Discuss your proposal
Metro staff are available in January and February to discuss the RTO program and grant proposals. Sign up for a one-on-one informational session with Metro RTO staff.
Reserve a session
The RTO program supports transportation demand management (TDM) strategies to increase use of travel options, reduce pollution, and improve mobility. Travel options include anything besides driving alone – carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, bicycling, walking, and telecommuting. Metro provides grant funding and technical assistance through the RTO program to support partners’ work to educate, encourage, and provide information to increase people's use of these options.
The RTO Marketing and Infrastructure & Innovation grants are part of the larger RTO grant program, and are on one-year funding cycles. The new round of RTO sponsorship funds will also become available on Jan. 1st for activities occurring through June 30th, 2020. Applications for RTO sponsorships are accepted on a continuing basis.
- Marketing Grants provide funding and staffing support to assist partners in project managing the development, design, and production of marketing campaigns and/or materials. Selected partners have access to Metro’s on-call marketing, graphic design, production, and translation vendors to create materials needed for community outreach efforts and work closely with Metro to develop outreach targets, messaging, and strategy.
- Infrastructure & Innovation Grants support work to install supportive infrastructure needed to help people use active transportation modes, and grants to test how new techniques or emerging technologies can improve equitable, shared, and active transportation options. Projects should encourage or assist people with using non-single occupancy vehicle modes. Innovative projects should focus on the widespread deployment of new and helpful technologies rather than the development of new technologies.
- RTO sponsorships are designed to provide ancillary support to events, initiatives and programs, and provide Metro and partners with strategic marketing or outreach opportunities. Sponsorships are restricted to materials, events and activities that promote travel options as a core function. Applicants must apply no less than 60 days prior to the funding need.
Learn more about the RTO program, grant category requirements and application process