The Federal Transit Administration is accepting applications for $1.94 million available for technology projects that seek to improve transit customer experience, it said Monday. The program is open to transit agencies, state and local governments and metropolitan planning organizations along with nonprofit organizations and the private sector.
Transit ridership, hit hard by effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased flexible work arrangements, remains at about 80% of 2019 levels. Some transit agencies — including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, known as LA Metro, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit — have looked at enhancing their customers’ experience on their system as a way to grow back ridership.
"The [FTA’s] Enhancing Mobility Innovation program supports transit agencies as they work to strengthen mobility, with a focus on how innovation can improve service delivery and make trains, buses and ferries easier to use and more attractive to riders," said FTA acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool in a statement. "This funding will help spur innovation so that people can get to their destinations more reliably, comfortably and conveniently."
Two categories of projects are eligible for funding: One is technology solutions such as software or apps that facilitate public transportation that can be dispatched on demand, much like ride-hailing. A second category covers concepts or demonstration projects that focus on creative financing, new partnerships, integrated payment methods or innovative ways to deliver service.
This is the second round of enhancing mobility innovation competitive grants. Winning projects in the first round included a transit data twin demonstration for a transit agency in Collier County, Florida; a new microtransit pilot program in Washington, D.C.; and an app that will allow San Francisco-area riders to plan, reserve and pay for a trip that spans multiple service providers.
Applicants must show they can secure local funding or support for at least 20% of the cost of the project. Applications are due by Aug. 30.
