County approves $7 million federal transit grant application to expand GO Line and buy buses
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Summary
County staff and the Senior Resource Association told commissioners the $7 million Federal Transit Administration application covers capital and operating assistance including five replacement buses, shelters and maintenance needs; the board approved the resolution authorizing the FY2025 application.
Indian River County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution June 17 to submit a fiscal‑year 2025 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant application that would provide capital and operating assistance for the county's GO Line fixed‑route service.
Why it matters: The grant request — filed under Title 49 U.S. Code sections often used for urbanized area formula funds — seeks roughly $7 million in federal funds for operating support and capital purchases including five buses, additional shelters and funds for maintenance and a transit facility expansion. County and Senior Resource Association officials said the GO Line is fare‑free and has shown ridership growth following service extensions.
Presentation highlights Mark Beets, MPO senior planner, and Ryan Sweeney, assistant planning development services director, said the application combines 5307 urbanized formula funds and 5339 capital dollars. Karen Deagle, CEO of Senior Resource Association (the county’s transit operator), thanked the board for past support and underscored the system’s role in serving low‑income residents and older adults. County staff said capital funds have no local match and operating funds will be matched with state FDOT block grants and existing county general‑fund dollars.
Performance context Staff reported the GO Line operates approximately 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and is fare‑free; about 51% of county residents live within a quarter mile of service and ridership is growing. The county said operating cost per passenger is among the lowest in the state and that ridership is trending toward the county’s multi‑year target.
Board action and next steps Commissioners approved the resolution authorizing staff to file the grant application. Staff will submit the application to the FTA and continue to coordinate any required match funding and project scope with FDOT and the Senior Resource Association.
Ending note: County officials said the grant would support continuing the fare‑free model and help fund vehicles and shelters needed to sustain and grow the system.
