MPO releases draft TIP amendment to fund CCRTA�s purchase of electric dial-a-ride vehicles

The Cape Cod MPO voted to release for public comment a draft amendment to the federal fiscal years 20222026 Transportation Improvement Program that would add approximately $531,222 in federal FY2022 funding to support vehicle purchases by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.

Colleen Medeiros of Cape Cod Commission staff said the amendment would allocate about $531,222 to the CCRTA for replacement vehicles. Leah Lacrosse of the CCRTA said the agency plans to use the funds to replace approximately seven vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life and to purchase electric vehicles for demand-response services (Dial-a-Ride and SmartDART). "These funds would be used to purchase electric vehicles, to replace our ... approximately 7 vehicles that have reached their end of useful life," Lacrosse told the MPO.

Members discussed operational details: CCRTA said it already has charging infrastructure sufficient for the smaller demand-response vehicles and that surplus vehicles are included in spring and fall auctions with proceeds returning to the CCRTA's general operating fund. Kevin Galligan and other members asked whether CCRTA could pursue additional federal grants (ARPA, bipartisan infrastructure) to expand EV purchases; CCRTA said it is actively exploring federal grant opportunities. The MPO amended the motion to clarify it was voting to release the draft amendment for a 30-day public comment period and approved that motion by roll call.

Next steps: the draft amendment will be posted for public comment (30 days) and the MPO will consider endorsement at a subsequent meeting following the public comment period.