The U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Thursday it would make available $1.25 million in grant money for programs that demonstrate and evaluate innovative technologies and designs.
The money, part of the Public Transportation Innovation Program, would fund research, development, demonstrations, and deployment project that focus on improving public transportation. FTA pointed to the Real-Time Transportation Innovation and Rolling Stock Condition program as an example of how funds could be used.
The Real-Time Transportation program enhances asset management through the use of innovative technology that provides real-time assessment of the condition of transit capital and facilities. The program is an opportunity for agencies to detect and track deficiencies in infrastructure and evaluate the cost-effectiveness and practicality of state-of-the-art solutions.
“This is a unique opportunity for transit agencies to develop innovative technologies and designs while at the same time, further enhancing the safety of our nation’s transit systems,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams.
Eligible applicants – like public transportation agencies, state and local departments of transportation, technology system suppliers, and bus manufacturers – can find more information about applying for the funds under the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Federal Register. Proposals are due by July 17, 2020.