Funds the purchase of transportation vehicles by small town and rural public transit agencies.  The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) administers a small town and rural public transportation vehicle purchase program using state and federal funds, but the need to purchase and replace vehicles outpaces the current funding available.  Volatile gas prices and an aging population are increasingly leading people in small towns and rural areas to turn to public transportation.  However, public transit providers in these areas—including counties, Native American tribes, other local governments, and private agencies—are having a difficult time keeping up with increased demand.  One significant challenge is that small town and rural transit providers do not have adequate resources to purchase new public transit vehicles or replace those that are past their useful life or are no longer adequate to meet demand.  ODOT conducted a needs assessment of rural transit providers in Oregon in 2008 that compared needs for vehicle replacement over the next five years to keep the fleet within federal replacement standards versus available resources to acquire vehicles.  The survey found that small town and rural providers estimate a gap of $25.5 million to replace 356 current vehicles, and $19 million to purchase 180 new vehicles to expand the fleet and meet demand.  Vehicles are needed for general public transportation service, as well as for service for seniors and people with disabilities. 

Amount Requested: $2,000,000

Address: 555 13th Street NE, Suite 3, Salem, OR  97301