Chatham Area Transit Authority

Application Purpose: the Goal of This Award Is to Support the Enhancement and Operation of the Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) Through a Combination of Funding From the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Under Three Programs: the State of Good Repair Formula Program (5337) the Urbanized Area Formula Grants (5307) and the Bus and Bus Facilities Formula Program (5339). This Funding Will Be Used to Support a Wide Range of Critical Activities Including Facility Modifications the Purchase of Support Vehicles Preventive Maintenance Operational Costs and COVID-19-RELATED Expenses.the Specific Objectives INCLUDE:1. Facility Modifications: Renovations or Improvements to Existing Transit Infrastructure to Ensure Safe and Efficient OPERATIONS.2. Purchase of Support Vehicles: Acquisition of Vehicles to Enhance Fleet Capabilities and Maintain Reliable SERVICE.3. Operational and Preventive Maintenance: Covering Ongoing Operational Costs and Preventive Maintenance to Ensure the Fleet Remains in Good Working CONDITION.4. COVID-19 Expenses: Addressing Pandemic-related Costs Including Cleaning of Vehicles and Facilities Installation of Temperature Screening Systems and the Transition of Cats Call Center to Virtual Operations to Protect the Health and Safety of Staff and Passengers.the Period of Performance for This Project Is From August 1 2020 to March 30 2024. This Funding Aims to Maintain the Continued High-quality Service of Cat Support the Agencys Operational Resilience During the Pandemic and Ensure the Long-term Sustainability of the System.; Activities Performed: the Award Funds Will Support a Comprehensive Range of Transit Improvement Activities for Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) Aimed at Enhancing Service Reliability Safety Efficiency and Long-term Sustainability. These Activities Will Address Critical Infrastructure Needs Support Operational Continuity and Improve the Overall Passenger Experience. the High-level Activities to Be Undertaken INCLUDE:1. Preventive Maintenanceregular Maintenance and Servicing of Transit Vehicles Infrastructure and Facilities to Ensure Continued Reliability Safety and Efficiency. This Includes Routine Inspections Repairs and Replacements of Essential Components Such as Engines Brakes Transmissions and Electrical Systems. Preventive Maintenance Will Minimize Service Disruptions Extend the Lifespan of Assets and Reduce Long-term Capital COSTS.2. Facility Modificationsupgrades and Improvements to Cat Facilities to Optimize Service Delivery and Enhance Operational Efficiency. These Modifications May Include Structural Repairs Upgrades to Heating and Cooling Systems Improved Lighting Expanded Storage and Maintenance Spaces and Modernized Workspaces for Transit Personnel. Facility Enhancements Will Support a Safer and More Functional Environment for Employees and PASSENGERS.3. Support Vehicle Procurementacquisition of Non-revenue Service Vehicles to Facilitate Maintenance Supervision and Transit Operations. These Vehicles Play a Crucial Role in Supporting Daily Transit Functions Such as Road Supervision Emergency Response and Field Maintenance Activities. Ensuring a Reliable Fleet of Support Vehicles Will Improve Service Efficiency and RESPONSIVENESS.4. Operational Supportfunding to Cover Eligible Operating Expenses Necessary for Maintaining Uninterrupted Transit Services. This Includes Personnel Costs Fuel Expenses Technology Upgrades and Other Essential Resources That Keep the Transit System Running Efficiently. These Funds Will Help Sustain Cats Ability to Provide Accessible and Reliable Transportation Services to the COMMUNITY.5. COVID-19 Mitigation Effortsimplementation of Enhanced Health and Safety Measures to Protect Passengers and Staff in Response to Public Health Concerns. This Includes: - Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization of Transit Vehicles Stations and Facilities to Reduce Health Risks. - Installation of Safety Equipment Such as Hand Sanitizer Dispensers and Protective Barriers. - Temperature Screening Protocols to Ensure a Safe Travel Environment. - Transitioning the Call Center to Virtual Operations to Maintain Customer Service Support While Ensuring Staff Safety.by Undertaking These Initiatives Cat Will Maintain a State of Good Repair Enhance Safety and Accessibility and Reinforce Operational Resilience in Response to Evolving Challenges. These Improvements Will Contribute to a More Efficient Sustainable and Passenger-friendly Transit System Benefiting Residents Commuters and Visitors Alike.; Expected Outcomes: the Award Will Support Critical Transit Improvement Initiatives for Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) Yielding Several Key BENEFITS:1. Enhanced Service Efficiency - Ensures a State of Good Repair by Funding Preventive Maintenance Reducing Breakdowns and Service Disruptions. - Supports Facility Modifications Improving Operational Workflow and Transit Service Management. - Funds Support Vehicle Procurement Enhancing the Ability to Respond to Service Needs EFFICIENTLY.2. Improved Safety and Public Health - Funds COVID-19 Mitigation Measures Including Cleaning Sanitization and Temperature Screening to Ensure Passenger and Employee Safety. - Reduces Health Risks by Implementing Best Practices for Pandemic Response and Emergency Preparedness. - Enhances Security Measures Through Better-maintained Facilities and Operational UPGRADES.3. Compliance With Federal Regulations - Supports Adherence to Ftas State of Good Repair (SGR) Requirements Ensuring Assets Are Properly Maintained. - Ensures Compliance With Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Regulations by Funding Accessible Vehicle Purchases. - Meets Federal Procurement and Contractor Eligibility Standards to Maintain Funding ELIGIBILITY.4. Reduced Traffic Congestion and Environmental Impact - Maintains and Enhances Public Transit Reliability Encouraging Ridership and Reducing Dependence on Personal Vehicles. - Contributes to Lower Emissions Through Improved Vehicle Efficiency and Maintenance. - Supports Sustainable Transit Infrastructure Improvements Aligning With Environmental POLICIES.5. Better Customer Experience and Accessibility - Improves Transit Facility Conditions Ensuring Safer and More Comfortable Environments for Passengers. - Enhances Service Reliability Reducing Delays and Improving On-time Performance. - Upgrades Call Center Operations Transitioning to a Virtual Model for Improved Customer Service and RESPONSIVENESS.6. Long-term Cost Savings and Asset Sustainability - Reduces Long-term Capital Costs by Extending the Life of Transit Vehicles and Infrastructure. - Supports Financial Sustainability by Leveraging Federal and Local Funds Efficiently. - Ensures Cost-effective Maintenance and Operational Practices Minimizing Future Repair Costs.these Benefits Contribute to a Stronger Safer and More Resilient Public Transit System Improving Mobility and Quality of Life for Chatham County Residents.; Intended Beneficiaries: the Awarded Federal Funding Will Provide Direct and Indirect Benefits to a Wide Range of Stakeholders Within Chatham County INCLUDING:1. Commuters and Public Transit Riders - Improved Service Reliability Through Preventive Maintenance Reducing Vehicle Breakdowns and Delays. - Enhanced Safety and Health Measures (e.g. Sanitization Temperature Screening and Facility Upgrades) to Ensure a Secure Transit Experience. - More Accessible Transit Vehicles for Individuals With Disabilities Aligning With Ada COMPLIANCE.2. Chatham Area Transit (CAT) Employees - Safer and Healthier Work Environments With COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts Such as Sanitization and Protective Equipment. - Better Operational Efficiency and Reduced Maintenance Disruptions Improving Overall Job Conditions. - Support for Call Center Employees Facilitating Remote Work Options for Improved Accessibility and Service CONTINUITY.3. Local Businesses and Employers- Improved Public Transportation Access for Employees Reducing Commute-related Stress and Delays.- Increased Transit Reliability Ensuring More Consistent Arrival Times for Workers and Customers.- Economic Benefits From Infrastructure Upgrades and Contractor Opportunities Related to Transit IMPROVEMENTS.4. Senior Citizens and Individuals With Disabilities- More Reliable and Accessible Transit Options Improving Mobility and Independence.- Enhanced Facility Conditions Ensuring a Safer and More Comfortable Travel Experience.- Continued Investment in Public Transit Ensures Long-term Accessibility IMPROVEMENTS.5. Chatham County Residents and the General Public- Reduced Traffic Congestion and Environmental Benefits by Promoting Transit Use Over Personal Vehicles.- Strengthened Public Health Measures Minimizing Potential Risks From Pandemic-related Issues.- a Well-maintained Transit System Supports Community Mobility and Regional Economic Growth.by Investing in Transit Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations This Funding Ensures a More Reliable Safe and Accessible Public Transportation System That Benefits the Entire Community.; Subrecipient Activities: None.chatham Area Transit Authority Is the Sole Recipient and Will Directly Oversee All Funded Activities.