Regional Mobility

We seek to fund projects that deliver public benefits as quickly as possible. This grant is supported by state funding. Authorization is through RCW 47.66.030.

Eligible applicants

Cities, counties, ports, and public transit agencies in Washington state are eligible to apply.

Eligible projects

This program includes four eligible project types:

Vehicle and equipment purchases

• Passenger service vehicles.
• Charging equipment for electric vehicles.
• Communications equipment.
• Computer hardware, software, and data systems.
• Multimodal enhancements (e.g., bicycle racks).
• Security equipment.

Capital construction

• Passenger transfer centers.
• Bus-only or high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
• Bus shelters, platforms, and stations.
• Transit access improvements.
• Transit signal priority, queue jumps, and bypasses.
• Park and ride lots and facilities.

Operations

• New, expanded or more frequent bus routes, express service or feeder service.
• New service providing community connections or transportation corridors serving multiple communities.

Transportation demand management

• Programs that enhance commute trip reduction programs (e.g., incentives; transit passes; expansion of growth and transportation efficiency centers).
• Programs that encourage a mode shift to high-efficiency modes (e.g., transit, walking, biking).
• Outreach to employers to increase the use of teleworking.
• First- and last-mile connections programs (e.g., vanpool expansion).
• Other transportation demand management strategies and concepts at WSDOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations website.

Match requirements

Applicants must provide matching funds as direct contributions of at least 20% of the total project cost. Direct contributions are cash or other assets that directly benefit the project and are fundamental to implementing the project.

Applicants may use any funding source as matching funds, except for other competitive state public transportation grants.

Evaluation criteria

WSDOT’s panel of subject matter experts will evaluate 2023-2025 biennium grant applications based on the following criteria:

• Reduce delay: Uses program funds to reduce the amount of time it takes for people to get where they are trying to go.
• Improve connectivity: Improves multimodal connections and services between counties or regional population centers.
• Project performance: Reduces vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled compared with costs and useful life.
• Readiness to proceed: Consistent with local plans and minimizes scope, schedule, and budget risks. Likely to deliver public benefits on schedule.

Important dates

• Feb. 1, 2022: Concept application available in the Grants Management System. A concept application must be submitted by an applicant and reviewed by WSDOT to apply for a 2023-2025 biennium grant.
• 3 p.m. PST, March 3, 2022: Concept applications due in the Grants Management System.
• April 12, 2022: WSDOT posts notice of funding opportunity.
• May 12, 2022: Grant applications available in the Grants Management System.
• May-June 2022: WSDOT staff available for questions and technical assistance.
• 3 p.m. PST, June 28, 2022: Grant applications due in the Grants Management System. An applicant must submit one application per project. An applicant may submit more than one application.
• June-August 2022: WSDOT reviews applications and performance estimates. WSDOT works with applicants to make any application revisions.
• 3 p.m. PST, Aug. 16, 2022: Revised applications due in the Grants Management System.
• August-September 2022: Independent evaluation panel reviews and scores applications.
• Dec. 1, 2022: WSDOT sends prioritized list of projects to the Legislature and Governor’s Office.
• March 2023: Legislature typically releases the Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program list of funded projects.
• March-June 2023: WSDOT sends grant award letters to grantees after the governor signs the transportation budget.
• July 1, 2023: 2023-2025 biennium begins.
• June 30, 2025: 2023-2025 biennium ends.

Awards

The Regional Mobility grants table below shows 39 projects awarded over $76 million for the 2023-2025 biennium.

*Indicates a four-year continuing project that began in the 2021-2023 biennium.

Sign up for grant updates

To stay informed about WSDOT public transportation grants, you can register for updates in GovDelivery.