Rural Transit & Intercity Bus - FTA Section 5311 and 5311(f)

The DRMT distributed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) economic relief act funding Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5311 and 5311(f) Rural Transit & Intercity Bus to subrecipients. Please refer to the DRMT CARES act funding FAQ page should you have questions or need additional information.

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: 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. 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. Please consult the contact list provided below.

Please use the Blackcat Grants Management System to access the application, submittal instructions, program information and reimbursement information.

FTA Section 5311 Program Circular 9040.1F

District Transit Representatives (DTR) Contact List (PDF)