Vehicle replacement grant - small urban
The purpose of the Small Urban Public Transit Vehicle Replacement Grant Application is to assist in financing the replacement of public transit vehicles that are utilized in the operations of public transit services in Greater Minnesota. This program is for 2027 small urban vehicle replacements.
This grant opportunity includes both State of Minnesota and Federal Transit Administration funds that are administered by the MnDOT. As part of the Public Transit Participation Program, this application represents an opportunity to apply for funding that may include but are not limited to the following types of federal funds, Bus and Bus Facilities (Section 5339), Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and State of Minnesota funding, and other federal discretionary opportunities.
The estimated annual vehicle replacement target for calendar year 2027 for Small Urban is $5.5 million.
Eligibility
If you were eligible to apply for this grant in 2024, you are eligible to apply for the 2027 Small Urban Public Transit Capital Replacement Vehicle Grant Program.
Timeline
- May 1, 2025: Application period opens
- May 7, 2025: Application guidance webinar
- June 30, 2025: Applications deadline
- Early 2026: 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 2027: Small Urban Vehicle Replacement Grant (2025 Solicitation)
Step 2: Complete the required application forms
- Download, complete, and upload all the required forms to your application in BlackCat.
Step 3: Submit
- Check the necessary boxes in the application, then choose the submit button by June 30, 2025.
Step 4: Notify
- Email your project manager and copy Gary Taft to notify them that you have completed the 2027 vehicle replacement application.
Guidance
We'll hold one webinar at 1 p.m. on May 7, 2025, to go over the application requirements and demonstrate how the forms work. We'll email you an invitation to our webinar.
After you apply
All revenue vehicles in the State of Minnesota utilized by the small urban transit systems will be prioritized and ranked for replacement consideration based on age and miles by our transit asset management coordinator.
Notification
Award notifications will be sent in the first quarter of 2026.