Tribal Transit Formula Grants (Section 5311(c)(1)(B))

Overview

The Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, also referred to as Tribal Transit Program (TTP), provides funds for planning, public transportation capital projects, operating costs, job access reverse commute projects, and the acquisition of public transportation service to tribes located in rural areas (those with a population under 50,000). TTP is funded as a takedown from the Section 5311 program, and is a set-aside from the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program that includes a formula program and a competitive grant program.

Federal public transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1)(B)) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Section 300076, authorizes the formula amount of TTP for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2026.

Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program

The Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program (TTSGP) provides federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations with greater control, flexibility, and decision-making authority over DOT funds used to carry out tribal transportation programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSAs) in tribal communities.

The TTSGP also affords tribes and tribal organizations with specific rights and federal resources to implement and support their Self-Governance program. Learn more about TTSGP.

Funding Availability and Allocation

Five percent of Rural Formula (Section 5311) funding is available for the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations program. 20 percent of the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations funds must be distributed on a competitive basis, while the remainder must be apportioned by formula.

FTA apportions TTP formula funds to Indian tribes using a statutory formula based on the latest U.S. Census data and information reported by the National Transit Database (NTD). In order to receive formula funds, a tribe must report to the NTD on an annual basis.

The three tiers under the formula include:

1. Tier 1: 50 percent of the available funds are apportioned based on vehicle revenue miles;
2. Tier 2: 25 percent of the available funds are apportioned among Indian tribes providing at least two hundred thousand annual vehicle revenue miles; and
3. Tier 3: 25 percent of the available funds are apportioned among Indian tribes providing public transportation on tribal lands where more than one thousand low-income persons reside.

Apportionments

• FY 2025: $37,555,590
• FY 2024: $37,952,037
• FY 2023: $36,413,211

View current or archived apportionments to access detailed information.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients are federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). However, tribes which are not federally recognized remain eligible to apply to the state as a subrecipient for funding under the state's apportionment.

Eligible Activities

Federally recognized tribes may use the funding for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural tribal communities.

Examples of eligible activities include: capital projects; operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation; and the acquisition of public transportation services, including service agreements with private providers of public transportation services.

Match

There is no local match required under the formula program.

Additional Information

Coordination with Federal Programs

FTA’s TTP allows grantees to coordinate and assist in regularly providing meal delivery service for homebound individuals, if the delivery service does not conflict with providing public transportation service or reduce service to public transportation passengers. Learn more about the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM).

FTA Regional Tribal Liaisons

Federal Transit Administration's Regional Tribal Liaisons

Technical Assistance

The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL) provides a sustainable methodology and platform to access resources across a diverse range of transportation technical assistance centers and FTA.

For additional technical assistance information and resources, visit the FTA-Sponsored Technical Assistance, Training, and Research Resource Programs webpage.
 

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310)

Overview

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program (49 U.S.C. 5310) provides formula funding to states and designated recipients to meet the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities when the transportation service provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs. Funds are apportioned based on each state’s share of the population for these two groups. Formula funds are apportioned to direct recipients: for rural and small urban areas, the state department of transportation serves this role; while in large urban areas, a designated recipient is chosen by the governor. Direct recipients have flexibility in how they select subrecipient projects for funding, but their decision process must be clearly noted in a state/program management plan. The selection process may be formula-based, competitive or discretionary, and subrecipients can include states or local government authorities, private non-profit organizations, and/or operators of public transportation.

The program aims to improve mobility for older adults and people with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility options. This program supports transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities in all areas – large urbanized (over 200,000), small urbanized (50,000-200,000), and rural (under 50,000).

Funding Availability and Allocation

Section 5310 funds are available for obligation for three federal fiscal years, the year of apportionment plus two additional years. For example, funds apportioned in FY 2024 are available until September 30, 2026.

FTA apportions Section 5310 funds using a statutory formula based on the number of older adults and people with disabilities in each state according to the latest U.S. Census data.

Apportionments

• FY 2025: $443,948,114
• FY 2024: $438,190,064
• FY 2023: $428,004,567

View current or archived apportionments to access detailed information.

Eligible Recipients

Direct recipients of 5310 funding include states, local government authorities, and designated recipients who then distribute funds to eligible projects and subrecipients within their areas.

Eligible subrecipients include private nonprofit organizations, state or local government authorities, and operators of public transportation. Operators of public transportation are entities that provide regular continuing shared-ride surface transportation services that are open to the general public or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, disability, or low-income. Operators of public transportation are eligible as subrecipients for nontraditional Section 5310 projects.

Eligible subrecipients should apply to the direct recipient in their area for funding. In small urban or rural areas, the direct recipient is the state department of transportation. In large urban areas the direct recipient is the designated recipient.

A federally recognized Indian tribe may apply directly to FTA for Section 5310 funds that a state, local government authority, or designated recipient has awarded to the tribe. Tribes are eligible direct recipients under the Section 5311 program.

Eligible Activities

5310 funding can be used for “traditional” or “nontraditional” projects. “Traditional” projects are capital projects as defined in 49 U.S.C. 5302(3). “Nontraditional” projects are capital and/or operating projects that go beyond the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services or public transportation alternatives designed to assist older adults and people with disabilities.

Traditional Section 5310 project examples include:

• Buses and vans
• Wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement devices
• Transit-related information technology systems, including scheduling/routing/one-call systems
• Mobility management programs
• Non-emergency medical transportation
• Acquisition of transportation services under a contract, lease, or other arrangement

Nontraditional Section 5310 project examples include:

• Travel training
• Volunteer driver programs
• Construction of an accessible path to a bus stop, including curb-cuts, sidewalks, accessible pedestrian signals or other accessible features
• Improvements to signage, or way-finding technology
• Incremental cost of providing same day service or door-to-door service
• Purchase of vehicles to support new accessible taxi, rides sharing and/or vanpooling programs
• Mobility management programs
• Non-emergency medical transportation

Match

The federal share of the project costs may not exceed 80 percent for planning and capital costs and 50 percent for operating assistance. Additionally, 10 percent may be used to fund program administrative costs including administration, planning, and technical assistance may at 100-percent federal share.

Federal funds from other agencies may be used as match for the Section 5310 Program. For additional information on local match and federal fund braiding refer to the Section 5310 Circular (9070.1H) and the CCAM Federal Fund Braiding Guide.

Additional Information

FTA Guidance

To continue streamlining processes and providing high-quality customer service, FTA updated program guidance and award management requirements to incorporate provisions from the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Uniform Administrative Requirements for federal awards to non-federal entities, and current FTA policies and procedures.

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program Guidance, C 9070.1H provides instructions and guidance on program administration and the grant application process for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program.

Coordination with Federal Programs

FTA’s Section 5310 program allows grantees to coordinate and assist in regularly providing meal delivery service for homebound individuals if the delivery service does not conflict with providing public transportation service or reduce service to public transportation passengers. Learn more about the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM).

Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program

The Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program (TTSGP) provides federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations with greater control, flexibility, and decision-making authority over USDOT funds used to carry out tribal transportation programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSAs) in tribal communities.

The TTSGP also affords tribes and tribal organizations with specific rights and federal resources to implement and support their Self-Governance program. Learn more about TTSGP.

Technical Assistance

The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL) provides a sustainable methodology and platform to access resources across a diverse range of transportation technical assistance centers and FTA.

For additional technical assistance information and resources, visit the FTA-Sponsored Technical Assistance, Training, and Research Resource Programs webpage.

Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311 )

Overview

The Formula Grants for Rural Areas program (49 U.S.C. 5311) provides federal funding to states for capital, planning, and operating assistance to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000, where many residents often rely on public transit to reach their destinations. The program also provides funding for state and national training and technical assistance through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program.

Funding Availability  and Allocation

Section 5311 funds are available for obligation for three federal fiscal years, the year of apportionment plus two additional years. For example, funds apportioned in FY 2024 are available until September 30, 2026.

FTA apportions Section 5311 funds using a statutory formula based on the latest U.S. Census data. The majority of rural formula funds (83.15 percent) are apportioned based on land area and population factors. The remaining rural formula funds (16.85 percent) are apportioned based on land area, vehicle revenue miles, and low-income individuals factors.

Apportionments

• FY 2025: $956,643,454
• FY 2024: $938,673,323
• FY 2023: $914,581,455

View current or archived apportionments to access detailed information.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients include states and federally recognized Indian tribes. Subrecipients may include state or local government authorities, nonprofit organizations, and operators of public transportation or intercity bus service.

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities include planning, capital, operating, job access and reverse commute projects, non-emergency medical transportation, mobility management programs, and the acquisition of public transportation services.

Match

The federal share of the project cost may not exceed 80 percent for planning and capital expenses, 50 percent for operating assistance, and 80 percent for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) non-fixed route paratransit service.

Federal funds from other agencies may be used as match for the Section 5311 Program. For additional information on local match and federal fund braiding refer to the Section 5311 Circular (9040.1H) and the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) Federal Fund Braiding Guide.

Additional Information

FTA  Guidance

To continue streamlining processes and providing high-quality customer service, FTA updated program guidance and award management requirements to incorporate provisions from the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Uniform Administrative Requirements for federal awards to non-federal entities, and current FTA policies and procedures.

The Rural Areas Formula Grant Program Guidance, C 9040.1H replaces, consolidates and updates guidance for the Buses and Bus Facilities Program (5339(a)); Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program (5311); and the Tribal Transit Program (5311(c)).

Intercity Bus Program

Each state must spend no less than 15 percent of its annual apportionment for the development and support of intercity bus transportation, unless it can certify, after consultation with intercity bus service providers, that the intercity bus needs of the state are being adequately met.

FTA has published a Dear Colleague letter stating that intercity bus providers that use a nationwide allocation model to allocate costs are eligible to be reimbursed for net operating costs under Section 5311(f), including funding provided by supplemental COVID programs such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA), and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Transportation Coordination

Coordinated transportation involves multiple entities working together to deliver one or more components of a transportation service to increase capacity.

FTA provided transportation coordination guidance clarification to reduce overlap between the more than 130 CCAM programs across nine agencies that may fund human services transportation and incentivize collaboration by clarifying eligible reporting into the National Transit Database (NTD). This guidance addresses the following topics as they relate to NTD reporting: definition of public transportation; paratransit; charter service; incidental use of transit assets; and trip brokering.

Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program

The Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program (TTSGP) provides federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations with greater control, flexibility, and decision-making authority over USDOT funds used to carry out tribal transportation programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSAs) in tribal communities.

The TTSGP also affords tribes and tribal organizations with specific rights and federal resources to implement and support their Self-Governance program. Learn more about TTSGP.

Technical Assistance

The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL) provides a sustainable methodology and platform to access resources across a diverse range of transportation technical assistance centers and FTA.

For additional technical assistance information and resources, visit the FTA-Sponsored Technical Assistance, Training, and Research Resource Programs webpage.

Urbanized Area Formula Grants (Section 5307)

Overview

The Urbanized Area Formula Funding program (49 U.S.C. 5307) provides federal funding to states and local recipients for transit capital and operating assistance and transportation-related planning in urbanized areas. An Urbanized Area (UZA) is an area that has been defined and designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau as an 'Urban Area' with a population of 50,000 or more (see 2020 Census resources for additional information).

Funding Availability  and Allocation

Section 5307 funds are available for obligation for six federal fiscal years, the year of apportionment, plus five additional years. For example, funds apportioned in FY 2022 are available until September 30, 2027.

FTA apportions Section 5307 funds using a statutory formula based on the latest U.S. Census data and information reported by the National Transit Database (NTD).

• For urbanized areas of 50,000 to 199,999 in population, the formula is based on population, low-income population, and population density. These urbanized areas are also eligible to receive Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) funds if transit service provided in the urbanized area meets or exceeds the STIC performance criteria.
• For urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more, the formula is based on a combination of bus vehicle revenue miles, bus passenger miles, fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles, fixed guideway directional route miles, fixed guideway passenger miles, and operating expenses, as well as population, low-income population, and population density.

Apportionments

• FY 2025: $7,394,716,046
• FY 2024: $7,245,004,560
• FY 2023: $7,060,120,714

View current or archived apportionments to access detailed information.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients are public, governmental entities involved in providing public transportation within an urbanized area.

In Large Urbanized Areas (population 200,000 or more), the primary eligible recipient is the designated recipient—a government agency officially chosen by the Governor to receive, allocate, and oversee Section 5307 funds on behalf of the urbanized area. With approval from the state or designated recipient, other public agencies (such as transit authorities or local governments) may also become Direct Recipients and apply directly to FTA for their share of Section 5307 funds, assuming they accept full responsibility for grant compliance.

In Small Urbanized Areas (population between 50,000 and 199,999), the Governor or the Governor’s designee is the eligible recipient, though funds may be passed through to local public transit operators. Private nonprofit operators may receive Section 5307 funds only as subrecipients through a public entity, and private for profit operators are not eligible recipients but may provide service under contract, subject to federal requirements.

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities include:

• Planning, engineering, design and evaluation of transit projects and other technical transportation-related studies.
• Capital investments in bus and bus-related activities such as replacement, overhaul and rebuilding of buses, crime prevention and security equipment and construction of maintenance and passenger facilities.
• Capital investments in new and existing fixed guideway systems including rolling stock, overhaul and rebuilding of vehicles, station infrastructure, track, signals, communications, and computer hardware and software.

In addition, associated transit improvements, workforce development activities, non-emergency medical transportation, and certain expenses associated with mobility management programs are eligible under the program. All preventive maintenance and some Americans with Disabilities Act complementary paratransit service costs are considered capital costs.

For urbanized areas with populations less than 200,000, operating assistance is an eligible expense. Urbanized areas of 200,000 or more may not use funds for operating assistance unless identified by FTA as eligible under 49 U.S.C. 5307(a)(2) and (3).

Match

The federal share of the project costs may not exceed 80 percent for planning and capital expenses and 50 percent for operating assistance.

However, for projects undertaken to comply with or maintain compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Clean Air Act, the federal share may be 85 percent for the acquisition of vehicles and 90 percent for vehicle‑related equipment or facilities, including clean or alternative fuel vehicle‑related equipment or facilities.

Federal funds from other agencies may be used as match for the Section 5311 Program. For additional information on local match and federal fund braiding refer to the Section 5307 Circular (9050.1A) and the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) Federal Fund Braiding Guide.

Additional Information

Technical Assistance

The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL) provides a sustainable methodology and platform to access resources across a diverse range of transportation technical assistance centers and FTA.

For additional technical assistance, visit the FTA-Sponsored Technical Assistance, Training, and Research Resource Programs webpage.

Technical Assistance & Standards Development - 5314(a)

Provides funding for technical assistance programs and activities that improve the management and delivery of public transportation and development of the transit industry workforce.

Rural Transportation Assistance Program - 5311(b)(3)

Program Overview

The Rural Transit Assistance Program (49 U.S.C. 5311(b)(3)) provides a source of funding to assist in the design and implementation of training and technical assistance projects and other support services tailored to meet the needs of transit operators in nonurbanized areas.

Eligible Recipients

States, local governments, and providers of rural transit services.

Eligible Activities

States may use RTAP funds to support nonurbanized transit activities in four categories:  training, technical assistance, research, and related support services.

The State should develop State RTAP activities through a process that provides maximum opportunity for the participation of rural transit operators, both public and private, in identifying and establishing priority areas of need for transportation research, technical assistance, training, and related support services in other than urbanized areas.

Statutory Reference

49 U.S.C. 5311(b)(3)

Funding Availability

Funds are available the year appropriated plus two years (total of three years).

Allocation of Funding

The State RTAP program is allocated  to the states based on an administrative formula. The RTAP formula first allocates $65,000 to each of the states and Puerto Rico, and $10,000 to the Insular Areas of Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Marianas, and then distributes the balance according to nonurbanized population of the states. The national component is competitively selected every five years and is  funded under a competitive cooperative agreement.

Match

There is no Federal requirement for a local match.

Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Formula Program - 5339(a)

What's New

• FTA is seeking input on proposed updates to the Rural Areas Formula Grant Programs Guidance (9040.1) Circular, which updates FTA guidance regarding grants under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311), the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities (Section 5339(a)), and the Tribal Transit programs.
  • FTA published a notice summarizing the proposed circular updates in the Federal Register, with comments due by June 3, 2024.

Provides funding to states and transit agencies through a statutory formula to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. In addition to the formula allocation, the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program (49 U.S.C. 5339) includes two competitive components: the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program and the Low or No Emissions Bus Vehicle Program. Please see the program fact sheet for additional information.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible Recipients include designated recipients that operate fixed route bus service or that allocate funding to fixed route bus operators; and State or local governmental entities that operate fixed route bus service that are eligible to receive direct grants under 5307 and 5311.

Subrecipients: An eligible recipient that receives a grant under the formula or competitive programs may allocate amounts from the grant to subrecipients that are public agencies or private nonprofit organizations engaged in public transportation.

Eligible Activities

Capital projects to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses, vans, and related equipment, and to construct bus-related facilities, including technological changes or innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities.

Statutory References

49 U.S.C. Section 5339 / FAST Act Section 3017

State of Good Repair Grants - 5337

Program Overview

The formula component of the State of Good Repair Grants Program (49 U.S.C. 5337) provides capital assistance for maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation projects of high-intensity fixed guideway and motorbus systems to help transit agencies maintain assets in a state of good repair in urbanized areas. Additionally, State of Good Repair formula grants are eligible for developing and implementing Transit Asset Management plans. An urbanized area is one that has been defined and designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, as an 'Urban Area' with a population of 50,000 or more.

In addition to the formula allocation, the State of Good Repair program (49 U.S.C. 5337) includes the competitive Rail Vehicle Replacement Grant Program. Please see the competitive program website for more information.

Apportionments

• FY 2023: $4,183,665,069 
• FY 2022: $4,111,504,865 
• FY 2021: $2,709,868,484 
• FY 2020: $2,656,960,385 
• FY 2019: $2,872,353,190 
• FY 2018: $2,963,766,522 
• FY 2017: $2,524,173,300 
• FY 2016: $2,481,930,000 
• FY 2015: $2,150,118,711 

Eligible Recipients

Funding for urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more is made available to designated recipients that are public bodies with the legal authority to receive and dispense federal funds. For urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more, governors, responsible local officials, and providers of publicly owned public transportation service select a designated recipient to receive and apportion funds to eligible projects and recipients within the urbanized area.

Funding for urbanized areas with a population of between 50,000 and 199,999 is made available to a State's or territory's governor or governor's designee. For urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000, the governor or governor's designee is responsible for receiving and apportioning funds to eligible projects and recipients.

Eligible recipients are states, local government authorities, or other public entities in urbanized areas with fixed guideway and/or high-intensity motorbus systems in revenue service for at least seven full federal fiscal years prior to the beginning of the federal fiscal year of the apportionment.

Eligible Activities

State of Good Repair Grants funds are available for capital projects that maintain a fixed guideway or a high-intensity motorbus system in a state of good repair, including projects to replace, rebuild, maintain, and rehabilitate:

• rolling stock
• track
• line equipment and structures
• signals and communications
• power equipment and substations
• passenger stations and terminals
• security equipment and systems
• maintenance facilities and equipment; and
• operational support equipment, including computer hardware and software.

Funds may also be used to develop and implement transit asset management plans.

Statutory References

49 U.S.C. 5337

Funding Availability

Funds are available for obligation for four fiscal years. This includes the fiscal year in which the amount is made available or appropriated plus three additional years.

Allocation of Funding

Funding is apportioned based on statutory formulas. The funds allocated to the UZAs for high-intensity fixed-guideway systems are based on fixed-guideway vehicle revenue miles and directional route miles reported to the National Transit Database (NTD) and what the UZA would have received in the FY 2011 fixed-guideway modernization formula using the current definition of fixed guideway. High-intensity motorbus funds are allocated to UZAs based on high-intensity vehicle revenue miles and directional route miles reported to the NTD.

Match

The federal share for eligible capital expenses is not to exceed 80 percent of the net project cost.

Metropolitan & Statewide Planning and NonMetropolitan Transportation Planning - 5303, 5304, 5305

Provides funding and procedural requirements [23 CFR part 450] for multimodal transportation planning in metropolitan areas and states. Metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes adhere to a cooperative, continuous and comprehensive framework for the development of long-range plans and short-range programs reflecting transportation investment priorities. 

Eligible Recipients

State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Federal planning funds are first apportioned to State DOTs. State DOTs then allocate planning funding to MPOs.

Eligible Activities

FTA’s Metropolitan Planning Program and State Planning and Research Program funds are available for transportation planning activities that:

• support the economic vitality of the states, metropolitan areas, and nonmetropolitan areas, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
• increase the safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
• increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight;
• protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth, housing, and economic development patterns;
• enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system across and between modes for people and freight;
• promote efficient system management and operations;
• emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system; and
• improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system. 

Major new fixed guideway projects, or extensions to existing systems seeking funding through FTA’s discretionary Capital Investment Grants program typically receive these funds through a construction grant agreement that defines the scope of the project and specifies the total multi-year federal commitment to the project. 

Statutory References

• 49 USC §5303 – Metropolitan Planning
• 49 USC §5304 – Statewide Planning
• 49 USC §5305 – Planning Programs

Funding Availability

Funds are available for four years.

Allocation of Funding

Funds are apportioned to states by a formula that includes each state’s urbanized area population in proportion to the total urbanized area population for the nation, as well as other factors. States can receive no less than .5 percent of the amount apportioned. These funds, in turn, are sub-allocated by states to MPOs by a formula that considers each MPO’s urbanized area population, planning needs and a minimum distribution.

Match

Generally, the federal share is not to exceed 80% of the cost of the projects funded under the program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act  amended 49 U.S.C. 5305(f) to allow a federal share of up to 100 percent for eligible planning activities that help communities with lower population densities or lower average incomes, compared to surrounding areas, expand access to public transportation. 

Human Resources & Training - 5314 (b)

Under this new program, FTA may make grants or enter into contracts for human resource and workforce development programs as they apply to public transportation activities. Such programs may include:

• Employment training;
• An outreach program to increase minority and female employment in public transportation activities;
• Research on public transportation personnel and training needs; and
• Training and assistance for minority business opportunities.