U.S. Transportation Secretary announces $6.3M to Evansville for COVID-19 relief

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - The City of Evansville is receiving a $6.3 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration as a part of the CARES ACT.

City leaders say they’ll be using the funds to support transit planning and operating expenses.

This includes things like bus equipment and facilities, preventive maintenance, and bus stop improvements, during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The FTA issued a Safety Advisory that prompts transit agencies to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding face coverings and ppe, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation, and hand hygiene.

CARES Act funding can be used to cover 100 percent of these costs.

“It’s a good thing, and we’re trying to just keep the ridership or keep the actual routes in play as much as we possibly can. Number wise, we still trying to balance what is a good balance for routes wise,” said Transportation Executive Director Todd Robertson.

Officials say public bus transportation has been impacted by COVID19, so much so the ridership numbers have actually decreased industry wide at least 50 percent.

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