Intercity Bus Grant
The Intercity Bus Grant supports bus providers operating scheduled routes between Minnesota communities, funding service that connects passengers to the broader intercity bus network.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Due Dates: August 7, 2026 (2027 solicitation) | August 7, 2027 (deadline stated in RFP Q&A)
Funding Amounts: Up to $6 million statewide investment target for 2027; federal funds cover up to 50% of net operating deficits
Summary: Route subsidies support scheduled intercity bus service and connections to the broader intercity network.
Key Information: Federal funds require an equal local match, which may include route revenue and state funds.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) offers route subsidies through its Intercity Bus Grant to support the development and operation of intercity bus service. The program is part of Minnesota’s use of Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 rural transportation assistance; states must devote at least 15% of that apportionment to developing and supporting intercity bus transportation.
The grant supports regularly scheduled service for the general public on fixed routes connecting urban areas that are not close to one another. Qualifying service has limited stops, capacity for passengers’ baggage, and meaningful connections to scheduled intercity buses serving more distant points when those services are available.
