Apply for operating preventive maintenance software and fare system equipment to keep lrgvdcs transit system operating efficiently and safely

This federal Formula Grant award, provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (CFDA 20.507 Federal Transit Formula Grants), will provide $9,973,420.00 to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) to support public transportation services in Texas. The funding will be used for operating assistance, including salaries, fuel, administrative and professional services, as well as preventive maintenance activities such as routine inspections, servicing, and repairs on buses and other transit vehicles. Additionally, the grant will cover subscription services for maintenance management software, asset tracking platforms, and specialized maintenance analytics tools, along with related training and technical assistance. Funds will also be used to procure fare collection equipment and supplies, such as fareboxes, ticket vending machines, and mobile ticketing devices, to facilitate fare collection and ensure the financial sustainability of transit operations. The award period extends from March 19, 2025, to June 1, 2028.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to apply for operating preventive maintenance software and fare system equipment to keep lrgvdcs transit system operating efficiently and safely.

Activities

Funds will be used for operating assistance which includes salaries fuel and any other related items or activities. Operating assistance also includes administrative and professional services expenses related to the support of the transit operations and the valley metro program. Operating assistance is needed to continue to offer public transportation services to the public.funds will also be used for preventive maintenance that will be used to perform routine inspections servicing and repairs on buses and other transit vehicles. This includes tasks such as oil changes brake replacements engine tune-UPS and other maintenance activities to keep vehicles in optimal working condition. Additionally funds will be used to pay for subscription services related to software platforms or cloud-based solutions. These subscription services could include access to maintenance management software asset tracking platforms or specialized maintenance analytics tools. By subscribing to these services we can benefit from ongoing software updates technical support and access to advanced features and functionalities. This will also be used in support training and technical assistance related to the use of software and subscription services. This may include training programs for maintenance staff on how to use maintenance management software effectively or technical support services provided by software vendors. Finally funds will be used to procure fare collection equipment and supplies such as fareboxes ticket vending machines fare gates smart card readers and mobile ticketing devices. This equipment facilitates the collection of fares from passengers and helps ensure the financial sustainability of transit operations. This includes expenses related to equipment installation wiring connectivity and software integration with backend systems. The useful life for fare collection equipment is 7 - 15 years.

Expected outcomes

This funding will help to provide accessibility and mobility options to people who dont have access to personal vehicles enabling them to reach their workplaces schools medical facilities and other essential destinations.

Intended beneficiaries

The public will benefit from this funding by having safe efficient affordable and accessible transportation options for low-income individuals seniors people with disabilities and others.