Obtain new ADA compliant paratransit/on demand transit vehicles to be able to continue to provide this service to northwest arkansas

This $234,869 federal Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) will fund the lease purchase of 1 ADA high-roof van and 2 ADA minivans for Ozark Regional Transit, Inc., a transit authority serving urban residents in Northwest Arkansas. The award, made on August 6, 2024, will enable Ozark Regional Transit to continue providing ADA paratransit and on-demand transit services to the region through the acquisition of these new accessible vehicles. The federal funds of $199,638, along with $35,231 in local matching funds from vehicle sales proceeds, will be used to procure the necessary transportation assets to maintain and enhance mobility options for the intended beneficiaries - ADA demand response and on-demand transit passengers in Northwest Arkansas.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to obtain new ADA compliant paratransit/on demand transit vehicles to be able to continue to provide this service to northwest arkansas. Federal funds in the amount of $199638 from FY2022 and FY2023 5339 funds will be used. This grant will use FY22 5339 funds in the amount of $136091 and a portion of the FY 2023 5339 funds in the amount of $63547. Local match will be vehicle sales proceeds of $35231 (85/15 ratio). ORT paid the federal interest related to these vehicle sales and the amount to be used as local match is orts portion of the sale.

Activities

This award will fund the lease purchase of 1 ADA high-roof van and 2 ADA minivans and their related equipment.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes are that the ADA paratransit demand passengers and on demand transit riders of northwest arkansas will continue to be able to utilize public transit in northwest arkansas for their transportation needs.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiary will be ADA demand response and on demand transit passengers in northwest arkansas.