Transportation Funding Framework (FY 2026)
A strategic overview of state and federal funding sources for Perry's Fare-Free Public Transit Initiative — prepared by Premier Executive Transportation Inc. for the City of Perry Finance Department and City Council.
March 22, 2026
Memorandum
Funding at a Glance
Perry's fare-free transit initiative is supported by four distinct funding mechanisms — from immediate pilot grants to long-term federal operating subsidies — plus sustainable non-grant revenue offsets.
01
Georgia Transit Trust Fund (GTTF)
Immediate funding for new transit service starts
02
FTA Section 5311
Long-term rural operational subsidy backbone
03
LMIG Supplemental & STBG
Infrastructure: stops, signage, and park-and-ride hubs
04
TDP Grant
Research & design reimbursement up to 100%
05
Sustainability Offsets
Employer partnerships, pay-to-park, and advertising
1. Georgia Transit Trust Fund (GTTF)
Immediate Funding
Key Details
  • Administrator: Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  • Purpose: New transit service starts and expansions not covered by federal formula grants
  • Local Match: Typically 10–20% — lower than federal requirements
Application to Perry
Use to fund the Phase 2 Pilot (10-Day Fair Service). As of March 20, 2026, the State has highlighted over $2M in similar regional transit allocations, demonstrating strong precedent for Perry's application.
2. FTA Section 5311 — Rural Area Formula
Long-Term Backbone
Administered by GDOT, this federal program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance for public transportation in communities under 50,000 in population — making Perry an ideal candidate.
Operating Coverage
Covers up to 50% of net operating deficits, providing critical long-term sustainability.
Capital Coverage
Covers up to 80% of capital costs including vehicles and transit hubs.
Strategic Advantage
Applying as a joint venture with Houston County increases the likelihood of a higher Formula ceiling.
3. Infrastructure: LMIG Supplemental & STBG
GDOT / FHWA
Grant Types
  • LMIG: Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant
  • STBG: Surface Transportation Block Grant
  • Flexibility: Covers pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure
Perry Applications
  • 186 proposed bus stops across the service area
  • Solar-powered signage installations
  • Park-N-Ride hub renovations at Rozar and Legacy Parks
4. Transit Development Plan (TDP) Grant
Research & Design
Grant Overview
Administrator: GDOT Planning
Reimbursement: 80% to 100% for feasibility studies and transit system design
Strategic Reclassification
The TDP Grant re-classifies the initial Pilot Phase as a "Live Feasibility Study," removing financial risk from the City's general fund while gathering the data needed to compete with Macon's transit progress.

This approach transforms a potential budget liability into a fully reimbursable research investment — protecting Perry's general fund throughout the pilot phase.
Sustainability & Revenue Offsets
To address concerns about long-term viability after grant funding, three non-grant revenue streams are projected to offset ongoing operational costs.
Employer Partnership Program
Private-sector contributions from Amazon and Robins AFB for dedicated workforce transit stops, creating a reliable recurring revenue stream.
Pay-to-Park Revenue
Digital kiosks at transit hubs are projected to generate $400,000+ annually, directly offsetting operational costs.
Advertising Revenue
Dedicated digital and physical ad space on vehicles and at high-traffic stops provides an additional diversified income layer.
Projected Revenue Offset Breakdown
The three non-grant revenue streams work together to build a self-sustaining financial foundation for Perry's transit system beyond the grant period.
Pay-to-Park kiosks alone are projected at $400,000+ annually, making them the single largest non-grant revenue contributor to operational sustainability.
Funding Summary by Source
Next Steps for City Council
1
Submit GTTF Application
Initiate the Phase 2 Pilot funding request through GDOT to secure the $2M+ regional transit allocation.
2
Formalize Houston County Joint Venture
Establish the joint application agreement to maximize the FTA Section 5311 Formula ceiling.
3
Reclassify Pilot as TDP Feasibility Study
Protect the City's general fund by qualifying the pilot for 80–100% reimbursement under the TDP Grant.
4
Engage Employer Partners
Begin outreach to Amazon and Robins AFB to formalize workforce stop contribution agreements.