YCAT expects to receive stimulus money for new buses

A potential appropriation of federal stimulus funding to the Yuma area's public transit system would go a long way toward replacing its aging fleet.

  Mack Luckie, executive director of Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization, said Monday he was informed by U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva's office that YMPO is in line to receive $1.9 million in stimulus funding for transit capital purchases - meaning buses, vans, shelters and other equipment.

  Luckie hasn't filled out his order form just yet. He's waiting to receive official notification from the Arizona Department of Transportation that the money is indeed coming YMPO's way.

  "There's no reason not to believe we'll get the money," he said. He just would feel better about knowing for sure that the check is coming before he makes plans to spend it. He's hopeful that will be soon.

  YMPO's share would be from the slightly more than $100 million being appropriated to public transit programs in Arizona, Grijalva announced in a news release.

  That funding is coming from a total of $8.4 billion being appropriated for states and local transportation authorities by the Federal Transit Administration through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.

  The funds are to go toward evaluation of transit projects, development, improvement and use of public transportation systems in rural and small urban areas, capital investments in bus and bus-related activities and capital investments in new and existing fixed guideway systems, Grijalva said in his news release.

  The congressman noted that public transportation saves as much as 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline and reduces carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons each year. In 2007, Americans took 10.3 billion trips on public transportation - the highest ridership level in 50 years.

  "Public transportation has a positive impact on the economy, communities and individuals and the environment," he said.

  "Once again, I am proud that this Congress and administration have taken strong steps to prioritize our domestic needs," stated Grijalva. "Public transit not only reduces pollution but lowers our dependence on oil for fuel. This funding will provide new mass transit options for millions of Americans and is a key part of America's transportation future."

  Luckie said that an increasing number of Yuma-area residents are riding the local public transit system, with the number increasing by about 20 percent per year.

  He said Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) carried 30,871 passengers in February. In 2008, more than 348,000 people rode YCAT buses.

  Many of those buses are ready to be replaced, he said, some them having been purchased when YCAT first became operational in March 2004.

  He said a total of six of the older YCAT buses need to be replaced. "We're running the wheels off them."

  The cost to replace the 34-seat buses is $190,000 each, while the 16-passenger cut-away vans cost $65,500 each and the Dial-a-Ride vans cost $41,685. Shelters cost $14,600.

  Luckie said he hopes to purchase some of each with the stimulus funding.