Discretionary Planning Grant Programs
Department Of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration
Discretionary Planning Grant Programs support planning activities and technical studies to improve public transportation systems, facilities, services, access, and ridership. Individual programs may have a different focus and range of planning activities; however, all aim to improve public transportation through better planning. This Assistance Listing 20.541 created in August 2025 was included in the previous ALN 20.505, please refer to former ALN 20.505 for FY24 and FY25 financial obligations
Jargon-free version
Helps local governments improve public transportation systems and services. Provides funding for planning activities and technical studies.
Quick Facts
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What Is This Program?
What Benefits Are Offered?
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📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?
- 📝Steps to Apply
- Identify eligibility for funding
- Prepare necessary documentation
- Submit application through TrAMS
- Await review and approval
- Receive funding award
- 🌐Application Portal
- https://trams.dot.gov
- 📤Submission Method
- online
- 🔄Intake Type
- fixed-deadline
📄What Documents Are Required?
- ✅Required Documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424A (Budget Information - Non-Construction)
- SF-424B (Assurances)
- Project Narrative
- Budget Narrative
- Indirect cost rate agreement
- IRB approval letter
- Environmental review
- 📐Format Requirements
- PDF only, max 10MB
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💰What Expenses Are Eligible?
- 🧾Eligible Expenses
- purchase of modern American-made transit buses
- upgrade fueling and maintenance infrastructure
- 💳Payment Model
- mixed
🤝Is Matching Funding Required?
- 🔀Matching Required
- Yes
- 📊Matching Ratio
- 25% minimum
- 🏦Eligible Matching Sources
- cash
- in-kind
- 📚Stacking Rules
- Yes, can combine with other government funding
- 🛡️Proof of Matching Required
- Documentation of cash and in-kind contributions required
📊What Are the Reporting Requirements?
- 🗓️Reporting Frequency
- annual
- 📑Reporting Requirements
- SF-425 Federal Financial Report
- performance progress report
- FFATA subaward reporting
- program income reporting
- 🔍Audit Requirements
- OMB Uniform Guidance Single Audit if the recipient expends $750,000 or more in federal awards
- 📢Branding Requirements
- acknowledgment of federal funding
- 🗄️Record Retention Period
- 3 years post-final-report
How Do I Apply?
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Visit the program page for detailed eligibility requirements.
This program offers funding up to $686,000,000 (minimum $5).
This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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