The National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Community Rides Grant Program, an annual program designed to strengthen rural transit systems and build local transportation partnerships.
View the official RFP + apply here: Community Rides Grants
Who Can Apply:
Eligible applicants include existing rural transit systems that receive Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding under Section 5311.
Grant Overview:
Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded for initiatives that develop or expand local mobility partnerships. Projects may include new or expanded transit services, technology implementation, volunteer driver coordination, and more. No local match is required.
Projects should aim to improve access to essential services such as employment, healthcare, education, health food, social services, and recreation. Interested applicants are encouraged to use National RTAP’s tools like the Cost Allocation Calculator and RideSheet to support proposals.
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
- Grant Announcements: Mid-October 2025
- Technical Assistance for Project Readiness: November and December 2025
- Project Start Date: January 1, 2026
- Project Completion (end date based on project scope): December 31, 2026
Potential Project May Include:
- New or enhanced routes to improve access to health-supportive destinations
- Volunteer transportation network
- Implementing new technology to improve operations efficiency or trip planning
- Mobility Management outreach and service coordination
*Additional project ideas can be found on the RFP
Please Note: Non-selected projects will be eligible to receive project readiness technical assistance and partnership support.
Other Helpful Links:
Webinar 1– Program Overview and Transportation Partnership Examples
Webinar 2 – Performance Measures, National RTAP Cost Allocation Calculator Overview, and Application Portal Overview
Need Assistance or Have Questions? Email National RTAP