Travel Options Program (TOP)

Imagine a region of connected communities, where residents and workers don’t necessarily need cars and have the freedom to choose from multiple reliable, affordable, safe, and well-connected transportation options. How do we make that vision a reality? Through DVRPC’s Travel Demand Management (TDM) grant program Travel Options Program (TOP). 

TOP funds innovative projects that aim to reduce single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips and promote alternative travel options. Funded projects must align with the goals, outcomes, and strategies in DVRPC's Strategic Plan for Regional TDM Programs (the Regional TDM Plan) and include measurable results.

Eligible Activities

To be eligible for TOP funding, all project applicants must establish the project falls within one of the following focus areas:

1. Workforce access (non-single occupant vehicle)
2. Education and outreach 
3. Quick-build or temporary infrastructure (concept development or outreach only - not installation)
4. Concept development for a new or existing service
5. Operational Solutions

For examples of eligible projects you can reference the full application guidelines.

Additionally, to be eligible for a TOP grant, applicants must:

• Align with at least one of the four core goals of the Regional TDM Plan;
• Establish the project is a “pilot project” by DVRPC’s definition for this program;
• Provide proof of agreement from potential partners;
• Include a specific project location or outline a plan to determine specific project location; and
• Produce outcomes that can be measured both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Eligible Applicants 

Eligible Applicants include: 

• Transportation management associations (TMAs)
• Nonprofits (e.g. Community Development Corporations, Business Improvement Districts)
• Government organizations (e.g. county agencies, municipalities, tribal governments)
• School districts or schools
• Transit agencies

Please note that applicants who have never managed federal funds in the past are strongly encouraged to contact DVRPC staff to ensure project eligibility.

Amount and Source of Funding 

The program supports grants with a minimum of $100,000, and a maximum $300,000. TOP is primarily funded with Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) dollars. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) eligible projects located in the New Jersey portion of the Philadelphia, PA--NJ--DE--MD Urbanized Area may also be funded using NJ CMAQ funds.

When and How to Submit Your Idea

There are a number of required pre-application activities:

1. Attend one virtual TOP Information Session

The TOP Information Sessions were held on July 22 and July 30, 2025. Please reach out to Stacy Bartels (sbartels@dvrpc.org) or Amy Bernknopf (abernknopf@dvrpc.org) if you were not able to attend either session but would like to apply for this grant.

2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) proposal

On September 8, 2025, interested applicants submitted an EOI proposal describing their project idea and how it will measurably address the goals of the Regional TDM Plan.

3. Receive an invitation to complete a full TOP application

Based on EOI submissions, applicants must be invited to participate in the second phase of the grant process.

4. Research and identify the necessary steps for contract execution

This should include contract signatory and email, but may also include award approval or acceptance by a board or municipal council.

Travel Options Program (TOP) FY27-28 Process and Timeline

The following timeline provides an overview of the application and selection process for TOP projects. This timeline is subject to change. TOP projects are solicited and grants are awarded on a two-year cycle.