The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) opened two funding opportunities that have a combined $6.25 million in available grants for infrastructure assessment demonstration projects and tribal transit projects.
FTA will make $1.25 million available through the Real-Time Transit Infrastructure and Rolling Stock Condition Assessment Demonstration Program that is part of the Public Transportation Innovation Program. The Public Transportation Innovation Program authorizes FTA to fund, research, develop, demonstrate and deploy projects to improve public transportation.
FTA says the primary goal of the Real-Time Transit Infrastructure and Rolling Stock Condition program is to enhance asset management of infrastructure and safety by employing innovative technologies that can provide real-time condition assessment of transit capital and facilities. This program is an opportunity for transit agencies to assess, detect, monitor and track deficiencies related to infrastructure and evaluate the cost-effectiveness and practicality of proposed 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 under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are providers of public transportation, including public transportation agencies, state and local departments of transportation, technology system suppliers and bus manufacturers.
A second NOFO was published for $5 million in Fiscal Year 2020 competitive grant funding to support transit services for American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages in rural areas.
FTA’s Tribal Transit Program supports public transportation for federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages, groups or communities, as well as to meet the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and youth in rural areas where transit is sparse.
"Public transportation is vital for many tribal residents," said Acting Administrator Williams. "These federal investments are an example of this administration's commitment to improving mobility and access to jobs and critical lifeline services in tribal communities across America."
Applications will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the NOFO, including how the project will improve the quality of life for the tribe and surrounding communities. Examples include increased ridership and daily trips, improved service, elimination of gaps in service, improved operations and coordination and increased reliability. The NOFO also includes criteria in accordance with the ROUTES initiative.
Proposals for the Real-Time Transit Infrastructure and Rolling Stock Condition program are due July 17, 2020, and the application period for the Tribal Transit Program will end Aug. 24, 2020.
