Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Eligible applicants include:

• Private nonprofit organizations
• State or local government authorities
• Operators of public transportation

All projects must serve the Madison Urban Area.

Note: Private operators of public transportation are also eligible. The FTA defines "public transportation" to include shared-ride surface transportation services. This means that private taxi companies offering shared-ride service to the general public on a regular basis may qualify as eligible recipients.

“Shared-ride” refers to service where two or more passengers travel in the same vehicle but are not otherwise traveling together. Like general public or ADA demand-response service, not every trip must be shared—but the overall service must regularly include shared rides to meet the definition.

Traditional Section 5310 Project Examples

• Buses and vans
• Wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement devices
• Transit-related information technology systems, such as scheduling, routing, or one-call systems
• Mobility management programs
• Acquisition of transportation services under a contract, lease, or other arrangement

Nontraditional Section 5310 Project Examples

• Travel training
• Volunteer driver programs
• Building accessible paths to bus stops, such as curb cuts, sidewalks, and pedestrian signals
• Improving signage or wayfinding technology
• Covering the incremental cost of providing same-day or door-to-door service
• Purchasing vehicles for new accessible taxi, ridesharing, or vanpooling programs
• Mobility management programs

• Local Funding Match: A minimum local share of 20% is required for capital projects and mobility management programs, and 50% for operating projects.
• Program Compliance: Recipients must follow the guidelines outlined in the Section 5310 Program Management and Recipient Coordination Plan
• Plan Alignment: All projects must be consistent with the goals and strategies in the MPO’s Coordinated Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Plan

The Greater Madison MPO has transitioned to an electronic Transportation Improvement Program (eTIP) to improve accessibility. Beginning in May 2026, all funding applications—including applications for Calendar Year (CY) 2027 funding—must be submitted through the new platform.

To apply, project sponsors will first need to request a login account. Follow the System Access Instructions to create your login credentials and set up your account. During Step 3, select the "CY 2027 Section 5310 Program" Plan Cycle.

If you plan to apply for CY 2027 funding, please complete this process by June 26, 2026. Once you're registered, we'll contact you to schedule a training session on the new platform.

For step-by-step instructions on completing an application—including instructions for users who have already set up an eTIP account—see the Application Instructions Guide.

Application Instructions Guide

Need Help?

If you have questions about the application process or account setup instructions, please email MPO Transportation Planner Ben Lyman.

Email Ben

• Joint Presentation with Metro Transit — Outlines the application process, project selection/scoring criteria, and ongoing reporting requirements
• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Report Certification 
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Certifications and Assurances Document