Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

The objective of the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program is to improve mobility for older adults and people with disabilities by providing funding to support transportation services that go beyond traditional fixed-

The program aims to, enhance access to transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, helping them reach community resources such as healthcare, employment, education, and social activities. Support projects that fill transportation gaps by funding specialized transportation services, including demand-response, volunteer driver programs, and other innovative mobility solutions. Encourage coordination among transportation providers and human service agencies to improve efficiency and reduce duplication of services. Promote independence and quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities by ensuring they have safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options. Overall, the program focuses on removing barriers to transportation access and fostering greater inclusion and participation in community life for these populations.

Funding is made available to States or designated recipients. For rural and small urbanized areas (small UZAs), the state is the designated recipient. For large urbanized areas (large UZAs), the governor of the state chooses a designated recipient. State or local governmental entities that operate a public transportation service are also eligible direct recipients. Federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible direct recipients as local government authorities. Subrecipients can include states or local government authorities, private nonprofit organizations, or operators of public transportation.

Primary Beneficiaries include Seniors (age 65 and older), individuals with disabilities, nonprofit organizations, public transit providers and communities. These services help reduce gaps in public transportation services, removes barriers , and expands transportation and mobility options for older adults and people with disabilities.

FTA apportions the funds to the States and Designated Recipients in large urbanized areas on an annual basis. The Governor of each State or an official designee designates an agency to administer the program. Projects must be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) or Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) approved by FTA and FHWA and must be included in a locally developed Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan. Compliance with FTA's Annual list of Certifications and Assurances is required. Eligible costs must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200. The state or designated recipient must submit a program of projects (POP) listing all subrecipients and projects in accordance with FTA Circular 9070.1H. FTA annually issues a Federal Register Notice of apportionments, allocations, and program information. Notices can be found on the FTA website at www.transit.dot.gov/ or by contacting the appropriate FTA Regional office to obtain copies or publication dates. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (49 U.S.C. § 5310), funding must be used to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, but there are specific use restrictions. Funds must be used for: Capital purchases (e.g., accessible vehicles, mobility management), Operating assistance for transportation services, and Program administration (limited to 10% of the apportionment). Projects must be included in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. There are limits on Administrative Costs. Administrative costs may not exceed 10% of the total apportionment. Vehicles purchased with Section 5310 funds must be used for the intended eligible population (seniors and individuals with disabilities) for the duration of their useful life.

Section 5310 program funds are available for three years from year of apportionment. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Reimbursement of eligible project expenses. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Reimbursement of eligible project expenses.

Coordination with the designated recipient (usually a state DOT or MPO in urbanized areas over 200,000 population) is required. Applicants must ensure that their proposed projects are included in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. This plan is developed through a process that includes participation by seniors, individuals with disabilities, transportation providers, and other stakeholders. In some states or regions, applicants may also need to participate in technical assistance sessions, planning meetings, or workshops hosted by the designated recipient or planning organization before applying. Applicants should check with their state DOT or local MPO to understand the specific coordination and planning requirements for their area.

Criteria can be found in the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals Program Guidance Circular (FTA C 9070.1H). Applicants are encouraged to contact the State DOT or designated recipient for specifics. You can also contact your regional FTA Office.

After project selections are made, the award procedure typically follows these steps: Selected applicants are notified by the designated recipient (such as the State DOT or large urban MPO) or FTA, depending on the type of recipient. The designated recipient then prepares and submits a full grant application in FTA's Transit Award Management System (TrAMS). This includes the selected subrecipient projects, budget, and required documentation. FTA then conducts a compliance and technical review of the application. If everything is in order, FTA obligates the funds and issues a formal grant award to the designated recipient. The designated recipient executes agreements or contracts with the subrecipients, outlining terms, conditions, and reporting requirements. o Funds are typically disbursed to the recipient or subrecipients on a reimbursement basis. Recipients must incur eligible expenses and submit proper documentation to draw down funds. Once awarded, recipients are responsible for managing the project, tracking performance, and complying with federal requirements. This process ensures that funding is provided in a controlled, accountable manner while aligning with FTA program and oversight requirements.

As determined by the designated State agency.