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Biden Administration awards innovative technology grants to improve mobility for Americans

Posted: 12 August 2022 | | No comments yet

The $49.2 million grant will allow transit agencies and organisations across the U.S. to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies, in order to improve access to transit and further enhance the passenger experience.

Biden Administration awards innovative technology grants to improve mobility for Americans

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have announced that they have awarded $49.2 million in innovative technology grants to improve mobility and multimodal connections for millions of Americans who travel on the nation’s highway and transit systems.

Grants can be applied to technologies ranging from systems that detect and prevent wrong-way crashes to advanced technology to improve trucking operations and terminal operator activities at a port. 

FTA has awarded $4 million in Enhancing Mobility Innovation (EMI) grants to nine transit agencies and organisations in six states and the District of Columbia to improve access and mobility for transit riders, while FHWA has awarded $45.2 million in grants to 10 projects that aim to improve mobility and safety, reduce congestion and support communities that are underserved by transit.

“With these grants, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping communities deliver modern transportation systems that connect people to where they want to go more affordably, efficiently and safely,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We’re pleased to support these innovative solutions that will improve driving and public transit for Americans in urban, suburban and rural areas alike.”

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“FTA’s Enhancing Mobility Innovation (EMI) programme provides more tools to improve mobility and make all modes of transit easier to use and more attractive to riders,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “This funding will help recipients test new innovations with a goal of deploying long-lasting solutions that improve the lives of people in their communities.”

FTA’s EMI programme supports innovations that improve options for how people get around and encourage people to ride public transit, such as integrated fare payment systems and user-friendly apps for on-demand public transportation. By focusing on innovative service delivery approaches, creative financing and novel partnerships, these grant awards will accelerate the industry’s progress on adapting technology to improve access and on-board experiences.

The EMI programme supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals to increase transit access and promote environmental justice. FTA encouraged proposals that advance the objectives of the its Justice40 initiative by investing in innovations that benefit disadvantaged communities and also help meet its climate goals.