Paratransit/Special Needs and Rural Mobility grants
Paratransit/Special Needs and Rural Mobility grants support Washington transit providers with service, vehicle, and equipment funding to sustain and expand transportation for special-needs and rural communities.
Funder: Washington State Department of Transportation
Due Dates: September 9, 2026 (Application) | November 13, 2026 (Revised application) | January 30, 2027 (Regional rankings)
Funding Amounts: Prior awards: $139.2 million total formula and competitive funding; competitive projects span two or four years
Summary: Supports transportation services, vehicles, and equipment for people with disabilities, seniors, children, and rural communities in Washington.
Key Information: Competitive grants cannot be applied for independently; applicants must use the Consolidated Grant program.
Description
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) administers Paratransit/Special Needs and Rural Mobility grants to sustain and expand public transportation across Washington. Both programs combine formula distributions to transit agencies with competitive funding awarded through the Consolidated Grant program. Paratransit/Special Needs focuses on services for people with disabilities, seniors, and children. Rural Mobility supports public transportation in rural and small urban service areas.
Formula and competitive funds can also purchase vehicles and equipment supporting these services. The Consolidated Grant program additionally supports operating assistance, mobility management, planning, and small construction projects. Competitive ranking criteria incorporate priorities identified by regional planning councils and WSDOT, with an emphasis on transportation needs, coordination, service improvements, and feasible implementation.
