Section 5311, Rural Public Transportation

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has announced the availability of funding for rural public transportation for the fiscal years 2026–2027, spanning from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This opportunity is part of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5311 Rural Public Transportation Program, which is designed to support essential public transportation services in rural areas. These services are critical to communities with populations under 50,000, where many residents depend on public transit to access jobs, healthcare, and other vital services. The NDOT oversees the distribution of both federal and state funds under this initiative within the state of Nebraska. The FTA Section 5311 program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to eligible organizations that run public transportation in rural regions. Examples of eligible expenses include fuel, driver wages, vehicle maintenance, route planning, and equipment purchases. The goal of this funding is to ensure rural residents continue to have reliable and accessible public transit services. This is especially crucial in regions where transportation alternatives are limited and distances between essential services can be significant. Eligibility to apply for this funding includes private nonprofit organizations, state or local governmental authorities, public transportation service operators, and intercity bus operators. These entities must be engaged in delivering or planning to deliver rural public transportation services. Additionally, funding is also available through the FTA Section 5311(f) Intercity Bus Program, which specifically supports planning and operating assistance for intercity transit services that connect rural areas to larger urban hubs. The funding opportunity operates on a two-year grant cycle. Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle are due by March 21, 2025. Interested applicants can access more details and application materials through the Nebraska Transit website (nebraskatransit.com). For further assistance, applicants may contact Sarah Soula by phone at 402-479-4871 or via email at sarah.soula@nebraska.gov. This grant program is not offered on a rolling basis, but it is recurring, with future application cycles anticipated every two years. Given that the application deadline is March 21, 2025, and the grant period begins July 1, 2025, organizations should prepare and submit their applications well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely consideration. No specific evaluation criteria, required matching funds, or funding amounts are listed in the source. As such, applicants are advised to consult the official program site or contact NDOT directly to confirm award ceiling and floor limits, potential number of awards, and whether a local funding match is necessary. This proactive engagement will help applicants ensure full eligibility and compliance with application guidelines.