Filing Date:

Varies; contact the state agency in charge of administering the program.

Eligibility:

Funds are distributed to the states and Indian tribes. Sub-recipients include state or local government authorities, non-profit organizations, and operators of public transportation or intercity bus service that receive funds indirectly through a recipient.

Description:

This program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000. It also provides funding for state and national training and technical assistance through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program. Fifteen percent of funds are set aside for intercity bus service, which could possibly be put towards Amtrak Thruway service.

Each recipient must submit an annual report to the FTA containing information on capital investment, operations and service provided with the Sec. 5311 funds.

For example, if a rural bus route serves an intermodal center shared with intercity passenger rail service, Sec. 5311 funds might be used to improve the waiting area or other common areas of the facility.

Financing:

The federal share is 80 percent for capital projects, 50 percent for operating assistance, and 80 percent for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) non-fixed route para-transit service. Revenue from the sale of advertising and concessions may be used as local match. Section 5311 funds are available to the states during the fiscal year of apportionment plus two additional years (total of three years). Funds are apportioned to states based on a formula that includes land area, population, revenue vehicle miles and low-income individuals in rural areas.

Funding:

$620 million (FY 2016)
$632 million (FY 2017)
$646 million (FY 2018)
$659 million (FY 2019)
$673 million (FY 2020)

Additional Information:

Federal Transit Administration – Rural Transportation Assistance Program