Specialized Transportation Grant Program

The SANDAG Specialized Transportation Grant Program (STGP) funds projects and programs that expand mobility for older adults and people with disabilities. Eligible projects include the purchase of accessible vans and buses, coordinated volunteer driver programs, shopping shuttle services, non-emergency medical trips, and transit travel training classes. Eligible applicants include local nonprofit organizations and public agencies.

Funding for the STGP comes from two sources: the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 program and the TransNet Senior Mini-Grant Program. Since 2006, we’ve awarded more than $38 million in federal grant funds and $24 million in TransNet funds to support more than 300 specialized grant-funded transportation projects.

Call for Projects

Approximately every two years, SANDAG conducts an allocation process, or call for projects, to award funding through the Specialized Transportation Grant Program (STGP).

Notice of 15 Available Minivans

SANDAG is currently accepting applications to award 15 used minivans. Download the vehicle information and photos for more information.

Apply

The deadline to apply is Friday, December 6, 2024, at 5 p.m. (PDT).

SANDAG uses BidNet, SANDAG’s web-based vendor portal, to publish grant calls for projects, post application materials, and receive completed applications. Visit our Grant Programs page to learn more about BidNet and how to apply for SANDAG grants.

Applicants may submit questions through BidNet by Friday, November 29, 2024, at 5 p.m. (PDT). Responses to questions will be posted in BidNet by Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Watch the webinar from September 10 that covered used vehicles available, program requirements, and more.

Cycle 13

SANDAG is currently accepting applications to allocate approximately $9.3 million through the STGP Cycle 13 Call for Projects. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 5 p.m. (PDT).

Apply

SANDAG uses BidNet, SANDAG’s web-based vendor portal, to publish grant calls for projects, post application materials, and receive completed applications. Visit our Grant Programs web page to learn more about BidNet and how to apply for SANDAG grants.

Applicants may submit questions through BidNet by Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 5 p.m. (PDT). Responses to questions will be posted in BidNet by Monday, October 7, 2024.

Call for Projects Webinar

SANDAG hosted a Call for Projects Webinar to provide an overview of the STGP Cycle 13 Call for Projects, discuss program requirements, and answer applicant questions. This webinar was conducted virtually via Zoom and a recording is available on BidNet.

Receive Updates

Subscribe to the SANDAG Specialized Transportation email distribution list.

Learn More

Review the STGP Cycle 12 Call for Projects Goal, Objectives, and Evaluation Criteria.
Explore how similar regions are administering their Section 5310 programs through STGP Cycle 13 Literature Review and Benchmarking Analysis.
Read a summary of initial feedback received from stakeholders on the region's specialized transportation needs and the program goal.

Anticipated Timeline

July 10, 2024: The STGP Cycle 13 Call for Projects is released, opening a 90-day application window
August 1, 2024: Call for Projects Webinar
October 2, 2024: Deadline to submit questions to SANDAG
October 7, 2024: Responses to applicant questions submitted by October 2, 2024, posted to BidNet
October 9, 2024: Application deadline
February 2025: Notice of Intent to Award
March 2025: Notice of Award
July 1, 2025: Awarded Senior Mini-Grant projects can begin
October 1, 2025: Awarded Section 5310 projects can begin

Past Events

August 1, 2024: STGP Cycle 13 Call for Projects Webinar
June 28, 2024, 9 a.m.: STGP Cycle 13 Call for Projects item to the SANDAG Board of Directors<
May 8, 2024, 9:30 a.m.: Selection criteria presentation to the Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee
March 28, 2024, 9:30 a.m.: Selection criteria presentation to the Social Equity Working Group
March 19, 2024, 10 a.m.: Selection criteria presentation to the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council
March 14, 2024, 9:30 a.m.: Selection criteria presentation to the Mobility Working Group
February 7, 2024, 3-4:30 p.m.: Stakeholder Workshop Kickoff Meeting

January 19, 2024, 9 a.m.: Kickoff presentation to the SANDAG Transportation Committee
January 10, 2024, 9:30 a.m.: Kickoff presentation to the Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee
October 10, 2023, 3-4 p.m.: Kickoff meeting

Previous Awards

STGP Cycle 12 Call for Projects

STGP Cycle 11 Call for Projects

STGP Cycle 10 Call for Projects

Grantee Resources

STGP grantees report to SANDAG regularly to comply with agreed terms. These reports also help us monitor performance. A list of grantee forms and resources are available by STGP grant type and reporting frequency.