FTA Guidance

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The FTA, part of the United States Department of Transportation, plays a crucial role in improving public transportation across the country. They provide financial and technical assistance to local transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, and ferries. Additionally, FTA oversees safety measures and contributes to next-generation technology research.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/transportation-planning/metropolitan-planning-organization-mpo

Funding Opportunities

1. Metropolitan & Statewide Planning and NonMetropolitan Transportation Planning (5303, 5304, 5305):
   • Purpose: These programs provide funding and procedural requirements for transportation planning in both metropolitan areas and states.
   • Eligible Recipients: State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and MPOs.
   • Funding Flow: Federal planning funds are initially apportioned to State DOTs, which then allocate planning funding to MPOs.
   • Activities Supported:
     • Enhancing economic vitality by promoting global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency.
     • Improving safety for motorized and nonmotorized users.
     • Enhancing security for transportation systems.
     • Increasing accessibility and mobility for people and freight.
     • Protecting and enhancing the environment.
     • Promoting consistency with planned growth and economic development patterns.
     • Enhancing integration and connectivity across modes.
     • Promoting efficient system management and operation.
     • Emphasizing preservation of the existing transportation system.
   • Funding Availability: Funds are available for four years.
   • Allocation: States apportion funds based on urbanized area population, ensuring a minimum distribution.
   • Federal Share: Not to exceed 80% of project costs.
   • Statutory References:
     • 49 USC §5303 – Metropolitan Planning.
     • 49 USC §5304 – Statewide Planning.
     • 49 USC §5305 – Planning Programs.
2. Use of FTA Funds for Safety Plan Development:
   • State DOTs can use FTA funds from other grant programs (e.g., Metropolitan Planning Program Grants, Statewide Planning Program Grants, Urbanized Area Formula Program Grants) to cover the costs of bus transit Agency Safety Plan development.
3. Public Involvement & Outreach:
   • FTA Circular 8100.1D provides program guidance for metropolitan planning and state planning and research program grants, emphasizing public involvement and outreach.
4. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:
   • The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues planning programs, ensuring funding and procedural requirements for multimodal transportation planning in metropolitan areas and states.

For more information, you can explore the Federal Transit Administration’s Funding and Finance Resources