The Federal Transit Administration is providing $9.1 million in fund to 10 projects in nine states through its Safety Research and Demonstration Program and Bus Operator Compartment Program to support a range of transit industry initiatives.
[Above photo by SEPTA.]
The agency noted its Safety Research and Demonstration Program is part of a larger U.S. Department of Transportation safety research effort to provide technical and financial support for safety-focused transit projects, while its Bus Operator Compartment Program supports the redesign of bus operator compartments to improve the safety of bus drivers and passengers alike.
Among the projects selected to receive funding:
- The International Transportation Learning Center based in Silver Spring, Maryland, will receive $1 million to redesign a transit bus compartment to improve safety for drivers. By designing a barrier, the compartment will minimize operator assaults and maintain positive passenger interactions through mirrors and lighting.
- The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will receive $742,000 to install an automated employee protection system, allowing transit workers to enhance their safety while working on the tracks.
- The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will receive $600,000 to study the implementation of shields/barriers on its bus fleet to protect its bus operators. NORTA will work with its bus operators to secure feedback on the implementation of this project.
“FTA is committed to working with the transit industry to improve the safety of our nation’s public transportation systems,” noted K. Jane Williams, the agency’s deputy director, in a statement. “These innovative new designs and projects will protect transit employees and passengers, as well as improve the overall safety and reliability of the service.”
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