RTA Board Allocates $4.4 Million in Federal Dollars to Benefit Seniors and People with Disabilities
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board approved funding for seven projects through the federally-funded Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program. The RTA will administer $4,402,403 million in total, $2,931,356 in federal funds and $1,471,047 in local match provided by municipalities, townships, and the RTA to fund projects that will improve and increase access to transit for older adults and people with disabilities.
These funds are dedicated to removing barriers to transportation service and expanding the transportation mobility options available. The Section 5310 program is the only available source of federal transit funds for projects designed to serve older adults and people with disabilities that go beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Through these programs, the RTA awards funding for transit-supportive projects that improve and enhance access for older adults and people with disabilities," said Leanne Redden, Executive Director of the RTA. “We are proud to be able to administer dollars that will ultimately help these riders maximize use of the transit system.”
In May, communities, counties and transportation providers were invited to apply for this funding. Of the 11 applications received, seven are included in the final program. The RTA held a 30-day public comment period on these projects prior to the RTA Board’s approval. For more information, visit www.rtachicago.org/section-5310/section-5310.html.
City of Chicago, Accessible Pedestrian Signals in the Central Loop – Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) would be installed at intersections along corridors proposed as part of the City of Chicago’s Central Loop Bus Rapid Transit (CLBRT) Project. These locations include Clinton Street, Canal Street, Washington Street, and Madison Street in Chicago’s Loop. The APS devices communicate information about the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” intervals at intersections in non-visual formats, such as audible tones and vibrating surfaces. Estimated Project Budget - $1,626,250 ($1,301,000 Federal Share/$325,250 Local Match)
Lake County Department of Transportation, Central Lake and Shields Dial-A-Ride – Lake County is combining three dial-a-ride services, operating in the Central Lake/Shields township area, into one service. The project initially calls for Shields Township to operate separately while the Fremont and Central Lake partners (Fremont Township, Libertyville Township, Villages of Libertyville and Mundelein) are combined. It is anticipated that all three services will be integrated upon the completion of an assessment of trip patterns. Estimated Project Budget - $327,950 ($163,975 Federal Share/$163,975 Local Match)
Little City Foundation, Transportation Program Operations – This project will provide additional transportation to summer youth employment programs, recreational events and health services. It will also increase the number of trips provided to their clients and clients of sister agencies. Estimated Project Budget - $348,351 ($174,175 Federal Share/$174,176 Local Match)
Metra, Visual Information System at Non Key Stations – Metra will install Visual Information Systems (VIS) at six stations: three stations on the Metra Electric District, two on the Milwaukee North Line, and one on the Union Pacific West Line. The VIS is an electronic sign system that provides current information about Metra train service, such as train arrivals or delays, at key ADA accessible stations. These signs facilitate greater mobility for the hearing impaired as well as the general population. Estimated Project Budget - $300,000 ($240,000 Federal Share/$60,000 Local Match)
Ray Graham Association, RGAs Comprehensive Transportation Program – Individuals with disabilities are transported from their homes to Community Learning Centers and to a variety of other activities, including grocery shopping, medical appointments, volunteer opportunities and recreational activities. Estimated Project Budget - $949,088 ($474,544 Federal Share/$474,544 Local Match)
Regional Transportation Authority, RTA Mobility Management Program – The Mobility Management Program is a new program that will help older adults and individuals with disabilities gain increased access to fixed route service. The program will incorporate a variety of technologies and training approaches to help these customers learn how to use transit and understand their mobility options throughout the region. Estimated Project Budget - $500,000 ($400,000 Federal Share/$100,000 Local Match)
Trinity Services, Transportation for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – This project will allow Trinity Services to expand its hours of operation and provide service to the new Well Being and Enrichment Center. In addition, the project provides for equipping ten vehicles with global positioning tracking units that should lead to improved service delivery. Estimated Project Budget - $350,764 ($177,662 Federal Share/$173,102 Local Match)
With three transit systems and more than two million riders a day, there is always something interesting going on at the RTA. Get the latest scoop on everything all in one place. For all media inquiries, please contact Susan Massel, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, at 312-913-3256 or at communications@rtachicago.org.
Press Information
