PANYNJ to Receive $805K FTA Transit Customer Experience Research Grant
The funding from FTA’s Enhancing Mobility Innovation program enables transit agencies and research organizations to advance technologies, strategies, and innovations that create a safe, reliable, equitable, and accessible transit experience.
FTA’s EMI program supports innovation in mobility to meet the evolving needs of transit riders; advances equitable and climate-smart transportation; and improves public transportation.
Photo: Canva
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) will receive approximately $805,000 in Federal Transit Administration funding supporting research into new tools and approaches to improve the transit rider experience.
The funding from FTA’s Enhancing Mobility Innovation (EMI) program enables transit agencies and research organizations to advance technologies, strategies, and innovations that create a safe, reliable, equitable, and accessible transit experience, from developing simpler ways for riders to pay fares to adjusting transit schedules based on demand.
PANYNJ’s Project
PANYNJ will retrofit New Jersey Transit electric buses with automated driving features that enable more buses to travel more frequently in exclusive bus lanes.
The retrofit will allow PANYNJ to explore and perfect the use of automated vehicle technologies in urban environments, developing a better understanding of how an automated shuttles or express bus service could be deployed.
PANYNJ is one of two transit agencies to receive an EMI grant award.
FTA’s EMI Program
FTA’s EMI program supports innovation in mobility to meet the evolving needs of transit riders; advances equitable and climate-smart transportation; and improves public transportation.
FTA will disseminate key findings and practices from each project to inform and encourage similar innovations nationwide.
More Management
FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit
The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone
NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →