Provide preventive maintenance operating assistance replacement vehicles and AVL/automated dispatching software for baldwin regional area transit system (brats) to assist in providing demand…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $1.2M to Baldwin County under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) effective September 9, 2025, to support the Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS) demand-response public transit operations. Funds will support preventive maintenance activities, operating expenses including driver salaries and fuel, acquisition of replacement transit vehicles, and implementation of Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) and automated dispatching software. These resources enable BRATS to maintain its fleet in a state of good repair while sustaining critical transportation services through the award completion date of March 30, 2035.

The funding directly benefits Baldwin County citizens, particularly older adults and individuals with disabilities who depend on BRATS to access essential services including employment, medical care, pharmacies, dialysis centers, cancer treatment facilities, grocery shopping, banking, and community activities. As a formula grant with no subrecipient activities, the award provides direct federal resources to enhance system reliability and service continuity for the general public served by the regional transit system.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide preventive maintenance operating assistance replacement vehicles and AVL/automated dispatching software for baldwin regional area transit system (brats) to assist in providing demand response public transit services.

Activities

Funds will be used for eligible preventive maintenance and operating expenses such as driver salaries fuel items having a useful life of less than one year the purchase of transit vehicles and AVL/automated dispatching software.

Expected outcomes

Funds will allow brats to continue to provide public transit operations meet preventive maintenance standards and maintain the fleet of rolling stock vehicles in a state of good repair.

Intended beneficiaries

The baldwin county citizens who rely on the transit service to access employment essential services such as doctors pharmacies kidney dialysis centers cancer treatment facilities grocery shopping banking and needed socialization activities in their communities. Passengers of the baldwin area transit system are the general public of all ages including older adults and people with disabilities.