"LookingBus' proprietary technology not only improves safety and reliability, but customer experience as well, specifically for those who rely on fixed-route services," CATA CEO Bradley Funkhouser said. "It's a realistic option for mobility-challenged populations ... Our goal is to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse group of riders."

The $8 million Michigan Mobility Challenge was unveiled at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference, while the state announced CATA's award on Sept. 28. The money was appropriated to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) by the state Legislature.

Some of the expected new services include a new wheelchair securement system that is completely autonomous, accessible information services for the blind and deaf and a way-finding mobile app that tells riders where their bus is and where it is going in real time, MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation Administrator Jean Ruestman said.

“They asked us to find solutions to mobility gaps in the state using technology and new, innovative ways of solving mobility problems,” Ruestman said, explaining that the mobility gap is an issue facing people who cannot use public transit in Michigan, or whose use is hindered in some way.

“We have public transit systems all over the state ... but there are certain people who have trouble accessing the services that are out there, or we have certain areas of the state where it hasn’t been feasible to put transit services in,” she said.

Ruestman said any kind of system that assures riders with disabilities that they are on the right bus or that their bus stop is coming up is beneficial.

“There are lots of things people don’t think of. People with autism, it’s very important for them to know exactly where they are or they get very disoriented and very troubled,” Ruestman said.

The service plans and contracts are expected to be issued within the next month, and demonstrations of the projects should be on the road by the the end of the year.

CATA is "thrilled" to have been awarded a grant that should greatly improve access to the agency's services, especially for disabled riders, CATA Director of Marketing and Customer Experience Lolo Robison said.

MDOT officials said the department has received 43 project proposals and have fully or partially funded eight of them up to this point. There is potential for more to be funded later this year, as department Director Kirk Steudle said he would like to see Michigan lead the nation in accessible public transit.

"Providing equitable and accessible transportation options for all Michigan citizens to access the goods and services they need is a priority," Steudle said in a statement.

MDOT is looking forward to seeing their grant change public transportation in Lansing and surrounding communities, Ruestman said.

“It’s exciting to have Michigan be on the forefront of the public-private partnerships and the use of advanced technology, kind of helping lead the way for the country." Ruestman said. "The Federal Transit Administration is very excited about this and is actually partnering with us to provide some technical assistance, because they want to learn lessons from what's happening in Michigan that they can use around the country.”