Strategic Partnerships Transit
Can you apply?
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, including regional and interregional public transit planning.
Primary applicants: MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) and RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies). RTPAs in rural areas may apply for minimum $75,000; MPOs minimum $100,000.
Sub-applicants eligible: Transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, nonprofits (501c3), and other public entities.
Local match required: 11.47% minimum in cash or in-kind contribution. Staff time from the primary applicant counts as cash match.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, including regional and interregional public transit planning.
Primary applicants: MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) and RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies). RTPAs in rural areas may apply for minimum $75,000; MPOs minimum $100,000.
Sub-applicants eligible: Transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, nonprofits (501c3), and other public entities.
Local match required: 11.47% minimum in cash or in-kind contribution. Staff time from the primary applicant counts as cash match.
Program description
Strategic Partnerships Grants are available on an annual basis and through a competitive application process. Grants are for multimodal transportation planning activities such as planning for regional and interregional public transit. The annual call-for-applications is posted on the grants website, which is advertised by Caltrans through various grant workshops for interested applicants. Grant applicants receive an award or non-award email notification in late spring/early summer. A list of award and non-awarded grants is posted to the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program website. Grant Budget: Federal funds, approximately $3 million total Grant Minimum:$75,000 for rural RTPAs; $100,000 for MPOs Grant Maximum:$500,000 Who May Apply:The following are eligible to apply as a primary applicant: MPOs and RTPAs The following are eligible to apply as a sub-applicant: MPOs/RTPAs; Transit Agencies; Universities and Community Colleges; Native American Tribal Governments; Cities and Counties ; Community-Based Organizations; Non-Profit Organizations (501.C.3); Other Public Entities Local Match:11.47% minimum (in cash or an in-kind* contribution). The entire minimum 11.47% local match may be in the form of an eligible in-kind contribution. Staff time from the primary applicant counts as cash match
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, including regional and interregional public transit planning.
Primary applicants: MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) and RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies). RTPAs in rural areas may apply for minimum $75,000; MPOs minimum $100,000.
Sub-applicants eligible: Transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, nonprofits (501c3), and other public entities.
Local match required: 11.47% minimum in cash or in-kind contribution. Staff time from the primary applicant counts as cash match.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Program contact
- 📧 Regional.Planning.Grants@dot.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-261-3326
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 6 | 6 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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