The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently made available $9.3 million in research funding for innovative projects that can improve rail transit and bus operator safety.
Of the total, $2 million has made available through the Redesign of Transit Bus Operator Compartment to Improve Safety, Operational Efficiency, and Passenger Accessibility Program. The program supports research projects to design transit bus operator compartments that protect
operators from assault and improve their view of the road while still allowing them to interact with passengers.
All designs must meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
FTA has made available $7.3 million through the Under the Safety Research and Demonstration Program for projects that improve the operational safety of shared corridor fixed guideway systems and mitigate trespassing hazards on rail transit systems.
“We are committed to working with the transit industry to improve the safety of our nation’s public transportation systems,” FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams said. “We look forward to supporting innovative new designs and projects that will better protect transit employees and passengers alike, as well as improve the overall safety and reliability of the service.”
Applications are due by March 24 and will be evaluated based on the criteria listed in the funding notice.
Eligible applicants include colleges, public transportation providers, nonprofit organizations, and
state and local government entities.