CARTA awarded over $1 million in grants from TDOT, state programs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  CARTA has been awarded $1.2 million in grants from TDOT’s IMPROVE Transit Investment Grant program and the Statewide 5339(a) Bus and Bus Facilities Program.

CARTA says these grants will be put towards advancements in transit safety and mobility infrastructure.

“We are grateful for TDOT’s support in advancing innovative mobility solutions and enhancing the safety of our transit system.  These investments will help us lay the groundwork for future transit improvements while ensuring a safer and more efficient experience for both riders and operators.”

-Charles D. Frazier, CEO of CARTA

The two awarded grants include the following:

• Preliminary Engineering for Mobility and Innovation Center – CARTA will receive $600,000 from the state, with an additional $150,000 local match, to support the early-stage planning and design of a state-of-the-art Mobility and Innovation Center. This center will serve as a hub for transit-oriented development, multimodal connectivity, and emerging transportation technologies.
• Safety Monitoring Technology – A total of $450,000 in funding, including $360,000 federal, $45,000 state, and $45,000 local match, will be used to implement cutting-edge monitoring technology. This initiative aims to enhance safety measures, reduce risks, and proactively identify potential safety concerns before they become critical by leveraging real-time analytics to support transit operators.