Provide transportation options and maintain reliable transit service for seniors and individuals with disabilities who do not qualify for cherriots lift and cannot access cherriots fixed-route buses

Salem Area Mass Transit District (Cherriots) received a $486,878 Formula Grant award from the Federal Transit Administration under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (CFDA 20.513), effective August 12, 2025, with a completion date of October 1, 2026. The funding supports continued transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities who are ineligible for Cherriots' paratransit (Lift) service and cannot access fixed-route bus options. The award covers operational expenses, vehicle preventive maintenance, and operation of a transportation brokerage call center that coordinates service providers, funding agencies, and transportation customers to ensure reliable alternative transit access.

This funding enables Cherriots to maintain critical mobility services that would otherwise require operational reductions due to insufficient resources. By sustaining these specialized transportation options, the award directly benefits Salem and Keizer area residents who depend on alternative transit solutions to access essential services and maintain quality of life. No subrecipient activities were identified under this award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide transportation options and maintain reliable transit service for seniors and individuals with disabilities who do not qualify for cherriots lift and cannot access cherriots fixed-route buses.

Activities

Funds will be used to cover all eligible expenses such as the purchase of service preventive maintenance and operation of transportation brokerage (call center) to coordinate providers funding agencies and transportation customers.

Expected outcomes

Funding will permit salem area mass transit district to continue to provide operations that would otherwise have to be cut due to lack of funding.

Intended beneficiaries

Salem area mass transit district riders who rely on this service will benefit from continued services.