The Transportation Agency reviews and adopts a Program of Projects and Certifications and Assurances by resolution to ensure that transit projects meet Federal Transit Administration requirements for this funding program (see attachments and web attachment). Caltrans apportions and distributes these federal funds on a population formula basis, and provides the Transportation Agency with a fund estimate for purposes of preparing the Program of Projects.
Rural Transit Operations
5311 Traditional Program
The Federal Transit Administration's Section 5311 grant provides federal funding for public transportation service in rural areas that don't have U.S. Census designated urban areas with population of 50,000 or more residents. The 5311 grant is intended to provide access to employment, education, healthcare, shopping and recreation for residents in small towns and rural areas. Monterey-Salinas Transit utilizes these funds to operate rural transit in Monterey County, such as Line 23 (Salinas to San Lucas).
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Apportionments Act of 2021
On December 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA), which includes $900 billion in supplemental appropriations for COVID-19 relief, $14 billion of which will be allocated to support the transit industry during the COVID-19 public health emergency, was signed into law. $678.2 million was allocated for rural areas and tribes for projects and programs eligible under the 5311 Traditional program. Monterey-Salinas Transit proposes using these funds for rural transit bus operations.
Intercity Bus Program
The Federal Transit Administration's Section 5311(f) Intercity Bus Program in California is designed to address the "intercity bus transportation needs of the entire state" by supporting projects that provide transportation between non-urbanized areas and urbanized areas that result in connections of greater regional, statewide, and national significance. Monterey-Salinas Transit utilizes these funds to continue existing intercity bus operations on Line 84 - Soledad-Paso Robles. MST previously had four routes that provided rural and intercity transit: Lines 82, 84, 85 and 86. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a significant reduction in ridership demand, MST suspended lines 82, 85 and 86 from service.
These actions are necessary to claim federal transit funding apportioned to Monterey County and for Monterey-Salinas Transit to apply for federal operating support for rural transit service in South County and provide intercity bus operations. Due to the April 30 deadline, the Executive Director has already approved the Certifications and Assurances and is seeking ratification by the Board.