The goal of this grant is to fund operating assistance preventive maintenance paratransit operations equipment and software to maintain the current transit system

The City of Jonesboro received a $4.88 million Federal Transit Formula Grant (CFDA 20.507) from the Federal Transit Administration, awarded on August 27, 2025, with a completion date of February 1, 2028. This funding supports operating assistance, preventive maintenance, paratransit operations, equipment, and software modernization for the Jonesboro Economic Transportation System (JETS). The grant will fund staff payroll and daily operational expenses, address critical fleet maintenance needs following the expiration of previous preventive maintenance funding in late 2024, and support the installation of enhanced security equipment including lighting and emergency messaging systems at upgraded bus shelters to improve transit user safety.

Additionally, the award funds software upgrades to modernize JETS' route scheduling and payment systems, as well as improvements to trolley bus operations to enhance system efficiency. These investments directly benefit JETS riders and staff while supporting essential maintenance and operational continuity of the regional transit system serving Jonesboro's population of approximately 79,324 residents. As a formula grant, this award represents the city's annual apportionment of Federal Transit Administration resources for transit capital and operating assistance in an urbanized area, with no subrecipient involvement identified.

Activities

Funding will be used for operating assistance preventive maintenance paratransit operations equipment and software

Expected outcomes

Jet needs operational funds to pay its staff and assist with the entitys daily operations. Preventive maintenance federal funding ran out in late 2024. Maintenance on jets fleet is essential for the safe transportation. Security equipment (lighting and emergency messaging on monitors) will be installed on upgraded bus shelters to increase safety for transit users. Software will innovate and modernize jets route scheduling and payment system. Trolley buses will improve efficiency.

Intended beneficiaries

Funding will benefit riders and staff.