FTA, Section 5310
Enhanced Mobility of seniors and Persons with Disabilities
Call for Projects
Funding Application
FY 15
2
Table of Contents
Information ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Purpose of Program .................................................................................................................................. 4
Goals and Objectives................................................................................................................................. 4
Eligible Recipients ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Eligible Recipients for “Traditional” Section 5310 Projects ...................................................................... 5
Eligible Recipients for Other Section 5310 projects ................................................................................. 5
Expenses ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Eligible Capital Expenses for “Traditional” Projects.................................................................................. 5
Other Eligible Capital and Operating Expenses ........................................................................................ 7
Public Transportation Projects that Exceed the Requirements of the ADA ............................................. 8
Local Share Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 10
Application Cycle......................................................................................................................................... 11
Application, Evaluation and Scoring ........................................................................................................... 12
Equity of Distribution .................................................................................................................................. 12
Project Approval and Award ....................................................................................................................... 12
5310 Application Agreement ...................................................................................................................... 14
Application .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Agency Information: ............................................................................................................................... 15
Agency Type: ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Service Overview:.................................................................................................................................... 15
Grants Administration................................................................................................................................. 18
Compliance ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Financial and Managerial Capability ........................................................................................................... 19
Certification of Non-Profit Status (Please attach as “Attachment F”) ....................................................... 19
Project Description...................................................................................................................................... 20
Inclusion in the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Service Transportation Plan...................................... 21
Project Need Requirement ......................................................................................................................... 22
Need for “Traditional Capital” ................................................................................................................ 22
Vehicles ................................................................................................................................................... 23
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
3
Radios, Computers and Computer Hardware/Software, etc. ................................................................. 24
Need for Other Capital and/ or Operating Expenses .................................................................................. 24
Above and Beyond ADA (Formerly New Freedom) ................................................................................ 26
Preventive Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 26
Operating Expenses ................................................................................................................................ 27
Description of Local Support for the Proposed Project .............................................................................. 27
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
4
Information
Purpose of Program
Section 5310, Federal Transit Act (49 U.S.C. 5310), authorizes the Secretary of the US DOT to
create grants for the provision of transportation services meeting the special needs of seniors and
individuals with disabilities. VIA Metropolitan has been designated by the MPO to administer
the large urban 5310 program funds. The grants department through the Grant Coordinator
carries out an annual, local project selection process. The Grant Coordinator also oversees the
daily administration of the 5310 grant program.
Goals and Objectives
VIA is the Designated Recipient for 5310 funds allocated to the San Antonio urbanized area.
VIA’s role includes administering, managing and programming these funds, and selecting and
monitoring the implementation of funded projects. VIA also has a responsibility to announce a
call-for-projects and provide technical assistance in the completion of grant applications.
Moreover, it is VIA’s responsibility to ensure that all interested parties have a fair and equitable
opportunity to apply; and if selected, receive a fair and equitable distribution of funds. Once
funds are distributed, VIA is to ensure that all selected grant recipients comply with guidelines as
defined by the FTA and any state or local authority. Other VIA responsibilities (as the
Designated Recipient) of funds from the 5310 program is relevant to the Alamo Area Regional
Public Transportation Coordination Plan. VIA intends to fulfill the following objectives:
 Identify, contact and inform public agencies, community organizations, NonProfit and private for profit organizations providing service for seniors and
persons with disabilities, as to the availability of 5310 program grant funds;
 Establish, promote and outline processes for soliciting and evaluating 5310
program funding proposals;
 Assure that proposals selected for funding are responsive to one or more of
the needs identifies in the Alamo Area Regional Public Transportation
Coordination Plan;
 Establish the requirements for the selected projects to enter into grant
agreements with VIA; and,
 Summarize the requirements for managing and reporting the progress for
implementing the funded projects.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
5
Eligible Recipients
Eligible Recipients for “Traditional” Section 5310 Projects
Not less than 55 percent of funds should be available got traditional Section 5310 projects--those public transportation capital projects planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special
needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient,
unavailable or inappropriate. Further, the law provides that, for these projects, a recipient may
allocate the funds apportioned to it to:
1. A private nonprofit organization;
2. A state or local government authority that;
a) Is approved by a state to coordinate services for seniors and individuals with
disabilities; or,
b) Certifies that there are no nonprofit organizations readily available in the area to
provide the service.
3. Governmental authorities eligible to apply for Section 5310 funds as “coordinators of
services for seniors and individuals with disabilities” are those designated by the state to
coordinate human service activities in a particular area.
Eligible Recipients for Other Section 5310 projects
Eligible sub recipients for other eligible Section 5310 activities include a state or local
governmental authority, a private nonprofit organization, or a private operator of public
transportation that received a Section 5310 grant indirectly through a recipient. Private taxi
companies that provide shared-ride taxi service to the general public on a regular basis are
operators of public transportation, and therefore eligible sub recipients. “Shared-ride” means two
or more passengers in the same vehicle who are otherwise not traveling together. Similar to
general public and ADA demand response service, every trip does not have to be shared-ride in
order for a taxi company to be considered a shared-ride operator, but the general nature of the
service must include shared rides.
Expenses
Eligible Capital Expenses for “Traditional” Projects
Funds for the Section 5310 program are available for capital expenses to support public
transportation capital projects planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of
seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, unavailable, or
inappropriate. Examples of capital expenses that meet the “Traditional” requirement, which must
be carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public
transportation is insufficient, unavailable, or inappropriate. Per the FTA C9070.1G (Pg. III-10),
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
6
examples of capital expenses that meet the “Traditional” requirement, which must be carried out
by an eligible recipient or sub recipient as described above include, but are not limited to:
1. Rolling stock and related activities for Section 5310-funded vehicles
a) Acquisition of expansion or replacement buses or vans, and related procurement,
testing, inspection, and acceptance costs;
b) Vehicle rehabilitation or overhaul;
c) Preventive maintenance;
d) Radios and communication equipment; and
e) Vehicle wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement devices.
2. Passenger facilities related to Section 5310-funded vehicles
a) Purchase and installation of benches, shelters, and other passenger amenities.
3. Support facilities and equipment for Section 5310-funded vehicles
a) Extended warranties that do not exceed the industry standard;
b) Computer hardware and software;
c) Transit-related intelligent transportation systems (ITS);
d) Dispatch systems; and
e) Fare collection systems.
4. Lease of equipment when lease is more cost effective than purchase. Note that when
lease of equipment or facilities is treated as a capital expense, the recipient must establish
criteria for determining cost effectiveness in accordance with FTA regulations, “Capital
Leases,” 49 CFR part 639 and OMB Circular A-94, which provides the necessary
discount factors and formulas for applying the same;
5. Acquisition of transportation services under a contract, lease, or other arrangement. This
may include acquisition of ADA-complementary Para transit services when provided by
an eligible recipient or sub recipient as defined above. Both capital and operating costs
associated with contracted service are eligible capital expenses. Userside subsidies are
considered one form of eligible arrangement. Funds may be requested for contracted
services covering a time period of more than one year. The capital eligibility of
acquisition of services as authorized in 49 U.S.C. 5310(b)(4) is limited to the Section
5310 program;
6. Support for mobility management and coordination programs among public
transportation providers and other human service agencies providing transportation.
Mobility management is an eligible capital cost. Mobility management techniques may
enhance transportation access for populations beyond those served by one agency or
organization within a community. For example, a nonprofit agency could receive Section
5310 funding to support the administrative costs of sharing services if it provides to its
own clientele with other seniors and/or individuals with disabilities and coordinate usage
of vehicles with other nonprofits, but not the operating costs of service. Mobility
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
7
management is intended to build coordination among existing public transportation
providers and other transportation service providers with the result of expanding the
availability of service. Mobility management activities may include:
a) The promotion, enhancement, and facilitation of access to transportation services,
including the integration and coordination of services for individuals with
disabilities, seniors, and low income individuals;
b) Support for short-term management activities to plan and implement coordinated
services;
c) The support of state and local coordinated policy bodies and councils;
d) The operation of transportation brokerages to coordinate providers, funding
agencies and passengers;
e) The provision of coordination services, including employer-oriented
transportation management organizations’ and human service organizations’
customer-oriented travel navigator systems and neighborhood travel coordination
activities such as coordinating individualized travel training and trip planning
activities for customers;
f) The development and operation of one-stop transportation traveler call centers to
coordinate transportation information on all travel modes and to manage
eligibility requirements and arrangements for customers among supporting
programs; and
g) Operational planning for the acquisition of intelligent transportation technologies
to help plan and operate coordinated systems inclusive of geographic information
systems (GIS) mapping, global positioning system technology, coordinated
vehicle scheduling, dispatching and monitoring technologies, as well as
technologies to track costs and billing in a coordination system, and single smart
customer payment systems. (Acquisition of technology is also eligible as a
standalone capital expense).
7. Capital activities (e.g., acquisition of rolling stock and related activities, acquisition of
services, etc.) to support ADA-complementary Para transit service may qualify toward
the “Traditional” Allocation, so long as the service is provided by an eligible
recipient/sub recipient as defined above, and is included in the coordinated plan.
Other Eligible Capital and Operating Expenses
1. Per the FTA, C 9070.1G Circular (Pg. III-12), up to 45 percent of a rural, small urbanized
area, or large urbanized area’s annual apportionment may be utilized for:
a) Public transportation projects (capital only) planned, designed, and carried out to
meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public
transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable;
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
8
b) Public transportation projects (capital and operating) that exceed the requirements
of ADA;
c) Public transportation projects(capital and operating) that improve access to fixedroute service and decrease reliance by individuals with disabilities on ADAcomplementary Para transit service; or
d) Alternatives to public transportation (capital and operating) that assist seniors and
individuals with disabilities with transportation.
Since the 55 percent requirement is a floor, and not a ceiling, the activities listed in section 14,
above, are eligible expenses for all funds available to a recipient under Section 5310. For
example, mobility management and ITS projects may be eligible under both categories; the
difference to note, in order for the project to qualify toward the 55 percent requirement, is that
the project must meet the definition of a capital project, be specifically geared toward the target
population, and carried out by an eligible sub recipient, which is limited for this category of
projects.
Public Transportation Projects that Exceed the Requirements of the ADA
The following activities are examples of eligible projects meeting the definition of public
transportation service that is beyond the ADA.
1. Enhancing paratransit beyond minimum requirements of the ADA. ADA-complementary
Para transit services can be eligible under the Section 5310 program in several ways:
a) Expansion of Para transit service parameters beyond the three-fourths mile
required by the ADA;
b) Expansion of current hours of operation for ADA Para transit services that are
beyond those provided on the fixed-route services;
c) The incremental cost of providing same day service;
d) The incremental cost (if any) of making door-to-door service available to all
eligible ADA Para transit riders, but not on a case-by-case basis for individual
riders in an otherwise curb-to-curb system;
e) Enhancement of the level of service by providing escorts or assisting riders
through the door of their destination;
f) Acquisition of vehicles and equipment designed to accommodate mobility aids
that exceed the dimensions and weight ratings established for wheelchairs under
the ADA regulations, 49 CFR part 38 (i.e., larger than 30”x 48” and/or weighing
more than 600 pounds), and labor costs of aides to help drivers assist passengers
with oversized wheelchairs. This would permit the acquisition of lifts with a
larger capacity, as well as modifications to lifts with a 600-pound design load,
and the acquisition of heavier duty vehicles for Para transit and/or demandresponse service in order to accommodate lifts with a heavier design load; and
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
9
g) Installation of additional securement locations in public buses beyond what is
required by the ADA.
2. Feeder Services. Accessible “feeder” service (transit service that provides access) to
commuter rail, commuter bus, intercity rail, and intercity bus stations, for which
complementary Para transit service is not required under the ADA.
3. Public Transportation Projects that Improve Accessibility. The following activities are
examples of eligible projects that improve accessibility to fixed-route system.
a) Making accessibility improvements to transit and intermodal stations not
designated as key stations. Improvements for accessibility at existing
transportation facilities that are not designated as key stations established under
49 CFR 37.47, 37.51 or 37.53, and that are not required under 49 CFR 37.43 as
part of an alteration or renovation to an existing station, so long as the projects are
clearly intended to remove barriers that would otherwise have remained. Section
5310 funds are eligible to be used for accessibility enhancements that remove
barriers to individuals with disabilities so they may access greater portions of
public transportation systems, such as fixed-route bus service, commuter rail,
light rail, and rapid rail. This may include:
 Building an accessible path to a bus stop that is currently inaccessible,
including curb cuts, sidewalks, accessible pedestrian signals, or other
accessible features;
 Adding an elevator or ramps, detectable warnings, or other accessibility
improvements to a non-key station that are not otherwise required under
the ADA;
 Improving signage or way finding technology; or
 Implementation of other technology improvements that enhance
accessibility for people with disabilities including ITS.
b) Travel Training. Training programs for individual users on awareness,
knowledge, and skills of public and alternative transportation options available in
their communities. This includes travel instruction and travel training services.
4. Public Transportation Alternatives that Assist Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
with Transportation. The following activities are examples of projects that are eligible
public transportation alternatives.
a) Purchasing vehicles to support accessible taxi, ride-sharing, and/or vanpooling
programs. Section 5310 funds can be used to purchase and operate accessible
vehicles for use in taxi, ride-sharing, and/or vanpool programs provided that the
vehicle meets the same requirements for lifts, ramps, and securement systems
specified in 49 CFR part 38, subpart B, at a minimum, and permits a passenger
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
10
whose wheelchair can be accommodated pursuant to part 38 to remain in his/her
personal mobility device inside the vehicle.
b) Supporting the administration and expenses related to voucher programs for
transportation services offered by human service providers. This activity is
intended to support and supplement existing transportation services by expanding
the number of providers available or the number of passengers receiving
transportation services. Vouchers can be used as an administrative mechanism for
payment of alternative transportation services to supplement available public
transportation. The Section 5310 program can provide vouchers to seniors and
individuals with disabilities to purchase rides, including: (a) mileage
reimbursement as part of a volunteer driver program; (b) a taxi trip; or (c) trips
provided by a human service agency. Providers of transportation can then submit
the voucher for reimbursement to the recipient for payment based on
predetermined rates or contractual arrangements. Transit passes or vouchers for
use on existing fixed-route or ADA complementary Para transit service are not
eligible. Vouchers are an operational expense which requires a 50/50
(federal/local) match.
c) Supporting volunteer driver and aide programs. Volunteer driver programs are
eligible and include support for costs associated with the administration,
management of driver recruitment, safety, background checks, scheduling, and
coordination with passengers, other elated support functions, mileage
reimbursement, and insurance associated with volunteer driver programs. The
costs of enhancements to increase capacity of volunteer driver programs are also
eligible.
5. Limits on operating assistance. Given the requirement for “Traditional” Section 5310
capital projects, a recipient may allocate a percentage of its apportionment for operating
assistance. However, this finding is limited to eligible projects as described in 49 U.S.C.
5310(b) (1) (B-D) and described in this section (b and c), above. Operating assistance
for required ADA complementary Para transit service is not an eligible expense.
Local Share Requirements
Section 5310 funds may be used to finance capital and operating expenses. The federal share of
eligible capital costs shall be in an amount equal to 80 percent of the net cost of activity. The
federal share of the eligible operating costs may not exceed 50 percent of the net operating costs
of the activity.
The local share of eligible capital costs shall be not less than 20 percent of the net cost of the
activity, and the local share for eligible operating costs shall be not less than 50 percent of the net
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
11
operating costs. The local share may be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a
replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, a service agreement with a state or local
service agency or private social service organization, or new capital.
Some examples of these sources of local match include:
 State or local appropriations
 Dedicated tax revenues
 Private donations
 Revenue from service contracts
 Transportation Development Credits (TDCs)
 Net income generated from advertising and concessions
Non-cash share:
 Donations
 Volunteered services
 In-kind contributions are accepted with respect to the following:
 Eligible to be counted toward local match as long as the value of each is
documented and supported;
 represents a capital cost which would otherwise be eligible under the program;
 And included in the net project cost in the project budget.
Non-cash share such as donations, volunteered service, or in-kind contributions is eligible to be
counted toward the local match as long as the value of each is documented and supported,
represents a cost which would otherwise be eligible under the program, and is included in the
new project costs in the project budget.
The source(s) of local funding must be identified in the initial 5310 grant application. The use and
certification of Transportation Development Credits (TDCs) is the sole responsibility of the sub-recipient
in most cases. TDC Certification documentation must be provided to VIA and VIA must include the
documentation in the FTA TEAM grant application. VIA will assist sub-recipients in obtaining the TDC
Certification documentation from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and act in behalf of
the sub-recipient when TDCs are requested.
Application Cycle
MAP-21 requires that projects and programs, implemented with 5310 program funding, to be the
outcome of a selection process that is fair and equitable. The FTA provides some flexibility with
the process itself. The selection process may be held annually or at intervals up to three years, as
determined by VIA and based on local needs. VIA will select projects as needed to avoid the
lapsing of any funds that are not obligated in a timely manner.
5310 funds need to be obligated within the next two federal fiscal years following the fiscal year
in which the funds were appropriated by Congress. In this regard, the federal fiscal year starts on
October 1 and ends on September 30 of the following year. Any 5310 funds remaining from
prior fiscal year in which the selection will take place and those funds expected to be made
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
12
available within the following fiscal year. Accordingly, 5310 funds from up to three consecutive
fiscal years could be made available and VIA will select projects and programs at intervals not to
exceed this time frame. This approach will allow for the development of more viable and longerterm projects, reduce the administrative cost of the programs, and allow for other efficiencies.
Application, Evaluation and Scoring
VIA is responsible for the selection of projects; and could, but is not required to, include a
competitive selection process. In any case, VIA will select projects on a fair and equitable basis.
If VIA decides to conduct a competitive selection for projects, VIA will conduct the solicitation
but retains the option of outsourcing the selection process.
Equity of Distribution
The process for selecting projects will be widely publicized and disseminated directly to the
agencies providing or needing specialized transportation services in the San Antonio urbanized
area. Information relevant to the selection process and application guidelines and forms, will be
made available at VIA’s website at http://viainfo.net/5310/Default.aspx. As part of the
application process, VIA may provide technical assistance to agencies that may not be
experienced in the preparation of transportation project proposals, including human service
agencies providing or funding client transportation.
Project Approval and Award
Proposals may be selected based on but not limited to project mobility, effectiveness, and benefit
to urbanized area, program reach and population served. Once selection of projects and awarding
of funds is finalized, VIA staff will submit the list of recommended projects to the VIA Board of
Trustees for approval. The next step will be to submit the grant TEAM application(s) to the FTA
for approval.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
13
Dear Applicant,
To be considered for funding under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with
Disabilities Program, applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Monday, April 6, 2015. I
must have submitted project proposals “in hand” at the VIA office by the submission deadline.
Proposals that are postmarked, but not received by the deadline do not constitute an on-time
submission. In addition, supplemental information will not be accepted after the submission
deadline. Project sponsors are encouraged to submit their proposals far enough in advance of the
submission deadline to allow VIA staff to review proposals for completeness. Project proposals
must consist of three (3) original hard copies and one (1) copy in electronic format to be
submitted through VIA’s 5310 website. Graphics, such as maps or photographs can be submitted
in to VIA through email to me personally at Katelyn.Francis@viainfo.net.
Hard copy project proposals should be submitted to me at:
VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority
Attn: Katelyn R. Francis
Grant Coordinator
800 West Myrtle
P.O. Box 12489
San Antonio, TX 78212
Organizations applying for Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with
Disabilities funding must turn in a completed application.
Any Application that does not meet any or all of the above or below criteria may be rejected. We
recommend that applicants review their applications for completeness and clarity.
The information in this application is public record. Therefore, applicants should not include
information regarded as confidential.
Best Regards,
Katelyn R. Francis
Grant Coordinator
VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority
(210) 362-2176
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
14
5310 Application Agreement
I certify the following:
1. The information presented in this application is true and accurate to the best of my
knowledge.
2. I have not intentionally made any misstatements or misrepresented the facts.
3. The organization has the resources and technical capacity to support the project.
4. The organization has the resources to provide the required match.
5. The organization offers transportation to all eligible elderly and disabled person(s) within
the UZA and is not restricted to a specific member list, community, etc.
6. The organization uses generally accepted accounting standards for its financial
recordkeeping functions.
7. The organization will participate in a continuous, comprehensive dialogue throughout the
life of the project including, but not limited to:
 On-Site monitoring by VIA personnel
 Timely submission of required reports and or documentation
 Timely written notification of events that will affect the outcome of the project.
8. The organization will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and
regulation. This includes, but is not limited to:
 Master grant agreements
 Project grant agreements
 Annual Federal Certifications and Assurances
 Applicable federal program circulars, Program Management Plan and similar
federal guidance.
9. I understand that failure to attach any or all attachments to this application by the
deadline will result in rejection of the proposed project(s).
To the best of my knowledge and belief, all information provided in this project proposal is true
and correct. As the person duly authorized to sign on behalf of the project sponsor, I certify the
project sponsor will comply with the necessary Federal Transit Administration regulations and
grant management requirements if funding is awarded.
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Representative
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Organization
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Date
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
15
Application
Agency Information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Agency Legal Name Click here to enter text.
Physical Address
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Mailing Address
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County
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Fax Number
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Email Address
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Point of Contact for Application
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A. Phone Number
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B. Email
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8. Applicants DUNS number9. Applicants FEIN number-
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Agency Type:
1. Please identify your agency as one of the following:
☐Rural Transit District
☐Private Non-Profit Organization
☐Urban Transit District
☐Private For-Profit Organization
☐Governmental Agency
Service Overview:
***Please attach a detailed expense report referring to the last 3 years including revenue made
from rides, driver expenses, PM, Fuel, etc. Please be as detailed as possible. Label as “Previous
3-year expense report”.
1. Briefly describe your agency’s purpose and transportation program. Attach any brochures
which explain your transportation service.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
16
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2. How many days of service do you operate daily and annually?
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3. During what time do you provide transportation service? Check all that apply.
☐Weekdays
☐Weeknights after 6PM
☐Weekends
4. List towns and counties to be serviced by this award. (If providing service in part of a
county, list specific towns served in that county.) **5310 funds should only be used
within the San Antonio UZA.
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5. Is transportation service currently contracted out to a third party operator? Check one box
only.
Yes
☐No
***If yes, provide contact information below and a copy of third party contract as an attachment.
Please mark it “Attachment A”.
Legal Name:
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Physical Address: Click here to enter text.
Phone:
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Email:
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Fax:Click here to enter text.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
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Do you charge a fare or request a donation from the passengers you carry?
☐ A fare is charged
☐ A donation is requested
☐ No fee is requested
Please indicate details on the following table:
Fare Type:
Amount:
Comments:
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here
to
enter
text.
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Regular
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Senior
Persons with Disabilities(non
paratransit)
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Personal Care Attendant
Paratransit
Student Fare
Monthly pass
Tickets or tokens
No fare charged
Other
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6. Storage of Vehicles (check all that apply)
☐ Garage Kept
☐ Secured Lot
☐ On Site in an unsecured lot
☐Staff takes vehicles home at the end of day
7. Trip Scheduling (Check One)
☐72 Hours or greater in advance
☐24-48 hours in advance
☐Same days as needed
☐Other: Please explain below.
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8. Are trips scheduled on a first come first served basis? Check one.
☐Yes
☐No
9. How is dispatching accomplished? Check one.
☐Two-Way Radio
☐Call Phone
☐Mobile Data Terminal
☐Other: Please explain below.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
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10. Is a website available with transit information? Check one.
☐Yes ☐No
If yes, are schedules, maps and fare info described?
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11. How is your service marketed? Check all that apply.
☐Newspaper
☐Radio
☐Public Hearing
☐Flyer
☐TV/Cable
☐Other, Specify: Click here to enter text.
Grants Administration
1. Is your agency an existing recipient (grantee) of federal or state grant funding? Describe
the experience your agency has in managing grants or other governmental grant
programs?
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2. Does the agency have the ability to: Check Yes or No.
 Match and manage state and federal grant funds
 Cover cost overruns
 Covering operating deficits
 Maintain and operate federally funded facilities and equipment.
Yes
☐No
3. If you are requesting TDCs (Transportation Development Credits) through TxDOT and
they are not awarded, how will the local match be provided? Please explain below and
attach proof of funds as “Attachment B”. (Bank statement, fundraising, etc.)
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4. Describe your efforts to leverage funds and/or existing resources to support the
implementation of this project.
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IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
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Compliance
1. Do you have written procurement policies and procedures? Please attach as “Attachment
C”
☐Yes
☐No
If yes, will you procure the proposed project using internal procedures or by participating in
group/bulk procurement? Explain:
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2. Do you have a preventative maintenance program required for both vehicles and facilities
with state and federal interest? Check Yes or No. Please attach as “Attachment D”.
☐Yes ☐No
3. Will ITS equipment (such as computer software, communication, equipment, etc.) be
purchased during the fiscal year covered by this application? Check Yes or No.
☐Yes ☐No
Financial and Managerial Capability
Provide documentation that the applicant has the financial and managerial capability to provide
efficient and effective public transportation services. Include as Attachments “E” to include:
the applicants annual budget and/ or documentation of other funding sources. Additional
information demonstrating financial capability may also be included. Do not attach an audit as
this will be requested prior to site-visits.
1. Briefly describe the applicants history and experience with similar projects providing
existing specialized transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities
including annual trips provided or total clients served or briefly describe the experience
the applicant has providing social services (non-transportation) for seniors or individuals
with disabilities.
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2. Describe organizational resources for each aspect of the project (staff, fleet, volunteer
support, and managerial experience with similar projects).
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Certification of Non-Profit Status (Please attach as “Attachment F”)
If applying as a non-profit organization, attach documentation to certify non-profit status.
An applicant may show that it is a nonprofit organization by any of the following means:
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
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1. Proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an
organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code;
2. A statement from a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that:
a. The organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State; and
b. No part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or
individual;
3. A certified copy of the applicant’s certificate of incorporation or similar document if it
clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or
4. Any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parents organization,
together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local
nonprofit affiliate.
Project Description
All applicants should take the 5310 goals and objectives and the key 5310 concepts into
consideration as they develop projects.
1. Provide a descriptive title for the project: in one sentence, indicate what the project will
do. For example, “Expanding Hours of Service in Entire Service Area”, “Coordination
with Local HHSC Agencies to Improve Service” or “Replacing Aging Fleet to Run More
Efficiently, etc”.
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2. Briefly describe the proposed project. The description should be clear and concise.
Mention any unique features. Please attach as “Attachment G”.
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3. How will the project support the 5310 program goals of serving the special needs of
seniors and persons with disabilities?
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4. What are the projects’ proposed origins/destinations?
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5. Who, if any, are the committed project partners? Please include a letter of commitment
from each partner that confirms their level of involvement. Letters can be attached
at the end of attachment list as “Commitment Letters”.
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6. Are Transportation Development Credits (TDCs) requested for any aspect(s) of this
project?
☐Yes
☐No
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
21
Inclusion in the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Service Transportation Plan
The projects selected for funding under the Section 5310 program must be “derived be a locally
developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan” that was “developed
and approved through a process that included participation by seniors, individuals with
disabilities, representatives of public, private, and non-profit transportation and human services
transportation plan is intended to improve services for people with disabilities and seniors.
Individuals, groups, and organizations representing these target populations should be invited to
participate in the planning process. Applicants should coordinate services with other programs
for the elderly and disabled. Coordination between transportations services is a vital federal
program requirement for client service and the most effective use of vehicles. Agencies
receiving federal and state grants must contact and coordinate with all other services
provided in their geographic service area to the extent possible to assure the most beneficial
services to the targeted population.
1. Is the proposed project consistent with the coordinated public transit-human service
transportation plan?
☐Yes ☐No
If No, this project is not eligible. Do not complete the application. Contact Katelyn Francis at
VIA Metropolitan Transit for assistance.
2. Enter the page number where the strategy, activity, or project is identified in your locally
Coordinated Plan. If service area extends into more than one planning area, include
references for each coordinated plan.
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3. Enter the date the plan was adopted by the lead agency.
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4. Who is the lead agency?
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5. Explain how the proposed project addresses gaps/barriers identified in the coordinated
public transit-human service transportation plan(s).
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6. Explain how the project will coordinate with other organizations. Clearly define the roles
of coordinating partners.
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7. If the project does not coordinate with another entity, identify attempts that have been
made to coordinate with another agency and explain why coordination isn’t possible.
VIA reserves the right to confirm the extent of the coordination efforts.
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IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
22
Project Need Requirement
Need for “Traditional Capital”
***Please include detailed project budget for each requested section. Please attach as
“Attachment H”.
Per the 9070.1G Circular, VIA Metropolitan Transit focuses the administration of the 5310
program in promoting the availability of cost-effective, efficient, and coordinated passenger
transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors
and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or
unavailable.
1. Provide a description of evidence that pertains to the project need;
a. How was the need for the project determined? For example: was the need based
on customer input; a request from a local agency that serves the targeted
population(s); a gap in service that the project would fill; a project that maintains
existing service; or a project that is the only public transportation option for the
service area?
The above listed examples are scenarios. The need for projects can go above and beyond these
examples per the FTA, 9070.1G Circular. Please include anything that will express your
community’s needs.
Click here to enter text.
2. Describe the passengers you will serve and their unique travel needs. What changes in
service, if any, will be made as a result of this grant? If the project includes new service,
indicate why this project is needed in addition to existing services.
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3. Explain how this project relates to the 5310 key concepts per the FTA, 9070.1G Circular:
a) The project is sustainable over time;
b) Provides service continuity;
c) Demonstrates efficient use of resources;
d) Is the only public transportation option for the proposed service area;
e) Leverages existing resources; and,
f) Promotes innovation.
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4. Explain how the project is coordinated with other transportation services in the local
area?
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
23
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5. What are the projected numbers of one way trips? *** Per the FTA, 9070.1G Circular, a
trip is counted each time a passenger boards a vehicle.
***There may be multiple boardings between the origin and ultimate destination.
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6. What staff will be involved in this project?
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7. Will this be existing staff or new hire(s)?
☐Existing
☐New
8. What percentage of time will each person spend on project activities?
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Vehicles
*** If your application includes the need for vehicles, complete the following section. ***Please
include detailed project budget for each requested section. Please attach as “Attachment I”.
1. Are vehicle expenses parts of the proposed project description?
☐Yes ☐No
2. Provide documentation of how need was identified as “Attachment J”.
a) If applicable, provide the number of trip denials during the past year, or persons
on waiting list. How many of these trip denials are seniors or persons with
disabilities? This explanation should be based on the volume of rides, service
hours and miles operated the cost of service, and accessibility needs.
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3. Address the condition of your current fleet and discuss why your agency wishes to
acquire vehicles?
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4. Will requested vehicles:
a) Replace existing service? ☐Yes
☐No
b) Expand existing service? ☐Yes
☐No
c) Start new service?
☐Yes ☐No
5. How many annual one-way trips will the additional vehicle(s) provide?
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6. How will your agency pay for the cost (driver wages, fuel, maintenance) of operating the
additional vehicle(s)?
Click here to enter text.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
24
7. Will the proposed vehicle be ADA accessible?***All commuter service vehicles are
required by FTA to be accessible and will not be granted waivers.
***All vehicles purchased with Section 5310 funds must be accessible.
***Service or Administration vehicles may not be purchased with Section 5310 funds.
“Service vehicles” include, but not limited to: management/supervisor vehicles, shop
trucks, tow trucks, equipment trucks, pickup trucks, security vehicles, etc.
☐Yes ☐No
8. Will a non cash share, such as donations and contributions (in-kind), be counted as local
match?
☐Yes ☐No
9. If yes, is the in kind match documented and eligible under the program and is included in
the net project costs in the project budget?
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10. Describe the impact, should you not receive the vehicle award?
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Radios, Computers and Computer Hardware/Software, etc.
***If your application includes the need for radios, computers, software or other eligible
equipment, complete the following section. ***Please include detailed project budget for each
requested section. Please attach as “Attachment K”.
1. How will this equipment provide critical support to the applicant’s transportation
program and/or increase or maintain service to seniors and individuals with disabilities?
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Need for Other Capital and/ or Operating Expenses
*** If your application includes the need for other capital and operating expenses, complete the
following section. ***Please include detailed project budget for each requested section. Please
attach as “Attachment L”.
Per the 9070.1G Circular, VIA Metropolitan Transit focuses the administration of the 5310
program in promoting the availability of cost-effective, efficient, and coordinated passenger
transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors
and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or
unavailable.
1. Provide a description of evidence of the applicant’s need
a) Provide a description of evidence that pertains to the project need; how was the need
for the project determined? For example: was the need based on customer input; a
request from a local agency that serves the targeted population(s); a gap in service
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
25
that the project would fill; a project that maintains existing service; or a project that is
the only public transportation option for the service area?
Click here to enter text.
The above listed examples are scenarios. The need for projects can go above and beyond these
examples per the FTA, 9070.1G Circular. Please include anything that will express your
community’s needs.
Click here to enter text.
2. Describe the passengers you will serve and their unique travel needs. What changes in
service, if any, will be made as a result of this grant? If the project includes new service,
indicate why this project is needed in addition to existing services.
Click here to enter text.
3. Explain how this project relates to the 5310 key concepts per the FTA, 9070.1G Circular:
g) The project is sustainable over time;
h) Provides service continuity;
i) Demonstrates efficient use of resources;
j) Is the only public transportation option for the proposed service area;
k) Leverages existing resources; and,
l) Promotes innovation.
Click here to enter text.
4. Explain how the project is coordinated with other transportation services in the local
area?
Click here to enter text.
5. What is the projected number of one way trips? *** Per the FTA, 9070.1G Circular, a
trip is counted each time a passenger boards a vehicle.
***There may be multiple boarding’s between the origin and ultimate destination.
Click here to enter text.
6. What staff will be involved in this project?
Click here to enter text.
7. Will this be existing staff or new hire(s)?
☐Existing
☐New
8. What percentage of time will each person spend on project activities?
Click here to enter text.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
26
Above and Beyond ADA (Formerly New Freedom)
The inclusion of New Freedom in the 5310 program funds presents the opportunity to provide
service above FTA standards. ***Please include detailed project budget for each requested
section. Please attach as “Attachment M”.
1. How does the project distinguish itself from current or established projects in the
geographic area to provide a service that is “above and beyond” ADA requirements?
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Preventive Maintenance
***Please include detailed project budget for each requested section and attach as “Attachment
N”.
1. Describe provisions made to assure proper maintenance of vehicles. Identify the
person(s) or business responsible for providing vehicle maintenance. Describe your
agency’s preventive maintenance program or measures. Attach preventive maintenance
plan as “Attachment O”.
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2. What is the total number of fleet vehicles?
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3. How many vehicles currently in service provide service to persons over 65 and/or
persons with disabilities?
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4. What is the average number of vehicles used on a daily basis to provide service to seniors
or persons with disabilities?
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5. Number of vehicles for which Preventive Maintenance is requested?
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6. Please list the specific vehicles with details of year, make, model, seating and how each
was funded.
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7. Percentage of total ridership that is persons over 65 and/or persons with disabilities. If
these riders are served as part of a regular fixed route service open to the general
population, estimate.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
27
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Operating Expenses
The federal share of the eligible operating costs may not exceed 50 percent of the net operating
costs of the activity. ***Please include detailed project budget for each requested section as
“Attachment P”.
1. Are operating expenses part of the proposed project description?
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2. How is the project coordinated with other transportation service in the local area?
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3. What is the projected number of one way trips per day?
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4. Please provide a detailed operating expense report as it pertains to this requested project.
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Description of Local Support for the Proposed Project
1. List the sources of funds to be used to match the federal grant. When funds are to be
provided by a third party. Attach evidence of their willingness to supply these funds as
“Attachment Q”.
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2. List entities providing non-financial project partnership such as vehicle-sharing, crossmarketing of services, etc., and describe the nature of each partnership.
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3. Clearly identify how partners and stakeholders will stay involved throughout the project.
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4. Describe how the community provided input on the proposed project. If selected,
describe how the community will provide continuing input on the proposed project.
Click here to enter text.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.
28
5. List which local senior and persons with disabilities communities, local public bodies or
local elected officials have provided letters of support below. Include any other
supporting documents as “Attachment R”.
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Letters of support for the proposed project should be provided from representatives of
the local seniors and persons with disabilities communities, local public bodies or local
elected officials. Consider the entire geographic service area when asking for letters.
The letters should address why the project specifically benefits the senior and persons
with disabilities communities. All letters of support should be original, not based on a
template provided by the applicant.
IMPORTANT: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds require a high degree of dedication to detail and reporting, along with
very specific requirements. If you are unfamiliar with FTA regulations and grant management requirements or have not received
FTA funds in the past, please review the documents associated with this Call for Projects to determine if your agency is willing,
and has the institutional capacity, to comply with the required terms and conditions.