MICHauto > Blog > MICHauto News > State of Michigan Announces Mobility Wallet Challenge to Improve Access to Transportation Services Statewide

State of Michigan Announces Mobility Wallet Challenge to Improve Access to Transportation Services Statewide

September 20, 2022

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) are launching the Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge to explore a Mobility Wallet Pilot Program, which aims to increase the interoperability of transit services and create greater access to personal mobility for Michigan residents.

The program’s goal will be to simplify the transit payment process by allowing riders or third-party stakeholders to load funds and/or connect bank accounts to a single platform and create a streamlined mechanism for fare payment/collection, thereby increasing access to vital mobility services in Michigan. The Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge is a collaborative effort, including MDOT, OFME, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), and the Michigan Poverty Task Force (PTF).

The state hosted two information sessions about the call for projects for interested applicants, vendors, mobility partners and organizations, and public transit agencies to learn about the opportunity, receive tips and best practices for submitting a proposal, and connect with other companies and Michigan partners to explore collaborations. The sessions were held on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 1-2:30 p.m. EST and on Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EST.

Mobility Wallet Pilot Program proposals must be submitted electronically to the Application Portal by Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. EST to be considered.

The Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge builds on the state of Michigan’s commitment to building a mobility future that is more accessible and affordable for all. This includes a partnership with the National Park Service to collaborate on implementing safe, innovative technology to increase accessibility and equity in recreational and park settings.

Through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, the state also provides grants for projects and initiatives that, among other things, increase access to affordable and reliable transportation options and modernize existing transportation systems. Launched by the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform provides grants to mobility and electrification organizations looking to deploy solutions in the state of Michigan. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis at michiganbusiness.org/mobility-funding.

To learn more about how Michigan is leading in transportation mobility and electrification visit www.michiganbusiness.org/mobility. For more information about the Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge, email mobilitywalletChallenge@michigan.gov.

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