USDOT announces $160 million funding for smart transit tech

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced that two programmes are accepting applications for projects that use technology to improve transportation infrastructure and make communities safer.

Approximately US$160 million will be available annually for the projects over the next five years.

The Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program will offer up to US$100 million in grants annually and fund projects that use data and technology to solve real-world challenges.

The programme will focus on improving vehicle technology, including automation and connectivity; systems innovation like delivery and logistics, traffic signals, smart grid and data integration; and new ways to monitor and manage infrastructure, such as sensors and drones.

“Achieving our transportation priorities related to safety, economic strength, equity and climate requires bold investment in new technologies and approaches,” said Dr Robert C. Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Chief Science Officer at USDOT.

“SMART supports a broad portfolio of projects across the country that will serve as beacons as we move toward a transportation system that is data-driven, values-based and technology-enabled.”

Improving safety

The second programme is the Federal Highway Administration’s US$60 million Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) programme that promotes advanced technologies to improve safety and reduce travel times for drivers and transit riders, with a focus on projects that can serve as national examples.

Initiatives will be evaluated on how they consider climate change and environmental justice impacts – including how they reduce transportation-related air pollution and address the disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged communities.

Economic benefits and the potential to create jobs will also be key considerations.

“As we level the playing field and improve the travel experience for everyone, we need to promote the use of state-of-the-art technologies, and the ATTAIN program does just that,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a programme with a track record of delivering innovation through the use of advanced technologies and made it truly forward-looking by refocusing its goals to include promoting equity and tackling climate change, in addition to creating jobs and delivering positive economic impact.”

Image: David Yu (Flickr)