Grants for Transportation & Mobility Assistance Programs
Federal agencies like the FTA (Federal Transit Administration), HHS, and DOT provide billions in grants annually to support transportation and mobility programs, including public transit services, paratransit for people with disabilities, senior transportation, and job access programs. These grants fund public transit agencies, nonprofit transportation providers, community organizations, and mobility service coordinators. Below are 21 verified funding opportunities for transportation and mobility programs.
Types of Transportation Assistance Programs
🚌 Public Transit Services
Fixed-route bus and rail services, reduced fare programs for seniors/people with disabilities, fare subsidy programs, monthly pass assistance, job access routes, late-night/weekend service expansion
♿ Paratransit & Accessible Transit
ADA paratransit services (door-to-door), wheelchair-accessible vehicles, mobility management programs, volunteer driver programs, medical appointment transportation, specialized transit for people with disabilities
đź‘´ Senior Transportation
Senior center shuttle services, medical appointment transport, grocery shopping trips, volunteer driver networks, ride voucher programs, transportation coordination for older adults (age 60+)
đź’Ľ Job Access & Employment Transportation
Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) programs, employer shuttle services, workforce transportation, early morning/late evening routes for shift workers, rural-to-urban job commute assistance
Eligibility Requirements
For Organizations (Grant Applicants)
- Eligible Entities: Public transit agencies (city/county transit authorities), nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)), tribal governments, state/local government agencies, community action agencies, senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
- Service Focus: Must serve eligible target populations: seniors (age 60+), people with disabilities, low-income individuals (below 150% federal poverty level), veterans, job seekers, Medicaid beneficiaries
- Vehicle Standards: Vehicles must meet federal safety/accessibility standards, ADA compliance for wheelchair accessibility, proper insurance and licensing, vehicle maintenance protocols
- Coordination: Must participate in local/regional transportation coordination, coordination with human services agencies, participation in coordinated public transit-human services transportation plans
- Cost Sharing: Most programs require 10-50% local match (cash or in-kind), waiver available for rural areas (under 50,000 population), small urbanized areas may qualify for reduced match
For Individuals (Service Recipients)
- Age 60+ (Senior Programs): Reduced fare or free transportation through senior centers, AAA transportation programs, volunteer driver networks
- People with Disabilities: ADA paratransit eligibility (unable to use fixed-route transit), Section 5310 mobility programs, medical transportation through Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
- Low-Income Individuals: Reduced fare programs (typically at or below 150% FPL ~$22,500 individual, ~$46,000 family of 4), job access transportation (must be employed or actively job seeking), emergency transportation assistance
- Veterans: VA transportation programs (Beneficiary Travel reimbursement, special mode transportation), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) van service for medical appointments
- Job Seekers: Workforce development transportation programs (must be enrolled in job training or actively seeking employment), welfare-to-work transportation assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for transportation grants as an individual?
No, most federal transportation grants (FTA Section 5310, JARC) fund organizations that operate transportation services, not individuals. However, you can access free or reduced-cost transportation services through grant-funded programs operated by:
- Local transit agencies (reduced senior/disability fares)
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) - call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator)
- Nonprofit transportation providers (volunteer driver programs)
- Community action agencies
- Senior centers (shuttle services)
Call 211 to find transportation assistance programs in your area, or contact your local transit agency to ask about reduced fare programs.
What is FTA Section 5310 and how does it work?
The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (Section 5310) is the largest federal transportation grant program ($360M+ annually). It provides funding to:
- Purchase wheelchair-accessible vehicles (vans, small buses)
- Operate paratransit and door-to-door transportation services
- Provide mobility management and coordination services
- Support volunteer driver programs
Grants go to public transit agencies, nonprofits, and senior centers. Individuals access services through these grant-funded providers. Contact your state DOT to find local Section 5310 service providers.
How can I get help with medical appointment transportation?
Several programs provide medical transportation assistance:
- Medicaid NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation): Free rides to/from Medicaid-covered medical appointments. Call your state Medicaid office or Medicaid transportation broker.
- Medicare Advantage Plans: Some Medicare Advantage plans include transportation benefits (12-24 one-way trips/year). Check your plan's benefits.
- Volunteer Driver Programs: Many communities have volunteer driver networks for medical appointments (often through AAA, senior centers, faith-based organizations).
- VA Transportation: Veterans can receive mileage reimbursement or special mode transportation for VA medical appointments. Apply through VA Beneficiary Travel program.
- Cancer/Dialysis Transportation: American Cancer Society (Road to Recovery), National Kidney Foundation (transportation assistance) provide specialized medical transportation.
Are there transportation programs specifically for rural areas?
Yes! Rural transportation programs have special provisions:
- FTA Section 5311 (Formula Grants for Rural Areas): $700M+ annually for rural transit services
- Reduced Match Requirements: Rural areas (under 50,000 population) may qualify for 80/20 federal/local match (vs. 50/50 in urban areas)
- Tribal Transit Programs: Special funding for tribal communities (Section 5311(c))
- Volunteer Driver Networks: Many rural areas use volunteer driver programs (lower operating costs)
- Intercounty/Regional Services: Rural transit often provides intercounty connections (medical appointments, shopping in regional centers)
Contact your state DOT rural transit office or regional planning organization to find rural transportation services.
Can I get assistance with bus passes or transit fares?
Many transit agencies offer reduced fare programs:
- Senior Reduced Fares: Most transit agencies offer 50% reduced fares for seniors (age 60-65+). Contact your local transit agency.
- Disability Reduced Fares: People with disabilities typically qualify for 50% reduced fares (may require disability ID card from transit agency).
- Low-Income Fare Programs: Some cities offer means-tested reduced fare programs (must show proof of low income, typically SNAP/TANF/SSI participation).
- Employer Transportation Benefits: Some employers offer pre-tax transit benefits or subsidized transit passes (up to $315/month tax-free under IRS rules).
- Workforce Transportation: Job training programs, welfare-to-work programs often include transportation assistance (bus passes, gas vouchers).
Call your local transit agency customer service line to ask about reduced fare programs and eligibility.
How long does it take to access transportation assistance?
Timeline varies by program type:
- Reduced Fare Programs (Same Day - 1 Week): Visit transit agency customer service center with proof of age/disability/income to get reduced fare card immediately or within a few days.
- ADA Paratransit (2-3 Weeks): Must complete ADA paratransit eligibility assessment (functional assessment interview/evaluation). Eligibility decision within 21 days.
- Senior Center Transportation (1-2 Weeks): Contact local senior center or AAA to enroll in transportation services. May require registration and intake appointment.
- Medicaid NEMT (3-7 Days Advance Notice): Call Medicaid transportation broker 3-7 days before medical appointment to schedule ride (emergency transportation available same-day).
- Volunteer Driver Programs (Varies): Typically requires registration and background check. Ride availability depends on volunteer availability (may need to request rides 1-2 weeks in advance).
How to Access Transportation Assistance
Identify Your Transportation Needs
Determine what type of transportation assistance you need: medical appointments, grocery shopping, job commute, general mobility, wheelchair-accessible transportation, daily fixed-route transit, or door-to-door paratransit.
Contact Local Transportation Resources
Start with these key contacts:
- 211: Call 211 (or visit 211.org) to find transportation assistance programs in your area
- Local Transit Agency: Call customer service to ask about reduced fare programs, paratransit eligibility
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA): For seniors (60+), call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find local AAA
- State Medicaid Office: If you have Medicaid, call to inquire about NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation)
Gather Required Documentation
Depending on the program, you may need:
- Proof of age (driver's license, birth certificate, state ID) for senior programs
- Disability documentation (Social Security disability award letter, doctor's certification) for disability programs
- Proof of income (pay stubs, SNAP/TANF/SSI award letter) for low-income programs
- Medicaid card for NEMT services
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
Complete Applications or Registrations
Apply for programs that fit your needs:
- Visit transit agency customer service center to apply for reduced fare card
- Complete ADA paratransit eligibility assessment (if you have mobility disability)
- Register with senior center or AAA for senior transportation services
- Enroll in volunteer driver program (may require intake appointment)
- Contact Medicaid transportation broker to set up NEMT services
Schedule and Use Transportation Services
Once approved, begin using services:
- For fixed-route transit: Use reduced fare card when boarding bus/train
- For paratransit: Call to schedule rides 1-3 days in advance (some systems allow same-day emergency rides)
- For senior transportation: Request rides through senior center or AAA coordinator (advance notice typically required)
- For Medicaid NEMT: Call transportation broker 3-7 days before medical appointment
- For volunteer drivers: Request rides through program coordinator (typically 1-2 weeks advance notice)
Essential Transportation Resources
🚍 FTA Mobility Programs
Federal Transit Administration - Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility program information and state contacts
Visit FTA Section 5310 →📞 211 Transportation Assistance
Call 211 or visit 211.org to find local transportation assistance programs in your area
Visit 211.org →👴 Eldercare Locator
Find Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and senior transportation services - call 1-800-677-1116
Visit Eldercare Locator →🏥 Medicaid Transportation
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for Medicaid beneficiaries - find your state Medicaid office
Visit Medicaid NEMT Info →Available Transportation Grants (21)
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