5317 New Freedom

Division of Mass Transportation

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MAILING ADDRESS

Department of Transportation Division of Mass Transportation, MS #39
P.O. Box 942874 Sacramento, CA 94274-0001

PHONE: (916) 654-8811
FAX: (916) 654-9366
TTY: 711

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Caltrans > MassTrans > FTA 5317

New Freedom (NF -- FTA 5317)

Tracey Frost
Branch Chief
(916) 654-8222

Program Overview

The New Freedom program goals are to provide new public transportation services to overcome existing barriers facing Americans with disabilities seeking integration into the workforce and full participation into society while expanding the transportation mobility options available to persons with disabilities beyond requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101, et seq.).

The final Circular FTA C 9045.1, effective May 1, 2007, incorporates provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This requires projects selected for funding be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan (Coordinated Plan) and that the plan be “developed through a process that includes representatives of a public, private, and non-profit transportation and human service providers and participation by members of the public”.

Eligible Applicants

Provide services that enhance and improves mobility options for individuals with disabilities as described under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101, et seq).

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Successful applicants enter into a project agreement with Caltrans that stipulates the terms and conditions under which the project and equipment must be administered, procured and operated. The agreement remains in effect until the project is completed and formal disposition of the equipment has been made with the approval of Caltrans in accordance with Federal grant standards.

Section 5317 grantee agencies are required to furnish quarterly reports based on the execution agreement. Caltrans also makes periodic inspections of local projects to verify equipment condition and appropriate use of funding

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

DMT procurement specialist provide technical assistance with procurement document development, procurement process review, monitoring, pre-delivery or new vehicle inspection, and review and monitoring of third party contracts.

procurement

DMT's procurement program provides public agencies the opportunity to purchase transit vehicles at the lowest possible price and in compliance with FTA C 4220.1E Third Party Contracting Requirements.

Contracts are in place for ADA compliant low-floor minivans; modified, raised-roof vans; narrow-body cutaways; wide-body cutaways; and medium duty transit buses. Specific information related to vehicle types and contracts are available by selecting the appropriate link below. The contracts, specifications and supporting documents are also downloadable, providing needed information for vehicle ordering.