Response) service within
the town of Stonington. This service replaced a very unproductive limited (2-hour headway)
fixed route service in February 2020. The service has a peak pull-out of 1 bus (with a limited 2
bus overlap in the mid-day during the shift change). SEAT owns and maintains the rolling stock,
which is currently 2 Ford/Star Trans cutaway units (gasoline powered). In addition, SEAT
provides the scheduling software, which is currently Spare Labs. In FY22, SEAT HOP service
had 5,050 boardings and operated 49,807 miles and 4,072 hours. The HOP service is funded by
fares, town grants and State grants, with State funding providing the bulk of support at 79% of
the total funds; fare revenue, showing the impact of ridership loss due to the pandemic and the
fare free program provided 3% of revenues, with the balance made up with local and Federal
CARES grants. It should be noted that Federal operating assistance is time-limited and is
Stonington “HOP” MicroTransit Service
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expected to expire in FY24. This service has a budget of $204,688 for FY23. The fare base fare
$1.75; only Token Transit passes are accepted, as the buses are not equipped with GFI fareboxes
but only Diamond drop boxes.
Service Hours:
Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. — 6:30 p.m.
Saturday No Service
Sunday No Service
System Totals:
Full-Time Bus Drivers: 2
TRANSPORTATION
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
DOWNLOAD - TAP - RIDE
OPERATED BY “ . 9 . ° *
New London “Smart Ride” MicroTransit Service
SEAT operates the “Smart Ride” service, which is a MicroTransit (Demand-Response) service
within the city of New London and was launched as a pilot project in December 2021 and is set
to expire in December 2022 but may be extended to June 30, 2022. This service complements the
fixed route service in New London and some in the City have suggested that it replace fixed
route service. The service has a peak pull-out of 3 buses. SEAT owns and maintains the rolling
stock, which is currently 5 Ford/Supreme cutaway units (gasoline powered). These units are
previously used in ADA service and have exceeded their FTA “useful benchmark life”. In
addition, SEAT provides the scheduling software, which is currently Spare Labs. In FY22,
SEAT Smart Ride service had 19,955 boardings and operated 46,271 miles and 4,004 hours for
the 7 months of operation. The Smart Ride service is programmed to be funded by fares, and
State grants (if approved), with State funding providing the bulk of support at 84% of the total
funds; fare revenue, showing the impact of ridership loss due to the pandemic and the fare free
program provided 9% of revenues, with the balance made up with local and Federal CARES
grants. It should be noted that in FY22, the service was primarily funded with Federal CARES
Act grant monies; Federal operating assistance is time-limited and is expected to expire in FY24.
This service has a budget of $481,352 for FY23. The fare base fare $1.75; only Token Transit
passes are accepted, as the buses are not equipped with GFI fareboxes but only Diamond drop
boxes.
Service Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.
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Saturday 8:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Sunday No Service
System Totals:
Full-Time Bus Drivers: 4
Part-Time Drivers: 5 (stipulated in the CBA)
Operations Impact Issues
Covid-19
Operator shortages
Continue to explore initiatives to retain ridership when fare collection resumes
NTD Reporting/Passenger sampling/APC certification
New Public Transit Agency Safety Plan
New Entry Level Driver Training Rules
Future funding for “Smart Ride” MicroTransit service
Age/Condition of “Smart Ride” MicroTransit rolling stock
MAINTENANCE
Vehicle Maintenance
SEAT operates a fleet of 34 public transit vehicles in New London County. This includes
twenty-two (22) 30’, 35 and 40’ clean diesel low floor Gillig and New Flyer buses and two (2)
hybrid diesel-electric 35’ and 40’ Gillig buses. These units are operated in fixed route service.
SEAT has twelve (12) 22’ Ford Startrans and Supreme gasoline powered “cutaway” buses for its
demand-response services (ADA Partransit and MicroTransit). Administrative, maintenance,
and passenger transfer facilities are also required for the operation of this service. All of these
facilities and pieces of equipment require effective maintenance in order to provide high quality,
cost-efficient service throughout their life.
It is SEAT’S policy to, at all times and with all available means, strive to ensure that the
vehicles, facilities, and equipment entrusted to its care are utilized to their maximum public
benefit and are maintained in a manner that derives the most advantageous use at the least
possible cost. SEAT is diligent in this endeavor in several ways. First, SEAT maintains its
facilities and buses with a focus on cleanliness. Second, all tangible assets are kept in the best
possible condition to extend their useful life and maintain the quality of SEAT service to the
highest degree. This is accomplished through continually updating and monitoring the
effectiveness of established maintenance programs for vehicles, buildings, and equipment.
Finally, SEAT encourages each of its employees to take pride in their association with SEAT,
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pride in the duties they perform, and to treat and care for SEAT equipment and facilities as if
each item was their own personal property. SEAT strives for its first impression, whether it by
building or bus, to be a great one. Utilizing these methods, SEAT continues to provide the
excellent quality of service that our service communities deserve and have come to expect.
The SEAT Preventive Maintenance (PM) program for all vehicles consists of a series of
inspections that are performed at intervals based on cumulative mileage by vehicle type (heavy
duty bus, cutaway bus, support vehicles) There are varying levels of inspection vehicle type.
There is an “A” or safety inspection every 3,000 miles; this inspection includes brake and overall
inspection of all systems. ““B” inspections are every 6,000 miles and include an oil and filter
change, system inspection and lubrication. Any equipment inspected and found to be defective is
repaired by the technician. If defects are major or related to safe operation, the vehicle is withheld
and not released for use until such defects have been corrected and vehicle road tested. Inspections
become progressively more complex at 12,000, 24,000, 48,000, 36,000, 75,000 and 150,000
miles for heavy-duty buses, and 30,000, 60,000 150,000 miles for cutaway buses. These
inspections are tracked by the Maintenance Director and/or Parts Manager. The following
tasks—annual vehicle fire suppression system inspections, heating/air conditioning system
service and dryer replacement—are tracked independently of all other PM inspection criteria but
may be performed in unison with a due PM if scheduling can be coordinated to do so.
Preventive maintenance inspections for all vehicles are tracked and projected by use of the RTA
software package. This software tracks vehicle mileages as entered into the system; a list of
vehicles having accumulated mileage within 500 miles of a due inspection is printed daily.
Having such knowledge in advance allows for the efficient scheduling of due inspection(s). From
the time a work order is issued, the Maintenance Director and/or Parts Manager track the
accumulating mileage daily in order to assure that the inspection occurs at the appropriate time.
The established acceptable parameters for the performance of preventive maintenance
inspections are a “window” of 500 miles on either side of the due mileage interval. If an
inspection is performed more than 500 miles after it is due, the inspection is considered late. PM
inspections are allowed to be performed as much as 500 miles early as required to facilitate
workload scheduling and flow, but this is generally discouraged and rarely necessary.
Overall, on-time PM performance is monitored by the Maintenance Director who investigates
and takes corrective action for any variance from the standard. The Maintenance Director also
randomly checks items on inspection list for both completion and quality of work.
The end result of the preventive maintenance scheduling process is that each bus is in the shop
for an inspection of one level or another every 3,000 miles. Once a scheduled inspection is
performed, any defects noted therein are repaired immediately, which is most commonly the
case. For major, time-consuming, or non-safety related items, the defect may be scheduled for
repair at a later date.
This process is in addition to the daily “pre-trip” inspection performed by the vehicle operator,
who notes any mechanical defects which are corrected by the maintenance department. Safety
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defects result in the bus being immediately removed from service until the defect is corrected by
a qualified technician.
The results and accuracy of inspections are monitored by the Maintenance Director. The results
of road call summaries, fluid consumption reports, defect cards, pre-trip inspections, and casual
observation of general vehicle conditions all contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness of
the preventive maintenance program. All employees are encouraged to provide input into the
maintenance process.
Building and Grounds Maintenance
SEAT has developed and implemented a comprehensive program for maintenance of its
buildings and grounds. This program is separated into two basic areas: general or “routine
maintenance” and “preventive maintenance.” This program encompasses maintenance of
facilities as well as individual tools, systems, and equipment contained therein. In September
2022, in response to a FTA Triennial deficiency finding, SEAT acquired TransTrack EAM
software to track facility and equipment maintenance which heretofore had been tracked
manually.
Routine Maintenance
The routine maintenance of the Administration/Maintenance Facility and the Norwich ITC
includes daily thorough cleaning each working day.
Janitorial services are performed under contract by a third party. SEAT staff is responsible for
grounds maintenance, including snow removal at its Preston facility.
Personnel:
Mechanics — Full time 5 (1 vacancy)
Servicers — Full Time 6
Maintenance Director 1
Parts Manager ]
Facilities Manager 1 (vacant)
Maintenance Impact Issues
Promote Mechanic Certification
On-Sight Mechanic Training
ASE Bonus Reevaluation
Emission Standards
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PLANNING
SEAT meets with the member towns as requested and the Southeast Connecticut Council of
Governments (SCCOG) to discuss service needs. The general manager attends all SCCOG
(MPO) meetings and provides input into the UPWP and STIP.
FY23 GOALS
e Increase ridership by 10% through increasing services that were reduced due to COVID-
19, as well as exploring other initiatives to bring riders back onto the buses.
e Continue to run 3-5% under budget.
e Continue bus stop program, including synchronizing stops among software packages
(Remix, Syncromatics and Trillium/Google)
e Develop bus stop amenities plan in collaboration with CTDOT
e Re-establish SEAT staffing of NITC
© Review and recommend options for ADA Paratransit operations
e Revise/revamp operator training program to incorporate ELDT standards; register SEAT
as ELDT provider for its employees.
e Determine future of New London “Smart Ride” MicroTransit service
e Develop plan for transition to electric buses in collaboration with CTDOT.
FY22 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
e Initiated New London “Smart Ride” MicroTransit program — over 3,000 boardings/month
e Moved to Spare Labs Demand Response software, combining one platform for both ADA
Paratransit and MicroTransit.
e Continued bus stop implementation program, coordinating three software packages
(Syncromatics, Remix and Trillium) — worked with Union to establish and initiate “Bus
Stop Committee” for bus stop locations
e Restored services to pre-COVID levels
e Grew ridership to 92% of pre-COVID levels
e Initiated contactless fare payment via “Token Transit”
e Acquired, installed, and implemented “TransTrack” transit reporting software
e Secured FTA and CTDOT capital grants to acquire replacement ADA buses, replace shop
compressor system, barriers and air purification system.
e Secured second round of FTA CARES Act funding to support/expand operations.
e Secured a new round of FTA ARA funding to support/expand transit operations
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oo
e Negotiated and ratified 3-year labor contract with ATU with a 4% and 2 3% wage increases
e ‘Transitioned to new Finance Director with local staff
e Employee training — customer service, de-escalation, diversity, hazardous materials/PPE,
emergency communications.
e Developed and implemented PTSAP and re-established safety committee.
e Implemented COVID vaccine incentive program for employees
e Installed barriers on all buses and air purification system
e Prepared for FTA Triennial review
SAFETY
SEAT reports monthly to the Board the following:
e Number of vehicle accidents per month, by mode
@ Number of employee and customer injuries per month, by mode
e Number of assaults per month by mode.
The FTA Public Transit Agency Safety Plan has been completed by the Safety Director.
In 2022 SEAT installed a camera security system and electronic door locks at its Preston facility.
This upgrade created a safer more secure facility providing greater control over public access and
monitoring of the facility.
The FTA’s Triennial review found “no deficiencies” with SEAT’s Drug and Alcohol program
and its implementation. SEAT is a member of the State-wide Drug and Alcohol consortium,
managed by the Greater Hartford Transit District.
MARKETING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SEAT has a limited marketing campaign constrained by its operating budget. It consists of:
Bus Wraps
On-Line Advertising
Newspaper Advertising
Theme Programs
Press Release Articles
Facebook
Twitter
SEAT Website
14 | Page

gm,
SEAT is involved with the community in several ways:
Community Participation
e Annual Veteran’s “Stand Down” shuttle buses
e Buses for local emergencies
Associations
@ APTA
e Connecticut Association of Community Transportation (CACT)— the general
manager serves as Vice President
e New England Public Transportation Association (NEPTA)
15 | Page

Ron McDaniel — Chairman
Tom Sparkman — Vice Chairman
Danielle Chesebrough — Secretary
Kevin Seery
Dana Bennett
Aundre Bumgardner
Mark Oefinger
Michael Passero
Carey Redd II
John Salomone
BOARD MEMBERS
Mayor, Town of Montville
First Selectman, Town of Lisbon
First Selectman, Town of Stonington
First Selectman, Town of East Lyme
First Selectman, Town of Griswold
Town Councilor, Town of Groton
Retired Town Manager, Town of Groton
Mayor, City of New London
Parking Director, City of New London
City Manager, City of Norwich
STAFF
Michael Carroll — General Manager (First Transit)
Cynthia Schilke — Assistant General Manager/Administration
Stephen Abate - Maintenance Director
Philip Andrews — Safety & Training Director
Jamie Bohli- Operations Manager
Thailisa Clark — Finance Manager
Stacey Daniels — Parts Manager
Alfred Fritzsche — Grants Manager
Cherise Simpson — Program Manager/DBELO
Facilities Manager - VACANT
Road Supervisor — VACANT
16 | Page

Po
Appendix I
FY23 Budget
SEAT Consolidated (All Modes) Service
Name of Second Party:
Project Descriptio
Period: FY
State Project Number: DC
Agreement Number!
Transit Operating Document Number:
Operations/Maintenance General Administration Total Total
SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2022 SFY 2023 % Increase/
Projected Proposed Projected Proposed Projected Proposed (Decrease)
Expense Object Class
501 Labor $3,472,433.00| _ $3,914,446.00 2.73%
502 Fringe Benefits 2,212,348.00| _ $2,580,537.00 6.64%
503 Services 457,942.00 394,758.00 -13.80%
504 Materials and Supplies Consumed 417,367.00. $377,129.00, 9.64%
50! Utilities 579,457.00 $74,141.00 6.69%
506 Casualty and Liability Costs 55,913.00 60,470.00 15%
507 Taxes 00. .00.
508 Purchased Transportation Services $245,647.00 $324,413.00 32.06%
509 Miscellaneous Expenses $20,014.00 $20,365.00 1.75%
510 Expense Transfer .00 00
511 Interest Expense $17,764.00 $17,176.00 -3.31%
512 Leases and Rentals 00! $0.00
= 502,817.00 $768,274.00 52.79%
=. $63,676.00 $65,552.00 2.95%
= .00) $0.00
EXPENSES - TOTAL] $6,784,780.00 |_$7,815,715.00 760,598.00 781,546.00 |_$7,545,378.00 8,597,261.00 13.94%
Revenue Category
401 Passenger Fares for Transit Service tf | 3.47%
402 cial Transit Fares
406 Auxiliary Transportation Revenues: -6.67%
407 Nontransportation Revenues
= 67.51%
: =100.00%
REVENUES - TOTAL | 03,928.00 871,074.00 8.35%
[ DEFICIT -TOTA! 
$6,741,450.00 |_$7,726,187.00 | 14.61%
36.607
0.82%
14.61%
17 | Page

Name of Second Party:
State Project Number:
Agreement Number
Transit Operating Document Number:
FY23 Budget
Fixed Route Service
Operations/ Maintenance General Administration Total Total
SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2022 SFY 2023 % Increase/
Projected Proposed Projected Proposed Projected Proposed (Decrease)
Expense Object Class |
501 Labor $3,472,433.00|__$3,914,446.00 12.73Y
502 Fringe Benefits 2,212,348.00| $2,580,537.00 16.64%|
503 Services 457,942.00 $394,758.00 -13.80'
504 Materials and Supplies Consumed 417 367.00 $377,129.00. 79.64% |
05 Utilities $79,457.00 $74,141.00 -6.69%|
06 Casualty and Liability Costs 55,913.00} $60,470.00 15%
507 Taxes 
$0.00 $0.00
508 Purchased Transportation Services $245,647.00! $324,413.00 32.06%
509 Miscellaneous Expenses $20,014.00 $20,365.00 1.75%
510 Expense Transfer _ $0.00 $0.00
511 Interest Expense $17,764.00 $17,176.00 -3.31%
512 Leases and Rentals $0.00 0.00,
= $502,817.00) $768,274.00! 52.79%
$63,676.00 $65,552.00: 2.95%
$0.00! $0.00
EXPENSES - TOTAL] $6,784,780.00 |_$7,815,715.00 $760,598.00 $781,546.00 | $7,545,378.00 | $8,597,261.00 13.94%
Revenue Category
401
[Passenger Fares for Transit Service
402
Special Transit Fares
406
Auxiliary Transportation Revenues
107
8.35%
14.61%]
Local Subsidy
SUBSIDIES - TOTAL
SERVICE STATISTICS
Hours
Days of Operation
18 | Page

FY23 Budget
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19 | Page

Name of Second Party:
Project Description:
FY23 Budget
Stonington HOP Service
Period: F
State Project Number:
Agreement Number:
Transit Operating Document Number: 202:
Operations/ Maintenance General Administration Total Total
SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2022 SFY 2023 % Increase/
Projected Proposed Projected Proposed Projected Proposed (Decrease)
Expense Object Class
501 Labor $170,018.00 -00 27.00%
502 Fringe Benefits $52,236.00 $68,118.00 30.40%
503 Services 0.00 $0.00
Materials and Supplies Consumed $4,486.00 $4,934.00 9.99%
0.00 $0.00
$0.00) 50.00.
$0.00) $0.00
£0.00) $0.00
i i $0.00) $0.00
$0.00 $0.00
EE. $0.00 $0.00
$0.00 30.00
$11,075.00 $12,443.00 12.35%
00) $1,200.00 100.00%
$0.00 $0.00
$209,621.00 $237,815.00 $210,812.00 11.35%
Federal Subsid
State Subsid'
Local Subsid'
SUBSIDIES - TOTAL
$3,349.00
$6,124.00
100.00%
82.86%
$234,466.00 | $204,688.00] _—-12.70%
-88.33%|
100.00
100.00
$234,466.00|___ $204,688.00 =12.70%
20 | Page

FY23 Budget
New London Smart Ride Service
Agreement Number:
Transit Operating Document Number:
Operations/Maintenance General Administration Total Total
SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2022 SFY 2023 % Increase/
Projected Proposed Projected Proposed Projected Proposed (Decrease)
[Expense Object Class
501 Labor 43,006.00 $242,434.00 69.53%
502 Fringe Benefits 40,674.00) $162,602.00 299.77%
503 Services 14,650.00 $0.00 -100.00%
504 Materials and Supplies Consumed 24,897.00} $12,764.00) 48.73%
505 Utilities $0.00 $0.00,
506 Casualty and Liability Costs $0.00 .00
507 Taxes 
$0.00 $0.00
508 Purchased Transportation Services $0.00; $0.00
509 Miscellaneous Expenses $0.00; 0.00,
0 Expense Transfer $0.00 0.00
af Interest Expense 0.00 0.00
2. Leases and Rentals 0.00 0.0
E $25,190.00 $62,000.01 146.13%
: $763.00 $1,552.01 103.41%
= $0.00) $0.00
EXPENSES - TOTAL| _ $239,654.00 $478,458.00 9,526.00 $2,894.00 $249,180.00 $481,352.00 93.17%
Revenue Category
401 Passenger Fares for Transit Service i if 100.00%
402 Special Transit Fares H / HAN
406 Auxiliary Transportation Revenues
407 Nontransportation Revenues
REVENUES - TOTAL }ifiiit}) tHE [ $0.00 $41,000.00 100.00%
$440,352.00 | 76.72%)
76.72%
21 | Page

Appendix I
Fleet
Year Veh # Make/Model Type Seats/ W-C Fuel
Revenue Vehicles
2016 1601 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2016 1602 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2016 1603 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2016 1604 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2016 1605 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2013 1301 Gillig G30D102N4 40' Bus 39/2 Hybrid
2013 1302 Gillig G3O0B102N4 35' Bus 32/2 Hybrid
2018 1801 New Flyer XD40 40' Bus 38/2 Diesel
2018 1802 New Flyer XD40 40' Bus 36/2 Diesel
2018 1803 New Flyer XD40 40' Bus 38/2 Diesel
2018 1804 New Flyer XD40 40' Bus 38/2 Diesel
2018 1805 New Flyer XD40 40' Bus 38/2 Diesel
2018 1806 New Flyer XD35 35' Bus 32/2 Diesel
2018 1807 New Flyer XD35 35’ Bus 32/2 Diesel
2018 1808 New Flyer XD35 35' Bus 32/2 Diesel
2018 1809 New Flyer XD35 35' Bus 32/2 Diesel
2018 1810 New Flyer XD35 35' Bus 32/2 Diesel
2018 1811 New Flyer XD35 35' Bus 32/2 Diesel
2019 1901 Gillig G27E 30' Bus 26/2 Diesel
2019 1902 Gillig G27E 30' Bus 26/2 Diesel
2019 1903 Gillig G27E 30' Bus 26/2 Diesel
2019 1904 Gillig G27E 30' Bus 26/2 Diesel
Ford Transit/Startrans
2019 1906 Candidate 20' Bus 13/2 Gasoline
Ford Transit/Startrans
2019 1907 Candidate 20' Bus 13/2 Gasoline
2019 2001 Gillig G27B 35' Bus 29/2 Diesel
2019 2002 Gillig G27B 35' Bus 29/2 Diesel
2019 2003 Gillig G27B 35' Bus 29/2 Diesel
2019 2004 Gillig G27B 35' Bus 29/2 Diesel
2019 2005 Gillig G27B 35' Bus 29/2 Diesel
2020 2006 New Flyer XD40 4O' Bus 37/2 Diesel
2020 2007 New Flyer XD40 40' Bus 37/2 Diesel
22 | Page

2021 2101 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2021 2102 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2021 2103 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2021 2104 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
2021 2105 Ford E450/Coach&Equip 22' Bus 12/3 Gasoline
Service/Support Vehicles
2017 1702 Ford Explorer SUV 5/0 Gas
2017 1703 Ford Explorer SUV 5/0 Gas
2017 1704 Ford Explorer SUV 5/0 Gas
2019 1812 Chevrolet Silverado CK15 Pick-up Truck 4/0 Gas
2015 1501 Chevrolet Silverado Pick-up Truck 2 Gas
2017 1701 Dodge Caravan Mini van 7/0 Gas
2019 1905 Chevrolet Silverado K350 Pick-up Truck 4/0 Gas
2020 2106 Ford Transit T150 Van Gas
2020 2107 Ford Transit T150 Van Gas
2015 1502 Dodge Caravan Mini van 7/0 Gas
23 | Page

Southeast Area Transit District
Independent Auditors’ Reports and
Management’s Financial Statements
June 30, 2021
Ron L. Beaulieu & Company
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

SOUTHEAST AREA TRANSIT DISTRICT
JUNE 30, 2021
CONTENTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT A - STATEMENT OF NET POSITION
STATEMENT B - STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENSES, AND CHANGES
IN NET POSITION
STATEMENT C - STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
o NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT’S SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
SCHEDULE A- COMBINING SCHEDULE OF REVENUES, EXPENSES, AND
CHANGES IN NET POSITION BY DIVISION
SCHEDULE B - SCHEDULE OF REVENUES, FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES, AND
CHANGES IN NET POSITION - GENERAL DIVISION
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER
FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ON COMPLIANCE AND OTHER MATTERS BASED
ON AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS
PAGE
1-2
3.1 - 3.10
15
16-17
18 - 19

Ron L. Beaulieu & Company
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
www.rlbco.com 41 Bates Street Tel: (207) 775-1717
accting@rlbco.com Portland, Maine 04103 Fax: (207) 775-7103
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Board of Directors of
Southeast Area Transit District
Preston, Connecticut
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Southeast Area Transit District, as
of and for the year ended June 30, 2021, and the related notes to the financial statements, as
listed in the table of contents.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial
statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant
to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United
States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government
Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor
considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the
financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
entity's internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting polices used and the reasonableness of significant
accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of
the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a
basis for our qualified audit opinion.

mh
Basis for Qualified Opinion
Management has not recorded in-kind revenues and expenses associated with donated bus
and equipment leases from the State of Connecticut. Accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America require that in-kind donations be represented as revenue and
either as an expense or asset. Without these transactions, capital assets-net is understated,
and net position is understated. The amount by which this departure would affect the assets, net
position, and revenues has not been determined.
Qualified Opinion
In our opinion, except for the effects of the matter described in the “Basis for Qualified Opinion”
paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Southeast Area Transit District, as of June 30, 2021, and the changes in
financial position and cash flows thereof for the year then ended in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Other Matters
Required Supplementary Information
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the
management's discussion and analysis on pages 3.1 through 3.10 be presented to supplement
the financial statements. Such information, although not a part of the financial statements, is
required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential
part of financial reporting for placing the financial statements in an appropriate operational,
economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required
supplementary information in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the
United States of America, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of
preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management's
responses to our inquiries, the financial statements, and other Knowledge we obtained during
our audit of the financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance
on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to
express an opinion or provide any assurance.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated
January 27, 2022, on our consideration of Southeast Area Transit District’s internal control over
financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations,
contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is solely to
describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and
the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of Southeast Area
Transit District’s internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an
integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in
considering Southeast Area Transit District's internal control over financial reporting and
compliance.
Ron 1. Beaulsin £ Co.
Portland, Maine
January 27, 2022

Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Introduction
Annual reports provide information about the proprietary fund of the Southeast Area
Transit District. This fund shows restrictions on the planned use of resources or
measured, in the short term, the revenues and expenditures arising from certain activities.
GASB Statement 34 requires that the managers of the Southeast Area Transit District
focus on this fund.
The proprietary fund financial statements will continue to measure and report the
“operating results” by measuring cash on hand and other assets that can easily be
converted to cash. These statements show the short-term performance of funds using the
same measures governments use when financing current operations. On the other hand,
if we charge a fee to users for services, fund information will continue to be based on
accrual accounting. Showing budgetary compliance has always been an important part of
governmental accountability.
We hope to provide an objective and