DELAND -- Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, D-Ne Smyrna Beach, along with Volusia County Council members and representatives from Votran, announced Friday an $8.4 million investment for Votran from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Votran will use the funds from the tax relief and recovery package to purchase new hybrid buses, increase accessibility for passengers, and convert their facilities into green buildings.
The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009” [Pub. L. 111-5; “ARRA”], signed into law by President Barack Obama Feb. 17, 2009, includes $8.4 billion for transit capital improvements. Votran will receive $8.4 million in federal transit funding from the economic-stimulus measure passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. It is infrastructure-focused federal economic stimulus funding, which means that funds cannot be used for operating expenses.
Votran plans to use the ARRA funds to upgrade a planned bus replacement of five vehicles with hybrid-electric powered buses rather than standard diesel engines and purchase three vehicle replacements advanced from 2009-2010 (for a total of $4,858,507); Purchase four buses (cost of upgrade to electric-hybrid) to provide transit connections to SunRail, a commuter rail system expected to be operational in 2011 ($354,438); planned bus replacement of five paratransit vehicles upgraded to hybrid-electric powered buses rather than standard diesel engines ($700,000); make improvements to local area infrastructure that will increase passenger accessibility ($500,000); and reduce consumption by conducting an assessment of our facilities and operating practices and identify progressive solutions to reduce consumption, save energy and lower expenses ($2,007,180). Total ARRA funds being used is $8,420,125.
“We strive for a consistent planning approach, so Votran has targeted system improvements that are consistent with the most recent transit development plan,” said Lois Bollenback, Votran general manager. “Goals pursuing green initiatives, passenger amenities, and fleet replacement are supported by the allocation of ARRA funds.”
Votran also has targeted infrastructure enhancements for accessibility improvements that are consistent with the most recent transit development plan. Goals pursuing pedestrian access and American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance also are supported by the allocation of ARRA funds.
“Increasing pedestrian accessibility and enhancing community walk-ability is essential to promote non-automobile related travel modes,” said Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno. “Easy and safe access for the general public to bus stops will promote use of public transportation. Without accessible bus stops, it is difficult to transition many of the paratransit users onto the Votran fixed-route service.”
Wheelchair ridership on Votran fixed route buses is up 25 percent this quarter. “It would be in the best interest of Votran to continue its proactive efforts in encouraging the county, its municipalities, and the state to improve pedestrian access, including repairing and installing sidewalks, curb cuts and landing pads adjacent to bus stops,” added Bruno. “These items are essential for our senior and disabled populations and create a better atmosphere for all riders. Safe, secure and accessible bus stops with basic amenities such as benches and shelters should be the goal, both for the benefit of current users as well as to help entice paratransit users and discretionary riders to utilize fixed-route service.”
Climate change and air quality are growing concerns and people increasingly are aware that mass transit alternatives benefit the environment by reducing carbon emissions. Hybrid vehicles are more efficient and cleaner than traditional diesel vehicles. The Gillig model that Votran proposes to purchase offers a fuel economy savings of 20- 40 percent and decreased emissions by 25-35 percent. The Gillig hybrid engine is smaller and quieter. Therefore, it has significantly lower noise levels then the conventional diesel engine.
The hybrid vehicle has a minimum vehicle life of 12 years/500,000 miles. It offers a premium pay back of about nine years through savings on brake life; fuel costs and mid-life engine rebuilds. When stopping or decelerating, vehicle energy is converted to electrical energy and stored, with a longer brake life.
“Now is the time to invest in infrastructure for the 21st century that will have the triple benefit of boosting the economy, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and decreasing carbon emissions,” added Bruno.
Votran provides public transit service for residents and visitors in Volusia County, Florida. In fiscal year 2008, Votran recorded more than 3.4 million boardings. The Votran family of services includes fixed-route bus service, beachside trolleys, express bus commuter service, dial-a-ride paratransit service and commuter assistance programs. Votran provides transportation to all urban areas of the county with a fleet of more than 50 revenue-producing fixed route buses, four trackless trolleys, 27 van pools and more than 40 paratransit vehicles. Votran is a service of Volusia County Government.