Urban Bus Rapid Transit and High-Frequency Service Operating Pilot Grant
This is a competitive one-time grant for operating expenses arising from Bus Rapid Transit and High-Frequency Bus Service Pilot projects in Greater Minnesota. The pilot projects will enhance regional transit connectivity, increase accessibility, and support sustainable transportation options. Proposals must emphasize existing partnerships, utilization of current infrastructure, completed planning, and/or address documented service benefits of high-frequency bus service.
How it works
MnDOT will fund up to $4 million for one or more Bus Rapid Transit projects and up to $250,000 for one or more High-Frequency Route pilots. These are one-time grants that must be spent in 2026 and 2027 on operating expenses.
Eligibility
Any Greater Minnesota Urban Transit Systems that received operating funds from MnDOT in 2025 are eligible for this 2026-2027 grant.
Timeline
- May 1, 2025: Application period opens
- May 15, 2025: Application guidance webinar
- June 30, 2025: Applications deadline
- Fall 2025: Operating awards announced
Before you apply
This is a competitive grant application requiring a complete application, which must include the following:
- Your completed application Word document
- All supporting documentation, including all of the following:
- A project map
- Partnership documentation
- Documentation of planning
- Documentation of accessibility impact
- Documentation of acquisition or deployment of low-emission vehicles
Application process
Step 1
Log into the BlackCat grant application program with your assigned username and password. If you need access to BlackCat, email Voni Vegar for a username and password.
Step 2
Choose "2026-2027 Urban Bus Rapid Transit & High Frequency Bus Service" from the New Opportunities section.
Step 3
Follow the instructions to complete your application in BlackCat.
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.
Reporting requirements
If awarded funds, an organization will have reporting requirements including but not limited to the following:
- A monthly operating budget report
- A monthly ridership report for service level and passenger statistics
- Annual Vehicle Statistics Report (VSR)
- A monthly in-person or remote meetings with your OTAT project manager to review actual vs projected operational metrics for ridership, costs, and on-time performance.
Reports will be completed in the BlackCat Transit Data Management System and submitted within 30 days after the month of reporting. Work with your transit program manager to complete these reports.