For Immediate Release August 29, 2022 Media Contact: Andy Cole Communication and Marketing Manager acole@tarta.com Office: 419.245.5213 Mobile: 567.249.5980
TARTA Wins $3.2 Million Grant From ODOT
The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)’s plans to launch a microtransit pilot in Lucas County in the first quarter of 2023 received a boost with the announcement of a $3.2 million grant for the project from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
TARTA will announce details of the grant and outline its microtransit plan at a press conference Wednesday, August 31 at 10 a.m. in the rear parking lot of Firestone Complete Auto Care (6620 Centers Drive, Holland), inone of the several communities that will be serviced by the program. Speakers at Wednesday’s conference will include:
$2.2 million of the grant funds will go toward the creation of the microtransit pilot program, with other funds directed to facility renovation, bus washers, alternative fuel infrastructure, and new vehicles.
With these funds included, TARTA has won a total of more than $20 million in competitive grants in the last year.
“TARTA thanks ODOT for the award of these grant funds, which are critical to implementing our plans to modernize our system and introduce innovative solutions to mobility challenges for residents of Lucas County and Rossford,” Koprowski said.
“As of last year, TARTA’s service area expanded by over 200 square miles. Public transportation – through this microtransit pilot program – will soon be an option for more northwest Ohioans. We look forward to putting more people in touch with jobs, medical appointments, education, and everything else this area has to offer.”
TARTA’s on-demand microtransit pilot will be launched in the first quarter of 2023, and will revamp the current Call-A-Ride system to allow customers from all over the county to request curb-to-curb transportation within specific service areas through a new mobile phone app or by calling TARTA. TARTA will also be acquiring new smaller ADA vehicles to deploy the service.
Passengers will be able to request rides that would arrive in 30 to 60 minutes, similar to rideshare services, and those traveling outside of their specific area will be able to connect to TARTA’s fixed-route stops using the microtransit service.
This program will be built with the help and input of an advisory group, made up of TARTA customers and other community leaders, that will meet virtually for the first time Wednesday, Sept. 28. Current Call-A-Ride users, persons with disabilities and western Lucas County residents likely to use TARTA’s expanded service are invited to attend, and should look for log-in information in the coming weeks on TARTA social media sites.
About TARTA
TARTA provides a vital link in the Toledo metro area to jobs, education, health care and other destinations. It enables everyone in our community to have access to transportation regardless of their age, race, physical ability or economic background. TARTA is underway with exploring and introducing new initiatives and service options that will enhance convenience and customer experience while moving our region into the future of public transit.
