Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310)
Federal transit law, as amended by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU), requires that projects selected for funding under the Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program be "derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan" and that the plan be "developed through a process that includes representatives of public, private, and non-profit transportation and human services providers and participation by members of the public."
History: Established in 1975, Section 5310 has been primarily directed to social/human service agencies, non–profit organizations and other public bodies for the purchase of vehicles. The program is administered through the states and it is at the state level that specific funding decisions are made.
Program Goal: The goal of the Section 5310 program is to improve mobility for elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities throughout the country.
Eligible Activities: The program funds capital expenses including, but not limited to, the following list of item. Expenses are reimbursed at 80% federal funds and 20% local match. Certain expenditures made in an effort to satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Clean Air Act Amendments can be reimbursed at a 90% federal commitment (10% local match).
- Vehicles and vehicle related expenses including: Buses; Vans; Radios and communication equipment; Vehicle shelters; Wheelchair lifts and restraints; Vehicle rehabilitation; manufacture, or overhaul; Preventive maintenance, as defined in the National Transit Database (NTD); and Extended warranties which do not exceed the industry standard.
- Lease of equipment when lease is more cost effective than purchase.
- Computer hardware and software.
- Initial component installation costs.
- Vehicle procurement, testing, inspection, and acceptance costs.
- Acquisition of transportation services under a contract, lease, or other arrangement.
- The introduction of new technology into public transportation.
- Transit related intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
- Supporting new mobility management and coordination programs among public transportation providers and other human service agencies providing transportation.
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