By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Sitka Tribe of Alaska has received a $300,000 federal grant to replace a RIDE bus with one of the same size that has better accessibility.
It’s the second year in a row the tribe has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration to replace the RIDE buses that have exceeded their useful lives, said STA Transportation Director Gerry Hope.
STA has ordered a new 22-passenger bus with last year’s grant, and plans to order another of the same model with this year’s grant. Both are wheelchair accessible. They will replace 22-passenger buses built in 2009 and 2010.
“We have an aging fleet and with an aging bus fleet comes very high maintenance costs,” Hope said. “We’re very happy to have received this funding this year and last year to replace our aging bus fleet.”
The tribe currently has six buses serving three routes, plus a special “paratransit” van service serving those with disabilities. All vehicles are maintained through a contract with the local automotive service shop TMW, Hope said.
The FTA provided some $5 million to 36 tribal transit projects in 14 states in this grant cycle. A total of $1.8 million was given to 10 tribal organizations in Alaska.
“These grants will help American Indian and Alaskan Native tribal governments provide transportation in rural areas to connect tribal residents with jobs, health care and other opportunities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao in a news release.
The grant to STA noted the role the RIDE bus service plays in the public’s accessing jobs, schools, health care and ferry service in and around Sitka.
“The Federal Transit Administration is committed to helping tribal residents with their transportation needs,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams, in the announcement on the grant. “We’re proud to support investments in their transit systems, which provide access to essential services.”
Hope said plans are also in the works to replace one of the smaller buses through a grant from the state.
“We’re fortunate that the Federal Transit Administration and state Department of Transportation recognize the need, and we’re getting these upgrades,” Hope said.
Among the improvements in the latest bus ordered for the RIDE is a feature that will make it easier to step onto and off the bus.
“We’re looking at these kinds of features that are important, in my view,” Hope said. “We’re excited to be able to offer that.”
Hope expects it will take about a year for this first new bus to be delivered, and the second will arrive a few months after that.
The RIDE began in 2002 through a partnership between Center for Community and Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and started with two buses covering two routes.
In its first year, it averaged some 65 passengers a day. That rose to 110 per day on average in the 2006-07 year. A third route was added in 2008, and today the RIDE averages some 220 passengers per day. Hope said the bus service is a popular option for tourists, and he expects this coming summer will be even busier.
Most of the funding for operating the RIDE comes from grants, which requires a more than 40 percent match of cash or in-kind contributions.
Last year the tribe received a $25,000 grant from the city, and is hoping for the same support this year.
Assembly member Richard Wein commented today he believes the bus service is worth supporting.
“The city needs to recognize the service the RIDE performs for the citizens of Sitka,” he said. “If it’s $25,000, it’s a small price to pay.”
Kevin Knox agreed, “I think we should be supporting transit. ... Most communities spend four times as much.”
