Photo: nirmal-rajendharkumar–unsplash
New York transit tech lab unveils latest competition
21 January 2025
by Christopher Carey
The seventh annual edition of New York’s Transit Tech Lab challenge has been announced, with the key focuses being to find innovative solutions to boost ridership and improve maintenance.
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NJ Transit, NYC Department of Transportation (DoT) and the Partnership Fund for New York City will evaluate applications based on the technology’s impact and the applicant’s product, team, and overall value proposition.
Selected companies will advance to a proof-of-concept stage over an eight-week period. If additional testing is needed, the transit agencies may select companies to participate in a deeper technology test via a pilot to demonstrate scalability.
“This year we’re focused on harnessing the power of AI and other tech to improve foundational elements of the customer experience like scheduling, communications and system maintenance,” said Stacey Matlen, vice president of innovation at the Partnership for New York City.
“We’re excited to collaborate with our partner agencies and forward-thinking technology companies to build a vibrant future that benefits all New Yorkers.”
The challenges
This year’s challenges are calling for tech-driven approaches to support the agencies’ objectives in analyzing ridership and travel demand data in order to improve ridership (“Ridership Improvement Challenge”) as well as optimising inspections and maintenance (“Inspection and Maintenance Challenge”).
“The Transit Tech Lab is a great resource for New York’s next generation of innovators to learn the critical skills needed to solve tomorrow’s transportation challenges, ” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
“The connections, lessons, and opportunities this programme provides are a launchpad for young companies looking to bring cutting edge technology to New York’s transportation landscape.”
Applications for the two challenges are now open, and interested companies can submit proposals until 27 February 2025.
Image: nirmal-rajendharkumar-unsplash
