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, nearly 100 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 project idea, but need to know how to get started? Please contact Christopher Turner at Christopher.Turner@tn.gov.
Relevant Links & Resources
The SFY2026 Notice of Intent phase is open the deadline to submit a project proposal is July 2, 2025. Click the link below to fill out the Notice of Intent form.
IMPROVE Transit Investment Grant SFY2025 Awards
| Project Type | Applicant | Capital Transit Project | SFY2025 Award |
| Rolling Stock & Equipment | Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (WeGo) | Elevator replacement at 3 WeGo locations. Vertical storage system at maintenance facility | $2,454,000 |
| Facilities | Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority | Engineering & Design for a multi-use transit facility and battery electric charging depot | $600,000 |
| Clarksville Transit System | Land acquisition for new transit center location | $4,500,000 | |
| East Tennessee Human Resource Agency | Design and build new transit facility for City of Morristown | $1,800,000 | |
| Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency | Additional funds for UCHRA Warren County transit center. These funds will supplement a prior IMPV award. | $480,000 | |
| Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (WeGo) | Design and construction of new neighborhood transit center on Dickerson Pike. | $2,500,000 | |
| Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee | Upgrade of current train station at Donelson Pike to include new bus transfer facilities and improved parking | $5,000,000 | |
| Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (WeGo) | Design and reconstruct existing facility to expand training center to train increasing number of new mechanics and operators | $1,600,000 | |
| IMPROVE SFY2025 Competitive Awards Total | $18,934,000 | ||
| FFY2024 5339(b) Award SWHRA Rural Transit Facility | $1,752,840 | ||
| TDOT Project Delivery & Program Administration | $313,160 | ||
| IMPROVE SFY2025 Grand Total | $21,000,000 | ||