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Jefferson County commissioners approve resolution designating Catch a Ride to apply for Federal Transit Administration grant
Summary
The county approved an authorizing resolution naming Catch a Ride as the entity allowed to apply directly to the Federal Transit Administration for a 2026 competitive transit grant; Catch a Ride representatives said the change removes a third‑party pass‑through and will streamline applications and service options.
Jefferson County commissioners voted to approve an authorizing resolution designating Catch a Ride as the organization authorized to apply directly to the Federal Transit Administration for a 2026 competitive transit grant.
The move, approved by motion and voice vote after a short presentation, removes a previous pass‑through arrangement the presenter said had required a third party to be named as grantee. Erin Thomas, identified in the meeting as a Catch a Ride representative, said the change will allow Catch a Ride to “apply directly,” removing the prior role of a historic pass‑through partner and helping to streamline the application process.
Why it matters: county officials and the transit provider said direct application should shorten administrative steps and could make grant management more efficient. Thomas described service features that could be supported by the grant, including a new online prepaid account option so frequent riders can add funds and avoid needing exact change.
Catch a Ride said the 2026 application looks different than in years past because the county will no longer be listed only as a provider under a larger grantee. Thomas also noted a recent marketing grant from the Bethany Legacy Foundation that funded testimonial videos and outreach explaining how to use Catch a Ride.
Action taken: Commissioner (unnamed) moved to approve the authorizing resolution; a second was recorded and commissioners voiced “aye.” The resolution passed by voice vote.
Catch a Ride representatives also said the system is recruiting drivers across six counties and that the new prepaid online account will deduct trip costs from riders’ balances, similar to toll pass systems. No timeline for the FTA application deadline was specified at the meeting.
