Public Transit Rideshare Grant

The Public Transit Rideshare Grant program is administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation through its Public Transportation Division. This program, previously known as the Vanpool Investment Program, is designed to support and enhance rideshare services operated by public transit agencies across Washington State. Since its inception in 2001, the program has contributed to the development of one of the largest public rideshare fleets in the United States, now involving 18 transit agencies and serving over 13,000 daily commuters. The initiative aligns with statewide goals to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and lower greenhouse gas emissions through shared transportation solutions. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to transit agencies for the development and expansion of rideshare systems. Funding supports both capital and incentive-based projects. Capital funding may be used for the purchase of new rideshare vehicles, replacement of aging fleet vehicles, and acquisition of related equipment. Incentive funding is intended to encourage behavioral shifts in commuting, including increasing rideshare participation, improving travel efficiency, and optimizing the use of transportation infrastructure. The program also prioritizes environmentally sustainable investments, including low-emission hybrid and zero-emission electric vehicles. Funding for the program is appropriated by the Washington State Legislature, with $5 million allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium. These funds are distributed among selected transit agency applicants through a competitive application process. Capital projects require matching funds, which are determined based on a tiered structure tied to each applicant agency’s operating budget. Matching requirements range from zero percent for smaller agencies to 20 percent for agencies with operating budgets exceeding $35 million. Incentive-based projects do not require matching funds. Eligible match sources include local, state, federal, and private funding, with certain restrictions on overlapping state-administered grants. Eligibility for the program is limited to public transit agencies within Washington State. This includes city transit systems, county transportation authorities, metropolitan municipal corporations, public transportation benefit areas, and other special-purpose transit districts as defined under state law. Applicants must submit separate applications for capital and incentive projects if pursuing both funding types. All applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposed project aligns with program goals and meets eligibility requirements. The application process is conducted through the Washington State Grants Management System. Applications are evaluated by a selection committee based on criteria including application quality and completeness, demonstrated need, readiness and feasibility of the proposed project, and the strength of the financial proposal. Applicants may receive technical assistance during the application window and may be asked to provide additional information during the review period. The program follows a structured timeline for each funding cycle. For the 2027-2029 biennium cycle, the notice of funding opportunity is expected to be released in November 2026, with applications opening in December 2026 and closing in January 2027. Following submission, applications undergo a review and scoring process, with award announcements anticipated in June 2027 after the state transportation budget is finalized. Funded projects must be completed within the biennium period ending June 30, 2029. Program administration includes ongoing oversight to ensure compliance with funding requirements and project objectives. Grantees are expected to fully expend awarded funds within the designated performance period. The program’s long-term impact includes sustained reductions in single-occupancy vehicle use, improved transportation system efficiency, and measurable environmental benefits across participating regions.

Ensure strong demonstration of need and project readiness;Provide complete and well-documented application;Align proposal with program goals and evaluation criteria