Federal Section 5310 Program

Federal Section 5310 Program

The goal of the Section 5310 Program is to improve mobility for seniors (age 65 and older) and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding mobility options across Los Angeles County.

Notice of Funding Availability

Date Posted: September 26, 2025

Application Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM PT

Metro announces the availability of $10.75 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities grant program funds.

Metro is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants for projects that best achieve program goals and requirements as outlined in the 2025 Solicitation for Proposals and Application Package.

Download the application materials below:

The competitive process will evaluate, score, and rank eligible applications based on alignment with the Metro board-adopted 2025–2028 Coordinated Plan (www.metro.net/cp), program eligibility, and the evaluation criteria outlined in the solicitation. Final funding award recommendations are subject to approval by the Metro Board.

The goal of the Section 5310 Program is to enhance mobility for seniors (age 65 and older) and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding mobility options across Los Angeles County.

FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Total Available: $10,752,739

  • Urbanized Areas
    • Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim: $10,218,282
    • Lancaster–Palmdale: $311,667
    • Santa Clarita: $222,790
  • Up to 5% reserved for appeals
  • Maximum award per applicant: $800,000
  • Funds may support Traditional Capital, Other Captial, or Operating projects

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Traditional Capital: 501(c) nonprofits; or state or local governmental authorities that (1) certify that there are no nonprofits readily available in the area to provide the service or (2) are approved by the state to coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Other Capital & Operating: 501(c) nonprofits; state or local governmental authorities; or operators of public transportation.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • Applicants may submit one or more applications
  • A separate application is required for each project or project component
  • The total funding requested by any single applicant may not exceed $800,000
  • The signed application with all required attachments must be compiled into one PDF and submitted by email to Section5310@metro.net by the deadline
  • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
  • All application materials are available at www.metro.net/5310

POTENTIAL APPLICANT WEBINAR

Metro will host a 2025 FTA Section 5310 Potential Applicant Webinar to review program requirements, eligibility, application procedures, and post-award compliance expectations. Attendance is strongly encouraged.

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT 

Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

Registration: REGISTER HERE

If you have questions regarding this funding opportunity or the application process, please contact Section5310@metro.net.      

Overview

Metro is the Designated Recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities funds apportioned to Los Angeles County. Metro awards funding to projects in Los Angeles County within three urbanized areas:

  • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (UZA 60020),
  • Lancaster-Palmdale (UZA 63570), and
  • Santa Clarita (UZA 61770).

As the Designated Recipient, Metro is responsible for the planning, programming, distribution, management, and oversight of the funds.  Over $11 million of Section 5310 funds are available each year for LA County, and every few years Metro allocates these funds utilizing a formula and competitive solicitation process.

The goal of the Section 5310 Program is to improve mobility for seniors  (age 65 and older) and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding the transportation mobility options available. The program provides funding for transportation projects that: a) are planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals; b) exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities; c) improve access to fixed route service and decreasing reliance on complementary paratransit; and d) provide alternatives to public transportation.

Section 5310 funds are available for Traditional Capital, Other Capital, and Operating projects that support the delivery of transportation services designed to meet the specific needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Per federal requirements, all projects funded through this funding program must align with the priorities identified in the 2025–2028 Coordinated Plan (www.metro.net/cp), which was adopted by the Metro Board in July 2025.

For detailed information on the policies, procedures, and administrative practices Metro follows to manage the Section 5310 program, please refer to the Program Management Plan and FTA Circular 9070, available in the Resources section below.

Eligible Projects

Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

Traditional Capital Projects:

  • Replacement or expansion of ADA-accessible vehicles
  • Vehicle wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement devices
  • Radios and communication equipment
  • Benches, shelters, and other passenger amenities
  • Schedule and dispatch systems
  • Mobility management initiatives

Other Capital and Operating Projects

  • Accessibility improvements to bus and rail stops
  • Improved signage or wayfinding technology
  • Expansion of paratransit service area or service hours
  • On-demand paratransit service
  • Door-to-door and door-through-door service
  • Volunteer driver programs and mileage reimbursement

Eligible Applicants

Traditional Capital Projects:

  • Private nonprofit 501(c) organizations; or
  • State or local governmental authorities that:
    • Certify that there are no nonprofit organizations readily available in the area to provide the service; or
    • Are approved by the state to coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Other Capital and Operating Projects

  • Private nonprofit 501(c) organizations;
  • State or local governmental authorities; or
  • Operators of public transportation

Past Awards

Resources

Contact Us

If you would like to be added to Metro’s Section 5310 potential applicant list, or if you have general questions about the program, please reach out to us at:

Email: section5310@metro.net

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