Sustainability Challenge

How can we build a more climate resilient transportation system and increase energy efficiency of fleets and facilities?

Extreme weather is now becoming frequent as a result of a warming planet. Bus, rail, and subway operations have been impacted by extreme weather events, including flash floods and winter storms. This challenge calls for technologies that help make public transportation more responsive to extreme weather events and that reduce greenhouse emissions.

Examples relating to sustainability include:

Tools that enable tracking assets in real time to prevent system failures, supplement or replace repetitive routines to reduce operational costs, improve energy efficiencies or reduce the carbon footprint
Fleet electrification tools to improve EV bus range, charging infrastructure, and Human Machine Interface systems to help control the performance and efficiency of zero-emissions buses
Tools that support clean and efficient urban freight deliveries
Climate resiliency tools that prevent or mitigate harm caused by storms and flooding
Tools that can help keep customers safe during extreme weather events, allow customers to report conditions in real time, or facilitate inter-agency coordination

Challenge Finalists

ABOUT THE FINALISTS

Pilot Winner

GridMatrix

Uses software to interpret video footage on roads, enabling agencies to understand traffic patterns, unsafe intersections, and emissions.

Partner Agency: PANYNJ

Microgrid Labs Inc.

Enables planning for a fast, smooth and cost-effective transition to electric fleets through SaaS-based modeling, simulation, and optimization software, EVOPT.

Partner Agency: NJT

Pilot Winner

Runwise Inc.

Uses wireless technology and web based software to operate heating and water systems more efficiently and help cut utility costs.

Partner Agencies: PANYNJ, MNR

Pilot Winner

StormSensor

Provides cost-effective stormwater/climate-data and analytics to prevent flooding, simplify monitoring, and streamline maintenance and response.

Partner Agencies: PANYNJ, MNR, NJT

Pilot Winner

The Mobility House

Enables intelligent integration of electric vehicles with the grid while minimizing charging costs.

Partner Agency: NYCT

Information Session

Learn about the application process, criteria, and hear directly from MTA and PANYNJ leadership.

How the Transit Tech Lab Works

The Transit Tech Lab offers growth-stage companies the opportunity to pilot innovative solutions with the nation’s largest public transit system. Applicants have the opportunity to deploy solutions with public agencies, access funded pilots, and collaborate with subject matter experts in their field.