Public Notice Section 5311 Rural Public Transportation Grant
Public Notice: Section 5311 Rural Public Transportation Grant
Public notice is hereby made that the Desert Foothills Transit System (DFTS) is applying for federal financial assistance to provide public transportation service as follows:
- Service Type: Fixed-route public transit service.
- Project Duration: FFY 2026 – FFY 2027 (Beginning October 2026).
- General Service Area: Cave Creek & Carefree Arizona.
Public notice is further made that the Desert Foothills Transit System (DFTS) is also applying for federal financial assistance to purchase transit vehicles and related equipment that will be used to provide public transportation service for the general service area covered.
The transportation service will be available to the general public during all hours of operation. The project is expected to be financed by FTA Section 5311 Rural Program public transportation funds, with additional funds to be provided from Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities.
Desert Foothills Transit System (DFTS) ensures that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For more information regarding our Title VI/ADA obligations or to file a complaint, please contact us at the address given below.
Comments on the proposed project are invited from the general public, private bus and taxi companies, other public transportation providers, and human service agencies. Interested parties may comment on the project or obtain more details about the project by writing to:
Executive Director
Desert Foothills Transit System (DFTS) Email:
DesertFoothillsTransitSystem@gmail.com
Human service agencies that receive assistance from other Federal agencies for non-emergency transportation services are encouraged to participate and coordinate with the provider in the planning, design, and delivery of transportation services. Private bus and taxi operators may request copies of the project service description from the above-named person and may submit comments on the service as described.
If you wish to comment on any aspect of the proposed project, submit a proposal or a request for service coordination, or request a public hearing on this project, you must make your interest known in writing within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of this publication.
Your requests and/or comments must be forwarded to the above person.
Date Posted: January 25th, 2026, 5:40 P.M.
Our Mission
The Desert Foothills Transit System (DFTS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible, reliable, and professional fixed-route transportation to the Cave Creek and Carefree communities. We believe that mobility is the heartbeat of a thriving community, and our goal is to ensure every resident has a dependable link to local businesses and essential services.
As a nonprofit, our priority isn't the bottom line—it’s the people we serve. We are committed to transparency, community engagement, and providing a serene, proactive navigation experience for every passenger.
Who We Are
Founded by a dedicated board of community leaders—including Maxx Anderson, Cameron Kuniej, Leeanne Gardner, Brent Downs, and Ronda Ebert —DFTS was born out of a shared vision to enhance the quality of life in the Desert Foothills region. Our leadership brings together expertise in transportation, finance, and community advocacy to build a transit system that is both sustainable and impactful.
What We Do
What We Do
We are hard at work launching a fixed-route bus transit system specifically designed for our unique local landscape. By bridging the gap between residential areas and commercial hubs, we aim to:
- Support Local Economy: Connect residents directly to the doors of our local merchants.
- Ensure Accessibility: Provide a vital resource for those who rely on public transit for daily needs.
- Professional Excellence: Maintain high standards of service through strategic planning and professional partnerships with regional and federal transit authorities.