[Ohio-Talk] NEWS RELEASE: ODOT announces nearly $105 million in grants for public transit

[Richard Payne]

FYI, some news about public transportation investment throughout Ohio,

 

 


The funding is going to dozens of urban and rural systems 

 




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Contact:  <mailto:matt.bruning at dot.ohio.gov> Matt Bruning - (614) 466-6906




ODOT announces nearly $105 million in grants for public transit


The funding is going to dozens of urban and rural systems


COLUMBUS - Public transportation agencies across the state will soon benefit
from millions of dollars to help with operations and improve mobility
throughout Ohio.

Nearly $70 million will come from the state general revenue fund. These
funds were approved by the Ohio General Assembly in the most recent two-year
state transportation budget. This money is not generated by the state motor
fuel tax.

"We are grateful that lawmakers recognized that public transit is an
important mode of transportation for getting Ohioans where they need to go,"
said Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks. "These
funds will help dozens of local transit agencies provide safe and reliable
transportation for many Ohioans."

ODOT is awarding:

*	$45 million for Ohio Transit Partnership Program to rural and urban
transit agencies
*	$17 million for the 27 urban transit agencies in Ohio using a
formula-based allocation
*	$4 million for the 38 rural transit systems to assist with matching
federal dollars
*	$2 million for the Elderly & Disabled Transit Fare Assistance
Program for reimbursement to rural and small urban transit systems
*	$2 million for the Specialized Transportation Program to support
transportation to seniors and individuals with disabilities

Examples of projects awarded include:

*	The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) is purchasing
bio-diesel fuel.
*	METRO in Akron is implementing a pilot program called FlexRide for
workforce transportation to meet unfilled jobs in Summit County.
*	The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) is
replacing decades-old rail cars, rehabilitating rail track, and performing
preventive maintenance for bus and rail operations.
*	The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (GDRTA) is expanding
its free downtown circulator, "The Flyer." Since its November 2018 launch,
ridership has increased exponentially.
*	The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) in Canton is
purchasing electronic fare-boxes which will use a mobile ticketing app for
smart phones and connect passengers with transit systems in multiple
counties.
*	In Cincinnati, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA)
is constructing a Northside Transit Center for the convenience, comfort, and
safety of connecting passengers in the northern neighborhoods.
*	The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus is expanding
its micro-transit service to the City of Dublin for its workforce shuttle to
meet first mile/last mile needs.
*	The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) in Youngstown will
provide bus passes for social and non-profit agencies that provide services
for infant mortality, job access and work development, as well as social
agencies that work with the opioid addiction. These include My Baby's 1st
Coalition, the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, and Mahoning County
Job and Family Services.
*	ODOT quadrupled the state investment into rural counties. This
allows for expansion of service into three counties that previously did not
have public transit service: Adams, Coshocton and Highland counties. This
additional funding will also allow the Rural Public Transit Systems to put
resources toward improving healthcare initiatives and workforce development.

"These funds will have a tremendous impact across the state in helping
public transit providers maintain and expand the safe, dependable, and cost
efficient service that our riders use and depend on every day," said Ohio
Public Transit Association President Carrie Woody.

In addition to these projects, funding provides service hours and route
expansions to address workforce development initiatives for those needing
transportation for job training, new employment, or re-entry into the job
market.

"This unprecedented support for public transportation allows both ODOT and
public transit agencies to leverage federal grant dollars along with state
funds to provide reduced fares to seniors and individuals with
disabilities," said Chuck Dyer, administrator of the ODOT Office of Transit.
"This also enables transit agencies to provide an environment for increased
ridership, regionalization and coordination, alternative fuels, healthcare
access, and economic mobility."

An additional $35 million of Federal Transit Administration funding is being
awarded to support the operation of Ohio's 38 rural transit systems.

 

***

EDITOR'S NOTE: Click here for the full list of projects awarded and amounts.


	

 


 
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