Solving transportation challenges with technology is the basis of two competitive federal grants VTA recently won. A total of more than $2 million (Wheels on the Bus- Real-Time Data (RTD) at $500,616 and Transit Reliability Improvement and Performance System (TRIPS) at $1.692 million) will help pay for two separate VTA initiatives:
- Wheels on the Bus-RTD will improve the overall transit experience for customers using mobility devices and bicycles. The project will identify feasible ways to inform customers in advance if an approaching bus has room for them, allow customers to notify VTA that they need space on the bus, and alert VTA in advance if a pass-up situation may occur so that we can proactively address the problem. The project will evaluate the integration of this real-time data into trip-planning apps and/or the VTA website to increase reliability and reduce uncertainty for customers needing to board the bus.
- TRIPS project will keep buses moving through intersections across different jurisdictions to make transit faster, more reliable, and an equitable mobility option. TRIPS seeks to implement a fully connected TSP system and is expected to transform the efficiencies and innovation in Santa Clara County’s interrelated transportation systems. Hence, people, particularly those living in historically disadvantaged communities (HDCs), have greater access to opportunities that make for a full life.
These grants come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program, which awarded more than $94 million to 59 projects nationwide. California agencies received eight grants, with the most awards.
This is the first round of grant awards funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support projects to improve worker safety, make transit more reliable, and support local business districts.
For more information, see the SMART grant 2022 website:
https://www.transportation.gov/grants/smart/2022.