The goal of the award is to procure six (6) vehicles 30 FT replacement vehicles for CAT mobility in the amount of $825882 with a 20% local match of $206471 for a total amount of $1032353

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Chatham Area Transit Authority $1,032,353 on June 22, 2026, under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) to procure six 30-foot replacement transit buses.

The award funds the acquisition, competitive bidding, fleet integration, and outfitting of replacement vehicles designed to enhance service reliability and reduce maintenance downtime. The vehicles will be equipped with GPS tracking, ADA-compliant features, and communication technology. Once purchased, Chatham Area Transit will perform ongoing operations and maintenance of the equipment.

The total obligation of $1,032,353 comprises $825,882 in federal FY 2023 and FY 2024 urbanized area formula funds and a 20 percent local match of $206,471 from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funding administered by Chatham County. The six vehicles replace transit buses beyond their useful lifespan in age and miles.

Place of performance is Georgia. The period of performance extends from the award date through March 30, 2033. Chatham Area Transit Authority, a local government transit agency based in Savannah, is both the recipient and the operator responsible for fleet integration, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.

Activities

With the award funds the primary activity will be the procurement of six (6) 30 FT replacement vehicles to enhance transit operations. This process will include:1. Vehicle acquisition identifying selecting and purchasing transit vehicles that meet operational needs regulatory requirements and service efficiency standards.2. Procurement process conducting a competitive bidding process or utilizing an approved purchasing contract to acquire vehicles that align with fleet specifications and performance goals.3. Fleet integration coordinating the delivery inspection and registration of the new vehicles to ensure they are properly equipped and ready for service deployment.4. Technology and safety enhancements outfitting vehicles with necessary safety accessibility and operational technology including GPS tracking ADA-compliant features and communication systems to improve passenger experience and fleet management.5. Testing and training conducting vehicle testing inspections and staff training to familiarize operators and maintenance teams with the new fleet and ensure smooth integration into daily service.at project completion these activities will result in an expanded and modernized fleet improving service reliability efficiency and accessibility for transit riders.

Expected outcomes

The procurement of six (6) 30 FT replacement vehicles will provide several key benefits including:1. Improved service efficiency the addition of new vehicles will enhance route coverage reduce wait times and improve overall service reliability for passengers.2. Reduced maintenance costs replacing aging vehicles with newer more efficient models will decrease repair expenses and minimize service disruptions caused by mechanical failures.3. Enhanced accessibility and safety the new vehicles will be equipped with modern safety features and ADA-compliant accessibility enhancements ensuring a safer and more inclusive transit experience for all passengers.4. Fleet modernization introducing newer VEHICLES5. Increased operational flexibility a more modern and reliable fleet will allow for better scheduling optimized route planning and the ability to respond more effectively to ridership demand.6. Regulatory compliance the updated vehicles will meet current industry standards and regulatory requirements ensuring compliance with safety emissions and accessibility guidelines.by achieving these outcomes the transit system will provide improved mobility options enhance passenger satisfaction and support long-term operational efficiency.

Intended beneficiaries

The procurement of six (6) 30 FT length replacement vehicles will benefit a wide range of individuals including:1. Commuters daily transit riders will experience improved reliability reduced wait times and enhanced accessibility making public transportation a more convenient and efficient option.2. Transit-dependent populations individuals who rely on public transportation including seniors and persons with disabilities will benefit from a modernized fleet with improved accessibility and safety features.3. Employees transit operators maintenance staff and support personnel will work with newer more reliable vehicles reducing breakdowns and mechanical issues while improving overall working conditions.4. Local businesses and employers enhanced transit services will provide better connectivity for workers commuting to job centers supporting economic growth and workforce accessibility.5. The community a modern efficient transit system contributes to reduced traffic congestion.by ensuring safe efficient and accessible transportation this investment will enhance mobility and quality of life for both transit users and the community as a whole.

Subrecipient activities

None; this award will be directly managed by the transit agency with all activities including procurement infrastructure development workforce training and fleet integration handled internally. No subrecipients are planned for this project.