Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), through its Office of Public Transit, administers the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, commonly referred to as Section 5310. This program is funded through the Federal Transit Administration and utilizes federal appropriations authorized by Congress, supplemented by state-administered oversight. The Office of Public Transit serves as the designated recipient for rural and small urban areas within South Carolina, ensuring that funds are distributed in accordance with federal and state laws. The program specifically targets transportation gaps affecting seniors and individuals with disabilities, particularly in areas where traditional public transportation is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. The purpose of the program is to improve mobility and access to transportation for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities. It supports projects that enhance transportation options, increase accessibility beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and reduce reliance on paratransit services. Eligible activities include the purchase of ADA-compliant vehicles, mobility management initiatives, and contracted transportation services. These efforts are intended to promote coordination among human service agencies and public transit providers while ensuring efficient use of federal resources and improving overall service delivery. Funding for this program is derived from Federal Fiscal Year 2024 lapsing funds, with allocations specified for rural and small urban areas. Eligible projects are funded on a cost-sharing basis, requiring local matching contributions. For ADA-compliant vehicle purchases, the federal share is 85 percent with a 15 percent local match, while mobility management and purchase of service projects require a 20 percent local contribution against an 80 percent federal share. Applicants must demonstrate the availability and stability of local matching funds and provide documentation verifying these sources. Funding amounts vary by project type, with fixed federal contribution tiers for vehicles and service-based projects. Eligibility for the program includes private nonprofit organizations, governmental entities under specific conditions, and Councils of Governments approved by the SCDOT Commission. Nonprofits must be recognized under federal tax-exempt status or state law, and all applicants must comply with federal and state regulations. Applicants are required to coordinate proposed projects with regional transportation planning bodies and ensure inclusion in local transportation improvement programs. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, financial stability, and alignment with regional coordinated transit plans. The application process requires submission to both the Office of Public Transit and the applicant’s regional Council of Governments. Applications must include detailed project descriptions, budgets, certifications, and documentation of public involvement, such as public hearing notices. Required components also include legal certifications, board resolutions, and assurances of compliance with federal requirements. The Council of Governments reviews and prioritizes applications before forwarding recommendations to SCDOT for final evaluation and submission to the Federal Transit Administration. Evaluation criteria are comprehensive and include assessment of project need, organizational capacity, cost effectiveness, coordination efforts, implementation planning, and customer service capabilities. Each category is scored to ensure that funded projects address community transportation gaps, leverage resources effectively, and demonstrate feasibility. Priority is given to projects that align with regional coordination plans and provide measurable benefits such as increased ridership or expanded service coverage. The application deadline for the current funding cycle is March 6, 2026, with subsequent review and prioritization occurring through April 2026. Final funding recommendations are expected to be presented in May 2026, followed by public comment and approval processes. The anticipated period of performance for awarded projects spans from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. Applicants are advised that no project activities may begin until a fully executed agreement is in place. For additional information, applicants may contact the program manager at the Office of Public Transit.

Align project with regional coordination plans; demonstrate clear unmet need; provide strong budget justification; ensure documented local match stability