FTA Section 5310 Resource Hub

Section 5310 Overview

The Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Program—Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities—provides funding to improve transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities. This program supports services that go beyond traditional public transit, helping communities enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life. Detailed guidance on the Section 5310 program is available from the Federal Transit Administration and in FTA Circular 9070:

• FTA Section 5310 website
• Circular 9070 Video Session 1 – Circular and Program Overview
• Circular 9070 Video Session 2 – Program Management and Administration

Section 5310 and Coordination

Section 5310 grantees have flexibility in how they use funds to support the older adults and individuals with disabilities in their communities. However, all funded projects must be included in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan.  Additionally, projects must be shaped through a public participation process that involves older adults, people with disabilities and other community stakeholders. This ensures that services are responsive to local needs and priorities. Tools and resources are available to support agencies in gathering meaningful community input:

• NADTC’s Community Engagement Toolkit – a step-by-step tool to help guide inclusive planning and outreach efforts.
• NADTC’s Coordination Initiative webpage – tools and resources to support transportation coordination activities
• CCAM Technical Assistance Center – discover resources that promote and facilitate cross-sector coordination that advances people’s access to everyday destinations.
• National RTAP Coordination and Mobility Management webpage – mobility management resources for coordination between 5310 and 5311 programs
• Empowering Mobility Together: Section 5310 Webinars and Online Forum – Two webinars and an online forum were held to discuss how to conceptualize, plan and sustain a 5310 program. Watch recordings of the video and read a summary of the forum discussion.

Projects Eligible for Section 5310 Funds

Section 5310 funds can support a wide range of projects that respond to the needs in your community. In addition to purchasing vehicles, agencies can support such as volunteer driver programs, mobility management, travel training and outreach and education to raise awareness of the transportation options available. These initiatives help reduce barriers, promote independence, and expand access to essential services.

To gain a better understanding of the types of programs and services that can be funded with Section 5310 and the application process, the following resources highlight unique and successful 5310 programs.

• 2023 FTA Section 5310 Profiles – These profiles showcase innovative, non-traditional uses of 5310 funding, such as volunteer transportation, mobility management, and partnerships, that improve mobility, access, and quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities.
• FTA Section 5310 Application Process – A Case Study – This case study from Minnesota describes the application process for FTA Section 5310, starting with how MnDOT, a direct recipient, administers its program followed by the application process for a MnDOT subrecipient, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission.
• 2021 FTA Section 5310 Compendium – This collection of informational briefs highlights various uses of FTA Section 5310 funding and includes topics such as ADA requirements, Area Agencies on Aging, mobility management, travel training, volunteer driver programs and Cycling Without Age.

Whether you currently receive—or are considering applying for—Section 5310 funding, the resources on this page offer valuable information and guidance on how 5310 funding can be an integral part of supporting older adults and people with disabilities in your community. To learn more about the 5310 program in your state, visit National RTAP’s list of 5310 Program websites.