Eligible Projects

Capital and operating projects are eligible under the Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) program. Design and/or engineering projects that directly support the development of an ICE project are also eligible for funding. Both capital and operating projects in the ICE program must demonstrate that they will enhance the coordination and integration of the existing regional public transportation system and/or lead to the development and implementation of innovations that improve the quality and delivery of regional transit service.

This year's ICE Program includes two categories of funding; the Open Category and the Initiative Category, each with an allocation of 50% of the available ICE funding. The Initiative Category provides applicants with an opportunity to work with the RTA to implement projects that are directed at addressing specific issues. The Open Category allows applicants to apply for any project that meets the general eligibility requirements of the ICE program.

The potential for project sustainability and self-sufficiency beyond the grant period will be a significant factor when evaluating operating projects. In order to achieve the most benefit with available resources, project readiness will be considered for all project types.

Projects previously included in the 2008-2012 RTA five-year capital program are ineligible for ICE program funding. General administrative expenses are not eligible.

Example of Projects in the Open Category include:

• Shuttle bus services from rail stations and/or bus transfer facilities to key regional destinations and major activity centers
• Bus route extensions and/or bus route inter-lining to serve key regional destinations and major activity centers
• Rail and bus reverse commute, intra-community, and/or off-peak services that enhance regional mobility by facilitating interagency connections
• Creation of new interagency transfer opportunities at locations were services currently intersect (rail to rail, rail to bus, bus to bus)
• Signal priority applications for transit
• Schedule adherence technology to improve connections
• Transfer connection protection applications
• Use of Real Time information technology to enhance mobility
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) applications (other than I-55)
• Passenger information products and applications that enhance mobility
• Passenger amenities for customers that need to transfer, i.e. shelters, benches, kiosks, etc.

Example of Projects in the Initiative Category include:

I-55 BRT ENHANCEMENTS

I-55 Bus-on-Shoulder Demonstration Real-Time and Static Informational Signs

• Real-time travel information display and static passenger information signage in support of Routes 755 and 855 on I-55 at various locations.

POINT OF SERVICE FARE COLLECTION FOR COMMUTER TRAINS OR BUSES

On-Board, Electronic Fare Collection on Commuter Trains and Buses

• Point of Sale (POS) handheld devices to sell tickets, take payments (including credit cards) and print tickets for on-board sales.

INTERAGENCY PHYSICAL COORDINATION

Interagency Transit Passenger Physical Coordination Improvements

• Physical modifications to facilitate transfers at existing interagency locations to enhance/improve critical local or regional connections.

TOD AND GREEN PROPOSALS FOR TRANSIT FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS AND ACCESS ENHANCEMENTS TO TRANSIT FACILITIES

Transit-Oriented Development Enhancement

• Proposed projects should be located within a ¼ mile radius of an existing transit station or along a major transit corridor for the purpose of facilitating direct access to transit rail and bus facilities. Eligible projects under this category will improve the access environment for one or more modes (i.e. walking, biking, autos or transit). This may be achieved through the creation of new or realigned roadways, bus turnarounds or drop off areas, bike paths or lanes. Pedestrian focused crossing improvements or streetscaping projects that directly improve the walking environment to the station will also be considered. Proposed project should be part of a locally approved plan.

Green Transit Facilities

• Add energy-efficient or environmentally friendly enhancements to improve existing transit facilities or fund incremental cost of new facilities. As an example, photovoltaic panels could be added to transit facilities, including bus shelters, station canopies, station buildings, offices and maintenance facilities.

MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS EFFICIENCIES
Examples include:

Track Inspection Improvements

• Procurement and deployment of equipment to enhance track inspection.

Advanced Bus Battery Demonstration

• Advanced Batteries for Buses to reduce idling and quantify the GHG-emissions savings.

Note: The construction and/or rehabilitation of commuter parking facilities are not eligible.