In early 2025, new federal budget priorities resulted in scaled-back funding for several key programs supporting people with disabilities — including cuts to Section 5310. While these shifts have flown under the radar in national news, transit agencies are already feeling the strain. For programs that rely heavily on these funds, the consequences are immediate: hiring freezes, cancelled vehicle replacements, and a growing backlog of eligibility requests.
This is especially evident in rural states like Iowa, Mississippi, and parts of Wisconsin, where local tax revenue often can’t make up the difference. The result is a strain on front-line staff and longer wait times for new riders trying to access service. Some agencies are being forced to pause travel training, reassign staff, or delay eligibility interviews, setting up long-term problems in service access and equity.
But this pressure also presents an opportunity for agencies to improve their efficiency. Digital eligibility systems — especially those that automate application tracking, ride scheduling, and status notifications — can significantly reduce administrative overhead. Agencies can streamline intake by using smart forms and built-in decision logic to reduce duplicative work and speed up processing times.
Additionally, automating confirmation calls for interviews and reducing redundant data entry helps staff focus on the human side of eligibility. Reporting dashboards built with grant compliance in mind can also ensure that transit managers stay ahead of FTA audits, while keeping internal KPIs like time-to-decision and application volume top of mind. While funding may be tight, the right process improvements can help stretch limited resources further than expected.