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Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT) is a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) that funds operating and capital expenses for public transportation services throughout Virginia.
The program uses a performance-based methodology to allocate operating assistance, covering no more than 30 percent of all operating expenses per agency, and a prioritization process to assign capital resources. Eligible applicants are public transportation agencies and organizations in Virginia. Award amounts vary based on performance metrics and available funding.
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Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT) - DRPT Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT) Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit is a statewide grants program that provides financial assistance to support public transportation services throughout Virginia.
Individually Administered Grant Programs DRPT provides funding for operating expenses for eligible public transportation services. DRPT uses a performance-based methodology to determine the specific allocation of operating assistance funds to each operating transit agency. The program funds no more than 30 percent of all operating expenses borne by public transportation operators.
DRPT uses a prioritization process to allocate and assign resources to capital projects and investments. Under this process, DRPT scores and prioritizes projects in the following categories.
State of Good Repair: Capital projects or programs to replace or rehabilitate an existing asset, excluding major capital construction projects with a total cost over $3 million (State Match: up to 68 percent) Minor Enhancement: Capital projects or programs that add capacity or include the purchase of new assets with a total project cost less than $3 million.
This category also includes vehicle expansion projects of no more than five vehicles or 5 percent of the existing fleet size, whichever is greater, and all projects for engineering and design (State Match: up to 68 percent). Major Expansion: Capital projects or programs to add, expand, or improve transit services or facilities, with a total cost exceeding $3 million.
This category also includes vehicle expansion projects with an increase of greater than five vehicles or 5 percent of fleet size, whichever is greater, and all projects that include the replacement of an entire existing facility (State Match: up to 50 percent).
Applicants that are eligible for federal public transportation grant programs may combine federal and state capital assistance grant funds to decrease the local match needed for each project. However, a minimum 4 percent local match is necessary for all projects.
Demonstration Project Assistance DRPT administers the demonstration project assistance program, which is a competitive grant program that supports local efforts to improve transit reliability, access to housing and employment centers, and public transportation mobility options. Demonstration projects also serve as examples and opportunities for learning and replication for other transportation agencies.
The projects that are eligible include: New Service: the deployment of new traditional public transportation services in an area not currently served by public transportation or in a currently served area that will provide additional connections.
Technology and innovation: the deployment of projects designed to test the “proof of concept” for new technologies used in the provision of public transportation services, including deployment or testing of autonomous vehicle technology, micro-transit demand response system, and new Intelligent Transportation Systems solutions that would augment the provision of service and/or data collections.
RPT’s technical assistance grant program support studies, plans, research, data collection, and evaluation projects to help improve public transportation services. This includes providing technical analysis and guidance on operations, service delivery, customer service, expansions of service, and program delivery.
Public Transportation Workforce Development Program DRPT supports the hiring of apprentices who are interested in pursuing careers in public transportation. The program intends to increase awareness of public transportation as a career choice for aspiring managers, maintenance and operations staff, marketing employees, and other specializations within public transportation and commuter assistance agencies.
Agencies are encouraged to gear apprenticeships toward any facet of the public transportation industry and may focus programs on the operations side of the public transit agency to demonstrate potential career tracks for future mechanics, operators, dispatchers, and operations supervisors. The grant program enables qualified individuals to gain experience in all facets of public transportation operations through hands-on work.
Eligible expenses include wages, fringe benefits, training (may include CDL or other appropriate certifications), and travel. Post-collegiate apprenticeships and pre-graduate training are both eligible for program funding. Applicants are responsible for conducting an open recruitment process and selecting a qualified individual that fulfills the purpose and intent of the program.
This program is not intended for staff augmentation, and such applications will not be considered for funding.
Application Resources and Timeline For detailed information on the application timeline, goals, eligibility requirements, eligible expenses, and application process for all DRPT administered grants programs, view the resources below: DRPT’s grant application period runs annually from December 1 – February 1 for the following Fiscal Year. Pre-applications will begin being accepted on October 1.
Click on “DRPT’s WebGrants” below for details.
FY27 Transit and Commuter Assistance Grant Application Manual (Blue Book) FY27 DRPT Operating Assistance Technical Guide FY27 Capital Assistance Program Prioritization Technical Guide FY27 Construction Project Estimate Summary Sheet FY27 Transit and Special Programs Workshop Presentation Milestones for Capital Applications TransAM Sub-type Selection Guide CTB Resolution: Policy for the Implementation of State Transit Capital Prioritization DRPT’s WebGrants site is the portal that allows DRPT’s partners to apply for funding, submit reimbursement requests, manage grants, and report performance requirements.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Public transportation agencies and organizations in Virginia. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Varies Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
The Human Services Grant Program is a funding opportunity administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) through Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funds, supporting enhanced mobility for seniors aged 65 and older and individuals with disabilities. Funded activities include capital projects to replace or expand vehicle fleets, mobility management projects to coordinate transportation, and operating projects to provide transportation services. The traditional capital component provides accessible vehicles for qualifying programs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local and state agencies, and other organizations serving these populations throughout Virginia.
Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) is a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) that funds transit agencies and governing bodies to create more accessible, safe, and regionally significant transit networks. TRIP covers four project categories: zero and reduced fare programs, regional connectivity improvements, public safety enhancements, and passenger amenities and facilities. Eligible applicants include public transit agencies and governing bodies in Virginia. Award amounts vary; capital projects follow MERIT Capital Program requirements, and planning projects follow MERIT Planning Program requirements.
Commuter Assistance Program (CAP) is a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) that funds programs and projects that increase ridership on transit, vanpools, and carpooling to reduce traffic congestion and single-occupant vehicle trips on Virginia roads. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local and regional transit operators, and other organizations that promote commuter assistance programs statewide. The program supports both operational and capital projects with demonstrated ridership impact. Grant amounts vary based on program type and scope.
The Fund for Women & Girls Grant Program is sponsored by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC). The Fund for Women & Girls, an initiative of TFEC, makes grants to local nonprofit organizations in specific South Central PA counties. The grants support projects that advance the lives of women and girls by providing opportunities to address basic needs, develop economic self-sufficiency, and strengthen health and safety needs.
VGF grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, manage, and support volunteers. CNCS seeks to fund effective approaches that expand volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit and retain skill-based volunteers, and develop strategies to use volunteers effectively to solve problems. Specifically, the VGF grants will support efforts that expand the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit, manage, support and retain individuals to serve in high quality volunteer assignments.Applicants that receive funding under this Notice may directly carry out the activities supported under the award, or may carry out the activities by making sub-grants to community-based entities, supporting volunteer generation at these entities.). Funding Opportunity Number: AC-05-25-21. Assistance Listing: 94.021. Funding Instrument: G. Category: O. Award Amount: $6.1M total program funding.