FTA Section 5311 Eligible Software for Rural Transit Agencies

ByKevin VanDriel

Rural transit agencies across the United States face a persistent challenge: limited budgets with growing expectations for digital services. Riders increasingly expect the same trip-planning tools available in major metropolitan areas, but smaller agencies often lack the resources to build custom technology solutions.

The good news: FTA Section 5311 formula grants can cover technology expenses, including transit planning software. This article explains how Section 5311 works, what qualifies as an eligible expense, and how agencies can use these funds to add professional route planning to their websites.

What Is FTA Section 5311?

Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act provides formula funding to states for the purpose of supporting public transportation in rural areas (populations under 50,000). The program is administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and distributed to states based on rural population and land area. States then sub-allocate funds to local transit providers through a competitive or formula-based process.

The program supports both capital expenses (vehicles, facilities, equipment) and operating expenses (fuel, driver wages, maintenance). Critically for our purposes, it also covers planning and technical assistance, which includes technology systems that improve transit service delivery.

Technology as an Eligible Expense

FTA Circular 9040.1G, which governs the Section 5311 program, explicitly includes technology improvements as eligible capital expenses. Software systems that improve transit operations, passenger information, or service planning qualify under this provision. Examples include:

  • Passenger information systems — real-time arrival displays, trip planners, service alerts
  • Scheduling and dispatch software — CAD/AVL systems, route optimization
  • Website and digital services — online trip planning, mobile apps, ADA-accessible interfaces
  • Communication systems — two-way radios, cellular-based tracking

The key requirement is that the technology must directly support transit service delivery or improve the passenger experience. A route planning tool on your agency website clearly fits this criterion — it helps riders plan trips using your transit system, reducing barriers to ridership.

Federal Match Rates

Section 5311 provides an 80% federal / 20% local match for capital expenses (including technology). For a $49/year transit route planning subscription, the federal share would cover approximately $39, leaving just $10 in local matching funds. Even the Agency tier at $299/year requires only about $60 in local match. For most agencies, this is a negligible expense that delivers significant passenger-facing value.

How to Include Technology in Your Grant Application

When preparing your Section 5311 application (typically submitted to your state DOT or designated recipient), include technology costs under the capital budget category. Here are some tips:

  1. Identify the specific technology: Name the software (e.g., “Transit Route Planner by Vandromeda”) and describe its function (online trip planning for agency website).
  2. Document the need: Explain why riders need this tool. Reference passenger surveys, ridership data, or peer agency comparisons showing that online trip planning increases ridership.
  3. Provide cost estimates: Include the annual subscription cost and note the federal/local match split.
  4. Show the benefit: Explain how the tool improves service accessibility — riders can plan trips 24/7 from any device without calling your office.
  5. Reference FTA guidance: Cite FTA Circular 9040.1G and the eligible capital expense categories for technology systems.

Transit Route Planner: Built for Rural Agencies

Transit Route Planner is a WordPress plugin designed specifically for transit agencies. It integrates directly with Google Maps to provide real-time route planning with transit schedules, walking directions to stops, and transfer information. Key features that make it ideal for Section 5311 agencies:

  • Affordable: Pro plans start at $49/year — well within typical technology budgets
  • No development required: Install a WordPress plugin and add a shortcode. No custom coding or IT staff needed.
  • Configurable service area: Restrict route suggestions to your coverage zone so riders only see locations they can reach
  • Secure: API keys are handled server-side, protecting your agency from unauthorized usage
  • Free tier available: Test with 10 routes/day before committing to a purchase

For agencies applying for Section 5311 funds, we can provide product documentation and pricing details formatted for grant applications. Contact us at info@vandromeda.com for assistance.

Summary

FTA Section 5311 is one of the most accessible funding sources for rural transit technology. Software that helps passengers plan trips on your system qualifies as a capital expense with an 80% federal match rate. For agencies running WordPress websites, Transit Route Planner offers a low-cost, grant-eligible way to bring professional route planning to your riders.

Learn more at vandromeda.com/transit-route-planner or read our complete documentation.