MST honored
This week, I was delighted to be present in Boston on behalf of the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) Board of Directors, as MST received the 2025 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Outstanding Public Transportation System Award. APTA represents the interests of public transportation operators throughout the country, and recognized MST as the best public transit operator in the country serving small urban and rural communities.
Specifically, MST was recognized for its efforts in redesigning its route network to focus its limited resources by providing expanded service to underserved and carless communities, shortened travel times, and improved frequency, all while launching a more affordable fare structure of $2 for two hours of unlimited rides, supported by fare capping and mobile payment options.
Through partnerships with Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College, Cal State University Monterey Bay and the city of Monterey, combined with the launch of a subsidized vanpool program, deeply discounted taxi trips for seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities, MST has broadened mobility options for students, workers, and rural residents.
Today, nearly one in four trips on MST services originate within disadvantaged communities. MST also connects youth facing challenges to opportunity by providing services to students attending Rancho Cielo educational programs. This past year, transit ridership in Salinas has surpassed pre-COVID performance, demonstrating the increasing demand for safe, affordable, and dependable mobility alternatives within the county.
Environmentally, MST is leading the way. It’s growing zero-emission fleet, usage of 100% renewable biodiesel, and the SURF! Bus Rapid Transit projects are reshaping sustainable mobility in the Monterey Bay region and are seen as a model for transit operators across the country. In just one year, MST’s fleet eliminated the equivalent of 140,000 single-occupant vehicle trips — equal to removing 10,000 cars or planting 300 acres of forest. With $78 million secured for the SURF! BRT, MST is poised to deliver the region’s most transformative transit investment.
MST’s commitment to safety is unmatched. From collaborating with emergency responders to train for battery-electric vehicle incidents, to launching a GIS-based Safety Incident Dashboard that maps risks and informs targeted interventions, MST has created a data-driven safety culture. Innovative solutions — like visual ramp warnings and public safety videos—have addressed passenger injury trends and protected riders and staff alike.
Internally, MST fosters an engaged, high-performing workforce. With recruitment, and retention bonuses, and its innovative Mentors in Motion peer-support program, MST is investing in a future-ready transit workforce. Its flexible work policies, ADA accommodations, and mental health support reflect a holistic approach to employee well-being.
We appreciate the national recognition and thank our employees, passengers, and partners, both past and present, as we continue to fulfill our vision of connecting communities, creating opportunity, and being kind to our planet.
— Mary Ann Carbone, Sand City mayor and MST board chair
A real concern
We, as a nation, have flourished for many years without a dictator. Some have had visions of dictatorship, but Donald Trump is coming closer to reality than most. Jan. 6 and his pardoning of the insurrectionists who attacked the Capitol should indicate his intentions, even if we ignore his disregard for other legal and Constitutional procedures.
His behavior should be of concern to all Americans, whatever our other political and social views. We are a very diverse nation in many ways, perhaps our strongest point.
— John Hardy, Marina
Water use
I gave up my vegetable garden for three or four years in response to all the dire warnings about limiting our water use.
Now we have swarms of tens of thousands of tourists arriving often to use as much water as they want. We are drinking sewer water, and developments like Campus Town and others keep springing up with no concerns about their water use.
— Robert Hellam, Seaside
Appreciating Kessler
I want to thank you for publishing Stephen Kessler’s articles, especially his recent writings – on 8/30 “Future history from wrong end” and 9/13 “They don’t have to show you no badges”. His articles are the first thing I look for on Saturdays (plus the college and NFL football schedules). Mr. Kessler is such a powerful writer. His style and opinions are what I want to read. I agree whole-heartedly with how he feels about the senseless chaos and cruelty in our country and the world. He expresses my feelings with relevant and well-written words.
— Mary Ann Wilkinson, Pacific Grove
