Randolph — Two Vermont community transportation providers will formally merge, following a three and a half year partnership.

The boards of directors of Stagecoach Transportation Services Inc. and Addison County Transit Resources voted on May 8 to merge under the name Tri-Valley Transit.

Despite the new moniker, both Addison County Transit Resources and Stagecoach’s names “will remain highly visible for their respective operating regions,” according to a joint news release from the agencies. Tri-Valley Transit has no immediate plans to change the “unique branding of local services,” and no job losses or changes to “on-the-street services” are expected.

Stagecoach has been managed by the Middlebury-based organization since 2014, following a leadership shakeup at the Randolph nonprofit.

The communities and people the organizations serve “have greatly benefited from the partnership, experiencing improved services, higher ridership and greater financial stability,” the release said. Also, the agencies have seen “greater efficiency and effectiveness throughout all levels of operations, further laying the groundwork for more service opportunities.”

Paul Kendall, the Randolph nonprofit’s outgoing board chair and board chair of TVT said Stagecoach was excited to combine with such a strong partner.

“As we have got to know as Addison County Transit Resources’ board and leadership team over the three-plus years, we were pleased to cultivate our common cultures, operating models and similar, strong customer service focus,” Kendall said. “The merger will be very favorable for the communities of both organizations.”

Adam Lougee, vice president of TVT called Stagecoach “the ideal partner” for the Addison County nonprofit.

“They both have long histories of making our communities stronger by providing safe, reliable and affordable transportation services,” said Lougee, outgoing chair of the Addison County Transit Resources board. “The merger will only strengthen our combined ability to serve our region. I look forward to our future together as a joint organization and to the substantial impact Tri-Valley Transit will have in Vermont.”

— Staff report