News

Grants will fund more than $11M in programs that enhance transportation options through its 5310 Call for Projects 

DETROIT– The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) has announced the 2025 grant recipients for its 5310 Call for Projects, awarding more than $11 million to programs and services that enhance mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. As the designated recipient of all Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds for Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne Counties, and the City of Detroit, the RTA is committed to making transit more inclusive and accessible for everyone in Southeast Michigan.  

“Our goal is to remove barriers and enhance transportation options for the most vulnerable members of our community, and this year’s $11.6 million in grant funding reflects that commitment,” said Ben Stupka, Executive Director for the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan. “Programs like AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services’ MyRide2 – which helps seniors and adults with disabilities find transportation – are essential in helping seniors and people with disabilities maintain their independence, providing the support they need to stay connected to family, friends, and essential services. We’re proud to invest in these impactful programs and look forward to seeing the difference they make.” 

With more than $11 million in Section 5310 federal funding available for the 2025-2026 cycle, the RTA saw a tremendous response from organizations committed to enhancing mobility and accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. This year’s funding awards prioritized projects that keep services running smoothly, replace aging fleets, and maintain support for dispatchers and bus drivers who provide these necessary services to the public. In total, the RTA awarded 40 organizations across the four counties through a competitive selection process. Section 5310 funds are administered through RTA’s Mobility 4 All program.

“This funding helps us replace aging vehicles and maintain vital routes, ensuring our riders have safe, reliable transportation,” said Lynn Gromaski, Executive Director of NOTA. “It also strengthens our coordination with partners like WOTA, OPC, and SMART to expand access for seniors and individuals with disabilities across the region.”    

“This grant is truly life-changing for Milan Seniors for Healthy Living,” said Alan Lown, Transportation Director of Milan Seniors for Healthy Living. “It means our seniors won’t have to choose between isolation and independence. They can keep showing up for the moments that matter—doctor visits, family gatherings, coffee with friends. These are the things that give life meaning. We are profoundly grateful to the RTA for recognizing how vital mobility is to the dignity and well-being of our aging loved ones.” 

“Empowering seniors and people with disabilities is at the heart of what we do,” said Edward Scott, III, Director of Macomb Community Action. “The ability to provide essential transportation services to medical appointments and doctors’ visits is a vital resource that our organization offers. With the RTA’s grant support, we can continue to provide reliable medical transportation support.” 

“The additional funding builds on our recent launch of DDOT Now, a same-day paratransit service, which supports our mission of transportation equity,” said Robert Cramer, Executive Director of Transit at DDOT. “At DDOT, we want to make sure everyone has the freedom to move. This new service gives paratransit-qualified riders even more mobility and independence, boosting accessible mobility for Detroiters.”

“The Downriver Community Conference is grateful to the RTA for this investment in the mobility and independence of our residents,” said Jim Perry, Executive Director of the Downriver Community Conference (DCC). “This grant will allow us to expand and sustain critical transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities in our region.” Lisa Wayne, Chief Executive Officer, added: “We are thrilled to partner with the RTA to provide such essential services to our residents. Our drivers provide exceptional professional services, enhancing the lives of our riders. DCC is committed to ensuring that all residents have safe, dependable access to the destinations that matter most in their daily lives.” 

The RTA extends its gratitude to all the organizations that applied and the leaders who are working to make transportation more accessible across Southeast Michigan. With the help of programs like Mobility 4 All and Section 5310, our transit and mobility systems work together to strengthen our communities, empower residents, and ensure everyone can move about as they need.  

To learn more about the projects that will be funded, visit https://rtamichigan.org/mobility4all/.

For more information about the RTA, and how we are creating new and better ways to move and connect people, visit www.rtamichigan.org.  

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Media Contact: Ryan Bridges, 313-347-6575, rbridges@mariomorrow.com   

About the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan  

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) was created in 2012. Working alongside transit providers and local governments, the RTA explores new strategies for improving transit coverage and service, secures and oversees funding and increases accessibility to transit offerings. At the RTA, we create new and better ways to move and connect people. Our 10-member board is appointed for three-year terms by the Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county executives, the chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, the Mayor of Detroit, and the Governor of Michigan. The Governor’s appointee serves as a non-voting chair. The RTA also oversees the operation of the QLINE system in Detroit. Learn more at rtamichigan.org. We’re The RTA. Get On Board.