h_e_ _N_a_t_i_o_n_a_l_ _C_e_n_t_e_r_ _f_o_r_ _M_o_b_i_l_i_t_y_ _M_a_n_a_g_e_m_e_n_t_ _(_N_C_M_M_;__w_w_w_._n_a_t_i_o_n_a_l_c_e_n_t_e_r_f_o_r_m_o_b_i_l_i_t_y_m_a_n_a_g_e_m_e_n_t_._o_r_g_)_ _i_s_ _a__n_a_t_i_o_n_a_l_ _t_e_c_h_n_i_c_a_l_ _a_s_s_i_s_t_a_n_c_e_ _c_e_n_t_e_r_ _c_r_e_a_t_e_d_ _t_o__f_a_c_i_l_i_t_a_t_e_ _c_o_m_m_u_n_i_t_i_e_s_ _i_n_ _a_d_o_p_t_i_n_g_ _m_o_b_i_l_i_t_y__m_a_n_a_g_e_m_e_n_t_ _s_t_r_a_t_e_g_i_e_s_._ _T_h_e_ _N_C_M_M_ _i_s_ _f_u_n_d_e_d__t_h_r_o_u_g_h_ _a_ _c_o_o_p_e_r_a_t_i_v_e_ _a_g_r_e_e_m_e_n_t_ _w_i_t_h_ _t_h_e_ _F_e_d_e_r_a_l__T_r_a_n_s_i_t_ _A_d_m_i_n_i_s_t_r_a_t_i_o_n_ _a_n_d_ _i_s_ _o_p_e_r_a_t_e_d_ _t_h_r_o_u_g_h_ _a__c_o_n_s_o_r_t_i_u_m_ _o_f_ _t_h_r_e_e_ _n_a_t_i_o_n_a_l_ _o_r_g_a_n_i_z_a_t_i_o_n_s_ _– _t_h_e__A_m_e_r_i_c_a_n_ _P_u_b_l_i_c_ _T_r_a_n_s_p_o_r_t_a_t_i_o_n_ _A_s_s_o_c_i_a_t_i_o_n_,_ _t_h_e__C_o_m_m_u_n_i_t_y_ _T_r_a_n_s_p_o_r_t_a_t_i_o_n_ _A_s_s_o_c_i_a_t_i_o_n_ _o_f_ _A_m_e_r_i_c_a_,__a_n_d_ _E_a_s_t_e_r_s_e_a_l_s_._ _C_o_n_t_e_n_t_ _i_n_ _t_h_i_s_ _d_o_c_u_m_e_n_t_ _i_s__d_i_s_s_e_m_i_n_a_t_e_d_ _b_y_ _N_C_M_M_ _i_n_ _t_h_e_ _i_n_t_e_r_e_s_t_ _o_f__i_n_f_o_r_m_a_t_i_o_n_ _e_x_c_h_a_n_g_e_._ _N_e_i_t_h_e_r_ _t_h_e_ _N_C_M_M_ _n_o_r_ _t_h_e__U_._S_._ _D_O_T_,_ _F_T_A_ _a_s_s_u_m_e_s_ _l_i_a_b_i_l_i_t_y_ _f_o_r_ _i_t_s_ _c_o_n_t_e_n_t_s_ _o_r__u_s_e_._ _Section 5310 Grant Funding: Connection
with Mobility Management Information

April 2022

The National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM; nc4mm.org) is a national
technical assistance center created to facilitate communities in adopting mobility
management strategies. NCMM is funded through a cooperative agreement with theFederal Transit Administration (FTA) and is operated through a consortium of threenational organizations – the American Public Transportation Association, the Community
Transportation Association of America, and Easterseals, Inc.
This information brief was prepared by NCMM staff, and is disseminated in the interestof information exchange. Neither the NCMM nor the FTA assumes liability for its content
or use. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the authors
and should not be construed as representing the opinions or policy of any agency of thefederal government.
Comments or questions about this document can be addressed to info@nc4mm.org or
866-846-6400.

About this Information Brief
Easterseals, through its work at the National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM),
focuses on building connections across education, human services, and transportation
sectors so that individuals with disabilities can access school, work, health care, and otherinclusive community settings. In this work, NCMM has researched, and sourced national
examples to identify programs using FTA Section 5310 funding that demonstratequalifying mobility management activities performed by various agencies around an area
defined as a state. This document will review the language used in 5310 that outlines theeligible programs and projects needed to coordinate a mobility network and enhance theoptions available within their state or local communities. This guide will highlight a diverse
range of examples and is intended to be utilized by organizations and agencies as a tool
to implement similar models in their regions.
For questions about this product, please contact Enjoli Dixon at edixon@easterseals.com
at Easterseals.

Acknowledgments
NCMM would like to thank the following states for their contributions to this product. They
provided key insights, information, resources, and time to ensure this report accuratelyreflects the fundamental aspects of each example highlighted in this brief:

•
•
•
•
•

National Aging and Disability Transportation
CenterEasterseals
State of Oregon
State of Massachusetts
City of Phoenix
GoRaleigh, Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina•••

Wisconsin DOT
Arizona DOT
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

•

1

I.

Overview of FTA Section 5310

The FTA Section 5310 program (49 U.S.C. 5310) provides formula funding grants for theenhancement of mobility options for older adults and people with disabilities, these funds
are allocated based upon population of the state or region. Funding is awarded to the state
Department of Transportation to assist local government, private non-profit organizations,
and/or public transportation authorities to provide transportation services in small urban
and rural areas throughout the state. Section 5310 funding can also be awarded todesignated direct recipients who operate in urbanized areas with a population over
200,000, to provide ADA Complementary Paratransit. Entities can apply for funding which
may include one of the following selection processes; formula-based, competitive, or
discretionary and used for daily operations or capital expenses. The goal of the 5310
program is to provide better mobility and expand service options for older adults andindividuals with disabilities.

Mobility Management Under Formula 5310 Grant
The formula 5310 grant funds are divided into two project categories: Traditional and Nontraditional. Project examples include but are not limited to; Traditional or capital expenses
like vehicles (buses and vans), transit technology (tablets, cameras, or payment systems),
and mobility management programs. Non-traditional expenses, such as ADA andpedestrian accommodations, door-to-door service, and mobility management.
Mobility Management activities are an eligible capital expense under most U.S.
Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs (49
U.S.C. 5307, 5310, 5311, 5318, and Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act Section
3006(b)). Entities are required to provide a 20 percent local match (with the option to use
alternative funding or service contracts as a match), where FTA provides the remaining 80
percent.
“Federal Transit Law (49 U.S. Code § 5302) defines mobility management as a capital project
consisting of short-range planning and management activities and projects for improving
coordination among public transportation and other transportation service providers carriedout by a recipient or subrecipient through an agreement entered into with a person, including
a governmental entity, under this chapter (other than section 5309); but excluding operating
public transportation services.”

II. Method and Response
We developed a survey (Appendix) targeted at state Departments of Transportation, stateagencies, and regional commissions/councils to gather information about 1) the 5310application process, specifically the language and resources regarding mobility
2management; and 2) the mobility management activities in progress. We used a variety ofoutreach methods to obtain feedback, reaching out to each state agency and associations
to complete and aid in distributing the survey.
Response to the online survey was moderate, however, provided a wealth of information
to help us evaluate and determine the following: language used in applications, mobility
management education and resource, and true activities in progress. We gathered ageographically diverse set of respondents from both state agencies, planning
organizations, transit associations and nonprofits. Overall, the content in this information
brief was developed based on seven transit programs out of approximately one hundredthat completed the survey.

III. Example of Mobility Management Programs or Projects
1) State of Oregon

The state of Oregon’s public transportation program focuses on three pillars: mobility,
economy, and environment. Their goal of public transportation goes beyond moving
people, and that it connects its citizens and communities around the state. Due to thestates’ emphasis on a diverse network of mobility options, employers strive to place theirbusinesses in areas with easy access to public transportation. Likewise, users are choosing
to live near public transportation hubs, and have saved an average of $8,000 annually,
which has doubled the states ridership since the 1990’s. Oregon’s public transportation
system also includes Amtrak, a commuter rail system that connects riders to bus service ateach station, except for one. Without this consolidation of mobility hubs, travelers would
not be able to connect their first mile or continue the last mile of their trip. The uniquenessof their transit system allows riders to bring personal bikes on the train or bus, thisenhances the flexibility of mobility options that completes the riders’ first and last mile oftheir trip.
Section B: Mobility Management Project (Oregon 5310 Guidance-Application-Instructions)
Mobility management is an innovative approach for managing and delivering coordinatedtransportation services to customers, including older adults, people with disabilities, andindividuals with lower incomes. Mobility management focuses on meeting individual customer
needs through a wide range of transportation options and service providers. It also focuses on
coordinating these services and providers to achieve a more efficient transportation service
delivery system. Per FTA guidance, mobility management activities eligible for funding
include:•Operating transportation brokerages to coordinate service providers, funding
resources, and customer needs.
3

•
•
•
•
•
•

Coordinating transportation services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, andindividuals with low incomes;
Supporting local partnerships that coordinate transportation services;
Staffing for the development and implementation of coordination plans;
Providing travel training and trip planning activities for customers;
Developing and operating traveler call centers to coordinate travel information,
manage eligibility requirements, and arrange customer travel;
Planning and implementing the acquisition and purchase of intelligent transportation
technologies (under $5,000) to operate a coordinated system. Note that equipment
over 5,000, in total, is considered a capital asset, so any equipment purchase over thatamount should be entered as a capital purchase project.”4

Program Example:
Basin Transit Service located in Klamath Falls, Oregon, provides a variety of services thatare supported by FTA Section 5310 funding for Mobility Management. Their Veterans on
The Go program offers a zero-cost fixed route and ADA complementary paratransit
services to veterans though a partnership with Oregon DOT and the Klamath County
Veterans Services Office.
Another unique program is,
Meet the Bus! This freeeducational program teaches
kids, ages preschool throughhigh school, about the benefitsof public transportation, theyalso teach kids how to use
public transportation and how
to safely ride the bus. Basin
Transit Service also offers aTravel Training program for allusers, which teaches individuals
to how to ride the bus, properly
read a transit route map,
identifying bus stop signage,and how to transfer at bus
stops.
Figure 1 – Klamath Falls, Oregon; Map provided by Google
Program reference links:
Oregon 5310 Program
https://www.basintransit.com/mobility-management

2) State of Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts is working to make strides to create better connectivity
between transportation services across the state. Massachusetts residents, especiallyolder adults, people with disabilities, and those with lower income need reliable,
affordable transportation options to access healthcare, jobs, education, nutrition, andrecreational and social activities. A top of social determinant of health is transportation;lack of access, long distances, and time to reach the services needed. Transportation
eliminates a large obstacle, resulting in a more positive and healthier lifestyle allowing a5person to be independent and receive services needed. Transit authorities,municipalities, and nonprofits interested in expanding mobility in Massachusetts canapply to MassDOT’s annual Community Transit Grant Program to access state and federal
funds.

State of Massachusetts 5310 Guidance-Application-Instructions, Page 2: Mobility
Management

Program Examples in Massachusetts:
Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) - Merrimack Valley Regional
Transit Authority (MVRTA) applied for funding to produce a transit rider video that wasadvertised on the local community access television station. Each travel training video
highlights a variety of steps in process for riders to follow; etiquette, schedules, onboarding and off-boarding, and accessibility. Access travel training videos at the link
below.

6

Blue Hills Community Health Alliance – “The Blue Hills Community Health Alliance is theCommunity Health Network Area (CHNA)8 serving Quincy and 12 other South Shore
communities. In 2018, noting that lack of access to transportation had emerged as a barrier inthe most recent round of hospital Community Health Improvement Plans – and recognizing
the role transportation plays as a social determinant of health – the CHNA’s steeringcommittee decided it wanted to pursue an action-oriented transportation project. CHNA staff
ascertained that their region did not have a Regional Coordinating Council (RCC)9 on
Community Transportation, and so in early 2019, they established one for their region to bringcommunity organizations together to discuss transportation challenges and opportunities andcollaborate on improving mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and othercommunity members. The CHNA sees itself as a convener, but also wanted the meetings to beaction-oriented, so they developed a workplan. They would start by conducting a needs
assessment looking at transportation barriers in the region, then develop an action plan toaddress those barriers, pilot implementation in a few communities, and finally expand theirprogramming throughout the region. They applied for and received a Community Transit
Grant to fund some of their time convening partners and working on the workplan. Engaging
the community – both organizational partners and riders – was an important component of
the CHNA’s planning process. They began with one-on-one conversations with agency
partners to learn about transportation barriers their clients were facing. These conversations
also offered the CHNA a chance to learn about and align with any related initiatives agency
partners were already working on, as well as to build the trust and credibility that allowed the
project to progress. The CHNA also interacted directly with community residents throughattending public events, such as the Quincy Moon Festival, where they engaged residents ininteractive activities such as having community members choose between wooden chips witha sad face, indifferent face, or happy face to rank their experience with different modes oftravel. The CHNA also included more formal engagement in their needs assessment throughcommunity forums and resident focus groups, which were organized through the CHNA’s
partnerships with community agencies. Once the action plan was drafted, they returned to thecommunity to see what resonated and gather residents’ reactions.”
CrossTown Connect (Town of Action) – “Funding for Crosstown Connect shared dispatch
for three member communities, which includes a “concierge” element that will close the gap inaccess to ride-hailing and micro-transit based on variation in riders’ cell phone
experience/abilities.”
Town of Lexington – “Funding for the creation of educational materials about how to ride
Lexpress and an actionable plan and timeline for area towns to work towards regionalizing
transportation services.”
Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, Planning Studies -The MontachusettEnterprise Commission, serving as the non-profit affiliate and fiscal agent for theMontachusett Regional Planning Commission, received funds through the Community7

Transit Grant Program for two planning studies. The first was to study the feasibility of –and develop an implementation plan for – a volunteer driver program serving older adults
and people with disabilities residing in Winchendon and its surrounding communities. The
second was to convene a steering committee that will evaluate other community ride
connector programs and design a similar program serving the Greater Gardner community.
Greater Attleboro and Taunton Regional Transit Authority, RideMatch - RideMatch is a
one-stop searchable directory of public, private, and accessible transportation options in
Massachusetts. The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA)
developed a detailed directory of transportation options that would enhance customer
service by connecting people with a diverse pool of mobility options and the resources on
how to use the services. By forming a range of partnerships with multiple agencies andorganizations as well as local taxi operators, private, public, non-profit, and communitybased organizations GATRA developed the Ride Match online database.
Program reference links:
MassDOT 5310 Program
https://www.mvrta.com/how-to-ride/
https://www.crosstownconnect.org/
Lexpress Travel Training Video
RideMatch

Figure 2 – Boston, Massachusetts; Map provided by Google
83) State of Arizona
The state of Arizona has defined fourteen coordination plans and mobility manager
contacts based in regional coordinating agencies around the state. Arizona is unique dueto the states blended land mass of urban and desert rural. Therefore, maintaining a solidtransportation framework that can manage diverse mobility options around this state isvital. Another key factor that is different from other states is the diverse ridership pool,
specifically a variety of languages, large senior populations, and rural tribal areas. Arizonarecognizes that new approaches for creating innovative mobility options are necessary toprovide better and efficient transportation service.
City of Phoenix, Public Transit Department’s Program Management Plan, Mobility
Management Application Language:“Support for mobility management and coordination programs among public transportation
providers and other human service agencies providing transportation. Mobility management
is an eligible capital cost. Mobility management techniques may enhance transportation
access for populations beyond those served by one agency or organization within acommunity. For example, a nonprofit agency could receive Section 5310 funding to support
the administrative costs of sharing services it provides to its own clientele with other seniors
and/or individuals with disabilities and coordinate usage of vehicles with other nonprofits, but
not the operating costs of service. Mobility management is intended to build coordination
among existing public transportation providers and other transportation service providers withthe result of expanding the availability of service. Mobility management activities may include:
•

•
•
•
•

•

The promotion, enhancement, and facilitation of access to transportation services,
including the integration and coordination of services for individuals with disabilities,
seniors, and low-income individuals;
Support for short-term management activities to plan and implement coordinatedservices;
The support of state and local coordination policy bodies and councils;
The operation of transportation brokerages to coordinate providers, funding agencies,
and passengers;
The provision of coordination services, including employer-oriented transportation
management organizations’ and human service organizations’ customer-oriented
travel navigator systems and neighborhood travel coordination activities such as
coordinating individualized travel training and trip planning activities for customers;
The development and operation of one-stop transportation traveler call centers tocoordinate transportation information on all travel modes and to manage eligibility
requirements and arrangements for customers among supporting programs; and9•Operational planning for the acquisition of intelligent transportation technologies tohelp plan and operate coordinated systems inclusive of geographic information
systems (GIS) mapping, global positioning system technology, coordinated vehicle
scheduling, dispatching, and monitoring technologies, as well as technologies to track
costs and billing in a coordinated system, and single smart customer payment systems.
(Acquisition of technology is also eligible as a standalone capital expense).”Examples of programs in the Western Arizona Council of Governments Communities:
Quartzsite Camel Express - The Town of Quartzsite operates the rural public transit
service called Quartzsite Camel Express. Quartzsite Camel Express operates curb to curb
Dial-A -Ride and flexible fixed route service through the Town of Quartzite andsurrounding areas. The following mobility management activities provided are mobility
training on how to use the Camel Express service, free passed for seniors ages 60 andolder and discounted fares for seniors and person with disabilities (ages 5 to 18).
Bullhead City Senior Center – The Bullhead City Senior Center conducts a volunteer
driver program providing transportation services Monday through Friday. They city of
Bullhead partnered with River Valley Seniors in 1997, to provide door to door services in
the west-central Mohave County transporting passengers to destinations such as dialysis,
medical offices, senior centers, and other vital services in the community.
Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) /Mountain Line Systems – NAIPTA conducts a variety of coordinated activities to help
address service, and information gaps in transportation for their region. Mobility
management activities such as the travel training and discounted day pass program, andcoordination support for local agencies has been very successful for those with disabilities
and low incomes that would not be to afford bus fare. Another program, the ecoPass, anemployer bus pass program has not only helped the workforce in their community savemoney in households, but it also made a huge impact environmentally making up 3.9
percent of the ridership on the Mountain Line Systems.
Northwest Valley Connect (NVC) – Northwest Valley Connect conducts a variety of
coordinated activities to help address service, and information gaps in transportation for
their region. They use the mindset of paying it forward, regarding helping residents,
especially the disabled live independently. NVC conducts the following programs: 1. NVC
Mobility – Volunteer Program the Call-Click-Connect Mobility Center that responds to ride
requests, 2. Taxi Connect Easy is a partnership with UBER or Lyft to provide a moreconvenient, safe, and low-cost service for seniors 65 and older, veterans and individuals
with disabilities.

10

Figure 3 – Flagstaff, Arizona Mountain Line; Map provided by Mountain Line

Program reference links:
ADOT 5310 Mobility Management
NAIPTA
Northwest Valley Connect

4) Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)/Ride KC –– Mid America
Regional Council (MARC)The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)/Ride KC partners with Mid America
Regional Council to administer the 5310-funding application program for the Kansas City
urban region of the state of Missouri. MARC has also established a sub-committee, theMobility Advisory Committee (MAC) per the coordination efforts through the Regional
Transit Coordinating Council (RTCC) because of special projects like Link Care per theKansas City Community for All Ages initiative. The KCATA and MARC oversee the MAC
sub-committee under the RTCC where meetings are held bi-monthly. The main goal of11the RTCC is to develop a mobility management system with better coordination to support
the transportation for person with disabilities and older adults.
Mid America Regional Council, Mobility Management Application Language:“Projects that support mobility management and coordination programs among public
transportation providers and other human service agencies providing transportation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Promotion, enhancement, and facilitation of access to transportation services
Short-term management activities to plan and implement coordinated services
Support of state and local coordination policy bodies and councils
Operation of transportation brokerages
Provision of coordination services such as travel training and trip planning
Development and operation of one-stop transportation traveler call centers
Operational planning for the acquisition of ITS technologies to help plan and operate
coordinated systems inclusive of GIS mapping, GPS tech, coordinated vehicle
scheduling, dispatching, and monitoring tech, as well as tech to track costs and billingin a coordinated system, and single smart customer payment systems.”

Examples of programs in the Kansas City Region:
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority(KCATA)/Ride KC conducts a travel
training and train the trainer program, andgroup services are offered relating totransit orientation and train the trainer. The
transit orientation program conducts
activities to familiarize users with thetransportation system and making themfeel comfortable as an independent rider.
The group activities can be customized
according to the need of the group, typicaltraining offerings are onboarding/exiting avehicle, fare payment system, trip planning,use of mobility devices and more.
Figure 3 – Kansas City, Missouri; Map provided by Google

12

Program reference links:
https://marc2.org/tr_5310/pdf/Sect5310ApplicationGuidebook2020.pdf
https://ridekc.org/mobility-services/ridekc-accesshttps://www.marc.org/Transportation/Committees.html
https://www.marc.org/Community/KC-Communities-for-All-Ages
https://www.marc.org/Transportation/Special-Projects/Resources/Link-for-Care5) Raleigh, North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Transportation, Public Transportation Division aims to
reduce transportation cost while lowering road congestion and delays. Public
transportation enhances communities by providing access to access to work, education,
healthcare, shopping, and tourism. The transportation systems across the state served
more than 70 million passengers in 2019. The City of Raleigh is one of the largest regionsin the state and hosts the most diverse range of mobility options.
The NC Capital Area MPO (CAMPO) developed the Mobility Management Program
Implementation Study, and represents
the City of Raleigh, Wake County, andthe Town of Cary. The goal of this 2022
plan focuses on the following: 1)
Connect Regionally, 2) Connect all
Wake County Communities, 3)Frequent and Reliable Urban Mobility,and 4) Enhancing Access to Transit. The
plan defines mobility management andthe role of the mobility managers andwhy it is important, typical stakeholders
involved, and how the plan relates toother state transportation/community
plans in the region.

Figure 4 – Raleigh CAMPO Region Map provided by CAMPO

13

Go Raleigh 5310 Program Management Plan - Mobility Management Application
Language:“F. Support for mobility management and coordination programs among public
transportation providers and other human services agencies providing transportation. Mobility
management is an eligible capital expense. Mobility management techniques may enhancetransportation access for populations beyond those served by one agency or organization
within a community. For example, a nonprofit agency could receive Section 5310 funding tosupport the administrative costs of sharing services it provides to its own clientele with otherseniors and/or individuals with disabilities and coordinate usage of vehicles with othernonprofits, but not the operating costs of service. Mobility management is intended to build
coordination among existing public transportation providers and other transportation service
providers with the result of expanding the availability of service.
Mobility management activities may include:
•

•
•

•

•

•

The promotion, enhancement, and facilitation of access to transportation services,
including the integration and coordination of services for individuals with disabilities,
seniors, and low- income individuals;
Support for short-term management activities to plan and implement coordinatedservices;
The support of state and local coordination policy bodies and councils;
The operation of transportation brokerages to coordinate providers, funding agencies,
and passengers;
The provision of coordination services, including employer-oriented transportation
management organizations’ and human service organizations’ customer-oriented
travel navigator systems and neighborhood travel coordination activities such as
coordinating individualized travel training and trip planning activities for customers;
The development and operation of one-stop transportation traveler call centers tocoordinate transportation information on all travel modes and to manage eligibility
requirements and arrangements for customers among supporting programs; andOperational planning for the acquisition of intelligent transportation technologies tohelp plan and operate coordinated systems inclusive of geographic information
systems (GIS) mapping, global positioning system technology, coordinated vehicle
scheduling, dispatching, and monitoring technologies, as well as technologies to track
costs and billing in a coordinated system, and single smart customer payment systems.
(Acquisition of technology is also eligible as a standalone capital expense).”Examples of programs in the Raleigh, North Carolina Region:
Alliance of Disability Advocates (ADANC) - Alliance of Disability Advocates (ADANC) is a
Center for Independent Living (CIL) established in 1999 (then Universal Disability
Advocates) that focuses on helping those with disabilities live independently in theircommunity. With the support of 5310 mobility management funds, they have developed a14

series of ADA travel training videos in English and Spanish for riders to familiarize
themselves with the public transportation system.
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving - The Center for Volunteer Caregiving of Wake
County with their trained volunteers, assists older adults and adults with disabilities to live
independently. Many seniors in the area do not have a support system to help them withdaily tasks such as going to store or attending medical appointments. As transportation has
been identified as constant challenge for seniors, the center provides free escorted
transportation to medical appointments and food stores, and shopping services for people
who cannot leave their home.
Program reference links:
GoRaleigh 5310 Program
Capital Area Mobility Management Plan - Mobility Management Primer 2022
ADANC Travel Training Videos
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving - Transportation Program6) State of Wisconsin
In the state of Wisconsin mobility management began as an initiative of former Governor
Jim Doyle, who identified this as a top priority and challenged state agencies with the taskof coordinating transportation and formed the Interagency Council on Mobility
Management. Mobility management activities in Wisconsin are coordinated and developed
within the local human services transportation planning process.
Wisconsin DOT Section 5310 Application Guidelines for Non-traditional Projects, Mobility
Management Application Language:
Operating Activities• Volunteer Driver Programs• Voucher Programs• Transportation Service Enhancements• System Capacity Building• Establishing new or expanded fixedroute ordemand response services

Mobility Management Activities• Travel Training• Transit Itinerary Planning• Transportation Needs Studies• One-stop Traveler Call Centers• Transportation Brokerage Operation

MOBILITY MANAGEMENT“FTA Circular 9070.1 states that Mobility Management “consists of short-range planning andmanagement activities and projects for improving coordination among public transportation15

and other transportation service providers carried out by a recipient or subrecipient throughan agreement entered with a person, including a government entity, under 49 U.S.C. Chapter
53 (other than Section 5309). Mobility Management does not include operating public
transportation services." Mobility Management is intended to build coordination to expand theavailability of service. Mobility management activities may include:(a) Promotion, enhancement, or facilitation of access to transportation services, including the
integration and coordination of services for seniors and individuals with disabilities;(b) Support for short term management activities to plan and implement coordinated services;(c) The support of state and local coordination policy bodies and councils;(d) The operation of transportation brokerages to coordinate providers, funding agencies andcustomers;(e) The provision of coordination services, including employer-oriented Transportation
Management Organizations’ and Human Service Organizations’ customer-oriented travel
navigator systems and neighborhood travel coordination activities such as coordinating
individualized travel training and trip planning activities for customers;(f) The development and operation of one-stop transportation traveler call centers tocoordinate transportation information on all travel modes and to manage eligibility
requirements and arrangements for customers among supporting programs; and(g) Operational planning for the acquisition of intelligent transportation technologies to help
plan and operate coordinated systems inclusive of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
mapping, Global Positioning System Technology, coordinated vehicle scheduling, dispatching,and monitoring technologies as well as technologies to track costs and billing in acoordinated system and single smart customer payment systems (acquisition of technology isalso eligible as a stand-alone capital expense).”16

Program Examples in Wisconsin:
The Center for Independent Living - The Center for
Independent Living of Wisconsin Independent
Living Centers conducts a volunteer driver programfor seniors in 42 counties and a voucher program forthose looking for training employment, starting
employment or education opportunities.
Stevens Point City Bus - Stevens Point City Bus
conducts a free travel training program for the fixedroute system to help residents ride the bus
independently. (See video link below)
Calumet County – Calumet County conducts avolunteer drivers program providing transportation
locally and long-distance medical transportation.
City of Manitowoc – The City of Manitowoc
conducts a variety of mobility management projects
that include: a one-stop call center – a centralized location for the city and county
transportation information, a Bus Buddy program which provides peer travel training, theManitowoc County transportation resource directory, community outreach presentations,and the annual “Leave Your Car at Home Week” park and ride campaign.
Rusk County Transit Commission (RCTC) – The RCTC conducts the following mobility
management activities; 1. Bus Buddy – travel peer training program, 2. One on One
Personalized travel training and 3. Volunteer Driver Program for seniors and individuals
with disabilities to promote independent living.
Door-Tran – The Door-Tran in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin conducts a range of the following
mobility management activities; gas vouchers, volunteer driver programs, outreach
information educating the community about transportation and trip planning.
Make The Ride Happen (Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan,
Inc)– Make the Ride Happen in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin conducts a range of the following
mobility management activities; gas vouchers, volunteer driver programs, outreach
information educating the community about transportation and trip planning.

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Program reference links:
WSDOT 5310 Application
WSDOT Mobility Management
Stevens Point City Bus
RCTC - Mobility Management

7) Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
The State of Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation demonstrates a bestpractice of including concise information regarding how mobility management funds
should be utilized by 5310 funding. Grantees apply through a competitive, discretionary
award process for the following items: operating, replacement or expansion of fleet
vehicles, capital projects such as ADA upgrades, and mobility management activities. The
application below outlines the following eligibility requirements to be awarded funding tocreate product or conduct mobility management activities.
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Section 5310 Application Guidelines
for Projects:

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Program Examples in the state of Virginia:
Mobility Projects listed in the tables below areprovided by The Community Transportation
Association of Virginia Mobility Management
District Guide. Mobility Manager areas arearranged per the state planning districts.

Figure 6 – State of Virginia Planning
Districts; Map provided by Virginia
Association of Planning District
Commissions

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https://www.ctav.org/page/VAMM_DIRECTORY-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------•
•
•

1.
2.
3.
4.

Southern Area Agency On Aging - https://www.mile1.net/mobility
County of Rusk, WI - http://rctc.online/mobility-management/

Language from grant programs around the country that support mobility management
How to make this happen in your states?
Conclusion
Resources

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Program reference links:
Virginia Mobility Management DirectoryPlanning District Maps

Recommendations of Sample 5310 Mobility Management Application Language
The sample language below could be incorporated into 5310 program – Mobility
Management application programs to ensure the applicant understands the eligible
program activity requirements.
Per the FTA “Mobility management is an eligible capital expense under most U.S. Departmentof Transportation (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs (49 U.S.C. 5307,
5310 , 5311, 5318, and Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act Section 3006(b)). Thismeans FTA can fund 80 percent of mobility management expenses. Federal Transit Law also
affords the option to use non-DOT transportation funding or service contracts to meetmatching requirements. Federal Transit Law (49 U.S. Code § 5302) defines mobility
management as a capital project “consisting of short-range planning and management
activities and projects for improving coordination among public transportation and othertransportation service providers carried out by a recipient or subrecipient through anagreement entered into with a person, including a governmental entity, under this chapter(other than section 5309); but excluding operating public transportation services.”
Mobility management is intended to build coordination among existing public
transportation providers and other transportation service providers with the result of
expanding the availability and diverse range of service options. Mobility Management
activities eligible for funding may include: Staff training and development of outreach material
 Establishing local and regional partnerships to enhance the coordination oftransportation services
 Provide training for customers, travel training, buddy programs, trip planningassistance Planning for the implementation of intelligent transportation technologies toenhance coordination and rider experience Development of one-call, one-click of mobility resources
 Brokerage – coordination of providers, funding resources and riders
 Specialized education to promote the access of transportation services coordinating
for seniors, those with disabilities and low-income individuals
 Planning of short-term programs and implementation of services
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Recommendations of Mobility Management Activities
 Travel Training – Customized, GroupA Mobility Management Network isTraining, Video campaigns
comprised of the agencies,
 Ambassador or Buddy Passenger Programs organizations, and/or participants wholead efforts to improve integration– aid riders who are not familiar with theacross mobility options; make public andsystemprivate transit more attractive and easier Education/Outreach – TV advertisement,
to use, especially for people with
Radio Campaigns, social media, School anddisabilities; identify innovative solutions;as well as reduce and re-distribute travel
local organization Visits or workshops
demand to help unlock the capacity of One-Call, One Click Resource Centers fortransport systems.
all transportation information
 Mobility Management staff positions housed in organizations and agencies
 Stakeholder trainings and planning sessions for implementation of sustainablemobility management activities – Educational Institutions, Healthcare providers,
private industry, passengers, planning agencies, providers, advocates, and humanservice partners
 Involvement and planning with human services transportation coordination
 Local and Regional Needs assessments and Program Design
 Funding Data collection – performance evaluation/assessment of local and regional
programs

Conclusion
This information brief is based on the technical assistance experience and activities of one
NCMM Regional Liaison. There is so much that we have learned about the characteristics
of how each Section 5310 – Mobility Management program is conducted and promoted toeligible grantees. Mobility management is defined differently and unique to a state or
region. Per the information presented in this informational brief, mobility management
programs (including the application language) should be aligned with FTA standards andsupported by additional programing customized to the needs of each community. There is
not a one-size-fits-all approach to a mobility management program, however, theinformation and examples outlined within this brief provide programmatic ideas that canbe successful and would fit a range of community needs. Other tools produced by NCMM
such as its information briefs and e-learning training can be valuable complements to thisproduct. For more information on NCMM, please visit our website at www.nc4mm.org

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Resources
The following FTA-funded national technical assistance centers can provide free supportand resources to help improve mobility options for individuals and communities.
 National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP). https://www.nationalrtap.org/
call for resources and info: 1-888-589-6821 or email: info@nationalrtap.org. Thiscenter supports the Grants for Rural Areas Program.
 National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM).
https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org/ phone: 1-866-846-6400 email:info@nc4mm.org. This center supports mobility management, which means helping
communities and individuals create and manage their mobility options NCMM
supports grantees, mobility managers, and partners in promoting customercentered mobility strategies that advance good health, economic vitality, selfsufficiency, and community.
 National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC).
https://www.nadtc.org/ phone: 1-866-983-3222 email: contact@nadtc.org. Thiscenter supports the Grants for Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with
Disabilities Program.
 National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT). https://n-catt.org/. The
mission of this center is to translate emerging transportation technologies for states
and localities across the United States. Contact us: https://n-catt.aurasoftware.com/contact/.
 Shared Use Mobility Center (SUMC). https://sharedusemobilitycenter.org/. The
Shared-Use Mobility Center is a public-interest organization dedicated to achieving
equitable, affordable, and environmentally sound mobility across the US throughthe efficient sharing of transportation assets. By connecting the public and private
sectors, piloting programs, conducting new research, and providing policy andtechnical expertise to cities and regions, SUMC seeks to extend the benefits ofshared mobility for all. Contact us: info@sharedusemobilitycenter.org.

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