Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program

What's New

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, FTA announced project selections totaling $7.7 million to American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments under FTA’s Tribal Transit Program. The grants will support 25 projects. 

Program Overview  

Federal public transportation law (49 USC 5311(c)(1)(A)) authorizes the competitive amount of the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit Program) Program for Fiscal Years (FY) 2016-2020. The TTP is a set-aside from the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program that now consists of a $30 million formula program and a $5 million competitive grant program subject to the availability of appropriations. A 10-percent local match is required under the competitive program.

Project Selections

• FY 2019: $4,954,078
• FY 2018: $4,998,028
• FY 2017: $4,975,528
• FY 2016: $5,000,000
• FY 2014-2015: $10,018,000

Eligible Recipients

Only federally recognized tribes are eligible recipients under the Tribal Transit Program. 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. All activities eligible under Section 5311 are also eligible under the TTP. Examples of eligible activities include: capital projects including technology 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.

FTA Regional Tribal Liaisons 

Federal Transit Administration's Regional Tribal Liaisons

Coordination with Federal Programs

FTA’s Tribal Transit 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).