FTA to offer $11 million in AIM transit grants

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) yesterday announced the availability of $11 million in grants through the Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) initiative, which supports innovative transit technologies and practices that encourage travelers to use public transportation, promote economic development and enhance mobility.

The agency published a notice of funding opportunity in yesterday's Federal Register. Eligible grant applicants are public transportation providers, including transit agencies, state and local departments of transportation and federally recognized Indian tribes. FTA intends to award half of AIM funding to projects in rural areas.

Applicants are encouraged to partner with other entities, FTA officials said in a press release.

Proposals are due April 17.

"As we enter the next decade, we need to focus on the importance of innovation and meeting the expectations of our riders," said Acting FTA Administrator K. Jane Williams. "We have made innovation the center of our mission to improve public transportation across America's communities."