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FY 2022 Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Application
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DESCRIPTION: Application for grant funding to purchase replacement fleet vehicles for fixed route and para-transit service systems. |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
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Ratify the submission of the FY 22 Low No and Bus and Bus Facility grant application to seek federal funds not to exceed the amount of $ 11,408,000 to purchase replacement vehicles that have exceeded their useful life. The total project amount is estimated at $14,260,000; the local match is 20%, $2,852,000.
This is an increase in the amount approved in resolution 22-027, that authorized staff to seek federal funds not to exceed the amount of $ 8,000,000 to purchase replacement vehicles that have exceeded their useful life. The total project amount was estimated at $10,000,000; the local match was 20%, $2,000,000.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The RTA operates with 43% of the buses purchased in 2008 and 2010, following Hurricane Katrina. Before Katrina, the agency had a rolling stock of 372 buses compared to the 134 buses today. By the end of 2021 53% or 71 of the 134 buses have surpassed their useful life in years or miles, further compounding the need to acquire replacement vehicles. The aging fleet makes it difficult for the agency to provide reliable service, and the older buses are increasingly below standard for the comfort of riders. As the agency seeks to improve service for the riders and the region, a dependable fleet is required.
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DISCUSSION:
Staff determined that 23 low-floor 40’ diesel buses are needed to support the smoothing out of the RTA’s massive fleet replacement needs. A minimum of 10 new buses are needed to meet the spare ratio required in 2024 without delaying the requirement to retire 13 buses that have exceeded 12 years of service.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The RTA will be responsible for the local match of $2,852,000. There is an expectation that maintenance costs will be reduced, by retiring the older vehicles
NEXT STEPS:
Once the grant is awarded, the actual procurement of the vehicles will require Board approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. FY22 Low No and Buses and Bus facility Application
3. NORTA BFF Appendix A Zero Emissions
4. NORTA BFF Appendix B Funding
5. NORTA BFF Appendix C Support
Prepared By: Lona Edwards Hankins
Title: Deputy CEO of Planning, Infrastructure and Information Technology
Reviewed By: Lona Hankins
Title: Deputy CEO of Planning, Infrastructure and Information Technology
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson-Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
6/24/2022
Alex Wiggins Date
Chief Executive Officer