Federal Transit Administration Rural Transportation Funding

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) supports local, public transit systems including buses, trolleys, commuter rail, light rail, subways, and ferries. It provides financial and technical assistance, policy and planning support, safety oversight, and technology research to state and local governments and transit agencies. Several FTA programs provide funding to support local transit systems, including those in rural areas. Examples of FTA grants and programs include:

• Formula Grants for Rural Areas – 5311: This award program supports public transportation systems and programs in rural and tribal areas with populations of less than 50,000. Funds can be used for capital, planning, operating assistance, job access, reverse commute projects, and obtaining public transportation services. Grantees can access resources, training, and technical assistance through the Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL). The National Rural Transit Assistance Program is one of five FTA-funded technical assistance centers participating in TACL.
• Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) – 5311(b)(3): RTAP provides funding for training, technical assistance, research, and support services to rural and public transit agencies — including state rural transit assistance programs — with the goal of promoting program sustainability.
• Transit Planning for All: This program promotes the participation of people with disabilities and older adults in the design and administration of transportation systems. The program goal is to increase the accessibility and usability of such systems for all riders. Transit Planning for All is supported by the FTA and the Administration for Community Living.