Thanks to a $1.1 million grant awarded to The T by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), transportation services provided in Tarrant County by Catholic Charities Fort Worth will soon be sporting new vehicles and using enhanced route and scheduling technology. The T applied for the grant on behalf of Tarrant County and Catholic Charities.
“We are happy with the relationship between Tarrant County, The T, and Catholic Charities. This could not have happened without The T applying for the grant on behalf of Catholic Charities. These new vehicles will be a great help to the folks in our community who have the toughest time getting to the doctor or the grocery store," said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. “It is essential that in our Tarrant County community we do what we can to help get transportation for people with disabilities and for older adults.”
Catholic Charities provides a variety of transportation services to meet the mobility needs of Tarrant County residents who travel beyond The T’s service area. Through contracts with The T, Catholic Charities provides limited Mobility Impaired Transportation Service and operates Tarrant County Transportation Service and North East Transportation Service.
The purpose of the FTA Ladders of Opportunity grant is to support the modernization and expansion of bus service and facilities in urban and rural communities. The T was among 24 transit agencies in 19 states to receive a Ladders of Opportunity grant.
In a news release announcing the grants FTA stated that the purpose of the “Ladders of Opportunity Initiative is to connect disadvantaged and low-income populations – including veterans, seniors and youths — with centers of education, employment, job training, health care, and other vital services.”
Through this grant The T will receive funding to purchase up to 19 vehicles and enhance current technology on behalf of Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities is the primary provider of transit in Tarrant County cities that are not served by The T or Arlington’s Handitran.
“Catholic Charities Fort Worth is beyond grateful to The T for their willingness to apply for and administer this grant on our behalf and to Tarrant County for their continued support. With our goal to end poverty, upgrading our transportation fleet, software, efficiency, and reliability ensures that we are supporting those people who are desperately trying to get to doctor's appointments, jobs, and benefits offices," said Heather Reynolds, CEO of Catholic Charities Fort Worth. “This advanced technology and new fleet is a game-changer; the more people who are healthy, who are at work, who are able to save on outrageous transportation costs, the more our county benefits. I'm ecstatic to be a part of this partnership."
“The T is extremely pleased that Tarrant County’s expanding needs for transit have been recognized through FTA’s Ladders of Opportunity Initiatives,” said Paul Ballard, president and CEO of The T.
