U.S. DOT announces research dollars to improve access to transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration this week announced $6 million to help improve access to affordable transportation, especially in areas that currently lack efficient and convenient transit options.

"Transit can be a great equalizer, but for many Americans, such options are limited or simply don’t exist," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "This new program will help eliminate barriers to affordable transportation and improve access to jobs, school, healthcare, friends and family – all of the ingredients for a good quality of life."

Under the newly created Mobility, Access and Transportation Insecurity: Creating Links to Opportunity Program, a selected organization will partner with FTA to establish a research and demonstration program to improve access to affordable transportation options for everyday destinations.

The FTA plans to share findings with the public so research organizations, transit agencies, and others can learn from and expand upon the insights developed from FTA-funded research.

Issues to be addressed include:

• Investing in American infrastructure and communities;
• Making transportation safer;
• Reducing transportation costs in household budgets; 
• Making the nation’s transportation systems more equitable;  
• Building more resilient and sustainable transportation systems to benefit and protect communities; and 
• Investing in research and innovation.  

FTA will work with one organization to develop and implement demonstrations that support public transportation to increase transportation access and evaluate outcomes and effectiveness.

Instructions for applying can be found on  FTA's website and in GRANTS.gov (funding opportunity FTA-2022-012TRI). Complete proposals must be submitted by Oct.14, 2022.