Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT)

• 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 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.

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.