Transit Operating Grant
We distribute state and federal operations funding to eligible rural, small urban, and tribal transit providers.
How it works
State rules require us to collect and consider specific information to allocate funding and award contracts. The information is needed for funding decisions, required for the Management Plan, and/or used in compliance monitoring and contract awards. The details for each item are included in a table within the instructions as well as the Checklist document.
Eligibility
Existing systems
Transit systems that received the grant in 2025 are eligible for the 2026 grant.
New systems
Your system must provide transit services to the public. Email Noel Shughart to initiate a competitive grant process for your proposed service area.
Timeline
- May 1, 2025: Application period opens
- May 5, 2025: Application guidance webinar
- June 30, 2025: Applications deadline
- Fall 2025: Operating awards announced
Application process
Applications must be completed and submitted online through the BlackCat Transit Data Management System.
Step 1: Start your application
- Log into the BlackCat system.
- Choose Applications.
- Select 2025 Application for 2026 Transit Operating Grant
Step 2: Complete and upload required forms
- Download, complete, and upload all the required forms to your application in BlackCat.
Step 3: Complete and upload checklist
- Check all the boxes on the application checklist and upload it to your application in BlackCat.
Step 4: Submit
- Choose the submit button to submit your application by June 30, 2025.
Guidance
We'll hold one webinar at 1:30 p.m. on May 5, 2025, to go over the application requirements and demonstrate how the forms work. We'll email you an invitation to our webinar.
You can contact your transportation program manager if you need further assistance.
After you apply
- We'll review your application for compliance.
- We'll announce initial allocations in fall 2025.
- We'll email award contracts in fall 2025.
- You'll need to sign your contract and return it to us within 45 days from receipt.
- Funding is available Jan. 1, 2026.
Reporting requirements
If we award you funds, you must submit the following reports:
- Monthly Operating Budget
- Monthly Ridership Statistics (service level and passenger stats)
- Annual Vehicle Statistics Report (VSR)
For the Monthly Operating Budget and the Monthly Ridership Statistics, you'll complete the reports in BlackCat Transit Data Management System and submit them 30 days after the month of reporting. Work with your transportation program manager to complete these reports.