# Public Transportation Innovation (20.530)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/20-530-public-transportation-innovation/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Public Transportation Innovation is run by Department of Transportation. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $140 million in 112 grants, about $1.2 million per award.

## Objectives

This listing supports projects that advance public transportation through research, innovation, demonstration, and evaluation. Public Transportation Innovation projects follow a phased approach, where research outcomes inform subsequent innovation and deployment efforts.
Research projects aim to develop and test new ideas, practices, and technologies that improve public transportation efficiency and effectiveness. Eligible research projects may focus on: improving service for seniors and individuals with disabilities; mobility and travel management systems; data and communication systems; system capacity including train control and performance management; capital and operating efficiencies; planning, forecasting, and modeling; vehicle design and technology advancements; asset maintenance and repair systems; construction and project management; alternative fuels; safety improvements; or other priorities identified by the Secretary to advance public transportation.
Innovation and development projects build on successful research results to enhance public transportation nationwide. Eligible projects may involve the development of prior successful research, planning and forecasting modeling, capital and operating efficiencies, advanced vehicle design, technology advancements, system capacity improvements, or other areas deemed important to improve public transportation service delivery.
Demonstration, deployment, and evaluation projects promote the early implementation of proven innovations and require comprehensive evaluation within two years. Eligible projects focus on deploying research and technology from Federal or private efforts to improve public transportation systems.
Vehicle Component Testing Centers competitively select institutions of higher education to conduct testing, evaluation, and analysis of advanced vehicle components. Selected institutions must have the capacity for advanced component and vehicle evaluation, equipped laboratories, and access to facilities that emulate real-world conditions for component testing. Component testing is voluntary, but vehicles must meet applicable bus testing requirements.
Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) is administered in partnership with the National Academies of Science and governed by an independent board to recommend public transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities. New initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law include Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems to document and implement digital construction practices and expanded capabilities for component testing centers to research advanced vehicle technologies and fund related capital projects.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $40.4 million | 74 |
| 2022 | $12.3 million | 14 |
| 2023 | $28.0 million | 16 |
| 2024 | $43.4 million | 13 |
| 2025 | $15.7 million | 4 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Academy of Sciences | District of Columbia | $32.2 million |
| Auburn University | Alabama | $11.8 million |
| The Ohio State University | Ohio | $11.8 million |
| Center for Transportation and the Environment, Inc. | Georgia | $10.4 million |
| Calstart, Inc. | California | $10.4 million |
| Regents of the University of Minnesota | Minnesota | $7.2 million |
| Cincinnati Univ of | Ohio | $5.1 million |
| Metropolitan Transportation Authority | New York | $4.1 million |
| Department of Transportation Connecticut | Connecticut | $2.5 million |
| Western Reserve Transit Authority | Ohio | $2.3 million |
| University of Alabama | Alabama | $2.0 million |
| Guam Regional Transit Authority | Guam | $2.0 million |
| Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County | Texas | $1.5 million |
| Colorado Department of Transportation | Colorado | $1.3 million |
| Chicago Transit Authority | Illinois | $1.2 million |
| Kansas City Area Transportation Authority | Missouri | $1.1 million |
| Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority | Florida | $1.0 million |
| University of South Florida | Florida | $1.0 million |
| Texas A&m Transportation Institute | Texas | $1.0 million |
| Shared-Use Mobility Center | Illinois | $1.0 million |