New York transit agencies open Transit Tech Lab competition

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NYC Department of Transportation (DoT), and the Partnership Fund for New York City have announced the launch of the annual Transit Tech Lab competition which seeks to harness expertise from the global technology sector to improve public transit in the New York metropolitan area.

This year’s challenges aim to find companies that can improve infrastructure management, modernise data, and update workflow for regional public transit agencies.

This is the eighth year of the TTL, a process that has advanced technological innovation at New York-New Jersey regional transportation agencies.

Advanced technological innovation

Companies that are selected will conduct a proof-of-concept over an eight-week period of collaboration with agency partners. Participating agencies may then opt to further test promising technology through a longer-term pilot.

Since 2018, the lab has fielded more than 1,000 applicants, tested 81 technologies and facilitated 16 commercial procurements. Some 60 companies have been selected to participate in year-long pilots with these public sector agencies through the Transit Tech Lab, conducting deeper tests to demonstrate the real-world value and scalability of their technology to agency partners.

Stacey Matlen, senior vice president of innovation at the Partnership for New York City, said: “Public transit is the lifeblood of New York City, and innovation is essential for building a system that works better for all. We’re excited to continue bringing transit agencies and technologists together to create a smarter, more efficient network that can evolve alongside the city it serves.”

“The development of behind-the-scenes tech solutions to problems, even small ones, is a key tool to pursue the dual goals of improved customer experience and increased productivity”

This year’s competition is composed of two challenges. Summaries of each appear below.

Advanced Infrastructure Challenge: how can public agencies better monitor and manage infrastructure to improve asset performance, resilience, and lifecycle cost?

Technologies may include:

• Technologies to monitor infrastructure conditions in real time
• Tools to detect leaks, corrosion, voltage instability, and utility disruptions
• Systems to inventory, map and monitor fibre and copper cable infrastructure
• Tools to digitally track construction progress in real time
• Tools to detect and analyse safety, compliance, and behavioural risks, including speeding and obstructions
• Technologies to manage bridge strikes in real time.