Northern Oregon Intercity Bus Service Call for Projects (OR) Grant

Northern Oregon Intercity Bus Service Call for Projects (OR) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Oregon Department of Transportation
Amount: Up to US $600,000
Last Updated: May 14, 2025

Summary

The Northern Oregon Intercity Bus Service Call for Projects provides funding for a project that offers intercity bus service along the I-84 corridor, connecting The Dalles and Boise, Idaho, with potential extensions to Portland. With up to $600,000 available for a year of service, eligible applicants include mass transit districts, tribes, and nonprofits. Projects must meet specific route and operational requirements, ensuring reliable daily service and compliance with federal and state regulations.

Overview

Northern Oregon Intercity Bus Service Call for Projects (OR) This grant is available to fund a project that provides intercity bus service to the public on the I-84 corridor at a minimum between The Dalles and Boise, Idaho. The service may extend from Boise as far west as Portland. Funding ​ODOT will provide up to $600,000 in grant funding for one year of service. The grant will be funded by state or federal transit funds. The funding source will be determined as part of the award process, and the awardee will be responsible for the local match. If awarded STIF funds, the match ratio is 80% state/20% local funds. If awarded 5311(f) funding, the match ratio for operations is 50% federal/50% local funds, and for capital and project administration activities​ it is 80% federal/20% local funds. In kind match can be used for both funding sources.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. ​The following types of organizations are eligible to receive this grant:mass transit districts, transportation districts, federally recognized tribes, or a city, county, special district, intergovernmental entity, or any other political subdivision or municipal or public corporation that provides public transportation service, as well as nonprofit organizations and private for-profit entities that provide public transportation services.​To be eligible for funding, projects must meet the following minimum requirements:​The eastern terminus must be Boise, Idaho. The western terminus must at a minimum be The Dalles but may at the applicant’s discretion extend as far west as Portland. In Oregon, the service must include stops in Ontario, Baker City, and La Grande, with an additional stop in Boardman, Stanfield, or Hermiston. The applicant may include additional stops on their proposed route. Service must be provided for a minimum of one year. Service must operate daily throughout the year seven days per week with at least one round trip per day. Applicants may propose not providing service on a limited number of low-travel holidays. Vehicles must have the ability to transport baggage. The service provider must be eligible to transport passengers across state lines. General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data for this service must be maintained and publicly available.