Reps. Kaptur and Fudge announce $2.7M grant for Cleveland transit
Funding supports R&D for safety upgrades to Cleveland area bus system
WASHINGTON—Representatives Marcia Fudge (OH-11) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) today announced $2,741,617 in funding through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to research and implement an integrated transit safety system designed to reduce traffic collisions in the Cleveland area. The project will incorporate in-vehicle and infrastructure components to support the safe operation of transit buses in the Cleveland area and is a collaborative effort between the Battelle Memorial Institute and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.
“Modern transportation systems are more than concrete and steel, as this project shows,” said Rep. Kaptur.“This funding supports the development of new transportation tools with the potential to improve service, reduce congestion and upgrade overall safety. The selection of this project for funding is great news for Cleveland, its residents and commuters, the companies that do business here, and all those whose work will make the project possible. The Battelle Memorial Institute and the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority are to be applauded for their initiative in advancing this project.”
Rep. Fudge added, “over half of households in some neighborhoods within the 11th Congressional District do not own a car. The continued safety of thousands of residents, workers and students, who depend solely on public transit each day, is very important. I am pleased that RTA and the Battelle Memorial Institute’s commitment to transit safety in our region is being recognized at the highest levels. This investment in our transportation infrastructure will ensure the safety of our transit buses for future generations of riders and pedestrians.”
Ben Pierce, manager of Battelle’s Critical Infrastructure Transportation Operations, responded to news of the grant. “Battelle is very excited to continue our partnership with RTA to bring the next generation of connected vehicle technology to Ohio to improve the safety of not only the transit riders but also pedestrians and other drivers alike.”
According to the FTA, the project was competitively selected as part of the Federal Transit Administration’s 5312 Innovative Safety, Resilience, and All-Hazards Emergency Response and Recovery Demonstration program.
Contact:
Matt Sonneborn (Kaptur), 202-225-4146 or Matt.Sonneborn@mail.house.gov
Belinda Prinz (Fudge), 216-522-4900 or Belinda.Prinz@mail.house.gov
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