Federal Transit Formula Grants

Provide federal formula funding to transit agencies, states, and local/regional governments to plan, develop, improve, maintain, and operate public transportation systems in urbanized areas (as defined by the most recent decennial census as urban areas with populations of 50,000 or more). Eligible uses include capital projects, planning, and operating assistance to support regular, continuing shared‑ride public transportation services that are open to the general public or defined segments of the public (e.g., by age, disability, or low income). The program also includes a ferry set‑aside (49 U.S.C. 5307(h)) to support ferry services and related infrastructure in urbanized areas when those ferries are part of the recipient’s public transportation system. Projects must meet standard 5307 eligibility requirements (i.e., serve public transportation needs, not solely tourism, and benefit residents of the urbanized area). Separate competitive Assistance Listings (20.540, 20.538, and 20.539) cover other federal ferry funding opportunities.