Research innovative public transportation solutions
Efficient, reliable, low-cost public transportation options are critical for individuals who do not have access to a car.
Conduct interdisciplinary research, design plans, and educate the public and decision-makers on viable transportation solutions for families living in poverty. Students can also form organizations that focus on developing creative solutions to transportation issues that affect their campus and the community.
To get started:
Pursue funding for transportation research initiatives. The Department of Transportation awards grants to consortia of colleges and universities across the U.S. to advance transportation research and cutting-edge ideas and approaches.
Design and conduct research, partnering with students who have first-hand experience.
Educate stakeholders on your research findings with respect to meeting the needs of low-income individuals, engaging local government and other decision-makers.
Best Practices / Innovative Programs
SURTCOM (Small Urban, Rural and Tribal Center on Mobility) is a partnership between the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University, the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University, and the Urban and Regional Planning program at Eastern Washington University. The focus is on enhancing mobility in small urban, rural, and tribal communities.
The University of Buffalo is partnering with city and state governments, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc., and a transportation technology coalition to improve transportation options for the vulnerable populations in the city of Buffalo. The partnerships has an $8.2M Department of Transportation grant.
The Department of Transportation's University Transportation Centers Program awards grants to consortia of two- and four-year colleges and universities to explore and share innovative ideas.
