The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center is seeking transportation innovations targeted to the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Many programs across the U.S. have developed creative, practical and accessible approaches to transportation. This is an opportunity to showcase innovations in your local transportation program!

The definition of transportation innovation provided below is broad, encompassing both cutting-edge developments and local adaptations of tried-and-true approaches that result in improved accessibility for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. We are seeking programs that both meet the criteria specified below and have the potential for adoption by other programs. See NADTC’s Innovations Showcase for past recipients.

Definition of Transportation Innovation

Transportation Innovations for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Potential innovations include (but are not limited to) development and implementation of the following: new services; new or improved approaches to service delivery, accessibility, planning or program oversight; new solutions to longstanding problems; new ways of engaging, serving and improving accessibility for hard-to-reach communities; multisector coordination to improve accessibility and services; new technological applications to enhance participation and accessibility.

Innovations may provide better solutions to meet new requirements or respond more effectively to previously unarticulated needs.  Transportation innovations, as used here, may be totally original or a creative adaptation of an approach that has worked in other places, program settings or to serve other populations.

Eligibility

Innovations may be submitted by a local, state, regional or tribal private nonprofit organization or government agency involved in the administration, delivery or coordination of public transit, human services transportation, aging or disability services.

All program transportation innovations submitted for consideration must have been in operation for six months or longer. “In operation” means that the program is:

1. Providing rides to the target population as evidenced by data (e.g., number of rides provided, number or riders)
2. Providing transportation information and assistance, mobility management, transportation counseling or a similar service to the target population as evidenced by data (e.g., number of calls handled, number of referrals or rides provided)
3. Engaged in transportation planning as evidenced by data (e.g., adoption of the plan, engagement of riders and stakeholders in development of the plan, and support for the plan by riders and transportation stakeholders.

There are no exceptions to this requirement.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the SM Apply application portal by Friday, February 28th, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET (8:59 p.m. PT). All applications must be completed through the online portal; no emailed or mailed applications will be accepted. (Step-by-step instructions are available to reference on how to use the SM Apply system.)

Apply Here

Applications are due February 28th, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

Questions? Contact NADTC at contact@NADTC.org