Considerations for Tribal Populations

As of 2022, 140 tribal transit programs were operating throughout the country, 135 of which operate in rural areas, according to the 2022 Single Summary of Transit Report. These programs provide transportation to tribal populations on tribal lands and beyond and are an important part of everyday life for these communities.

Providing reliable and cost-effective transportation on tribal lands remains challenging due to resource limitations, including funding, staff, and technology. Geography also presents a challenge for tribal transit. For example, the large expanse of many tribal lands and their relative seclusion from other populations makes it challenging for tribal populations to coordinate transit services with neighboring tribes and other communities.

It is important for transportation program planners to be aware of the strong cultural and familial connection many Native people have with their lands. Tribal lands have rich traditions and ties to their ancestors through different practices, like growing food and other resources for the community. For this reason, tribes should be included in land use planning when seeking to establish transportation programs.

Tribes and their respective states have differing relationships; it is important to be aware of and respect tribal sovereignty and their respective transportation needs when establishing transportation programs. Many federal transportation programs provide funding directly to the tribe, but some programs are administered at the state level. Some tribes prefer not to work with states to receive federal funds because of their status as sovereign nations. As such, tribes may decide to enter into an arbitration to settle the dispute and come to a mutually satisfactory agreement. Tribes may also choose to apply to become direct recipients of federal funds.

Resources to Learn More

Public Transportation Enhanced Federal Information Sharing on Coordination Could Improve Rural Transit Services
Document
Examines the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) rural and tribal transit programs in terms of coordination of services to reduce costs and improve services. Report includes nationwide data, findings from interviews with representatives from federal, state, rural, and tribal transit programs and organizations, and recommendations on how to move forward with communication plans.
Organization(s): Government Accountability Office
Date: 1/2020

Strengthening Tribal Transportation
Document
Describes the impact of transportation services and their underdevelopment on tribal lands. Discusses the high rates of car crashes and fatalities, tribal participation in community collaboration, state-wide transportation planning, and improved quality data reporting and sharing to support analysis and problem-solving.
Organization(s): National Academies Sciences Engineering Medicine
Date: 2023