Metropolitan Transportation Planning (Section 5303)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The purpose of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning is to assist in development of metropolitan transportation improvement programs, long-range transportation plans, and other technical studies in a program for a unified and officially coordinated Metropolitan Transportation system(s) within the state.
This Assistance Listing 20.517 created in August 2025 was included in the previous ALN 20.505, please refer to former ALN 20.505 for FY24 and FY25 financial obligations. The new Assistance Listing 20.517 will be utilized by DOT at the start of FY 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Planning Commission
- Local Government Consortium
Eligible applicants for FTA's Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program include; Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) designated for urbanized areas (UZAs) with populations of 50,000 or more. In addition, State Department of Transportation (State DOTs) which receive the full apportionment then allocate funds to MPOs according to a formula developed in cooperation with the MPOs and approved by the Secretary of Transportation. MPO's are the primary subrecipients responsible for carrying out the planning activities funded under this program. While MPOs do not apply through a competitive process (since this is not a formula grant) they must coordinate with their State DOTs to access and mange the funds.
Beneficiaries
- U.S. Citizen
Apportionments for metropolitan planning are made to the States. Funds for metropolitan planning are distributed by formula to the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) designated for the urbanized areas within each State.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Once the UPWP is approved, the State DOT (or designated recipient) submits a grant application through FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS). The application must include the UPWP, required certifications and assurances.
FTA reviews the application for completeness and compliance. If approved, FTA formally awards the grant through TrAMS and issues an award notification.
After award, the recipient can draw down funds through FTA’s financial management system. This process repeats annually and is coordinated closely between MPOs, State DOTs, and FTA regional offices.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 30 to 60 days
After the UPWP is approved and a grant application is submitted in TrAMS, FTA regional offices generally review and act on the grant within 30 to 45 days, depending on the completeness and follow-up that may be needed,
Program details & compliance
Description
Metropolitan Transportation Planning Program provides formula funding to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to support comprehensive, cooperative, and continuous transportation planning in urbanized areas. The program ensures that transportation investment decisions are guided by locally developed long-range plans and short-term priorities that reflect community needs and federal policy goals.
Section 5303 funds help MPOs develop and update the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), conduct performance-based planning, engage the public, and coordinate with local, regional, and state stakeholders.
Mission Categories
Primary: Urban Mass Transit
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Metropolitan Transportation Planning and State and Non-Metropolitan Planning and Research: In metropolitan areas, activities assisted under this section may include preparation of transportation plans including transportation improvement programs and management systems; studies related to transportation management, operations, capital requirements, economic feasibility, performance-based planning, public transportation agency safety plans, transit asset management plans, evaluation of previously funded capital projects; and other related activities in preparation for the construction, acquisition, or improved operation of transportation systems, facilities, and equipment, public participation in transportation planning, security and emergency transportation planning. In nonurbanized areas of the state, eligible activities include planning, and technical studies and assistance. A State may authorize the use of a portion of these funds to supplement and administer Metropolitan Planning.
Restrictions
On a case-by-case basis, costs are evaluated when it is necessary, reasonable, documented, approved in the work plans.
Required Documentation
Federal Register Notice, "FTA Fiscal Year 2025 Apportionments, Allocations, and Program Information", published at Table 2. FY 2025 Section 5303 and 5304 Statewide and Metropolitan Planning Apportionments (Full Year) | FTA
It contains the state-by-state program apportionment for both Metropolitan Transportation Planning and State and Non-Metropolitan Planning and Research. For other fiscal years, contact the FTA Regional Office or refer to the FTA website at https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/apportionments/archived-apportionments. 2 CFR 400 Subpart E: Cost Principles applies to these programs. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Matching Requirements
Matching Requirements: Percent: The matching requirements vary. Funds obligated for State or metropolitan planning are granted an 80 percent federal, 20 percent local ratio. In addition, funds can be transferred from the Federal Highway Administration to form Consolidated Planning Grants which permit a higher Federal match for Metropolitan funds.
Matching requirements are mandatory.
MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
Statutory References: 49 U.S.C. §§ 5303-5305, IIJA §§ 30002-30004