U.S. DOT: $10 million available to transit to address COVID concerns

DOT awards grants to TriMet and King County Metro for COVID-19 response.

U.S. Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the availability of $10 million in grant funding through a new Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Grant Program that will identify ways to make transit operations more efficient and improve mobility nationwide.

“During this time of incredible challenges, the transit industry has demonstrated resilience and dedication to provide critical transportation services for every American who depends on public transportation every day,” said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams. “The goal of this program is to give transit agencies additional resources to address COVID-19 related concerns and share innovative measures to strengthen public confidence in public transportation.”

The Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Program will fund projects that demonstrate innovative solutions, such as:

· Cleaning and disinfecting protocols for transit vehicles, facilities and equipment
· Effective exposure mitigation measures
· Contactless payment systems and other innovative mobility strategies
· Measures that strengthen public confidence in transit services

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

Demonstration grants in this NOFO are authorized under FTA’s Public Transportation Innovation Program (49 U.S.C. § 5312).