FTA announces $15m funding for innovative projects in transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the opportunity to apply for $15 million in research funds through the new Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) Demonstration program. This program will support innovations in public transportation service models, payment systems, and automation applications to improve mobility for all Americans.

“FTA is committed to advancing U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao’s strategic goal of innovation, which is key to improving safety and reliability in our transportation system,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams.  “As public transportation continues to experience a period of rapid change, these grant funds are designed to help public transit providers throughout the country develop and deploy emerging technologies to better serve their customers.”

The Integrated Mobility Innovation program brings together three areas of high interest to the transit industry and traveling public: Mobility on Demand, Strategic Transit Automation Research, and Mobility Payment Integration.  Applicants can propose projects that involve one or multiple areas.

Mobility on Demand (MOD) – $8 million

Building on FTA’s successful initial round of MOD projects, these projects will deploy new tools and service models, such as mobile applications or on-demand microtransit, that make transit more convenient and accessible. Focus areas include projects that provide first-mile/last-mile connections to transit hubs; improve mobility for those with limited transportation choices; and involve targeted, reproducible approaches to data sharing and collection.

Strategic Transit Automation Research (STAR) – $5 million

FTA developed the five-year Strategic Transit Automation Research (STAR) Plan to explore the use of vehicle automation technologies in bus transit operations. This grant opportunity is specifically soliciting automation projects identified in the STAR Plan roadmap, including Automated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for transit buses and automated shuttles.

Mobility Payment Integration (MPI) – $2 million

This research area was developed from FTA’s recognition of the importance of the evolving mobility payment marketplace in managing and integrating mobility.  Payment integration can allow seamless, complete trip planning among a range of public and private operators, enhancing regional mobility.

About FTA

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys and ferries. FTA also oversees safety measures and helps develop next-generation technology research. Transit services supported by FTA span many groups and provide wide-ranging benefits. Since 1964, FTA has partnered with state and local governments to create and enhance public transportation systems, investing more than $12 billion annually to support and expand public rail, bus, trolley, ferry and other transit services.