Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Program

Grants to USA and territories transportation companies to mitigate the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Funding may be used to cover payroll expenses as well as the acquisition of equipment, services, including PPE and protection measures from COVID-19 for workers and customers; continued operations and maintenance of existing equipment and facilities; rent, leases, insurance, and interest on regular debt service.
Established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Program was created to support transportation service providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including motorcoach, school bus, passenger vessel, and pilot vessel companies.Under the program, Treasury will provide grants to eligible companies that certify they have experienced an annual revenue loss of 25 percent or more as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19.Eligible Use of Funds:Subject to other rules and conditions to be included in the grant agreement, grantees may use grant funds for operating expenses, including but not limited to: Payment of payroll costs and compensation of returning employees for lost pay and benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic The acquisition of services, personal protective equipment, and other measures needed to protect workers and customers from COVID–19 Operations and maintenance of existing capital equipment and facilities, such as rent, leases, insurance, and interest on regularly scheduled debt service Principal on a debt obligation incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic for the direct purpose of maintaining the payment of payroll costs during the COVID-19 pandemic Compensation of returning employees for lost pay and benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, subject to certain offsets and limitations.