The City of Billings MET Transit Division was advised by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) -  Transit Section, of the availability of State funds that can be used to offset paratransit operating costs.  The intent of the TransADE funding is to encourage agencies to provide coordinated transit service for elderly and disabled citizens.  The rising cost of transporting these individuals has a significant impact on operating budgets and the State is recognizing that its assistance is vital to continuing this needed service.  The grant of $60,644 will be used to reimburse MET for approximately 4.9% of its paratransit FY 2017 operating costs.

  

City Council may:

• Approve this contract with the MDOT and accept $60,644 of TransADE funding to reimburse a portion of the MET Plus Transit's operating expenses; or
• Disapprove the contract with the MDOT for the TransADE funding.

This contract will allow MET Transit to access $60,644 to reimburse MET Plus for operating expenses incurred for transporting elderly and disabled citizens. This funding was not anticipated or included in the FY 2017 Revenue budget and is additional income for MET that will be used to cover approximately 4.9% of the paratransit operation's budgeted costs.

Staff recommends that Council approve and the Mayor execute the attached Operating Assistance Contract with the MDOT for  $60,644 of paratransit operating assistance through the TransADE grant program.