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. In July 2025, four small rural communities were each awarded $100,000 as part of Phase 2. In September 2025, four demonstration projects were selected to receive $700,000 each from among eight communities which were chosen for Phase 1 grants.

Round 3 Request for Proposals

In summer 2026, CTS and its partners were awarded an additional $9.3 million to conduct a third round of awards through the MATI program. As with the previous rounds, Round 3 will be carried out in two phases. A required expression of interest is due August 21, 2026, and full proposal submissions are due September 30, 2026. 

View complete RFP information and submission instructions

View responses to questions about the RFP 

CTS held an informational webinar about the Round 3 RFP process on August 3. 

Watch a video of the Aug. 3 webinar

A second webinar is scheduled for August 13 (noon–1 p.m. CDT). 

Register for the Aug. 13 Round 3 webinar

CTS will also be holding virtual office hours via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon (CDT) every Thursday from August 27 to September 17.

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. Beth Andrews of CTS is the program manager. 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 2029.

Subscribe for program updates on the Round 3 RFP opportunities and more