This FY2021 areas of persistent poverty (aopp) grant application requests $444444 (federal: $400000) to support a transit expansion and mobility study aimed at restructuring transit services to…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $444,444 in Project Grant funding (CFDA 20.505: Metropolitan Transportation Planning and State and Non-Metropolitan Planning and Research) to the Chatham Area Transit Authority on September 2, 2025, under the Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) competitive program. This FY2021 grant supports a Transit Expansion and Mobility Study designed to restructure and enhance public transportation accessibility in Chatham County, Georgia. The study will evaluate transit service options to connect residential neighborhoods with three major employment hubs—Amazon, FedEx, and Port City Logistics—that have created over 2,000 new jobs in the outer reaches of the service area currently underserved by existing fixed-route transit.

The deliverables consist of two integrated tasks: Task 1 includes feasibility analysis of transit service expansion, optimal routing identification, and assessment of land use trends, workforce locations, and first/last mile mobility challenges; Task 2 explores innovative service models such as microtransit, vanpools, and flexible zone-based services as alternatives to traditional fixed routes, along with evaluation of necessary vehicle types and infrastructure improvements. Upon completion by March 30, 2033, the study is intended to inform a follow-on project focused on community partnerships and stakeholder engagement to support future service implementation and build local support for transit expansion initiatives.

Activities

The activities to be performed with the award funds will include several key stages aimed at strategically expanding transit services and identifying effective operational models. Initially the funds will be used for comprehensive research and planning focusing on identifying areas where new job growth has occurred and where transit services are lacking. This will involve data collection stakeholder engagement and an analysis of current transit infrastructure to pinpoint gaps and areas for improvement. In the second phase the award will support the evaluation of several transit operational models specifically designed for the identified employment hubs. This will include studying various service models such as on-demand fixed-route or microtransit solutions to determine the most efficient and cost-effective options for expanding transit access in these areas. Additionally funds will be used for outreach and collaboration with local stakeholders including community organizations businesses and government entities to ensure that the proposed transit solutions align with the needs of the community and are supported by key partners.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes:the expected outcomes of the transit expansion and mobility study include several significant benefits that will enhance both the urban transit system and the broader community. These benefits will contribute to the strategic development of a more efficient and accessible transit network:1. Improved transit access: the study will identify key areas where transit service is lacking specifically in regions with new job growth. Expanding transit services to these areas will provide greater mobility for workers making IT easier for them to access employment opportunities and reducing barriers between housing and job centers.2. Enhanced mobility and reduced congestion: by expanding transit in growing employment areas the study will help reduce congestion on roadways. With more people utilizing public transportation the overall volume of cars on the road will decrease easing traffic and improving commute times for everyone.3. Efficiency of transit operations: the evaluation of different operational models will lead to the implementation of the most cost-effective and efficient transit solutions. This will optimize the use of resources and ensure that transit services are aligned with the unique needs of the employment areas ultimately improving service delivery.4. Economic growth and workforce development: the expansion of transit services will support local businesses and economic development by improving access to job centers. IT will also promote workforce participation by ensuring that all residents particularly those in underserved areas have reliable transportation options to reach employment opportunities.5. Informed decision-making for future investments: the study will provide comprehensive data and insights that will guide future transportation infrastructure investments. IT will identify the most beneficial partnerships and strategies for the successful implementation of the transit expansion ensuring long-term success. These outcomes collectively aim to enhance the overall efficiency and accessibility of the transit system ultimately benefiting both the local economy and residents quality of life.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries:the intended beneficiaries of the transit expansion and mobility study include a wide range of individuals and groups within the community:1. Commuters: residents of savannah particularly those regions with new job growth will benefit from expanded transit services. They will have improved access to public transportation making IT easier for them to travel to work school and other essential destinations.2. Employees: workers in areas with newly developed job centers will directly benefit from improved transportation options. With enhanced transit access employees will be able to commute more efficiently reducing time and costs associated with travel and increasing overall workforce participation.3. Employers and businesses: local businesses particularly those in emerging job hubs will benefit from an expanded and more reliable workforce. As workers gain better access to job centers employers will have a larger pool of potential employees and may experience higher productivity and lower turnover.4. Local governments and transit agencies: the findings from the study will help guide future policy decisions and investments in transportation infrastructure benefiting local governments and transit agencies responsible for managing and improving the regions transit network. The project will provide direct and indirect benefits to commuters employees and businesses while also supporting the overall growth of savannahs transportation system.

Subrecipient activities

None; this award will be directly managed by the transit agency with all activities including procurement infrastructure development workforce training and fleet integration handled internally. No subrecipients are planned for this project.