The NOACA Governing Board approved the following project as a candidate to be amended to the NOACA Transportation Plan and in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) by adopting Resolution No. 2004-012 on March 12, 2004.

Title: Geauga County Transit calendar year 2004 Capital and Operating Program
Sponsor:  Geauga County Transit
Estimated Total Cost: $1,174,393
Proposed Source of Federal Funds: Federal Transit Administration

History/Background:
FGeauga County Transit’s state fiscal year (SFY) 2004 capital and operating program is listed in the NOACA SFY 2004 – 2007 Transportation Improvement Program.

Current Conditions:
Geauga County Transit operates a completely countywide demand responsive transit system in Geauga County. Geauga County Transit has eleven (11) vehicles in operation during peak hours and two (2) backup vehicles available. Three (3) vehicles have exceeded 200,000 miles. Due to harsh weather and driving conditions, these vehicles will be ready for replacement at the proposed time of disposition

Proposed Project:
Geauga County Transit’s CY 2004 program includes the purchase of three (3) vehicles, replacing those vehicles, which have reached the end of their useful life. These replacement light transit vehicles (LTVs) are diesel LTVs, containing twelve (12) passenger seats and two (2) wheelchair positions and a wheelchair lift. The cost of each vehicle is $72,172. The total project cost is $216,516 (i.e. $173,212 – Federal Section 5311 funds; $21,652 - State funds; $21,652 – Local funds). The planned date of purchase for two of the vehicles is March 2004 and June 2004 for the third vehicle. The vehicle replacement schedule for subsequent years (2005, 2006 and 2007) also involves the replacement of three vehicles each year.

Geauga County Transit is Geauga County Transit’s total operating program for CY 2004 is $997,877. Geauga County Transit is applying for $355,066 in Federal (Section 5311) operating assistance and $217,723 in State operating assistance to supplement its $385,088 local share. Geauga County Transit also generates $40,000 in fare revenue. Geauga County Transit will continue to operate its coordinated demand response public transit system within Geauga County, and offer reduced fare to qualified individuals through its elderly and disabled transit fare assistance program. Geauga County Transit is requesting $72,506 in state funds for the program.

Staff Comment (Summary):

• The sponsor’s four-year program is consistent with the NOACA TIP for content. The operating costs and support are more graduated toward future years. The replacement vehicle schedule has been detailed and its costs show a lower and graduated increase in cost and federal, state and local participation.
• All vehicles to be replaced are past their minimum service life requirements as prescribed by FTA.
• This program serves environmental justice (EJ) related populations (i.e. disabled and elderly).
• Clean technology and fuels should be considered with respect to bus replacements, as well as vehicle cost.
• Move for committee and public review in order to obtain comments.