Support the continued safe and efficient operation of ulster county area transit (ucat) by funding the purchase of four (4) cutaway buses

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $529,388 to County of Ulster on September 3, 2025, under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526). The grant funds the procurement of four replacement cutaway buses for Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) to support fixed-route and demand-response service delivery throughout Ulster County, New York. These capital investments are designated to modernize UCAT's aging fleet, enhance operational reliability, and reduce vehicle maintenance costs while improving service continuity for the traveling public.

The project is scheduled for completion by March 30, 2027, and will directly benefit residents and visitors relying on public transportation, including commuters, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without personal vehicle access. By replacing vehicles that have exceeded their useful lives, the grant enables UCAT to reduce service interruptions, lower operational costs, and enhance rider comfort and satisfaction. The funding utilizes FY22 Section 5339 lapsing funds for strategic reinvestment in transit infrastructure.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to support the continued safe and efficient operation of ulster county area transit (ucat) by funding the purchase of four (4) cutaway buses. These capital investments are intended to modernize ucats fleet maintain vehicle reliability and improve overall service delivery for the traveling public in ulster county NY. The goal of the award is to complete the procurement of the four replacement vehicles and sustain service performance by having reliable vehicles that are not over their useful life. At award completion ucat will have enhanced fleet capacity and extended vehicle lifecycles directly contributing to improved operational efficiency and rider experience. This application utilizes FY22 section 5339 lapsing funds that will ensure strategic reinvestment in transit infrastructure.

Activities

Ulster county area transit (ucat) will carry out one primary activity under this grant award. Ucat will procure four (4) replacement cutaway buses to maintain and improve the reliability of its transit fleet. Each vehicle will be used to support fixed-route and demand-response services ensuring continued mobility for riders throughout ulster county.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes of this award include improved reliability efficiency and safety of ulster county area transits (ucat) fleet and transit operations. The procurement of four new cutaway buses will replace aging vehicles thereby reducing vehicle breakdowns minimizing service interruptions and lowering maintenance costs. These new vehicles will also enhance rider comfort and satisfaction.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries of this award are the residents and visitors of ulster county who rely on ulster county area transit (ucat) for their daily transportation needs. This includes commuters seniors individuals with disabilities and those without access to a personal vehicle. Overall the award supports enhanced mobility increased accessibility and a higher quality of public transit service throughout the region.