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). 

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 2027.

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Request for Proposals

The MATI program released its Request for Proposals (RFP) on January 11, 2024. A required expression of interest was due March 15, and full proposal submissions were due April 30. See complete RFP information and submission instructions.  

MATI Research Committee

Learn more about the members of the MATI research committee. 

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