The Chattanooga Operations for Mobility Protection, Access, Safety & Service (COMPASS) initiative is a transformative mobility program that will deploy autonomous shuttle services throughout downtown Chattanooga. Supported by a $25 million U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD Grant, the initiative aims to explore how autonomous transportation technologies can complement existing transit operations, improve access and connectivity, and support broader economic development objectives. STV served as lead advisor on the successful grant application, working closely with CARTA, the City of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to develop a comprehensive funding strategy that aligned transportation, mobility and community priorities into a single federal investment opportunity.
What challenges did STV address?
CARTA and its project partners sought funding to advance a large-scale autonomous mobility initiative that would improve transportation connectivity throughout downtown Chattanooga. The grant application needed to demonstrate how autonomous shuttle technology could support transportation access, mobility, safety and economic development objectives while creating a compelling case for federal investment.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV served as lead advisor for the grant application effort, developing the funding strategy for the COMPASS initiative. Working alongside CARTA, the City of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, STV aligned transportation, economic development and mobility goals into a unified federal funding application. Through its infrastructure economics and grants advisory expertise, STV helped position the project for competitive federal funding.
How will this project benefit the region?
The COMPASS initiative will explore how autonomous shuttle services can enhance existing transit operations, expand transportation options and improve connectivity across Chattanooga’s downtown core. The program is expected to provide valuable insight into the safe and effective deployment of autonomous transportation systems in urban environments while supporting economic development, accessibility and mobility goals. The initiative also creates opportunities to connect transportation innovation, education and workforce development through Chattanooga’s Live Learning Lab concept, helping prepare future mobility professionals.
Key stats and accolades
- $25 million U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD Grant awarded to support the initiative.
- Largest grant award in CARTA’s history.
- Autonomous shuttle services planned throughout downtown Chattanooga.
- Grant strategy developed in partnership with CARTA, the City of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
