FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit) Program
Apply for a share of $18.95M in FY 2026 grants to support public transportation projects on Indian reservations through the Tribal Transit Program.
Funder: DOT - Federal Transit Administration
Due Dates: August 25, 2026
Funding Amounts: ~$18.95 million total; no minimum/maximum for capital/operating awards; planning grants capped at $50,000; ~60 awards expected
Summary: Supports planning, capital, and operating projects to improve tribal transit services in rural areas for federally recognized tribes.
Key Information: No local match required; 100% federal share available for all project types.
Description
This opportunity provides approximately $18.95 million in competitive grants for the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit) Program for Fiscal Year 2026. The program is designed to support federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska Native Villages in planning, capital, and operating activities that improve, expand, or initiate public transit services in rural areas. Projects may include purchasing vehicles, upgrading facilities, expanding routes, or conducting transit planning studies.
The goal is to enhance mobility, access to jobs, healthcare, education, and other essential services for tribal communities, with a focus on rural areas (as defined by the 2020 census). The program is administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under Assistance Listing Number 20.509.
