Paratransit/Special Needs and Rural Mobility Grants
Forecasted
Paratransit/Special Needs and Rural Mobility Grants support transit agencies, nonprofits, and tribes providing transportation for people with special needs and rural communities across Washington.
Funder: Washington State Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Revised applications) | September 2027 (Grant applications)
Funding Amounts: $139.2 million awarded across formula and competitive grants; competitive projects run two or four years
Summary: Supports public transportation for people with disabilities, seniors, children, and people living in rural Washington.
Key Information: Competitive grants cannot be applied for independently; WSDOT awards them through the Consolidated Grant program.
Description
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) uses these formula and competitive grants to sustain and expand public transportation in Washington. Paratransit/Special Needs funding supports services for people with disabilities, seniors, and children. Rural Mobility funding supports public transportation in rural and small urban service areas.
Formula grants support transit agencies. Paratransit/Special Needs competitive grants support nonprofits, while Rural Mobility competitive grants support tribes, nonprofits, and transit agencies. Formula and competitive funds can also purchase vehicles and equipment that support these services. WSDOT awards the competitive portions through its Consolidated Grant program, which also funds other public transportation improvements.
