Rural Transit & Intercity Bus - FTA Section 5311 and 5311(f)
Program Overview
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 formula funding program is authorized by 49 United States Code (U.S.C) Section 5311. The 5311 program provides supplemental funding for public transit service in non-urbanized areas which have populations of fewer than 50,000 residents, as quantified by the United States Census Bureau. The Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program has been merged into the 5311 program. Projects formerly eligible under the JARC program are now eligible under the 5311 program.
The FTA apportions formula funds to each state on an annual basis. The California Department of Transportation, Division of Rail and Mass Transportation (DRMT) is the designated grantee for California. The DRMT Rural Transit and Intercity Bus Branch manages the 5311 and 5311(f) programs.
5311 funding is apportioned as follows:
- 75% Regional Apportionment --This funding share is apportioned to non-urban areas based on the size of the rural population. This apportionment is distributed to Transportation Planning Agencies (TPA) whose county or region contains a non-urbanized area as identified by the United States Census Bureau. The TPA submits a Program of Projects that identifies subrecipients and projects to receive Section 5311 funds in their planning area. This must be completed by December 31st of each year. Additionally, subrecipients must complete and submit a Section 5311 Program Application and all other required submittals by the appropriate deadline.
- 15% Intercity Bus Program --This funding share is apportioned to the Rural Intercity Bus Program (known as FTA 5311(f)). For more information on 5311(f), please contact: Ronaldo Hu at (916) 657-3955 or Katherine Pongratz at (916) 654-9955.
- 10% State Administrative Expenses --This funding share is apportioned to State Transportation Agencies in order to fund the administration of the 5311 & 5311(f) grant programs.
DRMT Rural Transit and Intercity Bus Branch staff members are available to provide assistance to sub recipients and other stakeholders. Please consult the map below to obtain the contact information for the appropriate staff member to contact based on Caltrans District. In addition, DRMT has personnel in eleven Caltrans District Offices (District Transit Representatives). District Transit Representatives are responsible for overseeing the Section 5311 programs at the local level through planning and the provision of technical assistance to Transportation Planning Agencies (TPA) and transit operators.
5311(f) Intercity Bus Program Related Documents
- California Rural Intercity Bus Study Final Report 2018 (PDF)
- Successful 5311(f) Applicants FY 2018-19 (PDF)
- Successful 5311(f) Applicants FY 2017-18 (PDF)
- Successful 5311(f) Applicants FY 2016-17 (PDF)
- California Rural Intercity Bus Study Final Report (PDF)
- Project Quarterly Performance & Accountability Report(XLS)
- Russell's National Motor Coach Guide Contact Information
- California Intercity Bus Network Map (PDF)
- California Intercity Bus Network - Existing Network Provider Map (PDF)
- Greyhound Rural Feeder Service Program (PDF)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations, Digest 311 (PDF)
- Sample Service Schedule Matrix (PDF)
- Sample Map Illustrating Location and Relationship (PDF)
- Sample Fiscal Strategy (PDF)
FTA Guidance, Policy and Procedures
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires each state to have an approved State Management Plan (SMP). This document provides an understanding of the FTA’s requirements for the administration and implementation of its programs and Caltrans’ policies and procedures for the management of FTA programs in California.
Caltrans Division of Rail and Mass Transportation (DRMT) has updated the California SMP for 2019, which has been posted below for comments and feedback from stakeholders:
Comments are due August 9th after which the SMP will be finalized and submitted to FTA for approval. Any comments or feedback on the updated SMP can be sent to Sharon.Beasley@dot.ca.gov
- FTA Master Agreement (PDF)
- Air Quality Analysis CMAQ Projects (PDF)
- Force Account for Preventative Maintenance (PDF)
- Narrowband Public Notice (PDF)
- Amendment Request Form (PDF)
- State Management Plan (PDF)
Required Program Documents
- FTA 2018 Regional Program of Projects (POP)(DOCX)
- FTA 2017 Annual Certifications and Assurances
- Disadvantage Business Enterprise Implementation Agreement (PDF)
- Disadvantage Business Enterprise Twice Yearly Awards/Commitment and Actual Payment Form(XLS)
- Preliminary Environmental Survey(Required for construction projects) (PDF)
- Accident Report Form(DOCX)
- Drug & Alcohol Survey (PDF)
- Instructions for filling out Charter Services Quarterly Report Form (PDF)
- Charter Services Quarterly Report Form (PDF)
- Route Deviation ADA Checklist (PDF)
Request for Reimbursement (RFR) Documents
Inspection / Monitoring Related Documents
- Agency Monitoring(DOCX)
- Vehicle Inspection(DOCX)
- Equipment Inspection(DOCX)
- Facility and Shelter Inspection(DOCX)
Federal Programs
- Procurement Handbook (PDF)
- Disadvantage Business Enterprise Powerpoint (PDF)
- National Transit Database Rural Reporting Powerpoint (PDF)
- District Transit Reprentative Training Powerpoint (PDF)
Resources
- 5311 Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Caltrans Drug and Alcohol Resource Materials
- Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 (PDF)
- Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133 (PDF)
- National Rural Transit Assistance Program
- FTA Section 5311 Program Circular 9040.1F