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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Tribal Transit Competitive Program (Section 5311(c)(1)(A))

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)(A)) authorizes the competitive amount of TTP.

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.

Consistent with the Section 5311 program, TTP competitive 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 TTP Competitive Program funds to federally recognized tribes via their respective state's Section 5311 application or awards them in a grant directly to the tribes. The funds set aside for the TTP are not meant to replace or reduce funds that tribes receive from states through the Section 5311 program but are to be used to enhance public transportation on Indian reservations and transit serving tribal communities.

Project Selections

View current or archived apportionments to access detailed information.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients include federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

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. All activities eligible under Section 5311 are also eligible under the TTP.

Match

No local match is required for the tribal transit competitive program, but FTA does permit a tribe to voluntarily provide match or contribute to their project with eligible matching funds.

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).

Tribal Consultation

As part of FTA’s commitment to ensure programs and policies are responsive to the needs and concerns of Indian tribes and tribal leaders, FTA conducted a consultation and requested comments related to the TTP. Specifically, FTA consulted with tribal recipients to ensure the TTP is being administered in a beneficial manner following increases in the amount of funding available and increases in the number of tribes participating, as well as other changes related to the program.

FTA sought comments on FTA’s Tribal Transit competitive grants program and technical assistance and published Responses to Comments in June 2024.

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.

Grant Type: Competitive