Assistance program
Public Transportation Innovation
$199.6 Million committed in FY2018–FY2026
- Agency
- Federal Transit Administration, Transportation, Department of
- Assistance
- Project Grants;Direct Payments for Specified Use;Dissemination of Technical Information;Training
- CFDA number
- 20.530
- What it does
- The goals and objectives of Public Transportation Innovation projects vary according to the type of project, and there is a phased process where projects build upon each other and continue based upon their success or failure. Research projects have the ultimate goal to develop and deploy new and innovative ideas, practices, and approaches. Eligible research projects focus on: (A) providing more effective and efficient public transportation service, including services to— (i) seniors; (ii) individuals with disabilities; and (iii) low-income individuals; (B) mobility management improvements and travel management systems; (C) data and communication system advancements; (D) system capacity, including— (i) train control; (ii) capacity improvements; and (iii) performance management; (E) capital and operating efficiencies; (F) planning and forecasting modeling and simulation; (G) advanced vehicle design; (H) advancements in vehicle technology; (I) asset maintenance and repair systems advancement; (J) construction and project management; (K) alternative fuels; (L) the environment and energy efficiency; (M) safety improvements; or (N) any other area that the Secretary determines is important to advance the interests of public transportation. Then, successful research ideas can result in innovation and development projects that improve public transportation systems nationwide to provide more efficient and effective delivery of public transportation services, including through technology and technological capacity improvements. Eligible innovation and development projects focus on: (A) the development of public transportation research projects that received assistance under subsection (c) that the Secretary determines were successful; (B) planning and forecasting modeling and simulation; (C) capital and operating efficiencies; (D) advanced vehicle design; (E) advancements in vehicle technology; (F) the environment and energy efficiency; (G) system capacity, including train control and capacity improvements; or (H) any other area that the Secretary determines is important to advance the interests of public transportation. Demonstration, deployment, and evaluation projects should build on successful research, and innovation to promote the early deployment and demonstration of innovation in public transportation that has broad applicability. Demonstration programs require a comprehensive evaluation within two years of the project receiving assistance. Eligible demonstration, deployment, and evaluation projects focus on: (A) the deployment of research and technology development resulting from private efforts or Federally funded efforts; and (B) the implementation of research and technology development to advance the interests of public transportation.; or (C) the deployment of low or no emission vehicles, zero emission vehicles, or associated advanced technology. For the LOW OR NO EMISSION VEHICLE COMPONENT TESTING (Low-No Testing program): FTA competitively selects at least one institution of higher education to operate and maintain a facility to conduct testing, evaluation, and analysis of low or no emission vehicle components intended for use in low or no emission vehicles. The institution(s) shall have: (I) the capacity to carry out transportation-related advanced component and vehicle evaluation; (II) laboratories capable of testing and evaluation; and III. direct access to or a partnership with a testing facility capable of emulating real-world circumstances in order to test low or no emission vehicle components installed on the intended vehicle. Component testing is voluntary; however, a low or no emission bus model must still comply with Section 5318 Bus Testing. The TRANSIT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM (TCRP) is a cooperative agreement between FTA and the National Academies of Science to administer a public transportation cooperative research program with an independent governing board to recommend public transportation research, development and technology transfer activities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law introduced two new initiatives: an Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems program and expended capabilities for Low or No Emission Component Testing Centers. The Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems program is designed to promote, implement, and document the benefits of advanced digital construction practices. Meanwhile, Low or No Emission Component Testing Centers are now authorized to conduct targeted technology research, purchase equipment, and fund capital projects related to testing low or no emission vehicle components and researching advanced vehicle technologies that benefit the public transportation industry as a whole.