FTA Seeks Public Comment on Continued Transportation Program Data Collection

You might care about this because the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is asking for public comments. They want to continue collecting information for two important transportation programs. One program, Section 5310, helps seniors and people with disabilities get around. It funds things like buses and vans and sometimes covers operating costs to make transportation more available. This program also supports a pilot initiative called ICAM, which improves how transportation and non-emergency medical services work together. The other program, Section 5311, helps rural areas with public transportation. It provides money for capital, planning, and day-to-day operations in places with fewer than 50,000 people. This includes a program to assist with training for rural transit and a specific program for federally recognized Indian Tribes. Both programs help expand access to transportation for specific groups and in rural communities. The FTA wants to extend their current information collection for these programs without making any changes. This is a standard process required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Your comments on this request are due by May 26, 2026. This notice is interesting because it shows the Federal Transit Administration's ongoing commitment to ensuring transportation access for vulnerable populations and those in rural areas. The request to extend information collection for programs like Section 5310 and Section 5311 is not about creating new rules. Instead, it is about keeping current data collection efforts in place. This helps the FTA measure how well these programs are working. It also helps them ensure that federal money is used effectively to provide crucial services. The Paperwork Reduction Act requires government agencies to regularly review how they collect information from the public. This process makes sure that the information collected is truly needed and that the burden on those providing it is as low as possible. So, this notice tells us that the FTA is continuing its work to make sure these transportation programs meet their goals and serve the communities that depend on them. It is part of the regular administrative procedures that keep federal programs running smoothly. People who would be most interested in this document include state transportation departments and local government bodies. Private non-profit organizations that offer transportation services to seniors or people with disabilities should also pay attention. Federally recognized Indian Tribes that operate or wish to operate public transportation services will find this relevant. Anyone who manages or receives funds from the Section 5310 or Section 5311 programs should review this notice. Additionally, individuals who use these transportation services may want to be aware of the ongoing support for them. Lastly, groups or individuals interested in government transparency and how federal agencies manage data collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act would find this notice of interest.