Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities – FTA Section 5310
MAP-21 modified the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Capital Assistance Program, a program providing funds to support transport of elderly and/or disabled where public transportation services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate, by incorporating the former New Freedom program and establishing a direct sub-allocation of funding to large urbanized areas with populations greater than 200,000.
A federally designated recipient for funds sub-allocated to the BFT Public Transportation Benefit Area must be identified. Ben Franklin Transit is the direct recipient, as approved by the FTA.
A locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan must include projects selected for funding. A competitive selection process, previously required under the New Freedom program, is now optional. At least 55 percent of program funds must be spent on the types of capital projects eligible under the former section 5310 — public transportation projects planned, designed and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate or unavailable. The remaining 45 percent may be used for public transportation projects that exceed the requirements of the ADA, such as public transportation projects that improve access to fixed-route service and decrease reliance by individuals with disabilities on complementary paratransit or alternatives to public transportation that assist seniors and individuals with disabilities. These funds require a 50 percent local match when used for operating expenses; a 20 percent local match is required when using these funds for capital expenses, including acquisition of public transportation services.
Eligible applicants
Private, nonprofit organizations.- State or local government agencies.
- Public transportation operators (including private operators)
Eligible funding uses
Section 5310 funds are available for capital and/or operating expenses that provide transportation to older adults and persons with disabilities where transportation services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate. The Section 5310 Program is a cost-reimbursement program that requires no less than a 20 percent local match for capital costs and no less than 50 percent local match for operating costs.
Program Management Plan
For more information, contact:
Bill Barlow, Transit Planning Manager
[email protected]
(509) 734-5104