This application is to request section 5311 national rural transit assistance program funds in the amount of $3307546 allocated to neponset valley TMA in the state of massachusetts to operate the…

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association, Inc., a cooperative agreement totaling $3,307,546 on January 29, 2026, to operate the National Rural Transit Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program (CFDA 20.509).

The award covers Year 2 of the cooperative agreement, running from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. Funding supports staff salaries, direct costs, engagement of subject matter experts to design and implement training products and web applications, and delivery of direct technical assistance and support services tailored to rural and tribal transit operators. The recipient will solicit, award, and manage Community Rides Grant Projects through sub-recipients.

Work is performed in Massachusetts with reach to rural and tribal transit operators nationwide. The National Rural Transit Assistance Program assists transit programs through design and implementation of training and technical assistance projects and other support services meeting the specific needs of rural and tribal transit operators, while supporting Federal Transit Administration formula grants for rural areas. The recipient works collaboratively with state departments of transportation and tribal entities to identify transit operational issues and coordinate solutions across the rural and tribal transit sector.

Activities

Funds will be used to cover eligible expenses such as staff salaries and direct costs; hire subject matter experts to design and implement training products and web applications; and provide direct technical assistance and other support services tailored to meet the specific needs of rural and tribal transit operators.

Expected outcomes

Nrtap assists transit programs through the design and implementation of training and technical assistance projects and other support services tailored to meet the specific needs of rural and tribal transit operators. Working closely with state departments of transportation and tribal and rural operators nrtap provides a forum for identifying issues and supporting coordinated responses between state programs tribal entities and rural and tribal operators.

Intended beneficiaries

Nrtap and its partners share goals of maximizing access and mobility in rural and tribal areas and supporting federal program compliance with best practices and training materials.

Subrecipient activities

National rtap will solicit award and manage community rides grant projects.