Marq-Tran to get pandemic-related MDOT grant: $600K to be distributed among 5 public transit agencies impacted by virus

MARQUETTE -- As part of the Federal Transit Administration's Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Grant Program, the Michigan Department of Transportation announced it will receive $600,000 to be distributed to five public transit agencies in rural and urban areas for projects related to COVID-19.

Recipients include the Marquette County Transit Authority, or Marq-Tran.

The program supports strategies to "develop, deploy and demonstrate innovative solutions" that improve the operational efficiency of transit agencies and enhance the mobility of transit users affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, MDOT said.

"Public transit remains a vital service for many citizens getting to work, school, shopping or doctor's appointments," said Jean Ruestman, MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation administrator, in a statement. "We continue to work with our partner transit agencies to look for grants for innovative solutions to protect passengers and transit workers from the virus."

Along with Marq-Tran, downstate agencies -- the Blue Water Area Transportation Commission in St. Clair County, Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services, Jackson Area Transportation Authority and Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express -- will receive funding to install automated wheelchair securement systems in their buses.

Developed by Q'Straint, the system will allow passengers to self-secure their wheelchairs safely and will help eliminate close contact with the bus driver.

Downstate Charlevoix County Public Transportation will receive funding to integrate a new mobility on-demand/contactless fare payment system with the agency's dispatch and scheduling system. In partnership with Routematch by Uber, the contactless fare payment system eliminates cash transactions, which reduces coronavirus transmission and promotes safety in using public transit.

Announced on Jan. 19, the FTA awarded about $15.8 million for 37 projects in 35 states. Specific focus areas were vehicle, facility, equipment and infrastructure cleaning and disinfection; exposure mitigation measures; innovative mobility such as contactless payments; and measures that strengthen public confidence in transit service.

Pictured Rocks holding virtual field trips

With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, many agencies have had to adapt to online methods.

So have parks and other natural areas.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is promoting free virtual field trip experiences for schools, which allows them to participate in park programming while adhering to the latest public health guidance.

The park is scheduling virtual, curriculum-based programs for this month and March. Participating schools can choose between self-guided video lessons or for a ranger to visit their classes virtually using the meeting software of their choice. Combined grades are welcome to participate.

Students will learn about their federal lands and waters through a series of video lessons or virtually with a ranger. They will take a journey through Pictured Rocks, learn how to assess landscape quality like a park ranger and understand the basics about how to be good stewards of public lands and waters.

Fourth-grade teachers can learn more by visiting www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/landscape-architect.htm or contacting Zach Gostlin at piro_education@nps.gov or at 906-202-0117. Space is limited for live virtual programs, but self-guided field trips can be completed at any time. All schools, including those outside Michigan, are invited to participate.

Every fourth-grader who participates in the field trip program is eligible to receive the Every Kid Outdoors pass, which provides free access for U.S. fourth-graders and their families to over 2,000 federal lands and waters, including national parks.

This year's pass will be valid through Aug. 31. For more information about the pass, visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.