FTA Announces $10 million Notice of Funding Opportunity to Make Buses Safer 

FTA today announced the availability of $10 million through its Bus Safety and Accessibility Research Program to design and develop prototypes to make existing and new buses safer for operators, riders and vulnerable road users, as well as more accessible for passengers.

The program’s key focus areas are:  

1. Driver Safety Systems – Changes made to the transit vehicle and technology upgrades that protect the operator and enhance the safety of those outside of the vehicle including vulnerable road users.
   
2. Passenger Safety Systems – Changes made to the transit vehicle and technology upgrades that protect and increase accessibility for passengers.

FTA remains committed to enhancing the safety of America’s public transportation systems.  The design project solicited by this NOFO must address bus operator health and safety; transit vehicle safety, and accessibility; and provide a foundation for transformative bus systems and designs that enhance safety. 

This project builds on previous research, including FTA’s Bus Operator Compartment Redesign Program, and the Transportation Cooperative Research Program’s Report 249, “Bus Operator Barrier Design: Guidelines and Considerations.” 

FTA will host a webinar on December 3, 2024 at 2:30 PM ET to discuss the requirements of the funding opportunity. Register for the webinar. 

Applications are due January 17, 2025.