PA-2022-060

This application is to request Section 5307 funds apportioned to the Reading PA UZA in the amount of $4,789,782 and Section 5339 funds apportioned to the Reading PA UZA in the amount of $406,994. As provided for under federal guidelines of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 0.75% of the annual federal funding allocation to the Reading Urbanized Area will be used to fund elements of the agency safety plan (Project 4 in this grant). This activity line item will fund such elements including, but not limited to, establishing a risk reduction program, establishing performance targets, modifications to rolling stock, and de-escalation training.

The non-federal share will be provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the County of Berks. SCTA will not be applying the 1% requirement for security-related projects in this grant since all of the authority's security needs are met. For instance, SCTA-Reading spends from other funding sources in excess of $200,000 annually for 24/7 contracted security service coverage at its transportation center and parking garages.

Purpose of Award:
The purpose of this award is to provide funding for the maintenance and replacement of BARTA's fixed route paratransit vehicles and improvements to BARTA's facilities. Additionally, purchasing office equipment, IT equipment, and shop equipment, as well as replacing bus shelters, will help ensure BARTA operates a safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation system in the Reading UZA.

Activities to be Performed:
South Central Transit Authority-Reading (SCTA) is applying FFY2022 Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program (UZA) funds apportioned to the Reading Urbanized Area in the amount of $4,789,782 for the following:
- Purchase of two (2) replacement 40-foot low-floor hybrid electric diesel fixed route buses
- Purchase of seven (7) replacement less than 30-foot paratransit buses
- Facility upgrades and improvements
- Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan
- Purchase office equipment
- Purchase IT equipment/hardware/software
- Purchase shop equipment
- Purchase and install twenty-five (25) replacement bus shelters; unknown number of both new installations of bus stop signs at stops with no sign and the replacement of missing bus stop signs
- Transit development plan

South Central Transit Authority-Reading (SCTA) is also applying FFY2022 Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Formula funds apportioned to the Reading Urbanized Area in the amount of $406,994 towards the purchase of one (1) replacement 40-foot low-floor hybrid electric diesel fixed route bus.

Expected Outcomes:
The regular replacement and maintenance of BARTA's vehicles, facilities, and equipment contributes to an efficient and cost-effective operation and helps minimize in-service breakdowns of vehicles and its impact on service delivery.

Intended Beneficiaries:
Local residents, businesses, BARTA employees and contractors, and other individuals and stakeholders that benefit from BARTA's public transportation services.

Subrecipient Activities:
N/A

South Central Transit Authority

20.526 - Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs

FTA Region 3 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Pennsylvania United States

State-Wide

None

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 1177% from $508,743 to $6,495,971.