Biden

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced $11.6 million to support six transit bus automation research projects that will improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility on the road and in bus maintenance yards. Examples of projects include strategies for avoiding collisions with pedestrians, improved emergency braking, and precision movement for bus fueling, charging, and maintenance.

"Advancements in technology can go a long way toward creating a safer and more efficient transit system," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "The innovative research projects we are funding represent an important step toward integrating state-of-the-art automation technology into real-world settings, helping transit agencies protect their operators and riders as well as vulnerable road users."

As part of the programs, recipients will demonstrate technologies that reduce bus collisions, improve facility operations, and improve the accessibility and efficiency of service.

Many of the projects include workforce analysis and training activities to address how automation may impact existing jobs and help operators and maintenance workers develop new skills.

Among the selected automation projects:

As described in the agency's Strategic Transit Automation Research (STAR) Plan, FTA continues to explore the use of automation technologies in bus systems to improve safety, increase efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. Safety is the top priority for the U.S. Department of Transportation, which has adopted a holistic Safe Systems Approach as the guiding paradigm of the National Roadway Safety Strategy which was launched last year. The strategy aims to ultimately get to zero deaths on America's roads. These investments help advance the FTA's STAR plan and improve safety.

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