Greene County approves partnership with Carnegie Mellon to pursue on‑demand transit pilot

Greene County commissioners voted May 14 to approve a partner engagement commitment with Carnegie Mellon University to pursue an ARC ARISE grant that would fund an on‑demand shuttle model the presenters called “Grama.” County and university representatives said the pilot would use smaller shuttles to connect residents to jobs, health care and services and that community groups have already pledged substantial cost share.

Karen Lightman, identified in the meeting as the Carnegie Mellon representative, told the board, “we've actually raised almost $400,000 in cost share from the community,” a level of community support she said would reduce the county’s cash match. Lightman described the service as an on‑demand shuttle network using minivans and said Greene County Transportation and regional partners would be engaged as operators and collaborators. She said multiple support letters have come from neighboring transit providers and hospitals.

A commissioner emphasized the local service gap the project aims to fill: “Of the 10‑county region, we are the only county that doesn't have public transportation,” a point used to frame the proposal as regionally significant. Meeting discussion noted that state and federal policies can complicate such projects, and the presenters said they would work to overcome those barriers if the ARC ARISE award is made.

The board approved the engagement commitment on a voice vote; the item remains contingent on solicitor review and formal approval of any required county match. County staff said they will notify the board if an award letter arrives and return with final contract and matching details. The public‑facing presentation and the board’s motion were recorded live on the county livestream.