Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities - Section 5310
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Purpose
To assist private, non-profit, and public transportation operators in meeting the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities when the transportation service provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs. The program aims to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility options.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
States and designated recipients are direct recipients; eligible subrecipients include private nonprofit organizations, states or local government authorities, or operators of public transportation. Rural areas and small urban areas should review program guidelines for different process.
Decarbonization Considerations
This program funds a number of capital and operating expenses, including new buses, vans, accessible taxis, ride-sharing, and vanpooling. Consider integrating electric vehicles and charging equipment to support needed services and routes for eligible activities when starting or scaling a program to avoid costly replacements and upgrades in the future. Consider integrating the goals of this program into any broader local or regional vehicle electrification planning to ensure that this funding is not only part of that strategy but also efficiently leverages existing operations, structures, and programs. See eligible activities: https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/enhanced-mobility-seniors-individuals-disabilities-section-5310
Equity Considerations
This program is intended to support increased accessibility and mobility for older adults and people with disabilities. Projects in rural areas have a designated carve out of 20% of funding.
Helpful Tips
A new discretionary grant pilot program was added to this program totaling $3.5 million. This pilot program is intended to focus on financing innovative projects for the transportation disadvantaged.
Other Notes
Funds are apportioned among the states by a formula which is based on the number of seniors and people with disabilities in each state according to the latest available U.S. Census data. Unlike most federal programs, matching funds can come from other Federal (non-DOT) funds. This can allow local communities to implement programs with 100% federal funding. For more information, see this program fact sheet: https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/enhanced-mobility-seniors-people-disabilities-fact-sheet-section-5310