The Governing Board approved the following project for inclusion in the TIP by adopting Resolution No. 2002-062 on 9/13/02

Title: Laketran Replacement Buses
Sponsor: Laketran
Estimated Total Cost: $3,600,000
Proposed Source of Federal Funds: NOACA

History/Background:
Laketran has eight (8) buses that are scheduled for replacement in state fiscal year (SFY) 2004, at the prescribed rate Federal Transit Administration (FTA) interval of twelve (12) years as stipulated in FTA circular 9030.1. Laketran seeks to replace these buses

Current Conditions:
The buses to be replaced were purchased in 1990 and 1992 and are the only remaining buses in Laketran's fleet that are not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. The bus replacement would make Laketran's entire fleet ADA accessible. It is not cost effective to retrofit the buses with wheelchair lifts ($256,000) given their age and engines. These buses have their original diesel engines, which, at the time of purchase, were compliant with the applicable emission standards. The buses have accumulated 200,000 to 250,000 miles. It is at this interval that diesel engines typically require rebuilding. The engines would have to be brought up to current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, which involves the addition of catalytic converters. The estimated cost to rebuild the engines is about $212,000. Given the age of the buses and the accessibility of the engines to perform the required work, Laketran doesn't consider rebuilding the engines with catalytic converters to be cost effective.

Proposed Project:
Laketran's SFY 2004 program proposes the purchase of eight (8) forty feet commuter buses to replace the remaining vehicles in Laketran's fleet which are not ADA accessible. Laketran is requesting the use of NOACA attributable Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds to purchase these buses. Laketran has prepared an emissions reduction analysis, which FHWA requires in order to be eligible for CMAQ funds. The total estimated cost of these vehicles is ($3,600,000). Laketran requests $2,880,000 of CMAQ funds in SFY 2004 or an equivalent amount over a two-year period (i.e. SFYs 2003 and 2004). Laketran certifies it has the resources to operate and maintain these buses during their twelve-year life.

Staff Comment (Summary):

• Laketran provides service to some urban core and environmental justice (EJ) areas and populations.
• The purchase of these buses addresses the local needs and the specific components or policy statements Goal #1 (System Preservation and Management), #2 (Economic Development and Quality of Life) and #3 (Cooperative Planning Process and Transportation Efficiency) of ODOT's Access Ohio well as Goals # 3 (Preserve and Improve the Efficiency of the Transportation System, #4 (Establish a More Balanced Transportation System) and #5 (Improve the Mobility of the Transit Dependent and Low Income Individual) of NOACA's Framework for Action 2025.
• Staff recommends the bus purchase be programmed for SFY 2004 pending successful completion of project planning review process and NOACA Governing Board approval.