Background/Analysis/Issues:

DVRPC’s Travel Options Program (TOP) funds innovative transportation demand management (TDM) projects to provide better access to more travel options across the region. DVRPC solicits applications for concept development projects, operating projects, and education and marketing campaigns. For the FYs 2027 and 2028 two-year TOP round, there are $1,835,120 in federal funds available for PA TOP projects, and $440,000 in federal funds for NJ TOP projects. DVRPC staff recommend increasing funding for the NJ TOP projects to fully fund all selected projects, given the projects’ high ratings and the availability of NJ CMAQ funds. This will require an administrative TIP action to add $150,000 of CMAQ funds to a new Project 27-80-200 via an FY27 UPWP amendment.
Applicants went through a two-stage application process: first submitting an expression of interest (EOI), then, if invited, submitting a formal application. The EOI period opened on July 7, 2025 and closed on September 8, 2025. DVRPC staff accepted expressions of interest from those whose ideas fell within one of the following TOP focus areas: Workforce Access (non-SOV), Education and Outreach, Quick Build or Temporary Infrastructure, Concept Development for a new or existing service, and Operational Solutions. Applicants were required to address the regional TDM Strategic Plan’s core goals, clearly identify issues and strategies, and propose ways to measure the project’s impacts on travel behavior change.

Of the 31 EOI proposals submitted, applicants for 18 projects requesting a total of $3,890,000 were invited to submit full applications. A selection committee composed of representatives from DVRPC partner agencies throughout the region and DVRPC’s Public Participation Task Force (PPTF) members rated, scored, and selected a diverse set of 13 non-construction projects that are listed in the attached table. The 13 projects, as revised during post-application scoping and eligibility conversations, total $2,425,120 in funding requested.

Staff request approval of the list of selected TOP projects for the fiscal years 2027 and 2028 grant period, totaling $2,425,120, which consists of: New Jersey - $590,000 ($300K STBG, $290K CMAQ) and Pennsylvania - $1,835,120 (STU).

Cost and Source of Funds:

The FY 2027 UPWP includes $1,835,120 in funding for PA TOP projects and $440,000 for NJ TOP projects. The adjusted NJ total of $590,000 is contingent upon the allocation of $150,000 in additional CMAQ funds to the program by amending DVRPC’s FY 2027 UPWP to add a new project (27-80-200, NJ TIP DB# D2005). 
Following that action, funding for TOP selections will be provided from the FFY 2025 PA TIP (FFY25 funds) and FFY 2026 NJ TIP (FFY27 funds) as part of the FY 2027 UPWP (projects 27-80-100 and 27-80-200, PA TIP MPMS #117928, NJ TIP DB #D2005) as follows: $1,835,120 STU/Toll Credit for PA TOP projects; and $590,000 ($300K STBGP-PHILA/$290K CMAQ) for NJ TOP projects.

The Regional Technical Committee recommends the DVRPC Board approve the list of selected Travel Options Program (TOP) projects for FYs 2027 and 2028 totaling $2,425,120, which consists of: New Jersey - $590,000 ($300K STBG, $290K CMAQ) and Pennsylvania - $1,835,120 (STU), and approve amending the FY 2027 DVRPC UPWP to add project 27-80-200.