To provide funds for the state safety oversight of the WVU PRT

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $630,037 to the West Virginia Division of Public Transit on September 8, 2025, under the Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation System State Safety Oversight Formula Grant Program (CFDA 20.528). This award funds state-level safety oversight activities for the West Virginia University Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system through September 8, 2027, with final completion by January 15, 2028. The funded activities include administrative expenses, staff training, consultant services, and acquisition of a support vehicle necessary to establish and maintain the state safety oversight program.

The grant supports the development and implementation of comprehensive safety monitoring and compliance activities that align with the FTA's Safety Management Systems approach and regulatory requirements under 49 CFR Part 674. Through these products and services, the West Virginia Division of Public Transit will ensure the WVU PRT operates safely and efficiently in compliance with FTA expectations, thereby providing enhanced safety and mobility to the traveling public utilizing this fixed guideway system. No subrecipient activities are identified under this award.

Activities

Administrative expensestrainingconsultant servicesacquisition of support vehicle

Expected outcomes

The state safety oversight program will ensure compliance with ftas expectations and therefore provide greater safety to the traveling public utilizing the PRT.

Intended beneficiaries

The beneficiaries are the traveling public who will be utilizing a safe efficient and economical transportation option.