Availability of FTA Grants for Transit Safety Equipment
Q. Is Federal funding available for transit agencies to procure the types of safety and security technologies outlined below? If so, where can I find out more information? My company has developed safety and security tools for fleets including GPS Tracking, Panic Alarms, Voice Communication, and Remote Slowdown technology. The remote slowdown feature lets the dispatcher work with law enforcement and brings a bus for example to a safe and controlled speed in the event of a theft or hijacking.
A. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. Section 5307 (d)(1)(J)(i), a recipient of Urbanized Area Formula funds must expend at least one percent of the amount the recipient receives on security projects. Typical projects include: Lighting in or adjacent to public transportation systems;
- Increased camera surveillance,
- Provide an emergency telephone line; and
- Any other project intended to increase the security and safety of a public transportation system.
The types of projects you describe would be eligible in accordance with the fourth bullet. It is important to note that, given the fact that this question pertains to equipment made by a Canadian-based company, the grantee will need to be mindful of FTA's Buy America requirements. (Posted: March 2009)
