The Owensboro Transit System is pursuing new federal grant funding to enhance paratransit services, improve bus stop accessibility, and add additional bus shelters throughout the city.
The addendum dealing with those issues was presented Tuesday during a joint meeting of the Technical Advisory and Policy Committees of the Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
The addendum, which modifies the 2025 Green River Area Coordinated Public Transit-Human Service Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), was presented by MPO Director Tom Lovett. The update was drafted under the guidance of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and is necessary for Owensboro Transit to qualify for 5310 grant funds, he said.
According to the addendum, the 5310 funds will support projects aimed at meeting the transportation needs of elderly individuals and people with disabilities who cannot use regular fixed-route service.
The FTA is expected to cover 80% of the capital and planning costs associated with the proposed transit improvements, while the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the City of Owensboro will each contribute 10%. Operating costs will be split evenly between the FTA and the city.
From 2025 through 2028, the TIP Owensboro Transit is projected to invest approximately $360,000 in ADA Complementary Paratransit services. Additional projected expenditures include more than $173,000 for shelters, stops, and signage; nearly $200,000 for maintenance facility upgrades; $1.3 million for preventive maintenance; and $135,000 for technology, safety, security, communications, and technical support. Another $320,000 is expected to be spent on vehicle purchases, parts, and renovations.
During Tuesday’s meeting, transit manager Vicky Pennington said the new revenue source would allow for additional stops, improved stop infrastructure, and continued partnership with GRITS to offer accessible transportation throughout the region.
The proposed projects align with the Owensboro-Daviess County MPO’s FY 2023–2028 Transportation Improvement Program. Members of the public can view the TIP at gradd.com or by contacting MPO Director Tom Lovett at 270-926-4433 or [email protected].
