Section 5310 - Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

The Section 5310 – Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program is administered through the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG), which oversees metropolitan transportation planning in the St. Louis region. The program aligns with EWG’s commitment to fostering accessible and coordinated human service transportation. Established under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Section 5310 program supports projects that enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities in urbanized areas. The St. Louis Urbanized Area (UZA), encompassing parts of Missouri and Illinois, is served by co-designated recipients: EWG, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Bi-State Development. The core purpose of Section 5310 funding is to improve transportation options for individuals who face significant mobility challenges. These funds are allocated for both traditional capital expenses and "New Freedom" type projects. Traditional projects typically involve purchasing accessible vehicles and related equipment used for transporting seniors and persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, New Freedom type projects can include operational initiatives such as specialized transit services, travel training to empower individuals to use fixed-route bus systems independently, and capital improvements like barrier removal at bus stops to enhance accessibility. To ensure regional alignment and federal compliance, EWG has developed a Section 5310 Program Management Plan (PMP). This document outlines local procedures and criteria for funding administration, thereby supporting transparency and consistency in decision-making. The PMP serves several audiences—it guides applicants and the public on eligibility and application standards, facilitates the administrative roles of co-designated recipients, and assists the FTA in maintaining oversight of program implementation within the St. Louis UZA. Eligibility to apply for Section 5310 funding depends on the type of project and the applicant organization’s status. For Traditional funding, eligible applicants include private non-profit organizations and certified public authorities. For New Freedom-type projects, eligibility expands to include private non-profits, public authorities, and public transit operators. All projects must directly address a strategy identified in the region’s Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (CHSTP) to qualify for funding. On January 6, 2026, EWG opened a call for projects for the current round of Section 5310 funding. Applications must be submitted by 4:00 PM on Friday, February 20, 2026. The submission process involves completing and submitting an official application form, which can be accessed via EWG’s website. Questions regarding the application or eligibility criteria should be directed to EWG staff at [email protected]. The Section 5310 program is recurring and is integrated into EWG’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the St. Louis region. While specific award timelines are not stated, the program operates on a federally defined schedule and applications are reviewed in coordination with the co-designated agencies. Successful applicants will receive federal funding, which can be used for capital or operating expenses, with the expectation that all projects align with the goals of enhancing mobility for the targeted populations.