FTA awards grants to bolster transit access through technology

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) yesterday announced it selected recipients of $20.3 million in grants through the Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) program.

The program supports projects that use technology and other innovative ways to improve access to public transportation, increase public transportation efficiency and enhance rider experience, FTA officials said in a press release.

For example, the grants will help communities make it easier for older adults and people with disabilities to use public transportation.

Grant funding was allocated to two organizations that provide, or are affiliated with, passenger-rail service:
• Tri-County Metropolitan District of Oregon (TriMet) received $1.8 million to develop a mobility payment system that integrates payment for multiple modes into a single transaction. The project will build on TriMet's multimodal trip planner to reduce travel stress with better real-time arrival predictions.
• Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will receive $160,930 to provide microtransit in rural communities in the state's Tidewater region.

FTA issued a notice of funding opportunity for the IMI program in summer 2019. In response, FTA received 104 eligible project proposals totaling $107 million, administration officials said.

"Innovation is integral to the future of transit," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "The IMI program is part of our increased emphasis on innovation that accelerates mobility to provide seamless travel for riders."