Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) Programs

Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) Programs

Administering Agency: Transportation Research Board

Closing Date for Applications: May 15, 2024

Funding Range: Grant award maximum:  $100,000

Geographic Scope: National

Description: The Transit IDEA Program is a part of the Transit Cooperative Research Program and is designed to foster innovative concepts that have the potential to enhance security, increase ridership, improve efficiency for transit agencies, and protect the environment. IDEA programs differ from traditional research programs in two ways: IDEA projects are initiated by researchers rather than by a request for proposals, and funding can support initial testing of unproven concepts. One of IDEA’s high priority areas is “improving transit patron and employee environment for health and safety.”

Public transit agencies can’t apply directly, but can be partners in developing proposals, participate in the project generally, and test prototypes.