$260,000 available to help Michigan businesses launch employee transportation programs

Application deadline for grant funding is February 9

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is encouraging manufacturers and their workforce/non-profit partners to apply for a share of $260,000 in funding to develop and implement transportation programs that improve employee retention, productivity and access to work.

The Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program builds on the recently-released Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs playbook that helps Michigan businesses address workforce transportation challenges. The deadline to apply for the transportation pilot grant is Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.

“This Reliable Rides Incentive Grant funding opportunity is about helping Michiganders overcome transportation challenges so they can build better lives,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “When we remove barriers to getting to work, we’re giving people the chance to secure and keep good-paying jobs — and that means stronger families and stronger communities across our state.”

LEO anticipates awarding competitive grants to 12–20 small or medium-sized manufacturers (1,000 or fewer employees) located in Michigan or to workforce organizations/non-profits with a named small or medium-sized employer partner. A total of $260,000 in funding is available through this pilot program. Individual grant awards will be up to $20,000 per grantee with final amounts scaled based on the transportation model selected and the scope of implementation.

“Establishing strong partnerships between employers and transportation providers or local community organizations is a critical component in many of the Reliable Rides playbook models,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training. “We anticipate receiving many applications that include those kinds of invaluable partnerships.”

Applicants must show demonstrated interest in supporting workforce transportation needs, commit to implementing a Reliable Rides program based on the model(s) from the playbook, and demonstrate a plan for sustaining the program beyond the grant period. The complete list of applicant requirements is included in the Request for Proposals information and application document.

The Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs playbook is a new employer-focused resource designed to help businesses build transportation programs that improve employee reliability, retention and productivity. The free, easy-to-use playbook provides businesses with proven transportation models already working across the state and nation.

Unlike other transportation programs, Reliable Rides is built around the employer and is designed to help businesses launch, implement and measure transportation solutions as part of their workforce strategy.

“This funding opportunity will provide real-world solutions to transportation challenges faced by many Michigan workers, including individuals with disabilities, and it will support employers who will benefit from a more consistent and reliable workforce,” said MI Auto Workforce Hub Director Amanda Lawrence.

Applications for funding are due by Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. Awards will be announced in March.

To view the Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program Request for Proposals document, the Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs playbook and learn more about other mobility workforce initiatives, visit Michigan.gov/AutoWorkforceHub.

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