Regional Pilot Initiatives Program
Where Transportation Innovation and Equity Intersect
The Regional Pilot Initiatives (RPI) program carries out demonstrations of next-generation technologies and models of regional significance to test strategies that can guide the region toward a brighter future. Selected projects advance implementation of the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and rely on public and private partnerships for success.
Shaped by SCAG’s RPI Framework, SCAG has advanced pilot development for four RPI program areas. SCAG is leveraging federal funds from the Carbon Reduction Program and state funds from the Regional Early Action Planning program of 2021 to fund these projects.
For more information on RPI projects, please email contact@scag.ca.gov.
Big Data Research
Transportation Data Analysis Technical Assistance Program:
The Transportation Data Analysis Technical Assistance Program equips public agencies with no-cost, big data analytics to answer high-priority transportation and policy questions. This program leverages StreetLight Insight® to analyze multimodal travel patterns, congestion, safety, and infrastructure performance, translating complex datasets into actionable insights for local decision-making.
SCAG is currently offering on-call technical assistance, supporting agencies with follow-up questions or additional analytical needs. All technical assistance requests should be submitted via email to LIST@scag.ca.gov with a brief description of your transportation/travel behavior challenge, and one to two high-level research question(s).
Current Status: This program is supporting 11 partner agencies and is expected to conclude in the summer of 2026.
Metrolink Contactless Payment Pilot Project
SCAG is proud to support the implementation of contactless payment for the region’s transit systems with $2.8 million in funding for the Southern California Regional Railroad Authority’s (Metrolink) Contactless Payment Pilot project, which opened for service in June 2026 on the Arrow and San Bernardino lines.
With funding administered by SCAG from the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021 and the Carbon Reduction Program, Metrolink’s contactless payment system, also known as an “open loop” payment system, promises to improve customer experience on transit in Southern California and advance the region’s readiness for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, FIFA World Cup 2026, and future mega events.
Contactless payment is a secure, cash-free method to pay transit fares by tapping or holding a payment card, smartphone, or smartwatch on a payment terminal. This technological innovation is becoming more common around the region and the nation and is considered an important upgrade in advancing a more seamless, connected, and rider-focused transportation experience. Projects like Metrolink’s Contactless Payment Pilot explore new ways to simplify transit access and improve the overall customer experience.
Accelerating Active Transportation
Watts Rising E-Bike Lending Library Program:
In partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles and the East Side Riders Bike Club, the Watts Rising E-Bike Lending Library Pilot Program establishes an electric bike lending library located at the Nickerson Gardens housing development in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts. This project would maintain a fleet of up to 100 E-bikes, stored and managed at Nickerson Gardens, for rent and would serve the development’s 3,000 residents in addition to those residing in the adjacent Watts neighborhood.
Current Status: Program is in planning and design phases with expected launch in Fall/Winter 2026.
Mobility Hubs
Mobility Hubs (In Development):
SCAG is in the process of developing pilot projects that demonstrate concepts from SCAG’s “Mobility Hub Design and Implementation Guide.” Mobility hubs centralize access to transportation amenities and services such as bikeshare, bus, train, and carshare to provide a more seamless experience for travelers during journeys. Future pilot projects could feature amenities such as device charging ports, Wi-Fi access, place-making elements, and real-time travel information to create a comfortable experience for travelers.
Current Status: Project is in its early initiation phase.