FL-2025-053

Application purpose: The purpose of this award is to provide capital and operating funding for Ocala's fixed-route bus service SunTran.

Activities performed: The funding will cover capital and operating expenses for the provision of SunTran fixed-route service from 10/01/2024 through 09/30/2029.

This grant will cover:

(1) Rebuilding 3 35 bus engines, transmissions, and mechanical-related items;

(2) Contract maintenance of SunTran's AVAIL Intelligent Transportation System;

(3) Funding to cover the capital cost of contracting to ensure that SunTran continues to be maintained at a level necessary to operate a high-quality system for our riders;

(4) ADA paratransit service and operating assistance so that we may continue to serve the riding public;

(5) The purchase of one 35 diesel bus;

(6) The purchase of shop equipment;

(7) Purchase of security/surveillance equipment;

(8) Engineering and design of bus shelters;

(9) TDP major update;

(10) ADA compliance services project;

(11) Comprehensive operations analysis;

(12) Operating expenses to support the function of the SunTran system.

In addition to FTA's Buy America Act, which requires that the steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in an FTA-funded project are produced in the United States (49 U.S.C. 5323(J)(1)), the Build America Buy America Act (BABA) (Public Law 117-58 Div. G 70914(A)) now requires that construction materials used in infrastructure projects are also produced in the United States.

Refer to terms and conditions in FTA's master agreement section 15.

The BABA requirement applies to this grant in addition to the Buy America Act, except to the extent a waiver of either requirement may apply.

Expected outcomes: Funding will permit SunTran to make necessary capital improvements to its bus fleet and public access infrastructure; maintain the intelligent transportation systems; continue to provide ADA paratransit services; cover the capital cost of contracting and ADA paratransit services; conduct a major update to the TDP; produce a COA and ADA services compliance project; provide construction management services for bus shelters and related pedestrian access; and fund operating expenses.

Intended beneficiaries: The citizens of Ocala / Marion County who utilize the bus services will benefit from the improvements and funding to continue the operation of the buses.

Subrecipient activities: None.

City Of Ocala

NOT APPLICABLE

20.507 - Federal Transit Formula Grants

FTA Region 4 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Florida United States

State-Wide

NOT APPLICABLE