Funding Shared Micromobility in the US: CMAQ
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program has been a critical funding source for shared micromobility systems across North America. Since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) explicitly added shared micromobility to the list of eligible projects in 2021, a policy that NABSA advocated for, this federal program offers communities a proven pathway to launch and expand bikeshare and scootershare systems.
What is CMAQ?
CMAQ is a federal transportation funding program administered by the Federal Highway Administration that provides resources to state and local governments for projects that reduce mobile source emissions and help communities meet Clean Air Act requirements. Established in 1991 and reauthorized every six years through successive transportation bills, the program has supported more than 29,000 emission-reduction projects nationwide.
The program funds transportation projects that reduce emissions of air pollutants while also reducing traffic congestion. CMAQ explicitly recognizes that shared micromobility systems accomplish both goals by replacing short car trips with bike and scooter trips and providing first-mile/last-mile connections to transit.
Funding Bike Share Through CMAQ
Shared micromobility became explicitly eligible for CMAQ funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021, but the program had been used to fund shared micromobility systems prior as well. The statute specifically lists “shared micromobility, including bikesharing and shared scooter systems” among eligible project types.
CMAQ can fund the capital costs of establishing or expanding a shared micromobility system, including the purchase of bikes and scooters, docking stations, payment kiosks, and related infrastructure. However, there’s an important limitation: ongoing operating costs are not eligible for CMAQ funding.
Who is Eligible?
CMAQ funds are geographically restricted to EPA-designated nonattainment and maintenance areas, regions that currently fail to meet or previously failed to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter. This includes most major metropolitan areas across the United States.
Eligible applicants include state departments of transportation, local governments, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations. CMAQ also encourages Public-Private partnerships, for non-profit and private operators.
How to Apply
The application process for CMAQ funding varies by state and region, as funds are distributed to states based on population in eligible areas, then allocated through state DOTs or metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).
Here’s the typical process:
First, identify your state DOT or MPO contact to understand the local timeline and requirements for project proposals. Most states and MPOs run competitive selection processes on regular cycles – some annual, others biennial.
Second, develop a project proposal that includes an emissions reduction analysis demonstrating air quality benefits. FHWA provides a CMAQ Emissions Calculator Toolkit specifically to help project sponsors quantify expected emissions reductions. Your proposal should also address cost-effectiveness, alignment with regional transportation and air quality goals, and project readiness. You can find more about your state’s evaluation criteria on their website.
Third, ensure your project is included in your region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) or the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). All CMAQ projects must come from an adopted transportation plan.
Finally, coordinate early with your state DOT or MPO to understand their specific evaluation criteria, scoring methodologies, and competitive dynamics. Some regions may give extra weight to projects that fill gaps in the transportation network or serve environmental justice communities.
How Shared Micromobility Fits In
Shared micromobility is now an eligible use of CMAQ funds, but funds are still awarded competitively. These systems support the program’s core objectives through multiple pathways. They reduce vehicle miles traveled and facilitate mode shift from single-occupancy vehicles, provide first-mile/last-mile connections to transit hubs, and can expand transportation access in disadvantaged communities, particularly within nonattainment areas where air quality improvement is a priority.
CMAQ funding has proven instrumental in launching and expanding shared micromobility across the US. With shared micromobility now explicitly eligible and the program continuing through the current authorization period, communities have a valuable opportunity to leverage these federal dollars for cleaner, more connected transportation systems. NABSA continues to advocate for additional federal funding for Shared Micromobility. Learn more about NABSA’s priorities and how to get involved in our advocacy work with our Advocacy Toolkit.