This grant will be used for the purchase of approximately one (1) paratransit less than 35-FT replacement vehicles and associated equipment to improve communication security and passenger amenities…

This $346,424 Formula Grant was awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program (CFDA 20.513). The grant will fund the purchase of approximately one (1) paratransit vehicle less than 35 feet in length, along with associated communication security and passenger amenity equipment, such as radios, cameras, and vehicle locators.

The replacement vehicles will be used by the subrecipient, Ben Franklin Transit, a municipal transit agency serving Benton and Franklin counties in Washington state, to provide transportation services for the elderly and persons with disabilities who cannot utilize the agency's regular fixed-route service. The expected outcome is improved system reliability for the Benton Franklin Public Transportation Benefit Area. The grant has an award date of September 9, 2024, and an ultimate completion date of December 31, 2026.

Activities

Purchase of approximately one (1) paratransit less than 35-FT replacement buses and associated equipment.

Expected outcomes

These replacement bus will improve system reliability to the benton franklin public transportation benefit area.

Intended beneficiaries

Members of the public located in the cities of kennewick pasco richland west richland benton city prosser and certain unincorporated areas of benton and franklin counties.