Public Transportation Formula Grants (5311)

49 USC 5311 Non-Urban Formula Grants

Non-Urbanized Formula Program grants provide transit capital, operating assistance, and program administration through the States, to non-urbanized areas (less than 50,000 in population) for public transportation. State agencies, local public bodies and agencies thereof, private-nonprofit and private for-profit (inter-city only) organizations and operators of public transportation services are eligible to apply.

Title 49 USC § 5311(d) authorizes states to use funds for the provision of local, general public transportation service in rural areas.

Program Goals

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has defined the goals of the 5311 Program to: 

• Enhance the access of people in non-urbanized areas to health care, shopping, education, employment, public services, and recreation.
• Assist in the maintenance, development, improvement, and use of public transportation systems in rural and small urban areas.
• Encourage and facilitate the most efficient use of all rural transportation funds used to provide passenger transportation in non-urbanized areas through the coordination of programs and services.
• Assist the development and support of intercity bus transportation.
• Provide for the participation of private transportation providers to the extent feasible. 

The Federal Transit Administration provides funding to ensure that all Americans, including those who live in rural and small urban areas, have access to transit to meet basic mobility needs. 

FTA Section 5311 funds are provided to the states to be used for public transportation projects in areas other than urbanized areas.

Organizations Eligible to Receive 5311 Funds

• Governmental agencies and their divisions
• Tribal governments
• Nonprofit organizations
• Public transit agencies