The NOACA Governing Board approved the following project as a candidate to be amended to the NOACA Transportation Plan by adopting Resolution No. 2005-012 and as a proposed amendment to the TIP by adopting Resolution 2005-013 on March 11, 2005.

Title: Geauga County Transit-CY 2005 Capital & Operating Program
Sponsor:  Geauga County Transit
Estimated Total Cost: $1,296,482
Proposed Source of Federal Funds: Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

History/Background:  Geauga County Transit’s state fiscal year (SFY) 2005 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 2005 program includes the purchase 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 $63,081. The total project cost is $189,245 (i.e. $151,395 – Federal Section 5311 funds; $18,925 - State funds; $18,925 – Local funds). The planned date of purchase for the vehicles is March 31, 2005.

Geauga County Transit’s total operating program for CY 2005 is $1,107,237. Geauga County Transit is applying for $355,066 in Federal (Section 5311) operating assistance and $145,217 in State operating assistance to supplement its $484,644 local share. Geauga County Transit also generates $50,000 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 $72,310 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).
• Recommend project funding provided that more attention is given to the cleaner technology and fuels, and service coordination with other providers.
• Move for committee and public review in order to obtain comments.