This grant is for the purchase of technology that will utilize AI to assist carta in creating safer driver habits across its fleet

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (Carta) $450,000 on July 30, 2026, under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula Grant Program (CFDA 20.526) to purchase artificial intelligence-enabled driver monitoring technology and panic buttons for its fleet vehicles.

The project deploys a driver monitoring system to proactively identify unsafe driving behaviors and notifies Carta's safety and operations departments of concerning events, enabling follow-up coaching with drivers on safe driving practices. The system includes panic buttons for all vehicles, which is a critical gap-fill: Carta's fixed-route buses currently have emergency alert buttons allowing drivers to notify dispatchers of emergencies, but paratransit and demand-response vehicles lack this capability. Installation of panic buttons across the paratransit and demand-response fleet addresses this safety gap.

The award is composed of $360,000 in federal funds, $45,000 in state matching funds, and $45,000 in local matching funds. The period of performance runs through March 30, 2037. Work is performed in Tennessee. Expected outcomes include reduced incidents and accidents through improved driver training and coaching.

Activities

This project includes equipment that will assist carta in proactively identifying driver behaviors that can lead to future safety issues or incidents. Critically IT also includes panic buttons for all vehicles. Cartasfixed route vehicles currently have emergency alert buttons that drivers can press to alert the dispatcher that they are experiencing an emergency without using the radio to communicate. Cartas paratransit and demandresponse vehicles do not have access to a panic button currently. The driver monitoring system will allow notification of unsafe driving events to cartas safety and operations departments. Safety and training canthen follow-up with drivers to coach them on safe driving habits.carta is including this project under ALI 11.42.08 in the amount of $360000 federal; $45000 state; and $45000 local.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes include better training and coaching of drivers on safe driving to help reduce incidents and accidents.

Intended beneficiaries

Beneficiaries include carta and its employees.