Narrows council pledges $4,800 to support nonprofit transit pilot; grant would cover most costs

Helen Wallace of Giles Health & Family Center asked the Narrows Town Council on Jan. 12 to support a state demonstration grant application that would fund a small on-demand public transit pilot in Giles County. The nonprofit said the grant would cover 80% of costs and that it was seeking about $100,000 in state funds with a 20% match from local sources.

Wallace described the pilot as a MondaythroughFriday, app-based on-demand service intended to expand transportation options beyond the organization's current nonemergency-medical transportation. She told the council the demonstration period would run July 27 through Oct. 28 and that, if the pilot were funded, in-county rides would be fare-free during the pilot. "We would hope that this is fare free. So that $5 would go away," Wallace said.

Council members asked how the service would be sustained after the demonstration, how match amounts were calculated and how demand beyond county lines would be measured. Wallace said the grant application requires sustainability planning and that the nonprofit expects to seek a mix of local government support, private funders and other grants if the pilot succeeds.

Councilor (motion-maker) moved to support the grant application and provide a $4,800 contribution from the town; the motion was seconded and put to a vote. One member announced an abstention because of a business conflict; the remaining recorded votes were "Yes" and the motion carried.

The council also asked Wallace to provide the grant metrics and feasibility details listed in the application as staff and council evaluate longer-term funding options.

What's next: The nonprofit's grant submission deadline is Feb. 1; the council's $4,800 contribution and letters of support will accompany the application.