IMPROVE Transit Investment Grant
Part of the “Improving Manufacturing, Public Roads, and Opportunities for a Vibrant Economy” Act signed into law in 2017 under the Haslam Administration, the IMPROVE Transit Investment Grant contributes to reducing congestion, increasing ridership, promoting economic development, and benefits to safety by providng state funding to transit-related projects. Since its inception in 2018, over 40 capital transit projects have been awarded, including the locomotive rebuild for the WeGo Star, transit bus stop improvements, capital start-up costs for a micro-transit project, and transit facilities. The grant aligns with TDOT’s vision of continuous improvement and data informed decision-making within the State of Tennessee.
Have a great project idea, but need to know how to get started? Please contact Amee Desai at Amee.Desai@tn.gov, or (615)-532-1020.
IMPROVE SFY2022 Award Winners
| Applicant | Capital Transit Project | Project Scope |
Award |
| Knoxville Area Transit | Bus Stop Improvements | Project will modify prioritized bus stops in the KAT service area based on passenger boarding data, public requests, feasibility, & equity considerations | $900,000 |
| Regional Transportation Authority of Middle TN | Park & Ride Locations | Includes costs to design and construct three Park & Ride facilites in the Middle Tennessee Area | $3,000,000 |
| Nashville- Metropolitan Transit Authority | Passenger Stop Improvements | Property acquisition strategies and civil construction will be utilized to modify five bus stops based on safety, boarding, alightings, and connections. | $900,000 |
| Nashville- Metropolitan Transit Authority | Central Outdoor Amenities | The funds will modify outdoor waiting areas at WeGo Central similar to the previously completed project on Nolensville Pike | $375,000 |
| Johnson City Transit | Transit Lot Improvement | Development of the project will consist of building a restroom facility and replacing a storage building within the bus lot | $165,000 |
| Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency | Building Security, Garage Lighting, & Asbestos Abatement | Upgrade overhead shop lighting, addition of security cameras, a new system to open gates integrated with the alarm system, and removal of recent asbestos exposure in the Marion County office | $342,750 |
| Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority | Facility Improvements | Project will consist of three components including the purchase of a vacuum system, a generator, and the painting of CARTA's breezeway and bus barn | $375,000 |
| Clarksville Transit System | Bus & Storage Facility | The development of this project includes the building of a storage and maintenance facility that will house up to 12 buses and provide storage for CTS maintenance | $555,831 |
| Jackson Transit Authority | Transfer Center Remodel | The remodel the Transfer Center at JTA will include but is not limited to: replacement of HVAC systems, demo & replacement of exisiting passenger loading area, and signage displays | $525,000 |
| Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency | Onboard Cameras | Project will install DVRs and cameras for each vehicle in the operating fleet to function as an onboard surveillance system | $217,788 |
| Franklin Transit Authority | Regional Vanpool Hybrid Electric Fleet | This project will allow Vanstar's rideshare network to upgrade its fleet through the procurement and placement of 10 hybrid minivans | $337,500 |
| Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency | MicroTransit Project | Two additional electric vehicles, and four charging stations will be purchased to develop Cookeville's On-Demand Service. | $90,000 |
Relevant Links & Resources
- IMPROVE SFY2024 Program Fact Sheet
- Procurement Schedule - required for SFY2024 projects