Provide one (1) year of operating assistance for the city of columbus transit system (columbus transit) to assist in fixed route and demand response operations preventative maintenance as well as to…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded the City of Columbus, Indiana a formula grant of $2,617,830.00 under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on August 19, 2025, to support one year of operating assistance for the Columbus Transit System through December 31, 2026. The award funds fixed-route and demand-response transit operations, preventative maintenance, and employee salaries and fringe benefits. Additionally, the grant supports capital expenditures for security system upgrades, including depot surveillance equipment modernization and procurement of a backup generator to maintain security operations and service continuity during natural disasters.

The Columbus Transit System will leverage this funding to continue providing safe, efficient, and reliable transportation services to City of Columbus residents while enhancing overall ridership. The intended beneficiaries include residents accessing transportation for employment, medical appointments, shopping, and other essential services. No subrecipient activities are associated with this award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide one (1) year of operating assistance for the city of columbus transit system (columbus transit) to assist in fixed route and demand response operations preventative maintenance as well as to perform capital expenditures for necessary security system upgrades and security enhancements to include updating depot surveillance equipment to ensure the safety and security of transit assets as well as employees and riders as well as procuring a generator for the transit depot which will help maintain security at the depot during natural disasters and allow for the continuation of operations during such times.

Activities

Funding will be used for salaries fringe benefits necessary maintenance AMD security and surveillance upgrades for the period of may 1 2025 through december 31 2026.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes are that columbus transit will continue to provide safe efficient and reliable transportation to residents of the city of columbus and to increase ridership.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries are residents of the city of columbus who are seeking transportation to work medical appointments shopping etc.