NEWS - Call for projects announced for $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2018 

CONTACT: Jeff Cranson, MDOT Director of Communications, 517-648-8247,                                                                cransonj@michigan.gov 

Call for projects announced for
$8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge 

Fast facts:
- Call for projects for $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge begins June 4.
- Projects to demonstrate innovative, technology-driven transportation solutions for mobility challenges faced by seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans throughout the state. 
- Proposals are due at 5 p.m. July 16.

June 4, 2018 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Passenger Transportation has issued a call for projects for the $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge. As one of the first states to allow self-driving vehicles on public roadways, Michigan is a national leader in connected and automated vehicle (CAV) projects.

            "As the needs of residents change, we must develop creative solutions for addressing transit and infrastructure gaps that evolve with geographical shifts," State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle said. "The $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge allows us to use the assets we have and introduce new methods for getting travelers to their destinations as safely and efficiently as possible."

            Through significant alliances established by the state's PlanetM initiative, as well as its vast ecosystem of resources, the state is seeing significant growth in attracting mobility startups, expanding research and advancing the testing of CAV technologies. Building on that strength, Gov. Rick Snyder and the Legislature have appropriated $8 million to help fund pilot transportation projects to demonstrate innovative, technology-driven solutions for mobility challenges faced by seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans throughout the state.

            The Michigan Mobility Challenge is a collaborative effort that includes MDOT, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Division on Deaf, Blind, and Hard of Hearing. 

            Michigan Mobility Challenge grants will be awarded to fund the demonstration of multiple projects of varying size based on pilot submissions and proposed service areas. The grants will be used to subsidize a portion of the cost to plan, deliver and monitor the demonstration services for a three to six-month period, with the remaining costs being covered from fares, local contributions, and other funds.

            Projects will deploy in urban, rural and suburban communities of varying sizes throughout Michigan and be coordinated with current services to enhance the existing transportation network in an area.

            For more information about the $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge and application instructions for submitting proposals, visit www.michigan.gov/mobilitychallenge. Proposals must be submitted electronically to mobilitychallenge@michigan.gov by 5 p.m. July 16 to be considered for funding.

            MDOT and partners will be using the hashtag #MiMobilityChallenge on social media to promote the $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge. 

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MDOT: Working with our partners at airports, bus systems, marine and rail to find innovative solutions for Michigan's transportation systems. 

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