LTD Receives $5.2 Million to Increase Mobility in Bethel
Lane Transit District will develop a Mobility on Demand (MoD) pilot in Bethel, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Program grant will fund the new MoD service, powered by a smartphone app, within the Bethel School District boundary.
"In Bethel School District, we are committed to providing robust programming for our students outside of regular school hours. Lack of transportation is a barrier to participation," said Kraig Sproles, Superintendent of Bethel School District. "When students are able to join our activities, this increases their engagement, adds to a sense of belonging, and knits our Bethel community closer together. The connection transit provides between school and social services leads to a healthier community overall."
LTD, in partnership with Lane Council of Governments (LCOG), Bethel, and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), will create the MoD service. This pilot will be easily scalable to similar rural and low income areas across Lane County.
“Members of our community face a barrier – transportation to work, school, medical appointments, even grocery shopping,” said Jameson Auten, LTD’s Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to engaging with the community throughout this three-year grant. LTD is ready to dive into this project.”
Auten added he’s grateful for the support and partnership from Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle.
“Oregonians in every corner of our state should be able to get where they need to go safely and efficiently,” said Senator Merkley. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a once-in-a-generation investment for major transportation projects. These latest funds to the Eugene area will allow everyone from students to rural Oregonians to connect with regional transportation options.”
This pilot, both the trip-planning app and the service, embodies the spirit of LTD’s mission of “Connecting Our Communities.” LTD is one of 20 grant recipients in 16 states, all intended to fund technology-based and multimodal solutions that improve transit, including in disadvantaged communities that have lacked investment and resources.