AASHTO Journal - ALDOT Providing 100 Transit Vehicles to Local Agencies

This fall, the Alabama Department of Transportation will provide almost 100 new transit vehicles to rural agencies across Alabama; vehicles purchased with Federal Transit Administration funds administered by the agency.

[Above photo by ALDOT]

“It has been difficult to find new vehicles to purchase since the slowdown that happened in auto manufacturing during the COVID pandemic,” noted Brad Lindsey, local transportation bureau chief for ALDOT, in a statement.

“The rural agencies – counties and local governments – that use federal funds to offer rural public transportation are required to replace their transit vehicles after the vehicle reaches a certain mileage or age,” he added. “We are pleased that ALDOT has now secured the vehicles requested by the rural agencies. These vehicles allow the agencies to maintain a high level of service and safety for their riders.”

Lindsey explained that ALDOT processes grant applications from local organizations applying for federal funding used for administration, operations and to acquire transit vehicles. “Our goal is to facilitate the mobility that enhances quality of life for the citizens of Alabama,” he said.

[Editor’s note: In May, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently issued its latest survey of state-by-state investment in public transportation from federal, state, and local funding sources. That new report – officially entitled the “Survey of State Funding for Public Transportation—Final Report 2024” – is based on fiscal year 2022 data and addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on state transit programs, as well as innovative state funding initiatives.]

ALDOT also helps make finding a ride with a local transit provider easier by visiting its “ALTRANS.org” website and clicking “schedule a ride,” then selecting a “county of origin” and the corresponding transportation provider contact information will be displayed. Calling and scheduling rides at least 24 hours in advance is recommended, the agency said.

ALDOT added that it administers the Alabama Rural Transit Assistance Program, which is dedicated to creating public and rural transit solutions in Alabama through technical assistance, partner collaboration, free training, and other products. There are 29 rural transit agencies in Alabama currently taking part in the program, the agency noted.