Funding Opportunities

The Urbanized Area Formula Program (Section 5307) is a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding program authorized under 49 U.S. Code 5307 that makes federal funds available to urbanized areas, as designated by the census, for public transportation projects. Designated recipients are responsible for allocating funds within their designated urbanized area to eligible public transportation providers for eligible projects. Section 5307 funding is made available for public transportation capital projects, operating assistance, job access and reverse commute projects, and transportation-related planning. The federal share for capital projects cannot exceed 80% of the net project cost and the federal share for operating assistance cannot exceed 50% of the net project cost. More information on the Section 5307 program can be found in FTA Circular 9030.1E

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is responsible for programming Section 5307 funds in the North Central Texas region as well as allocating funds to the eligible public transportation providers within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas as a designated recipient. Direct recipients and subrecipients should request funding through the Program of Projects development process. If you are interested in learning about more options for funding transit through the Section 5307 program, please visit the Strategic Partnerships webpage.

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (Section 5310) is a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding program authorized under 49 U.S. Code 5310 that makes federal funds available to states and urbanized areas, as designated by the census, to meet the public transportation needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Designated recipients are responsible for allocating funds within their designated urbanized area to eligible providers for eligible projects. Section 5310 funding is made available for capital and operating assistance projects to meet the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable. Section 5310 funding may also be used for public transportation projects that are meant to exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The federal share for capital projects cannot exceed 80% of the net project cost and the federal share for operating assistance projects cannot exceed 50% of the net project cost. More information on the Section 5310 program can be found in FTA Circular 9070.1G.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is responsible for programming Section 5310 funds in the North Central Texas region as well as allocating funds to eligible providers within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas as a designated recipient on a discretionary basis. Direct recipients and subrecipients should request funding through the Program of Projects development process. If you are interested in learning about more options for funding transit through the Section 5310 program, please visit the Strategic Partnerships webpage.

Each year, public transportation providers in the region are awarded approximately $130 million in FTA formula funds. It is the Regional Transportation Council’s policy to set aside two percent of these funds for Transit Strategic Partnerships projects, formerly known as Transit Call for Projects.  Under this program, NCTCOG accepts proposals for section 5307 or 5310 funding that seek to implement innovative transit projects in the region. The program prioritizes existing plans and studies, encourages innovative solutions to gaps in service, and offers a more proactive, simplified approach to addressing needs throughout the region.
 
Project proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated every six months to align with TIP modification deadlines. Staff will work collaboratively with potential applicants to provide information on the application process, funding requirements, and the merits of a competitive proposal. For more information on how to apply, evaluation criteria, and funding availability, please visit the Strategic Partnerships webpage.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) routinely makes transit funding available for various purposes and goals. If you would like more information on the various Notices of Funding Availability/Opportunity provided by FTA, please visit FTA’s NOFO page.

All transit projects using Federal Transit Administration capital and/or operating funds must be programmed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) before funds can be made available. Any modifications to projects programmed in the TIP must go through a TIP Modification Cycle and can take three months for approval due to public involvement and internal board actions. Please reach out to your Project Manager for TIP project inclusion or modification of a project. To see information on projects programmed in the TIP, visit the current TIP.

For more information about funding opportunities available through the NCTCOG Transit Team, contact us at TOTeam@nctcog.org or contact a member of the Transit Team.