Purchase and install operational and maintenance equipment needed to ensure the functionality of via operations and maintenance facilities

Via Metropolitan Transit received a $9.54M Formula Grant from the Federal Transit Administration under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526) awarded on July 15, 2025. The award supports the purchase and installation of operational and maintenance equipment across Via's facilities through five primary projects: installation of three backup generators at two locations to ensure operational continuity during power loss; replacement of spot cooling units and chillers to restore proper climate control in offices and maintenance facilities; upgrade of the wastewater treatment system with a stormwater interceptor to remove oils, suspended solids, metals, and debris; repaving of a parking lot with asphalt to address patching issues and improve tire contact and skid resistance; and implementation of an electronic vehicle inspection system (Zonar Tracking) to modernize bus pre- and post-trip inspections by replacing manual paper-based processes.

The grant benefits Via's operations and maintenance staff who will operate and maintain the transit agency's vehicle fleet, as well as the general public and paratransit customers who depend on Via's public transportation services. The project is scheduled for completion by December 30, 2027. No subrecipient activities are associated with this award.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to purchase and install operational and maintenance equipment needed to ensure the functionality of via operations and maintenance facilities.

Activities

The activities to be performed under this application are to purchase three backup generators (800 w. Myrtle 1720 n. Flores) upgrade the wastewater treatment system (1720 n. Flores) upgrade/repave a parking lot (4902 fredericksburg RD.) replace spot cooling and chillers (800 w. Myrtle 1720 n. Flores) and purchase electronic vehicle inspection system (zonar tracking).

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes of the identified projects are: -generator installation project includes protection and continuity of operations in the event of power loss. -chillers and spot coolers will replace systems that have mechanical issues resulting in the loss of cooled airflow to the offices and maintenance facilities.-the wastewater treatment system will have a stormwater interceptor that will remove free oils total suspended solids (TSS) zinc metals and debris.-upgrade/repaving of the parking lot with asphalt will maintain patching issue areas and provide maximum tire contact increasing skid resistance.-electronic vehicle inspection system (zonar tracking) reporting system is that IT will help via with pre- and post-trip bus inspections by eliminating errors and inefficiencies with the current paper-based process. This modern electronic system is paperless drivers will walk to each predesignated zone and inspect the items verifying proper working order through the new system.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries include via operations and maintenance staff will benefit from the replacements/upgrades to maintain vias fleet of vehicles. The general public and via customers utilizing public transportation and paratransit services are also intended beneficiaries.

Subrecipient activities

There are no subrecipient activities associated with this application.