FY26 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Notice of Funding Opportunity
FTA is offering up to $10 million for up to two projects to develop innovative, widely deployable bus safety and accessibility solutions for FY2026.
Funder: DOT - Federal Transit Administration
Due Dates: September 28, 2026
Funding Amounts: $10 million total; up to 2 awards; max $10 million per award; up to 3 years duration
Summary: Supports research and prototyping of innovative, widely deployable solutions to improve bus safety and accessibility for operators, passengers, and vulnerable road users.
Key Information: Requires cost sharing (max 80% federal share); proposals must include a transit vehicle manufacturer in a prominent role.
Description
This opportunity from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) aims to fund research and development projects that enhance the safety and accessibility of public transit buses. The program seeks innovative concepts and prototype solutions that can be retrofitted onto existing buses or incorporated into new designs, with a focus on operator safety, passenger safety, vulnerable road user protection, and accessibility for people with disabilities. Projects should address critical issues such as operator assaults, visibility, accessibility barriers, and integration of new technologies.
