Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) has unveiled seven new transit buses, marking the second year of the agency’s capital replacement plan.
The transit buses were purchased in part through a partnership between PAT and Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union (PAFCU), which promotes transportation and financial literacy throughout the city.
A $5,000 bus donation was included with this partnership. The PAFCU contribution eliminated the city’s financial obligation toward the new vehicle. Additionally, each new bus is equipped with Wi-Fi, courtesy of Petersburg Public Library.
“Our patrons deserve the best. As Petersburg Area Transit has one of the oldest fleets in the commonwealth, replacement of these older vehicles will lower repair costs, offer fewer service interruptions and more comfortable rides for our patrons,” said PAT Director Charles L. Koonce, Jr.
Also, through this partnership, PAFCU has offered to the Petersburg community financial education, free credit score analysis, low interest vehicle financing and increased convenience through the sale of PAT tickets at PAFCU locations.
PAFCU is certified by the U.S. Treasury Department as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
The additional buses were purchased largely in part by the federal and state government funds. PAT says it has not replaced vehicles in more than five years, resulting in costly repairs and service interruptions.
The city of Petersburg, along with PAFCU, hosted a ribbon cutting to unveil the new vehicles on July 7 at the PAT station located at 100 W. Washington Street.
