By Liz Moomey

liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced Thursday Salisbury Transit was awarded a $959,679 grant through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

The grant will be used for operations, preventive maintenance and administrative expenses necessary to maintain service during the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

City Council approved giving Salisbury Transit the authority to submit a grant application in its consent agenda on Tuesday.

Salisbury Transit has continued to operate during the pandemic, but with reduced hours. Starting April 13, buses began operating 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, with no buses running on Saturday. Bus fares were also suspended.

Salisbury Transit encouraged riders to use the buses only for essential business and maintain the rear-door entry policy to help keep passengers and operators safe.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a statement the grant funding ensures the nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions Americans who depend on them.

Through the CARES Act, $25 billion was awarded to public transportation systems across the country.

“We know many of our nation’s public transportation systems are facing extraordinary challenges and these funds will go a long way to assisting our transit industry partners in battling COVID-19,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. “These federal funds will support operating assistance to transit agencies of all sizes providing essential travel and supporting transit workers across the country who are unable to work because of the public health emergency.”

The CARES Act funding can be used for the implementation of policies and procedures face coverings and personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance.