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Commission approves federally funded paratransit van after service complaints; administration reports additional vehicles and staffing steps
Summary
Augusta commissioners approved purchase of a transit/paratransit van paid with federal appropriations ($85,930). Administrator reported two additional vehicles in processing, steps to increase drivers, and that the rider who complained was being served.
The Augusta City Commission approved a one-time purchase of a paratransit vehicle costing $85,930, funded entirely through federal appropriations, after staff said the extra vehicle would improve response times for riders who rely on ADA paratransit.
Administrator Mona Allen briefed the commission that the transit department had identified a vehicle that could be available by March 10 and that the purchase would not require city funds because federal dollars would cover the cost. “We looked into what we could do to make sure that we alleviate those problems not only for Mr. Scuse but for everyone else that utilizes paratransit,” Allen said.
Commissioner Brandon Garrett moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice seconded the motion. The clerk recorded the vote as unanimous. Commissioners asked staff for the exact cost; Administrator Allen reported the vehicle price as $85,930.
Operational follow-up: At the public services committee, staff reported two additional vehicles were being processed to join the fleet and that contractor and city staff were addressing driver staffing to ensure vehicles are operated when needed. Transit contractor representative Mr. Mack and transit staff member Miss Dougherty were present; staff said Mr. Scuse had been riding paratransit without further reported problems since the operational changes.
Decisions and direction: The commission’s approval authorizes procurement of the identified vehicle using federal appropriations and directs transit and procurement staff to complete acquisition and to continue monitoring service levels and staffing.
Ending: Staff said they will continue to monitor paratransit through the city’s 311 reporting mechanism and provide updates to commissioners if problems recur.
