Dart is applying for FY2024 apportioned 5310 funding for the purchase of one replacement paratransit vehicle (replacement vehicle is unit #1703)

The Des Moines Regional Transit Authority (DART) was awarded a $871,168 Formula Grant from the Federal Transit Administration's Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program (CFDA 20.513). The grant, awarded on March 3, 2025, will support the purchase of one replacement light-duty paratransit bus with a useful life of 5 years or 150,000 miles. This vehicle will be used to meet the transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in DART's demand response and microtransit services in Polk County, Iowa. The grant will also fund contracted third-party transportation services to complement DART's paratransit operations, allowing for increased scheduling flexibility, quicker response times, and enhanced customer service. Additionally, the grant will support DART's microtransit service in Ankeny, which has replaced the agency's previous on-call service and offers increased service hours and same-day booking.

Activities

Dart is applying for funding to purchase one replacement paratransit vehicles used in the provision of public transportation service.dart is applying for funding for its microtransit service in ankeny which has replaced the on-call service. This service offers increased service hours and allows for same day bookingdart will also be applying for funds for contracted 3RD party funding to provide complementary paratransit service. Darts demand response/paratransit division coordinates transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities for polk county. Our 5310 projects continue this coordination of services by allowing our paratransit department to purchase third party transportation services (current contracts are with transiowa taxi and uzurv). The purchased transportation allows dart more flexibility in scheduling trips quicker response times traveling beyond the boundaries and enhanced customer service for special requests and/or needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. This creates cost efficiencies for dart and reduces redundancy of services which improves overall service for the clients and residents of the DES moines area. Indirect costs are not being applied to this application and its scope of work. This application does not include funds for research and/or development activities.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes of this grant are increased service reliability and safety. Having new transit buses in the fleet decreases bus downtime due to mechanical issues.

Intended beneficiaries

This grant will benefit the riders of public transit in the greater DES moines metropolitan area.

Subrecipient activities

There is no subrecipient activity associated with this grant application.