Specialized Services Expansion

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) launched the Michigan $15 Million Equitable Mobility Challenge to address mobility gaps and enhance access to education, jobs, health care, nutritious food, and socialization opportunities. The Specialized Services Program Expansion focuses on expanding specialized transit options in underserved areas of Michigan to improve quality of life while promoting equity and accessibility.

The program prioritizes services designed to meet the mobility needs of senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. Eligible applicants include specialized transit operators and local mobility providers, including both new applicants expanding transit into underserved communities and existing Specialized Services Program recipients seeking increased reimbursement rates.

Eligible projects include specialized transportation services that bridge critical mobility gaps in underserved areas, enhance connections to vital daily destinations, and support operational expansions. Funds may also be used to raise reimbursement rates for current program participants delivering specialized transit.

Applicants must submit proposals clearly indicating that they are applying under the Specialized Services Program Expansion track (as opposed to the Solving Mobility Gaps track). MDOT and OFME review submitted proposals and reserve the option to assign awarded projects to another program track if deemed appropriate. Inquiries can be submitted directly to MDOT-EquitableMobility@Michigan.gov.