SMART secures investment from the U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to expand the SMART fleet to serve more regional residents in San Miguel and Montrose Counties.
Telluride, Colo.— As a part of the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation’s (SMART) commitment to providing regional transportation options, SMART submitted a highly competitive grant application to the U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) with the goal of expanding the SMART fleet. SMART is proud to announce that the agency was awarded $2,568,000 with a local match of $642,000 to purchase new vehicles allowing the transit agency to serve more regional residents in San Miguel and Montrose Counties. This grant will allow SMART to purchase the following vehicles:
- (4) 40’ transit buses—(2) to replace the existing Norwood buses, (1) for a new Montrose to Telluride service, and (1) as a spare vehicle for either route
- (3) replacement vanpool vehicles, and
- (1) new cutaway bus to be used on the Lawson/Down Valley/Rico/Off-Season route for regular service and for backup duties.
This federal grant awarded to SMART was part of a $1.66 billion bipartisan initiative designed to improve the nation’s transportation infrastructure and reduce air pollution. The FTA received 530 eligible applications for this funding by transit systems, states and territories across the U.S. with SMART being one of 150 systems to receive investment.
Over the next five years, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding for (2) transit programs designed to improve transit fleets and bus facilities.
- FTA’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built low- or no-emission vehicles, including related equipment or facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5.5 billion over five years for the Low-No Program—more than six times greater than the previous five years of funding. For Fiscal Year 2022, approximately $1.1 billion was available for grants under this program.
- FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses and vans and building bus maintenance facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $2 billion over five years for the program. For Fiscal Year 2022, approximately $550 million for grants was available under this program.
SMART Executive Director David Averill stated, “This new funding will directly impact our region in such a positive way. The new vehicles will allow us to serve more riders—reducing congestion, pollution and providing more mobility options at the same time. For San Miguel and Montrose County residents it also means expanded service with a new Montrose to Telluride route, comfortable rides, and continued reliable service with an expanded fleet. We encourage residents to ride SMART and enjoy a hassle-free commute.”
San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) supports all transportation options including buses, commuter vans, parking, bicycling, walking and trails used for commuting. The formation of SMART provides permanent designated funding through a sales tax and mill levy for regional transit and expands local ability to obtain state and federal transportation grants. Overall, SMART provides transportation options for employment, education and every day trips while reducing congestion and pollution throughout the region.