CONTACT:
Candace Eudaley-Loebach, Director of Transportation Services
563.589.4196, ceudaley@cityofdubuque.org

Sept. 25, 2018 – For Immediate Release

Dubuque Awarded $1.9 Million for Buses and Transit Technology

 
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, announced today it has awarded the City of Dubuque’s Jule Public Transit System $1.9 million to purchase vehicles and technology through the FTA’s Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program.
 
Dubuque’s award was part of $366.2 million in FTA grants announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to improve the safety and reliability of America’s bus systems and enhance mobility for transit riders.
 
The Jule will use the federal funds, combined with local funds, to purchase nine vehicles with ramps to improve accessibility and on-time performance while investing in new technologies to keep transit a relevant and easy-to-choose over other modes. The Jule plans to purchase remanufactured vehicles that provide a smoother ride for passengers to ensure independence at boarding for individuals with disabilities by utilizing ramps. These vehicles can be purchased at a lower price while providing a like-new vehicle built to Dubuque’s specifications. This allows the City to leverage its existing bus replacement dollars and replace a greater portion of its medium duty fleet. The grant will also enable The Jule to update onboard computers, implement electronic fareboxes to streamline fare collection, offer multiple payment options, and enhance data gathering.
 
These grant-funded projects must be completed in three years. The local match for the projects is $372,420, which represents 15 percent of the bus project cost and 20 percent of the computers, card readers, and fareboxes project. The local match funds are included in the City’s Budget and Capital Improvement Program in fiscal years 2019 and 2020.
 
For additional information on The Jule Public Transit System, visit www.juletransit.org or call 563.589.4196.

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