TEF Transit Pass Deadline EXTENDED! Applications Now Due March 4th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Due to the winter storm, the Transit Empowerment Fund (TEF) Board has extended the deadline for its 2021 transit pass applications. The new deadline is Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
The Transit Empowerment Fund (TEF) Board is currently accepting 2021 applications through February 26th, 2021 from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, tax exempt veteran organizations, and governmental entities for:
- Purchase of deeply discounted Capital Metro Local Bus Passes, Commuter Passes, and MetroAccess Ten Ride Booklets (50% reduction from the reduced nonprofit rate = 75% discount from the full fare). The provision of deeply discounted passes (as opposed to no cost passes) will help ensure the sustainability of the Fund.
- No Cost Passes – a limited number of no cost passes will be available. A maximum of 30% of the overall request can be made for no cost passes (i.e. if requesting $1,000 in passes can request an additional $300 in passes at no cost or if requesting 100 passes then can request an additional 30 at no cost). However, for no cost passes to be awarded, a compelling case must be made as to the critical need for the passes and the reasons that the organization cannot purchase the passes at the deeply discounted rate. NOTE: Applicants applying through the annual RFA process for the first time are not eligible for no cost passes. There must be a history of accurate and timely reporting for no cost passes to be considered.
All passes must be used by individuals who are at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, are transit dependent, and reside within the Capital Metro service area. For some passes, verification of Capital Metro eligibility certification is required. The primary purpose of the passes must be to access employment, education, healthcare, or social services. Participating agencies are required to report on distribution monthly.
The TEF Board does not anticipate another solicitation for bus pass applications until early 2022, so organizations should consider that when submitting their application. It is anticipated that the passes will be ready for distribution in July 2021.
There will be an optional Informational Session February 10th from 3:30-4:30 pm via Zoom.
Click here tor RSVP for the optional information session.
The decision will be announced no later than April 9, 2021. *Note that the Board will review all applications and may award all, partial, or none of an applicants request. Passes will be distributed as soon as they have been printed. This is generally in July. Recipients will be required to attend an orientation when they pick up their passes.
The 2021 RFA is now open through February 26, 2021. All applications must be submitted online. You can access the application by clicking the button below. Please Note: The TEF Board has elected not to offer Abbreviated Applications this cycle.
If you have questions about the application, please contact Andrea Torres at andrea@woollardnichols.com or 512-925-7120.
