Integrated Mobility Innovation
FTA and the IMI Program
Federal Transit Administration
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys and ferries. FTA also oversees safety measures and helps develop next-generation technology research.
Transit services supported by FTA span many groups and provide wide-ranging benefits. Since 1964, FTA has partnered with state and local governments to create and enhance public transportation systems, investing more than $12 billion annually to support and expand public rail, bus, trolley, ferry and other transit services. That investment has helped modernize public transportation and extended service into small cities and rural communities that previously lacked transit options.
Integrated Mobility Innovation
FTA’s Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) Program funds projects that demonstrate innovative and effective practices, partnerships and technologies to enhance public transportation effectiveness, increase efficiency, expand quality, promote safety and improve the traveler experience.
IMI advances FTA’s vision of mobility for all by promoting equitable, accessible, and safe transportation for all Americans.
On March 16, 2020, FTA announced selections for $20.3 million in FY19 IMI projects. The demonstration projects focus on Mobility on Demand, Strategic Transit Automation Research and Mobility Payment Integration to:
- Explore new business approaches and technology solutions that support mobility
- Enable communities to adopt innovative mobility solutions that enhance transportation efficiency and effectiveness
- Facilitate the widespread deployment of proven mobility solutions that expand personal mobility
FTA issued the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the IMI program in the summer of 2019. In response to the NOFO, FTA received 104 eligible project proposals totaling approximately $107 million.
