Macatawa Area Express Transportation Authority

Application Purpose: the Purpose of the Arpa Route Planning Restoration Program for the Macatawa Area Express Transportation Authority Is to Collect Gis Data and Demonstrate Covid Impacts Within the Transit Service Area in Order to Quantify the Impact on Transit Ridership Within Ej Populations. With This Information the Project Will Then Offer Detailed Options to Restore Transit Service. a Professional Planning Consultant Will Assist With Identifying Strategies to Improve Transit Systems Management Reduce Travel Times and Resume Fixed Route Services to Underserved and Vulnerable Populations and Make Adjustments to Increase the Quality or Frequency of Transit Service for Low-income Riders and Those in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods or Communities Who May Need Increased Service to Get to Jobs Shopping and Health Care.; Activities Performed: the Arpa Route Planning Restoration Plan for Max Transit Includes a Regional Transit Planning Initiative to Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) Data and Collect Research on First and Last Mile Connections in the Macatawa Area Express Service Area and Neighboring Transit Agencies in West Michigan; Expected Outcomes: We Will Have a Post-pandemic Map to Illustrate How Ej Populations Have Been Impacted by Service Limitations and We Will Not Only Be Able to Quantify the Number of Passengers Who Were Impacted by Service Reductions - But We Will Also Be Able to Show the Census Tracts That Were Specifically Impacted. Public Input From Community Organizations Will Be Sought to Share the Maps and Request Ideas to Restore Service. Outcomes Include Analyzing Options for Improved Transit Systems Management Resume Fixed Route Services to Underserved and Vulnerable Populations Launch Microtransit Operations to Increase Ridership and Offer Workforce Development to Equip Transit Staff With the Skills and Training to Effectively Respond to the Increasing Demands of Transit Innovation.; Intended Beneficiaries: Resumed Fixed Routes and Enhancing Safe Transit Access and Connectivity Will Benefit Max Passengers as Well as Community Residents and Local Employers. Air Quality Status Along the Lake Michigan Lakeshore Is a Primary Reason This Project Is Beneficial as a Pilot for Other Communities.; Subrecipient Activities: None