
Mobility, Access and Transportation Insecurity (MATI)
According to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), one in four Americans is unable to regularly and reliably access transportation they require to meet their daily needs. A growing body of research indicates that transportation insecurity is a significant factor in persistent poverty. Nationally, several well-established policies and programs aim to address food insecurity and housing insecurity, but not transportation insecurity.
In early 2023, CTS and our partners were awarded $6 million by the FTA to design and lead a new Mobility, Access, and Transportation Insecurity: Creating Links to Opportunity Program (MATI). In June 2024, eight communities were selected for $1.2M in Phase 1 grants to address transportation insecurity.
About the Program
MATI researchers will identify and address the contributing factors leading to transportation insecurity. The research team includes project co-leads Kyle Shelton, CTS director, and Professor Yingling Fan from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, as well as partners Toole Design Group and the Center for Neighborhood Technology. The researchers will work with communities and mobility providers across the country to develop and implement participatory demonstrations that rely on public transportation to mitigate transportation insecurity, evaluate outcomes and effectiveness, and document impacts and potential strategies. The project is anticipated to conclude in 2028.
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Request for Proposals
The MATI program released its initial Request for Proposals (RFP) on January 11, 2024. Selection for Round 1 of the program was made in spring 2024. The second round of MATI funding will be allocated through a similar RFP process. The initial Round 2 RFP was posted on January 13, 2025, with a required expression of interest due March 14, 2025, and full proposal submissions due on April 30, 2025. Complete RFP information and submission instructions will be posted here on January 13, 2025. Those subscribed for updates will also be alerted with an announcement.
MATI Research Committee
Learn more about the members of the MATI research committee.
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The MATI program is an effort of the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies funded through a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration