PART bus system gets $1.8M from virus relief fund
A PART bus turns left onto High Street in Pottstown. Fares will be required again starting June 1.
POTTSTOWN » One way the financial impact of federal Coronavirus relief act has made its way to the region is by bus.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration has announced a $1.8 million grant award to the Pottstown Area Rapid Transit system in Pottstown.
The money comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed by President Donald J. Trump on March 27.
PART will use the grant funds for operating, preventive maintenance and administrative expenses, which are necessary to maintain service during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
According to Kourtney High, who administers the system for the borough, “both ridership and fares were down 27 percent in March.”
And in April, even though all
fares were suspended April 2 (and will go back into effect June 1) “ridership in April was down 81 percent and revenue for the month was down 98 percent, as we collected fares for one day,” according to High.
She indicated $4,057,968 of the CARES funding “was made available to transit agencies in order to offset the drastic decline in revenue and the expenses associated in dealing with COVID-19. This funding is available until exhausted, with no lapsing date, meaning it will not expire.”
To date, the bus system has applied for and received $750,000 for operating funds and another $1 million in capital funds to purchase two fixed route buses, according to High, who added she is permitted to apply for more as needed.
On Jan 2., PART changed its routes to simplify bus routes, maximize service, and add new destinations, including Boyertown and Gilbertsville.
“This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems
can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who continue to depend on them,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a press release announcing the grant.
“We know many of our nation’s public transportation systems are facing extraordinary challenges and these funds will go a long way to assisting our transit industry partners in battling COVID-19,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams.
“These federal funds will support operating assistance to transit agencies of all sizes providing essential
travel and supporting transit workers across the country who are unable to work because of the public health emergency,” Williams said.
In addition to the CARES Act funding, FTA issued a Safety Advisory that prompts transit agencies to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation, and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational
Safety and Health Administration guidance.
CARES Act funding can be used to cover 100 percent of these costs.
In March, the borough declared that all those riding PART buses must wear a mask and on April 2, instituted a policy allowing riders to enter the bus through the rear doors, thus allowing bus drivers to maintain appropriate social distancing from riders.
On some bus systems, drivers feel they are not being adequately protected from the virus.
On May 20, about two dozen mask-wearing drivers for the Reading and
Lancaster bus systems rallied for improved safety and more pay, the Reading Eagle reported.
They were members of two locals of Amalgamated Transit Union who represent drivers on those systems.
“Our members have been and will continue to put their lives and the lives of their families on the line every day,” Steve Newsham, president of Local 1345 in Reading told the Reading Eagle
So far, three Berks Area Rapid Transit employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. PART drivers are not unionized