SBCTA Awards Funding to Improve Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities

The SBCTA Board of Directors has approved new funding to help seniors and people with disabilities get better transportation in the High Desert. The money comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program, which supports transportation for people who have trouble using regular transit services.

This year, the Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) became the local agency in charge of managing this funding. This change gives the High Desert more control over how the money is used. SBCTA still reviews and awards the projects, while VVTA handles the oversight and federal requirements.

A total of more than $822,000 was available for projects. Federal rules say that more than half must go toward buying vehicles or equipment, and the rest can support operating costs.

SBCTA received five applications and approved funding for all of them:

Operating Projects (Non-Traditional)

• Vocational Improvement Program, Inc. will use funding to take Hesperia clients to work, mainly at the Walmart distribution center in Apple Valley.
• Foothill AIDS Project will provide curb-to-curb rides for seniors and people with disabilities who are living with AIDS.
• Victor Valley Community Services Council will offer free transportation for seniors and people with disabilities for medical and other important trips in the area.

Vehicle Purchases (Traditional)

• Victor Valley Transit Authority will receive money to buy two large paratransit buses.
• Victor Valley Community Services Council will receive funding to buy a medium sized paratransit bus.

Now that the Board has approved these awards, SBCTA will add the projects to the Federal Transportation Improvement Program. VVTA will also work with the selected agencies to complete the federal application process so the projects can move forward.

These investments will help older adults and people with disabilities stay connected to work, medical care, and essential services throughout the High Desert region.