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PVPC approves TIP Amendment 3, shifting transit funds and endorsing two highway projects
Summary
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission approved TIP Amendment #3 on March 24, endorsing administrative changes to transit vehicle purchases (moving funds to federal transit programs and favoring 40-foot buses over 35-foot Allison-transmission hybrids) and advancing two highway projects, including a guide sign replacement and a $24 million cost increase to the Route 391 bridge design‑build project.
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission voted March 24 to approve TIP Amendment #3, advancing administrative changes to transit vehicle funding and endorsing two statewide highway projects.
PVPC staff member Andy told members the amendment mainly reallocates funds—moving money from RTA capital categories to Section 5339 and other transit funding sources—to refine purchases for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority fleet. "Really, what this is laying out here is just the movement of some funds to different categories of funding," Andy said, noting higher vehicle costs have forced changes in the mix of buses planned.
Transit staff Sandra explained the operational reason for a technical change: PVTA plans to purchase only 40‑foot hybrid buses because the agency has had limited experience and parts support for Allison transmissions on hybrid vehicles. "We don't have any parts or anything else at this moment... Connecticut Transit purchased some of those Allison transmissions and... they're having some issues," Sandra said, explaining the agency prefers to continue with the BAE hybrid transmission currently in its smaller fleet.
On the highway side, staff described two projects released for public review last month. A guide and traffic sign replacement on Route 291 expanded in scope and doubled in price due to material and scope changes; the second is a major design‑build replacement for Bridge 391 over Chip Street (Chicopee), which staff said shows a $24 million increase (about 17.5%). Andy emphasized these increases do not affect the region's discretionary dollars.
Board members had no outstanding objections and moved to approve the amendment. The roll call recorded unanimous support from voting members present.
The amendment's approval allows the transit and highway projects to continue advancing through MassDOT and federal programming steps; staff said they will bring additional updates if any of the items require formal amendment beyond administrative adjustments.
