South West Transit Association
FTA Announces $10 Million Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Funding Opportunity
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of $10 million in Fiscal Year 2026 funding through the Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Program. This competitive funding opportunity will support research, innovative bus designs, and prototype development that improve safety, accessibility, and the overall transit experience.
The program is designed to advance projects that make buses safer for transit operators, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users while enhancing accessibility for individuals of all abilities. Funding will also support the development and testing of innovative technologies and design concepts that can shape the future of public transportation.
Eligible applicants include transit agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, manufacturers, research organizations, and other qualified entities interested in advancing bus safety and accessibility.
Funding Priorities
The FY2026 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Program seeks projects that:
- Improve bus safety for operators, riders, and vulnerable road users.
- Increase accessibility for passengers with disabilities and mobility challenges.
- Develop innovative bus technologies and vehicle designs.
- Create and evaluate safety and accessibility prototypes.
- Advance research that benefits public transportation systems nationwide.
Application Deadline
Complete proposals must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov no later than September 28, 2026.
SWTA encourages members and industry partners to review this opportunity and consider submitting projects that can improve transit safety, accessibility, and innovation throughout the region.
For complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, and program details, visit the FTA Notice of Funding Opportunity: