FTA Report on 2015 Section 5312 Projects

Abstract

This report provides information on projects funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA's) Section 5312 program for 2015 and a proposed allocation of appropriated funds for FY 2016. FTA focused eligible projects in three strategic priority areas to promote innovation that improves operations, infrastructure, and the travelers’ experience, including safety, asset management and asset innovation, and mobility. Total amounts for FTA-funded projects across the three types of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) eligible projects include Research projects ($10 million, 7% of 2015 allocations) for public transportation projects that develop and deploy new and innovative ideas, practices, and approaches; Innovation and Development projects ($11 million, 8%) that improve public transportation systems nationwide to provide more efficient and effective delivery of public transportation services including through technology and technological capacity improvements; and Demonstration and Deployment projects ($114 million, 85%) for the early deployment and demonstration of innovation in public transportation that has broad applicability. Major projects are related to safety and asset management/innovation. Included in the report are project descriptions and lists of pending or ongoing project awards and grantees for larger projects. The findings of FTA’s research, innovation, and demonstration programs benefit riders, providers, and all members living in communities with public transit services. New safety technologies and solutions that public transit agencies can implement will mitigate injuries and fatalities. New, more energy-efficient capital will continue to reduce harmful emissions and reduce energy costs. Advancements in mobility through shared public and private services mean more people can get a ride when and where they need it. Operational processes that track important data for transit agency operational efficiency reduce provider costs. Innovations in capital stimulate the economy and boost private sector businesses. FTA’s 2015 research activities are driving the development of many useful resources for the industry. Innovative research and demonstration grants are in process with impending recommendations for technologies that hold great promise to improve public transportation systems and travel. Projects are assessing new operational processes, piloting more efficient ways to schedule a ride, testing systems for monitoring rider and passenger safety, funding innovative improvement to buses that reduce emissions and energy use, and demonstrating and deploying real-world solutions across the three priorities of safety, asset management/asset innovation, and mobility.