FTA awards $20.3M in grants to improve transit access through innovation
Twenty-five projects in 23 states will receive funding under the program.


The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced approximately $20.3 million in grant selections through the Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) program. IMI supports projects that use innovative technologies and processes to improve access to public transportation, increase public transportation efficiency, and enhance the overall rider experience.
Twenty-five projects in 23 states will receive funding under the program.
The projects will advance mobility through creative partnerships and emerging technologies. Combining public and private transportation assets and strategies can greatly increase access to mobility for everyone.
IMI advances FTA’s vision of mobility for all by promoting equitable, accessible, and safe transportation for all Americans. Examples of selected IMI projects include:
The Central Ohio Transit Authority will receive $1.7 million to develop a platform that combines traffic and transit management data and uses artificial intelligence to improve safety and efficiency, develop new channels of communication, and improve the rider experience across the region.
Arlington, Texas will receive $1.7 million to integrate autonomous vehicles into its on-demand car-sharing service, which will include a wheelchair accessible vehicle and accommodate University of Texas-Arlington students.
The Baldwin County (Alabama) Commission will receive approximately $261,000 to replace its outdated 24-hour-advance request transportation system with an on-demand rural transit network tailored to increase access to jobs, schools, and health care appointments. Riders will benefit from integrated trip planning and payment mechanisms, as well as automated routing and scheduling.
FTA issued the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the IMI program in the summer of 2019. In response to the NOFO, FTA received 104 eligible project proposals totaling approximately $107 million.
FTA is making innovation a priority in the year ahead through the Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) initiative announced in January 2020. FTA is collaborating with the transit industry as it works to meet the increasing expectations of transit riders.
To view the list, click here.
More Technology

Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
CharterUP Expands Into New Mobility and Autonomous Transportation
Vice President of New Mobility Stephen Joos discusses how CharterUP is leveraging its nationwide transportation network, technology platform, and autonomous vehicle partnerships to expand into workforce mobility, campus shuttles, and transit solutions.
Read More →
METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners
Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Read More →
Cummins Introduces Phased Model Year 2027 Launch Strategy
According to officials, the approach is designed to maintain regulatory compliance, support customer production schedules, and provide additional time to ramp production in a disciplined manner that helps ensure a successful transition for the industry.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO
Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Read More →
AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders
The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor
The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.
Read More →
Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.
Read More →