The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the FY 2025 Bus Safety and Accessibility Research Competitive Program, which provides $10 million in funding to enhance transit bus safety and accessibility under the Public Transportation Innovation Program (49 U.S.C. 5312). The program's strategic goal is to make buses safer for operators and vulnerable road users while improving accessibility for passengers. Funded projects will focus on researching and developing standard bus designs, safety innovations, and enhanced bus compartments that align with these goals.

Applicants must propose projects that include the development of detailed design specifications and the production of a prototype. This prototype should be adaptable for retrofitting on existing buses and for use in newly manufactured buses.

A single grant award is anticipated, with an award ceiling and floor of $10 million. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is in place, emphasizing collaborative investment. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit organizations, and public transportation providers.

Applications are due by January 17, 2025, with the opportunity's archive date set for February 16, 2025. Applicants should note that the November 18 Federal Register Notice contains errors regarding application requirements and forms. The corrected materials, including the complete application instructions, are available in the "Bus Safety NOFO required application materials.pdf" located in the related documents folder.

For further information or assistance, applicants can contact Maria Roell at maria.roell@dot.gov. This funding opportunity is a significant initiative to foster innovation and safety in the public transportation sector, directly supporting advancements in bus design and user accessibility.