National RTAP Tribal Transit Program

TRIBAL TRANSIT

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This lists technical assistance and training resources geared to Tribal Transit managers, staff, and riders.

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Tribal Transit Peer Forum

This private Forum is a place for sharing questions and information. National RTAP staff monitor the forum and help provide answers not fully addressed by peers.

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Tribal Transit Awards

The awards were presented at our 2023 and 2019 Conferences to honor outstanding tribal transit agencies and staff.

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Tribal Transit Events

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National RTAP Tribal & Rural Transit Mini-Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico


The 2025 National RTAP Tribal & Rural Transit Mini-Conference  was held on June 24-26, 2025 in Santa Fe, NM. See the Conference Flyer for information about the National RTAP Rural and Tribal Transit Mini-Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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Tribal Scholarships


We provided scholarships to several tribal transit agencies for our Conference in Myrtle Beach, December 3-6, 2023.

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National Transportation in Indian Country Conference


Choctaw, OK, August 25-29, 2024

National RTAP organized the transit sessions

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About the FTA Tribal Transit Program

The Federal Transit Administration’s Public Transportation on Indian Reservation Roads program, or Tribal Transit Program (TTP), provides funding to federally recognized tribes for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural tribal communities. 

History

Originally established as a discretionary funding program by SAFETEA-LU in 2006, the TTP was revised in 2012 under MAP-21 to include both a discretionary and a formula component. Formula funds were allocated to eligible tribes for the first time in federal FY 2013, in accordance with a formula outlined in MAP-21 and after consultation with Indian tribes.

Current Program

The FAST Act (December 4, 2015) authorized funding for the Tribal Transit Program for FY 2016-2021 as a set-aside from the Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311) program, with $30 million formula program and a $5 million competitive grant program. A 10% local match was required under the competitive program, however, there was no local match required under the formula program.


The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as enacted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, authorizes funding for the TTP for FY 2022-2026. The TTP continues to be a set-aside from the Section 5311 program. For FY 2022, the funding consists of a $35 million formula program and a $9 million competitive grant program, subject to appropriations. The funding is set to increase incrementally over four years.

For more information about the TTP, including formula funding allocations, discretionary projects awarded, and training materials, visit FTA's Tribal Transit Program page.


On October 1, 2020, a new Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program (TTSGP) final rule became effective, providing federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations with greater control, flexibility, and decision-making authority over federal funds used to carry out tribal transportation programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSAs) in tribal communities. The TTSGP also affords Tribes and Tribal organizations with specific rights and federal resources to implement and support their Self-Governance programs. To learn more, visit the U.S. DOT Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program page.

FTA Regional Tribal Liaisons

Each FTA Region has one or more FTA Tribal Liaisons.  They are available to assist Tribal FTA grant recipients.


Updated June 30, 2025