FTA: $10M Available to Tackle COVID-Related Operational Challenges

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of $10 million through the new Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Grant Program. The move follows transit agency requests that FTA support research addressing COVID-19-related operational challenges.

Eligible projects will demonstrate innovative solutions in four major areas:

• Vehicle, facility, equipment, and infrastructure cleaning and disinfection.
• Exposure mitigation measures.
• Innovative mobility strategies, such as contactless payments.
• Measures that strengthen public confidence in transit services.

Demonstration grants in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are authorized under FTA’s Public Transportation Innovation Program. Proposals must be submitted by Nov. 2.

“As communities nationwide shift their focus from response to economic recovery, transit agencies are supporting local efforts by increasing the availability of service,” FTA said. “The new research demonstration program will help fund and evaluate innovative transit solutions and disseminate outcomes throughout the public transportation industry.”