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.
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
