The goal of this award is to fund needed capital planning and ADA projects that support the day-to-day operations of for metra transit system

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia $3.371 million on July 14, 2026, for capital planning and operating support of the Metra transit system under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507). The federal share is $2.696 million; the local share is $674,212.

The award funds preventive maintenance, repair parts, vehicle repairs, and vehicle services. Metra will procure four support vehicles—one supervisor van, one dually maintenance truck, and two maintenance trucks—and one replacement paratransit bus. The recipient will replace one in-ground bus lift and three security gates, acquire and install one key management security box for the maintenance department, and procure and install fare collection equipment including one ticket vending machine and one farebox. The award also covers acquisition of new intelligent transit system equipment, tire replacement for 34 vehicles, ADA salaries and benefits, staff training, and program support administration for planning.

Performance occurs in Georgia. The period of performance runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with an ultimate completion date of March 30, 2032. This Section 5307 grant uses federal funds allocated in Federal Fiscal Year 2025 for the Consolidated Government's local fiscal year 2027.

Activities

Activities to be performed include:preventive maintenance expenses for purchasing repair parts vehicle repairs and vehicle services. Procurement of four (4) support vehicles one (1) supervisor van one (1) dually maintenance truck and two (2) maintenance trucks.replacing shop equipment one (1) in-ground bus lift and three (3) security gates.acquire and install one (1) new key management security box to be used daily by metras maintenance department to secure all vehicle keys and key fobs.procurement and installation of bus fare collection equipment one (1) ticket vending machine (TVM) and one (1) farebox.acquisition of new intelligent transit system (its) thirty-four (34)tire replacement.program support administration for planning. Funding will be used to cover ADA salaries and benefits and all staff training in associated areas.

Expected outcomes

The funding provided will allow metra transit system to meet all necessary needs to continue to keep all vehicles in a state of good repair and to maintain daily operations for the needs of the agency.

Intended beneficiaries

Metras riders will benefit because new equipment will be used to enhance reliability and allow transit patrons to feel more secure. Metra transit system will benefit by being able to continue to service to our riders.