The SMART Grants Program is delivering $130 million to fund innovative transportation projects. These initiatives aim to enhance safety, efficiency, and modernization across American transportation systems. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

SMART Grants Program
Thus far, the DOT has awarded a total of nearly 280 million USD as part of the programme
© Canva

SMART Grants Program: Investing in Transportation Innovation

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the allocation of $130 million for SMART Grants Program projects. This funding supports 42 technology-driven initiatives designed to modernize mobility systems and address infrastructure challenges.

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Created through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program pledges $500 million over five years. Its goal is to advance safety, connectivity, and sustainability in transportation sectors, including traffic automation, curb management, and transit systems.

Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of deploying innovative solutions to tackle critical transportation issues nationwide. DOT funding ensures state, local, and Tribal governments have the resources to implement impactful projects effectively.

SMART Grants Program: Driving Real-World Solutions

The SMART Grants Program operates as a two-stage initiative to bring transportation ideas to life. In Stage One, agencies receive funding for planning and prototyping their projects. In Stage Two, funding supports full-scale implementation of successful concepts.

This year, DOT received 308 applications for SMART funding, highlighting strong interest in transformative transportation solutions. The department approved eight Stage Two deployment grants and awarded 34 Stage One grants to projects across 21 states.

Dr. Robert Hampshire, DOT’s Chief Science Officer, acknowledged the program’s significant impact on transportation advancements. He highlighted how Stage Two projects scale proven concepts into practical, large-scale solutions for communities.

With SMART funding, agencies improve transit safety, develop smart traffic signals, and implement innovative systems. These efforts not only modernize infrastructure but also address critical issues like natural disaster resilience and rural connectivity.

DOT’s investment reflects its commitment to fostering safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation systems nationwide. The SMART Grants Program plays a vital role in shaping the future of transportation infrastructure for all regions.

Federal investments through programs like SMART demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can resolve transportation challenges effectively. By supporting technology-driven projects, the DOT ensures communities benefit from smarter, safer, and more connected systems.

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