17 Companies Test Technology Capabilities with MTA and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Today, the Transit Tech Lab (TTL) — a public-private initiative created by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Partnership Fund for New York City to accelerate innovation in public transportation — published a report showcasing results from its latest cohort’s proof-of-concept phase.

Over the course of eight weeks, 17 early- and growth-stage companies tested their technology in collaboration with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), including the PATH commuter rail, to address important infrastructure and data challenges. Results from the proofs-of-concept highlight how the participating companies tested solutions that could improve the condition and resilience of critical transit infrastructure and modernize how agencies manage data, documents and daily operations.

View the full report here.

The two challenge areas — Advanced Infrastructure and Data & Workflow Modernization — were announced in January and generated 138 applications from around the world. 

The full report outlines each company’s solution, how it was applied, and the potential it holds to improve the public transportation experience for millions of people in the tri-state area. A snapshot of each project is below.

To date, the Transit Tech Lab has supported 126 proofs of concept, 64 pilots, and 23 commercially scaled technologies.

Advanced Infrastructure Challenge

The agencies sought to strengthen the condition and resilience of critical transit infrastructure using artificial intelligence and sensor technology. These nine companies tested solutions that included the collection of maintenance data and imaging.

• Delphisonic installed a sensor suite on a PATH rail car to collect real-time information on the condition of the tracks and suggest predictive maintenance needs. (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

• Duos Technologies demonstrated its trackside imaging system platform on a bus in Jacksonville, Florida as a proxy for a MTA NYCT bus, capturing imagery of the suspension, brakes, drivetrain, and engine. (MTA)

• Dynamic Infrastructure collected 394 images and over 100 pages of inspection data across two MTA subway stations and five Port Authority of New York and New Jersey PANYNJ World Trade Center facilities, creating a single condition-intelligence system for capital planning and maintenance decisions. (MTA and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

• Enspi Technologies evaluated 472 MTA stations for electrical risk and built a digital twin to simulate fault behavior at key sites. (MTA)

• Orbit worked with Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to resell bricks from deconstructed retaining walls at the New York approach of the Lincoln Tunnel to promote the reuse of the historic bricks and avert salvaged construction materials from being crushed and used a low-value fill material. (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

• Praedico used predictive software on MTA data to demonstrate how cleaned and integrated data can improve maintenance decisions. (MTA)

• Strobe Power evaluated MTA’s energy assets and shortlisted five facilities to model the financial case for adding and autonomously operating batteries, solar power, and generators. (MTA)

• T2D2 evaluated images and videos to create detailed aerial maps of three Port Authority airport and marine terminal facilities, which could cut inspection and documentation time and give asset managers a more current, consistent view of infrastructure conditions. (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

• Viatec scoped a pilot installation of an electric battery solution on a bucket truck to reduce engine idling and greenhouse gas emissions. (MTA)

Data & Workflow Modernization Challenge

The agencies sought tools to modernize data and document management. These eight  companies tested solutions that included AI-powered curb and terminal management and route optimization.

• Automotus scoped a pilot installation of its automated curb and terminal management technology to track when buses enter and exit the Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal to provide the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey PANYNJ with accurate, real-time visibility into terminal activity. (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

• contextere used its AI insight engine on a street sweeper being serviced, giving technicians plain-language answers and next-step guidance on the equipment from its manuals, service records, and other technical documentation. (MTA)

• Hazel AI Technologies utilized its AI-powered software to support LIRR in the drafting of 15 technical scopes of work, cutting drafting time by 40%. (MTA)

• In A Blink ran two live demonstrations to showcase how its light-based wireless technology can efficiently transfer video data from buses and trains, reducing storage capacity needs and wireless infrastructure costs. (MTA)

• Ironloop demonstrated how its operational security technology could help screen for cybersecurity risks and compliance gaps of older MTA assets. (MTA)

• Ontra Mobility used its AI platform to predict transit demand and recommend routes and schedules for the LIRR and New York City Transit designed to optimize passenger ride-time. (MTA)

• VIATechnik tested its AI-powered interface for facility and asset management at JFK’s Bergen Substation and the Bayonne Bridge, creating a database to help make more effective maintenance and operations decisions. (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

• Voicd tested its AI voice platform with the MTA and Port Authority, detecting deepfakes, verifying speakers, and analyzing audio for potential security and fraud issues. (MTA and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

Maria Gotsch, President & CEO at the Partnership Fund for New York City, said, “These collaborations showcased valuable ways technology can help solve complex challenges across New York’s transit network. By connecting technologists with experienced transit professionals, the Transit Tech Lab keeps producing solutions that have real potential to improve the system in the near-term and for years to come.”

Stacey Matlen, Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Partnership for New York City, said, “The Transit Tech Lab continues to demonstrate the value of connecting City agencies with leading technologists. This year’s program delivered strong results, from sharper inspections, faster workflows, and real efficiency gains across our transit systems. Thank you to the participating agencies and companies for their buy-in, dedication, and commitment to improving transit in our region.”

“The Transit Tech Lab allows us to explore ways of using private-sector technology to solve public-sector challenges,” said MTA Chief of Strategic Initiatives Jon Kaufman. “These innovative concepts provide new insight into using data to better improve the transit system, including ways to make infrastructure more resilient and the MTA’s operations more efficient.”

“We are excited to continue our work with the Transit Tech Lab to apply the entrepreneurial spirit and the know-how of these tech start-ups using new methods and types of data analytics to solve the challenges of modernizing public transportation in our region. Nowhere else is this mission more critical than in one of the nation’s busiest and most complex transportation corridors, built on the Port Authority’s infrastructure,” said Rob Galvin, the Port Authority’s Chief Technology Officer. “The safe and seamless operation of our seaport, commuter rail, bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, and airport facilities directly impact millions of commuters and travelers across two states and help power a billion-dollar regional economy that is critical to the nation and the entire East Coast.”

The Transit Tech Lab was launched in 2018 as one of the Partnership Fund’s three public-sector innovation labs, alongside the Environmental Tech Lab and the Buildings Tech Lab. Together, the Labs are part of the Partnership Fund for New York City’s “technology in the public interest” strategy, which supports companies and programs that apply new technologies to address challenges facing the city, including helping government agencies deliver services more efficiently. To learn more about the Transit Tech Lab, please visit transitinnovation.org.

About the Transit Tech Lab

The Transit Tech Lab (TTL) launched by the Partnership Fund for New York City in 2018 in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to apply new technology solutions to address critical transit challenges. In 2019, the program expanded to include the NYC Department of Transportation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Graduates of the Lab program include Remix, a collaborative digital platform used to redesign the bus routes; Runwise, a wireless heating control system helping the MTA and Port Authority reduce excess fuel consumption; and Navilens, whose apps enable visually impaired and limited English proficiency transit users to better navigate the New York City subway and bus systems.

The TTL is part of the Partnership Fund for New York City’s “Technology in the Public Interest” strategy, which aims to invest in companies and programs that advance the application of new technologies to address urban challenges, including helping government agencies deliver services more effectively. In addition to the TTL, the Partnership Fund operates the Environmental Tech Lab (ETL), established in 2023 in partnership with New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Buildings Tech Lab (BTL), launched in 2024 in collaboration with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).

About the Partnership Fund for New York City

The Partnership Fund for New York City is the $130 million investment arm of the Partnership for New York City, dedicated to mobilizing private sector resources and expertise to advance New York City’s standing as a global center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation. The Fund invests in entrepreneurs and innovators in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors who contribute to building a more vibrant and inclusive New York City economy. As an “evergreen” fund, realized gains are continuously reinvested. A key focus of the Fund is the application of new technology that serves the public interest.

The Partnership Fund Board is led by co-chairs Tarek Sherif and Neil Blumenthal. Maria Gotsch is the Fund’s President and CEO. More information about the Fund can be found at partnershipfundnyc.org.