Title
FY2026 Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization Federal Transit Administration 5303 Grant Application
Action
ACTION:
1) Approve the application for the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5303 Grant application for Fiscal Year 2026 in Mecklenburg County Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services in the amount of $81,840
Staff Contact: Kimberly Henderson, Director, Child, Family and Adult Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Mecklenburg County Department of Child, Family, & Adult Services (CFAS) would like to submit an FTA 5303 grant application to fund a feasibility study as to whether Microtransit services could be integrated into existing transit operations. The FTA 5303 grant, administered through CRTPO, provides funding for multimodal transportation planning in metropolitan areas that can reflect transportation priorities. Microtransit has been shown to provide convenient and accessible transportation options to vulnerable populations that have a variety of mobility needs.
Microtransit is an on-demand system that uses smaller vehicles, such as minivans, and works similar to the ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft. This transportation model allows for customers to plan trips around their own schedules and has been shown to have a positive environmental impact by reducing congestion and emissions.
The grant proposal would fund a feasibility study to determine if Microtransit services would integrate into or possibly replace some services provided through the Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS). The study would incorporate the following components:
• Public and stakeholder engagement and surveys
• Capital needs analysis and potential sustainable funding sources
• Recommendations for service options including but not limited to assisting with Veteran’s services and food insecurity
• Mapping of current Microtransit services being provided in the region and any potential partnering opportunities
• Guidance for any recommended integration of services
The grant application will be for a total cost of $81,840 which is comprised of $66,000 in Federal funds and $15,840 in matching local funds as required by the grant. The $66,000 in Federal funding will fund the cost of the feasibility study and training and travel expenses for MTS staff to explore Microtransit options and best practices. The $15,840 for the required match which will be provided utilizing in-kind match from existing staff time and the corresponding salary and benefit costs.
The staff time utilized for match will be used to provide project management needed including working with procurement to conduct the Request for Proposal process, provide oversight for the project including coordinating interagency and external parties’ participation in the study. Staff time will also be utilized for the contract management of the feasibility study including review of invoices and deliverables.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the FY2025 budget because the grant will not begin until July 1, 2025. The costs associated with the grant will be incorporated into the FY2026 budget process.