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

Funding
$5 - $686,000,000
Deadline
Rolling
Status
Rolling Intake
Category
Regional & Community Development
Organization
Department Of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration

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What Is This Program?

Discretionary Planning Grant Programs support planning activities and technical studies to improve public transportation systems, facilities, services, access, and ridership. Planning grants assist regional/system, corridor/route, and project/site-specific planning, including multimodal connectivity and land uses.

What Benefits Are Offered?

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๐Ÿ† Detailed Application Guide

๐Ÿ“‹What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

๐Ÿ“Steps to Apply
  • Identify eligibility for funding
  • Prepare necessary documentation
  • Submit application through TrAMS
  • Await review and approval
  • Receive funding award
๐ŸŒApplication Portal
https://trams.dot.gov
๐Ÿ“คSubmission Method
online
๐Ÿ”„Intake Type
fixed-deadline

๐Ÿ“„What Documents Are Required?

โœ…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
๐Ÿ“Format Requirements
PDF only, max 10MB

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๐Ÿ’ฐWhat Expenses Are Eligible?

๐ŸงพEligible Expenses
  • purchase of modern American-made transit buses
  • upgrade fueling and maintenance infrastructure
๐Ÿ’ณPayment Model
mixed

๐ŸคIs Matching Funding Required?

๐Ÿ”€Matching Required
Yes
๐Ÿ“ŠMatching Ratio
25% minimum
๐ŸฆEligible Matching Sources
  • cash
  • in-kind
๐Ÿ“šStacking Rules
Yes, can combine with other government funding
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธProof of Matching Required
Documentation of cash and in-kind contributions required

๐Ÿ“ŠWhat Are the Reporting Requirements?

๐Ÿ—“๏ธReporting Frequency
annual
๐Ÿ“‘Reporting Requirements
  • SF-425 Federal Financial Report
  • performance progress report
  • FFATA subaward reporting
  • program income reporting
๐Ÿ”Audit Requirements
OMB Uniform Guidance Single Audit if the recipient expends $750,000 or more in federal awards
๐Ÿ“ขBranding Requirements
acknowledgment of federal funding
๐Ÿ—„๏ธRecord Retention Period
3 years post-final-report

How Do I Apply?

robert.hanifin@dot.gov
(202) 573-5429

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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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