Regional Mobility

We seek to fund projects that deliver public benefits as quickly as possible. State funding supports this grant (RCW 47.66.030).

Eligible applicants

Cities, counties, ports, public transit agencies, regional transit authorities, regional transportation planning organizations, and metropolitan planning organizations in Washington state are eligible to apply.

Pre-application requirement

To apply for a Regional Mobility grant, you must first submit a pre-application. WSDOT engineers, planners, and transportation demand management experts will review your pre-application. Only organizations with a reviewed pre-application may apply for a grant.

Applicants may apply for more than one project. Each project requires a separate pre-application.

Eligible projects

Applicants may apply for two- or four-year 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 passenger 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, and feeder service.
• New 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., public transit rideshare expansion).
• Other transportation demand management strategies and concepts listed on WSDOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) website.

Note: The application will ask you to describe the TSMO strategies under consideration for your proposed project. We encourage you to explore the TSMO website before applying. Review WSDOT’s definition of TSMO under the About tab on the website. Think about how your proposal will support WSDOT’s goal to operate and manage a multimodal transportation system. Explore the Strategies and Concepts tab for possible TSMO processes and tools that apply to your project.

Match requirements

Applicants must provide matching funds of at least 20 percent of the total project cost as direct contributions. 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 2025-2027 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, 2024: Pre-application available in the Grants Management System (GMS). Pre-application must be submitted by the deadline and reviewed by WSDOT to apply for a 2025-2027 biennium grant.
• 3 p.m., March 5, 2024: Pre-application due in GMS. Applicants may apply for more than one project. Each project requires a separate pre-application.
• March - April 2024: WSDOT subject matter experts review pre-applications.
• April 9, 2024: WSDOT posts notice of funding opportunity.
• May 9, 2024: Grant applications available in GMS. Applicants may apply for more than one project. Each project requires a separate application.
• 11 a.m., May 21, 2024: Informational webinar.
• May - June 2024: WSDOT staff available for questions and technical assistance.
• 3 p.m., June 25, 2024: Grant applications due in GMS. Applicants may apply for more than one project. Each project requires a separate application.
• June - August 2024: WSDOT reviews applications and performance estimates. WSDOT works with applicants to make any application revisions.
• 3 p.m., Aug. 27, 2024: Revised applications due in GMS.
• August - September 2024: Independent evaluation panel reviews and scores applications.
• Nov. 29, 2024: WSDOT sends prioritized list of projects to the Legislature and Governor’s Office.
• May - June 2025: WSDOT sends grant award letters to grantees (subject to budget bill enactment).
• July 1, 2025: 2025-2027 biennium begins.
• June 30, 2027: 2025-2027 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.