Section 5310 Program

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The Section 5310 Program is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities. It provides funds for transportation projects and/or programs that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and complementary paratransit services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Eligibility

At least 55% of program funds must be used on capital projects that are:

  • Public transportation projects planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when existing public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable.

The remaining 45% may be used for:

  • Public transportation projects that exceed requirements of the ADA;
  • Public transportation projects that improve access to fixed-route service and decrease reliance by individuals with disabilities on complementary paratransit;
  • Alternatives to public transportation that assist seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Solicitation

On Tuesday, May 31, 2016, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced the availability of approximately $10 million in funding through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (Section 5310).  The solicitation closed on July 1, 2016. New York State DOT and NYMTC are working closely to identify selected applicants.

The projects receiving assistance under this opportunity must be included in a Coordinated Human Service and Public Transportation Plan (CHSPTP) and coordinate with other federally assisted programs to ensure efficient use of Federal funds. 

Selection 

M5 Bus

The previous selection of proposed projects was announced in April 2015. A rating and ranking committee comprised of NYMTC's members selected the projects to be funded as part of the state-wide solicitation, and action was taken at the July 30, 2015 PFAC meeting to accept the recommendations and amend the selected projects into the Federal Fiscal Years 2014-2018 TIP.  

Click here for a listing of Selected Projects.

Funding

This program provides formula funding to states for the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities when the transportation service provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs. Funds are apportioned based on each state’s share of population for these groups of people. 

Other Provisions
  • Local share may be derived from other federal (non-DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highways Program under 23 U.S.C. 204.
  • Permits designated recipients and states to carry out competitive process to select subrecipients.
  • Recipients must certify that projects selected are included in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. The plan must undergo a development and approval process that includes seniors and people with disabilities, transportation providers, among others, and is coordinated to the maximum extent possible with transportation services assisted by other federal departments and agencies.
  • Permits acquisition of public transportation services as a capital expense.
  • Up to 10% of program funds can be used to administer the program, to plan, and to provide technical assistance.

Fact Sheet

Click for FTA fact sheet →