Kingman transit seeks grant funds for transit center design and equipment; ridership steady and fares unchanged

City transit staff reported on July 28 that they expect the Arizona Department of Transportation to announce the next application cycle for the Section 53 39 grant program and plan to apply for funding to support multiple capital needs. Public Transit Superintendent Sherry said the department intends to request funding for a transit center environmental study and 30 percent design, replacement GPS passenger counters and camera systems for all transit vehicles, and one replacement bus.

Sherry said staff are continuing efforts to secure land for the transit center at a previously selected site and that the grant applications would support planning and equipment if awarded. "We are still working towards, trying to secure, land for the transit center at the site that was selected," she told commissioners.

On operations, staff said service has been running smoothly, staffing levels are adequate and the system has seen steady ridership over the last two years with about a 1 percent decline most recently. Fare remains $1.50 per ride; Sherry reminded the commission, "It is still a dollar 50 to ride the bus." She also said the agency reduced the coupon-book price to $35, a roughly 22 percent discount, which has increased coupon-book sales and helped boost revenue despite a small dip in ridership.

Why it matters: federal and state grant awards would fund design and equipment that could affect service quality and future capital projects. Staff flagged upcoming grant timelines and asked commissioners to note the transit center planning as an item that will return for future updates. No grant decisions were made at the meeting; staff will apply and return with results or recommended next steps.