Public Transportation Innovation

This listing supports projects that advance public transportation through research, innovation, demonstration, and evaluation. Public Transportation Innovation projects follow a phased approach, where research outcomes inform subsequent innovation an

FTA's research programs statute's overarching goal is to implement programs of national significance to public transportation, that will improve public transportation. FTA's mission is to improve public transportation for America's communities, and the vision is that America will have world-class Public Transportation Systems that ensure access and mobility for all. Thus, FTA's research mission is to enable a robust public transportation network that connects communities and protects the environment. This research mission is achieved by developing, demonstrating, evaluating, and deploying transformative technologies and processes that enable connected, climate friendly communities. The strategic research goals for FTA are to facilitate equitable accessible mobility, support the deployment of environmentally sustainable systems, and enable a safe and secure public transit system. These goals support the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) strategic goals.

Federal Government departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government, including Federal laboratories; State and local governmental entities; providers of public transportation; private or non-profit organizations; institutions of higher education; and technical and community colleges.

14 - State, 15 - Local, 20 - Public nonprofit institution/organization, 36 - Private nonprofit institution/organization.

There are multiple assistance opportunities within public transportation innovation - please see the objectives section for more details. Depending on the specific program, the eligibility of recipients, projects, and federal share may vary. A prohibition exists such that no grants can be made for the demonstration, deployment, or evaluation of a vehicle that is in revenue service unless the Secretary determines that the project makes significant technological advancements in the vehicle. To the extent FTA allocates the funding through a competitive notice of funding opportunity, FTA will specify eligibility and requirements in a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). Government share of costs shall not exceed 80% except for Section 5312(h) which is 50% and Section 5312 (i) where there is no match require. Funding for TCRP is at 100%. Demonstration and deployment projects must have a comprehensive evaluation of the success of the funded project within 2 years after the date on which a project received assistance.

Eligible activities include on research, development, demonstration and deployment projects, and evaluation of technology of national significance to public transportation.

The period of time varies with the complexity of the project. Funds are available until expended. Terms and conditions are contractually agreed on between FTA and the applicant.

An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. To the extent funding is available for discretionary activities; FTA will publish specific application instructions in a notice of funding opportunity or a request for proposals.

Selection criteria vary by program and are described in the Federal Register notices or Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for competitive projects. Competitive proposals are evaluated based on factors such as technical merit, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential impact. For directed agreements, selection criteria are established by program managers and outlined in the application instructions. Notices for FY 2026 describe available funding and the process for awarding support.

Competitive projects are announced through a written Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), posted on grants.gov and FTA's website, while FTA contracts are listed in the Federal Register. All proposals must follow NOFO instructions and are first assessed for compliance with Federal regulations, including 2 CFR Uniform Guidance and applicable FTA circulars. Compliant proposals are then evaluated by a review panel, which scores and ranks applications. Successful projects are posted on FTA's official website. Federal assistance is awarded through grant agreements, cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, or contracts, with final approval authority held by the Federal Transit Administrator. Recipients must execute the award agreement and be established in FTA's e-Invoicing system before accessing funds. All awards must comply with the DOT Public Access Plan, including a required Data Management Plan for research projects, and demonstration or deployment projects must include evaluations of outcomes. Assistance may be provided directly to the recipient or, if applicable, passed through for further distribution to subrecipients.

Date range varies.

This assistance listing is renewed annually. Recipients must update their statement of work and submit a current-year budget for ongoing projects to continue receiving support. If additional time is needed to complete a project, recipients may request an extension through an amendment, which must be approved by FTA.