The program addresses unmet mobility needs in rural areas, where local resources are often limited. By providing technical expertise, CTAA helps communities implement viable transit solutions that foster small business growth and enhance local economies. Rural transit systems are not just services—they are businesses that create jobs, support local economies, and provide critical links to employment, education, health care and services.

Transit enables rural residents to access jobs that would otherwise be unreachable, especially in regions affected by economic downturns, industrial closures, or natural disasters. The RPTTAP works with communities to identify transportation needs, assess existing services and recommend realistic solutions customized for that community and its challenges. The Program includes long, and short-term technical assistance projects offered through an annual application process for rural communities. CTAA staff and contracted consultants will work with the community over a period of 3-9 months to address existing transportation challenges to include service development, service refinement, facility planning, compliance, community outreach and other elements of transit service provision.