Federal Transit Programs for Seniors and Rural Areas: Your Input Needed

You might care about this because the Federal Transit Administration, or FTA, is asking for public comments on important information collection rules for two major transportation programs. These programs help people get around, especially seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those living in rural areas. This notice is part of a process required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The FTA needs to collect information to run these programs. They want to make sure the information collection is necessary and not too much of a burden. The first program is the Capital Assistance Program for Elderly Persons and Persons With Disabilities, also known as Section 5310. This program helps fund transportation projects specifically for seniors and people with disabilities in cities and rural places. It pays for things like buses and vans. It also helps with some operating costs to make transportation easier to access. An offshoot of this program, the Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program, or ICAM, helps projects that improve how transportation and non-emergency medical services work together. This includes technology and "One-Call/One-Click" centers that simplify booking rides. The second program is the Nonurbanized Area Formula Program, or Section 5311. This program provides money for transportation in rural areas, meaning places with fewer than 50,000 people. It helps states, local governments, non-profit groups, and public bodies with capital costs, planning, and day-to-day operations. Part of Section 5311 is the Rural Transit Assistance Program, or RTAP, which offers training and technical help for rural public transportation. There is also the Tribal Transit Program, which provides funding to federally recognized Indian Tribes. Both Section 5310 and Section 5311 aim to make transportation more accessible. Section 5310 focuses on specific groups: seniors and people with disabilities. Section 5311 focuses on the broader public transportation needs in rural communities. The FTA is seeking feedback on how these information collections work. This is your chance to review what information is gathered and how it affects those involved. Comments are due by June 26, 2026. This is an opportunity to directly influence federal regulations that impact transportation services across the country. This document is particularly interesting because it represents a specific step in how federal rules are made and reviewed. The Federal Transit Administration is not proposing new rules here. Instead, it is asking for comments on the paperwork burden of existing programs. This is a chance for the public to directly tell the government if the way they collect information is effective, clear, and not overly burdensome. The government needs to follow the Paperwork Reduction Act. This law makes sure that federal agencies do not ask for too much information. It also makes sure that the information requested is useful. The significance lies in the details of how these programs serve vulnerable populations. The Section 5310 program directly supports transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. The Section 5311 program supports rural communities, where transportation options can be limited. These programs are important for many people who rely on public transit. The notice highlights the ongoing effort to ensure these services run smoothly and efficiently. Your feedback can help streamline reporting requirements. It can also help confirm that the collected data actually helps improve these vital services. This process ensures transparency and public involvement in government operations. It shows how the government tries to balance its need for information with the burden it places on those who provide it. Your voice in this process can help shape how these programs continue to operate. Many groups would be very interested in this Federal Register notice. First, any state or local government agency that operates public transportation services should pay close attention. This includes those that receive funding from Section 5310 or Section 5311 programs. Second, private non-profit organizations that provide transportation for seniors or people with disabilities will find this document highly relevant. These groups often work directly with these federal programs. Third, federally recognized Indian Tribes that use public transportation funding will also be interested. They receive support through the Tribal Transit Program, which is part of Section 5311. Beyond these direct recipients, advocates for seniors and individuals with disabilities will find this important. They can ensure that the administrative requirements of these programs do not create barriers to service. Rural community leaders and planners should also review this. They can make sure that information collection rules do not hinder local transportation development. Researchers studying public policy, transportation, or government efficiency may also be interested. The notice offers insights into how federal agencies manage data and public input. Finally, any member of the public who uses or supports transportation services for these groups should consider commenting. This includes riders, their families, and community volunteers. Your perspective can help shape these important programs.