FTA Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas
FTA Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas supports Kansas transit providers with vehicles, equipment, and operating costs to provide general public transportation in rural and small urban communities.
Funder: Kansas Department of Transportation
Due Dates: September 23, 2026, 1:00 PM (Vehicle order office hours) | September 30, 2026 (Vehicle orders) | October 1, 2026 (SFY 28 applications open) | October 15, 2026 (Application office hours)
Funding Amounts: Vehicle purchases: 80% KDOT / 20% local; operations: 50% KDOT / 50% local, with up to 20% state assistance toward the local match, subject to availability
Summary: Supports vehicles, equipment, and operating costs for general public transit in Kansas rural and small urban communities.
Key Information: Applicants must be active members of their Coordinated Transit District before submitting an application.
Description
The Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas program supports general public transportation in rural and small urban communities with populations under 50,000. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Office of Public Transportation administers the program in Kansas, using federal and state funding. Assistance supports both transit capital investments and the ongoing costs of providing service.
Capital assistance covers transit vehicles and associated equipment, including wheelchair lifts, ramps, and restraints. Operating assistance supports personnel, fuel, vehicle upkeep, insurance, and marketing. A central program focus is coordinating transportation funding sources and systems to reduce duplication and make better use of existing resources. Applicants must explore coordination with other transportation providers in their area that may be able to provide the needed services.
