Pierce Transit to Grant Retiring Vehicles to Local Nonprofits
Pierce Transit is undertaking a new “Care-a-van” program to grant retiring vanpool vans and Shuttle vehicles to not-for-profit (501 c3) organizations located within Pierce County. The Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners adopted the new policy Nov. 9 and the agency now has vehicles available for the program.
Based on federal rules, Pierce Transit must retire vehicles based on certain life and mileage requirements. Many of those vehicles, however, still have thousands of miles and many years of life on them. Community groups granted the vehicles will provide a variety of services for people with special needs. The vehicles might be used for everything from delivering meals to homeless individuals, providing mobility for low-income seniors, and transporting citizens with disabilities to jobs.
Retiring vehicles sold at auction usually net a few thousand dollars for Pierce Transit. Organizations granted these vehicles will provide valuable transportation services and a cost-savings to the agency through reduced ADA-eligible trips.
“We are very pleased to provide this important resource to our community,” said Pierce Transit CEO Sue Dreier. “So often groups and organizations want to help get people to their location, or to medical appointments or social events – they just need a vehicle to do so. The new Care-a-van program will be a win-win for Pierce Transit and our community.”
To be considered to receive a retiring vehicle, not-for-profit organizations must show they will provide a number of trips worth equal to or greater than the vehicle’s value, and that they will cover maintenance and insurance costs. Groups granted vehicles will also be required to submit monthly reports documenting the number and types of trips provided. Once they meet these requirements, the not-for-profit agencies will receive the vehicle’s title.
Applications are available on Pierce Transit’s web site at www.piercetransit.org/care-a-van. Interested not-for-profit organizations seeking additional information may also call Pierce Transit Senior Planner Cherry Thomas at 253-983-3699. The deadline for applying for the two vehicles available in this round of grants is March 21.
