This Project Grant, awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) program (CFDA 47.070), supports research to address interrelated planning, operational, and managerial challenges in transitioning public bus fleets to electric vehicles.
The $200,000 award to George Mason University, along with potential sub-awards, will fund the development of a suite of intelligent decision support tools called the CREATE (Community-Responsive Electrified and Adaptive Transit Ecosystem) suite. These tools aim to enable scalable, transferable, and sustainable electric bus fleet transitions, while prioritizing environmental justice and transportation justice. Key outcomes will include a clearinghouse of lessons learned, resources, and best practices to guide other transit agencies and school districts in their electrification efforts. The project will be conducted in collaboration with local transit agencies, public schools, municipalities, utility companies, and industry partners.