A Vehicle Grant Program has been introduced by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) to support critical community needs and increase wheelchair accessible transportation options.
Through the program, organizations can apply to receive retired, accessible MetroAccess vehicles to provide community-based services and transportation for the community.
“We are excited to present the Vehicle Grant Program to the community,” said Martin Kareithi, CapMetro’s program manager of systemwide accessibility. “This program will expand accessibility to members of our community through the local organizations that serve them. At CapMetro, we are always trying to increase transportation options to all community members, and this program furthers our efforts in this pursuit.”
Organizations that provide an unmet community need for accessible transportation or provide support for innovative solutions are applicable through this program. Unmet community needs include services such as providing transportation to veterans, seniors or individuals with disabilities, low income, limited English proficiency or limited access to transit. Innovative solution examples include delivering basic need services such as food, homelessness services, healthcare, literacy or other community-based services.
The Austin Bat Cave is already making use of a retired MetroAccess vehicle and can provide some inspiration to interested organizations. Austin Bat Cave provides free creative writing workshops to students in under-resourced areas and repurposed a MetroAccess vehicle to use as a mobile classroom. The retrofitted vehicle features a bus wrap with drawings and writing by local students. Austin Bat Cave worked with SOMA Small Spaces to install built-in shelves, lighting, dropdown desks, cushions, benches and new flooring. The organization then worked with the local Kuniklo Artists Collective to make colorful and interactive design elements for student inspiration and enjoyment.
Using the retired MetroAccess vehicle enabled Austin Bat Cave to utilize its Mobile Program, which addresses Austin’s changing geography by removing the transportation and financial barriers to access families who reside outside Austin’s core. By reaching students in these families, the organization is helping to bring their imagination to life and fostering confidence and a love of the literary arts in local youth. This vehicle was acquired before the Vehicle Grant Program was established, but it serves as a good example of what can be done with some imagination and resources.
To apply, organizations can request an application via email or phone. A virtual informational meeting will be held on April 22, and applications are due on May 12. Vehicle trips will be coordinated as much as possible with existing CapMetro services and other transportation resources in the region.
