I am writing to offer a big thanks to Angie Gompert, administrator of the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA), whose commentary (Gazette, Feb. 5) shared a look back and a look ahead for the Island’s bus service challenges. It is important that we all know that the VTA is working hard to meet the challenges of the virus and, very importantly, planning for the future. As Ms. Gompert tells us, a modern electric bus fleet will be ours soon — helping to support our environment and ensure reliable transportation service. As the rider representative on the VTA board of advisors and a public transportation user myself, I often talk to bus riders who depend upon the bus service getting them to and from work and appointments — the VTA offers a crucial service. I am glad that we can count on the VTA to keep our transportation system rolling forward in 2021.

Kelly Merrill McCarron

Edgartown