|
FTA has several major assistance programs for eligible activities. Funds are provided through legislative formulas or discretionary authority. Funding from these programs is provided on an 80/20 Federal/local funding match basis, unless otherwise specified.
PLANNING PROGRAMS
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
This program (49 U.S.C. 5305) provides funding to support the cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive planning program for making transportation investment decisions in metropolitan areas required by 49 U.S.C. 5303 and 5306. The program also provides funding to support the Statewide Transportation Planning process required by 49 U.S.C. 5304.
 States receive funds which are then suballocated to metropolitan planning organizations to develop the metropolitan Transportation Plans and Transportation Improvement Programs required by law. Such plans and programs are to include projects and strategies which support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency; increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users; increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users; increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight; protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth 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 operation; and emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.
Of the total amount of funds provided, 82.72 percent is allocated for metropolitan planning. These funds are apportioned by a complex formula to States that includes consideration of each State’s urbanized area population in proportion to the urbanized area population for the entire Nation, as well as other factors. States can receive no less than 0.5 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, their individual planning needs, and a minimum distribution.
The remaining funds are allocated to the States for Statewide planning and other technical assistance activities (including supplementing the technical assistance program provided through the Metropolitan Planning Formula Program), planning support for nonurbanized areas, research, development and demonstration projects, fellowships for training in the public transportation field, university research, and human resource development.
Funds are allocated by a formula that is based on information received from the latest census and the State’s urbanized area as compared to the urbanized area of “all” states. However, a State must receive at least 0.5 percent of the amount apportioned under this subsection.
URBANIZED AREA FORMULA PROGRAM
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
This program (49 U.S.C. 5307) makes Federal resources available to urbanized areas and to Governors for transit capital and operating assistance in urbanized areas and for transportation related planning. An urbanized area is comprised of an incorporated area and a surrounding densely populated area with a population of 50,000 or more that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
Eligible purposes 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 of buses, overhaul of buses, rebuilding of buses, crime prevention and security equipment and construction of maintenance and passenger facilities; and capital investments in new and existing fixed guideway systems including rolling stock, overhaul and rebuilding of vehicles, track, signals, communications, and computer hardware and software. All preventive maintenance and some Americans with Disabilities Act complementary paratransit service costs are considered capital costs.
For urbanized areas with 200,000 population and over, funds are apportioned and flow directly to a designated recipient selected locally to apply for and receive Federal funds. For urbanized areas under 200,000 in population, the funds are apportioned to the Governor of each state for distribution. A few areas under 200,000 in population have been designated as transportation management areas and receive apportionments directly.
For urbanized areas with populations of 200,000 or more, operating assistance is not an eligible expense. In these areas, at least one percent of the funding apportioned to each area must be used for transit enhancement activities such as historic preservation, landscaping, public art, pedestrian access, bicycle access, and enhanced access for persons with disabilities.
NONURBANIZED AREA FORMULA PROGRAM
Contact: Regional Office
This program (49 U.S.C. 5311) provides formula funding to states for the purpose of supporting public transportation in areas of less than 50,000 population. After a portion of the funding is set aside for direct assistance to Indian Tribes and the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP—see below), 80 percent of the remainder is apportioned in proportion to each State’s nonurbanized population with 20 percent apportioned in proportion to each State’s land area. Funding may be used for capital, operating, State administration, and project administration expenses. Each state prepares an annual program of projects, which must provide for fair and equitable distribution of funds within the states, including Indian reservations, and must provide for maximum feasible coordination with transportation services assisted by other Federal sources.
Funds may be used for capital, operating, and administrative assistance to state agencies, local public bodies, and nonprofit organizations (including Indian tribes and groups), and operators of public transportation services. The state must use 15 percent of its annual apportionment to support intercity bus service, unless the Governor certifies that these needs of the state are adequately met, after consultation with affected intercity bus providers. Projects to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Clean Air Act, or bicycle access projects, may be funded at 90 percent Federal match. The maximum FTA share for operating assistance is 50 percent of the net operating costs. In States with large amounts of Federally owned lands, the maximum FTA share is based on a “Sliding Scale” with the maximum share set at high as 95 percent, based on the proportion of the State’s land area in Federal ownership. In such States, the operating assistance share is 5/8 of the capital share. Matching funds may come from other non-DOT programs eligible to be used for transportation (including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families—TANF) or the Federal Lands Highway Program.
RURAL TRANSIT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Contact: Regional Office
 The Rural Transit Assistance Program (49 U.S.C. 5311(b)(2)) 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. RTAP has both State and national program components. The State program provides an annual allocation to each State to develop and implement training and technical assistance programs in conjunction with the State’s administration of the Section 5311 formula assistance program. The national program provides for the development of information and materials for use by local operators and State administering agencies and supports research and technical assistance projects of national interest. There is no Federal requirement for a local match.
ELDERLY AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
This program (49 U.S.C. 5310) provides formula capital funding to States for the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups and certain public agencies in meeting the transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities. Funds are apportioned based on each State’s share of population for these groups of people.
 Funds are obligated based on the annual program of projects included in a statewide grant application. The State agency ensures that local applicants and project activities are eligible and in compliance with Federal requirements. The State agency also ensures that private not-for-profit transportation providers have an opportunity to participate as feasible, and that the program coordinates with transportation services assisted by other Federal sources. Once FTA approves the application, funds are available for state administration of its program and for allocation to individual subrecipients within the state. Projects must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. The “sliding scale” matching ratio applies in States with large amounts of Federally-owned lands. Matching funds may be derived from other non-DOT programs (including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families—TANF) or the Federal Lands Highway program. Seven States may participate in a pilot program which would allow funds to be used for operating costs.
JOB ACCESS AND REVERSE COMMUTE PROGRAM
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
This program (49 U.S.C. 5316) provides formula funding to States and urbanized areas for the purpose of assisting development and maintenance of transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients and other low income individuals to and from jobs and other job related activities, and to provide reverse-commute services between central cities and suburban employment locations. Sixty percent of the funds are apportioned to urbanized areas over 200,000 based the number of low income persons. Twenty percent of the funds are apportioned to the States based on the number of low income persons in urbanized areas of 50,000 to 200,000 in population for use in these areas. The remaining 20 percent is apportioned to the States based on the number of low income persons outside urbanized area for use in these areas.
Each designated recipient in an urbanized area and each State must select projects competitively. States and designated recipients may use up to 10 percent their apportioned funds for administrative costs, planning and technical assistance. Projects must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. Matching funds may be derived from other non-DOT programs (including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families—TANF) or the Federal Lands Highway program.
NEW FREEDOM PROGRAM
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
This program (49 U.S.C. 5317) provides formula funding to States and urbanized areas for the purpose of providing new public transportation services and public transportation alternatives beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) that assist individuals with disabilities with transportation. Sixty percent of the funds are apportioned to urbanized areas over 200,000 based the number of persons with disabilities. Twenty percent of the funds are apportioned to the States based on the number of persons with disabilities in urbanized areas of 50,000 to 200,000 in population for use in these areas. The remaining 20 percent is apportioned to the States for use in areas with populations below 50,000.
Each designated recipient in an urbanized area and each State must select projects competitively. States and designated recipients may use up to 10 percent their apportioned funds for administrative costs, planning and technical assistance. Projects must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. Matching funds may be derived from other non-DOT programs (including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families—TANF) or the Federal Lands Highway program.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION IN PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND PROGRAM
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
This Program (49 U.S.C. 5320) provides funds to support public transportation projects in parks and public lands. Non-motorized transportation systems such as facilities for pedestrians, bicycles, and non-motorized watercraft are also eligible. The program aims to enhance the protection of national parks and public lands and increase the enjoyment of those visiting them. The program is to be administered by DOT in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior. It provides grants for planning or capital projects in or in the vicinity of any federally owned or managed park, refuge, or recreational area that is open to the general public. Projects will be selected by the Department of the Interior and listed in an annual program of projects. SAFETEA-LU authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, to enter into cooperative arrangements that provide for technical assistance in alternative transportation, the establishment of interagency and multi-disciplinary teams to develop transportation policy, and the development of procedures and criteria for the planning, selection, funding, implementation and oversight of a program of projects. The program is governed by the same requirements as the Urbanized Area Formula Program to the extent the Secretary of Transportation determines to be appropriate, except that 49 U.S.C. 5333(b) labor protections are not extended to this program. Qualified projects $25 million and over would be carried out through a full funding grant agreement, to the extent that the Secretary considers appropriate, and must have a project management plan. Projects receiving funds under this section are also eligible for funding through a state infrastructure bank or innovative finance mechanism.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
This program (49 U.S.C. 5309) provides capital assistance for three primary activities: new and replacement buses and facilities, modernization of existing rail systems, and new fixed guideway systems.
Eligible recipients for capital investment funds are public bodies and agencies (transit authorities and other state and local public bodies and agencies thereof) including states, municipalities, other political subdivisions of states; public agencies and instrumentalities of one or more states; and certain public corporations, boards, and commissions established under state law. Private non-profit and other providers of transportation may be subrecipients in a State-administered program of bus projects. Funds are allocated on a discretionary basis.
Bus and Bus-Related Projects
 Eligible purposes are acquisition of buses for fleet and service expansion, bus maintenance and administrative facilities, transfer facilities, bus malls, transportation centers, intermodal terminals (including intercity bus facilities), park-and-ride stations, acquisition of replacement vehicles, bus rebuilds, bus preventive maintenance, passenger amenities such as passenger shelters and bus stop signs, accessory and miscellaneous equipment such as mobile radio units, supervisory vehicles, fare boxes, computers, shop and garage equipment, and costs incurred in arranging innovative financing for eligible projects. Funds are allocated on a discretionary basis.
Fixed Guideway Modernization
A “fixed guideway” refers to any transit service that uses exclusive or controlled rights-of-way or rails, entirely or in part. The term includes heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, monorail, trolleybus, aerial tramway, inclined plane, cable car, automated guideway transit, ferryboats, that portion of motor bus service operated on exclusive or controlled rights-of-way, and high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes.
Eligible purposes are capital projects to modernize or improve existing fixed guideway systems, including purchase and rehabilitation of rolling stock, track, line equipment, structures, signals and communications, power equipment and substations, passenger stations and terminals, security equipment and systems, maintenance facilities and equipment, operational support equipment including computer hardware and software, system extensions, and preventive maintenance.
Funds are allocated by a statutory formula to urbanized areas with fixed guideway systems that have been in operation for at least seven years.
New Starts
This program provides funds for construction of new fixed guideway systems or extensions to existing fixed guideway systems.
Eligible purposes are light rail, rapid rail (heavy rail), commuter rail, monorail, automated fixed guideway system (such as a “people mover”), or a busway/high occupancy vehicle (HOV) facility, or an extension of any of these. In addition, significant corridor-based bus capital projects which either use an exclusive lane or which involve a substantial investment in a defined corridor (such as bus rapid transit) may also be eligible. Projects become candidates for funding under this program by successfully completing the appropriate steps in the major capital investment planning and project development process. Project must be based on the results of an Alternatives Analysis, justified against a set of statutory criteria, and supported by an adequate degree of local financial commitment.
Major new fixed guideway projects, or extension to existing systems financed with New Starts funds, typically receive these funds through a full funding grant agreement that defines the scope of the project and specifies the total multi-year Federal commitment to the project. Projects requesting less than $75 million in New Starts funds (“Small Starts”) go through a streamlined project development process, and would receive these funds through a project construction grant agreement which is a simplified version of a full funding grant agreement.
Funding allocation recommendations are made in an annual report to Congress: “Annual Report on New Starts.”
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS PROGRAM
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
This program (49 U.S.C. 53396) provides discretionary funding to support the Alternatives Analyses which are required as a prerequisite to receiving a grant for a New Starts project under the Capital Program (see above). Alternatives Analyses are conducted as part of the transportation planning process required by 49 U.S.C. 5303-6 (see above) and are designed to determine the best solution to a local transportation problem. Alternatives Analyses must assess a range of transportation solutions, define a locally-preferred alternative in terms of the mode and alignment of a proposed project, address the funding criteria contained in 49 U.S.C. 5309, and result in adoption of the locally preferred alternative into an area’s Long Range Transportation Plan. Funding for Alternatives Analyses may also come from the Planning Grant program (49. U.S.C. 5305), the Urbanized Area Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5307), or other funding available from State and local sources to conduct transportation planning.
FLEXIBLE FUNDING PROGRAM
Contact: Metropolitan or Regional Office
FHWA program funds can be transferred to FTA for transit projects, as discussed below.
Surface Transportation Program
The Surface Transportation Program (STP) (23 U.S.C. 133) provides the greatest flexibility in the use of funds. These funds may be used (as capital funding) for public transportation capital improvements, car and vanpool projects, fringe and corridor parking facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and intercity or intracity bus terminals and bus facilities. As funding for planning, these funds can be used for surface transportation planning activities, wetland mitigation, transit research and development, and environmental analysis. Other eligible projects under STP include transit safety improvements and most transportation control measures.
STP funds are distributed among various population and programmatic categories within a State. Some program funds are made available to metropolitan planning areas containing urbanized areas over 200,000 population; STP funds are also set aside to areas under 200,000 and 50,000 in population. The largest portion of STP funds may be used anywhere within the State to which they are apportioned.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
 The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) (23 U.S.C. 149) has the objective of improving the Nation’s air quality and managing traffic congestion. CMAQ projects and programs are often innovative solutions to common mobility problems and are driven by Clean Air Act mandates to attain national ambient air quality standards. Eligible activities under CMAQ include transit system capital expansion and improvements that are projected to realize an increase in ridership; travel demand management strategies and shared ride services; and pedestrian and bicycle facilities and promotional activities that encourage bicycle commuting. Programs and projects are funded in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas and are designed to reduce transportation-related emissions.
Funds are apportioned to States based on a formula that considers the severity of their air quality problems.
National Highway System
The National Highway System (NHS), established in 1995, provides funding for a wide range of transportation activities (23 U.S.C. 103(b)). Eligible transit projects under the NHS program include fringe and corridor parking facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, carpool and vanpool projects, and public transportation facilities in NHS corridors, where they would be cost effective and improve the level of service on a particular NHS limited access facility.
NATIONAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Contact: Office of Research, Demonstration, & Innovation 202-366-4052
The National Research and Technology Program (49 U.S.C. 5314) addresses problems that are national in scope. It includes the development of innovative transit technologies such as bus rapid transit, integrating vehicle and intelligent transportation system technology, safety-enhancing commuter rail control systems, hybrid electric buses, and fuel-cell and battery-powered propulsion systems. It also includes fundamental data collection and analysis of transit industry performance, policy studies, transportation planning techniques, and development of policies designed to further transit-oriented land-use. Other emphasis areas are: lower-cost and environmentally friendly vehicles, labor-management relations, customer service quality, equitable access, innovations in planning and infrastructure development, professional development, and mobility management.
Funds are allocated on a discretionary basis.
TRANSIT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
Contact: Office of Research, Demonstration, & Innovation 202-366-4052
The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) (49 U.S.C. 5313) promotes operating effectiveness and efficiency by assisting the industry in developing and applying the latest in technology and operating techniques designed to improve mobility and accessibility. The needs of the transit workforce are being addressed through innovative research, education, and information exchange. TCRP products include new transit paradigms, transit industry best practices, new planning and management tools, and forums for the exchange of ideas. These products are being used to develop and equip a quality transit workforce with the resources necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities of newly developed and deployed technologies. The Transportation Research Board (TRB), which administers the TCRP, maintains a publications list and description of all TCRP projects on its Web site.
Research problem statements are solicited annually from the transit community. TRB awards competitive contracts for research and synthesis studies of current best practices. The TCRP oversight and project selection committee selects the highest priority problems to be addressed and designates funds for conducting the research.
TCRP is sponsored by FTA and carried out under a three-way agreement among the National Academy of Sciences, acting through the Transportation Research Board; the Transit Development Corporation, the educational and research component of the American Public Transportation Association; and FTA. Funds are allocated by transit industry consensus through TRB.
UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION CENTERS PROGRAM
Contact: Office of Research, Demonstration, & Innovation 202-366-4052
Grants are allocated to non-profit institutions of higher learning to establish and operate university transportation centers (49 U.S.C. 5505). This program focuses on the transfer of knowledge relevant to national, state, and local issues, and builds professional capacity of the transportation workforce. The Centers address transportation management, research and development matters with special emphasis on increasing the number of highly skilled individuals entering the field of transportation. All centers are specified in law.
The program funds basic and applied research as well as education programs that include multidisciplinary course work and participation in research. It also funds ongoing technology transfers that make research results available to potential users. The Federal share is 50 percent.
NATIONAL TRANSIT INSTITUTE
Contact: Office of Research, Demonstration, & Innovation 202-366-4052
The National Transit Institute (49 U.S.C. 5315) was established in 1992 at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, to provide training and education programs for the transit industry. The institute develops and teaches new methods and techniques for improving transit workforce performance and increasing productivity in the workplace. Courses are conducted at sites nationwide on a broad range of subjects, from advanced technology and multimodal planning to management development and training effectiveness. Transit Trainers Workshops are conducted annually to bring together trainers and human resources specialists from the industry to learn the latest techniques in training and to share training experiences on the job. Workshops and seminars are conducted to assist the transit industry in understanding and implementing advanced public transportation systems.
Courses cover recent developments, techniques, and procedures. Available courses include public transportation planning; management; environmental factors; acquisition and joint use of rights of way; engineering and architectural design; procurement strategies for mass transportation systems; turnkey approaches to delivering public transportation systems; new technologies; emission reduction technologies; ways to make public transportation accessible to individuals with disabilities; construction, construction management, insurance, and risk management; maintenance; contract administration; innovative finance; and workplace safety.
OVER-THE-ROAD BUS ACCESSIBILITY
Contact: Office of Program Management 202-366-4020
This program (TEA-21, Section 3038) provides funding for the incremental capital and training costs associated with meeting the requirements of the DOT over-the-road bus accessibility rule, issued September 24, 1998. Assistance is available to operators of over-the-road buses used substantially or exclusively in intercity, fixed route, over-the-road bus service as well as to operators of over-the-road buses in other services, including local commuter, charter, and tour service.
 The Federal share may not exceed 50 percent of the project costs. Capital projects eligible for funding include adding lifts and other accessibility components to new vehicle purchases and purchasing lifts to retrofit existing vehicles. Eligible training costs include developing training materials or providing training for local providers of over-the-road bus services. This funding is separate from Section 5311 funding and is administered through a national competitive solicitation for applications from operators of over-the-road buses.
|
