May 2014 State of Alaska Transit office mandated a consolidation of Valley Mover, Mat-Su Community Transit, and Sunshine Transit.

December 2014 Consolidation Action Plan submitted to the Alaska Community Transit office (ACT) as required in the consolidation mandate.

January 2015 Valley Mover & MASCOT board members began meeting regularly to work on initial consolidation steps. This work has been facilitated by the Foraker Group.

October 2015 Extension of Consolidation implementation deadline granted by ACT to July 1, 2017.

July 2016 Valley Mover & MASCOT instated mirrored 9 member board of directors with the makeup of 3 members from each agency (Valley Mover & MASCOT) and 3 independent members.

October 2016 A consolidated focus and vision was determined:

• Mission: To provide accessible, sustainable, reliable, efficient and quality public transportation.
• Core Purpose: Provide public transit
• Values and Goals: Accessible – Sustainable – Reliable – Efficient (cost effective & affordable) – Quality (friendly & safe)
• Envisioned Future: Transit services are consolidated for highest efficiency in moving people faster to their destination throughout the Valley.

December 2016 applied for 5311 grant as a consolidated agency, the board of directors voted to use MASCOT’s 501c(3) and legally change the name to Valley Transit.

January 2017 The Valley Transit board created Planning, Policy, Finance, and Executive Director Search Committees with plans to seat a Valley Transit Advisory Committee after merger administration was complete.

February 2017 A financial analysis was completed cutting approximately $150,000 of annual overhead cost.

March 2017 Valley Transit board & staff worked with transit experts to evaluate and build Valley Transit’s service.

April 2017 Valley Transit first consolidated scheduled was voted to be released for public comment, Valley Transit hired a permanent Executive Director, and unanimously voted to fill seats for the standing Valley Transit Advisory Committee.

Valley Mover

• Founded by Mokie & Roberta Tew in February 2010 providing public mass transit in the Mat Su and in Anchorage.
• August 2010 reached 100 passengers in one day.
• April 2010 stopped Valley service to focus on commuter service into anchorage
• July 2011 funded by the State of Alaska DOT Transit Office
• Fall 2011 started partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage to let students and staff ride for free.
• 2012 started pulling into Anchorage’s downtown transit center
• Summer 2013 started partnership with ConocoPhillips to allow their employees to ride for free
• Fall 2012 started partnership with the Mat Su School District transporting students to the middle college.
• January 2015 started partnership with the office of Veteran Affairs expanding our service to the VA clinic in Anchorage and allowing Veterans and VA employees to ride for free.
• Fall 2015 started a partnership with the Big Lake Community Council to expand service into Big Lake.

Mat-Su Community Transit (MASCOT)

• March 1999, incorporated as a result of a study called “Project Getting There”, identifying the need for public transportation in the Mat-Su Valley, including to and from Anchorage.
• August 1999, began first bus service with a re-furbished vehicle provided by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority including an Eagle River Connection with Anchorage’s People Mover.
• 2000-2011:
• Provided Route Deviation, Demand Response and contracted bus services. Through a partnership with People Mover, riders could take advantage of a “Southcentral” Day or Monthly pass to use on both systems.
• Developed partnerships/contract with various community organizations
• Began Commuter Service to Anchorage with three round trips per day
• July 2011, discontinued Commuter Service to Anchorage while continuing valley Route Deviation, Demand Response and Taxi Programs.
• Currently providing Route Deviation and Demand Response Service.