Transportation Research Board seeks proposals for IDEA program

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is accepting research proposals for the Rail Safety Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) Program.

The Safety IDEA Program supports the development and evaluation of innovative concepts and methods for improving rail safety or performance. Proposals are due by Sept. 16.

Proposals will be considered for promising but unproven innovations to advance railroad practices and can apply to any type of railroad, including high-speed, intercity passenger or freight railroads, TRB officials said in a proposal notice.

Proposals are encouraged for innovations in such areas as safety, security and environment; human factors; rolling stock and components; track and structures; track/train interaction; grade crossings; hazardous materials transportation; and train occupant protection.

Funded by the Federal Railroad Administration, the Safety IDEA Program provides funding at an early stage of the development process for innovative concepts. Proposals can receive up to $100,000 in IDEA funds.

For more information about the program and preparing/submitting IDEA proposals, log onto www.trb.org/idea.