The RTA offers four specific planning, operating, and capital funding programs. These programs target projects that are innovative and will increase transit usage, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the region’s current transit system, provide for better mobility for seniors and people with disabilities, and improve job access.

Community Planning
The Community Planning program provides funding and planning assistance to local municipalities for planning projects that benefit both the local community and the RTA transit system. Projects within the program advance the vision and goals of the RTA by planning for transit-oriented development, access and circulation improvements in and around transit facilities, improved job access, improved mobility for seniors and people with disabilities, and increased transit usage. 

Subregional Planning
The Subregional Planning program provides funding and planning assistance for county, subregional or corridor level transit and land use focused planning studies. Projects within the program advance the vision and goals of the RTA by providing useful data and analysis to support informed transportation investment decisions; ensuring that regional and local governments understand mobility needs, transportation system deficiencies, and existing and emerging travel markets within the subregion; exploring and assessing a range of corridor transportation options and their impacts; and identifying alternatives that offer the best net advantage to corridor communities and the region.

Job Access Reverse Commute / New Freedom
The Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program is a federally funded program that provides operating and capital assistance for transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the transportation needs of eligible low-income individuals and of reverse commuters regardless of income. The New Freedom program provides new public transportation services and public transportation alternatives beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Projects funded through this program advance the vision and goals of the RTA by reducing transportation barriers and expanding mobility options available to persons with disabilities beyond the requirements of the ADA.

Innovation, Coordination, or Enhancement (ICE)
The Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) program is a competitive funding program, established as part of the 2008 Mass Transit Reform Legislation. The program provides operating and capital assistance to enhance the coordination and integration of public transportation and to develop and implement innovations to improve the quality and delivery of public transportation. Projects funded through this program advance the vision and goals of the RTA by providing reliable and convenient transit services and enhancing efficiencies through effective management, innovation and technology.