Section 5310 – Grants for Elderly & Special Needs Providers

The purpose of this program is to assist private nonprofit groups and certain public transit agencies 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.

Administrative Body

This program is administered by the State Departments of Transportation on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration.

Funding

Funds are allocated by a formula that considers the number of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities in each state. The funds are available on a discretionary basis to support 80 percent of capital costs such as vehicles, wheelchair lifts, two-way radios, and other equipment. Most funds are used to purchase vehicles, but acquisition of transportation services under contract, lease or other arrangements and state program administration are also eligible expenses.