Augusta Transit gets $300K to study dial-a-ride, electric buses

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Transit will receive $300,000 in federal funding to explore so-called microtransit services in the community as well as use of electric buses for fixed-route transit services in south Augusta.

The study will look at improving access to jobs, grocery stores and educational opportunities as well as health outcomes and environmental quality.

Rather than operating under fixed routes and schedules, microtransit or dial-a-ride services typically offer transportation for people who call and request a ride. The transportation is typically offered in a van that’s shared by other riders being picked up and dropped off.

Meanwhile, Augusta Transit has been approved for a more than $6.25 million federal grant to adopt electric-powered buses. Augusta Transit Deputy Director Oliver Page said Friday that we should see those electric buses in 2025. There are still some federal processes to follow before a purchase order can be placed, he said.

If some of these electric buses are deployed in south Augusta, they’d fill a key need.

There’s been consistent feedback about a need for more transit services in south Augusta. In fact, a survey released earlier this year found Augusta Regional Airport and Tobacco Road are the top two unserved destinations. One in five transit riders and choice riders selected Diamond Lakes Regional Park in south Augusta as a destination that should be served.

WHAT SURVEY FOUND ABOUT AUGUSTA TRANSIT NEEDS:

The $300,000 grant from the Federal Transit Authority’s Areas of Persistent Poverty Program was announced Friday by Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga. Earlier this year, Warnock pushed the federal agency to prioritize this grant for Augusta Transit, according to Warnock’s staff.

“Senator Warnock and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver transportation upgrades for Richmond County residents,” Ossoff said. “I thank Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson, Director of Transit Sharon Dottery, and local business and faith leaders for their help delivering this victory for Augusta.”

Warnock said the funds will help Augusta Transit better connect Georgians.

“Senator Ossoff and I will continue to work to deliver even more investments to upgrade our state’s infrastructure so Georgians can have safer communities and stronger connectivity,” he said.

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