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June 2007
Special Research Conference Issue
This issue of the CTS Report features extended coverage of the 18th Annual CTS Transportation Research Conference, held May 1–2 in St. Paul.
Download PDF Version (702 KB)In this issue
Oregon’s pilot program suggests promise—and hurdles—for road user fees
Mileage charging is a concept that works, said James Whitty of the Oregon Department of Transportation, but making it a reality will require a long transition time and a change in public attitude.
Panelists see mileage fees in Minnesota’s long-term future
Following the keynote presentation by James Whitty, the opening conference session turned to a panel discussion with three Minnesota leaders: Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, state representative Bernie Lieder, and Rick Krueger of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.
Reforms needed to free—not force—market to provide alternatives to sprawl
Government regulations—not market forces—create sprawl, said Jonathan Levine of the University of Michigan, but because the regulations are packaged as local zoning laws, they are mistakenly perceived as the free market.
Transitway development in the Twin Cities
With the success of the Hiawatha light-rail transit (LRT) line, transit is fast becoming a hot local transportation option, whether it is by LRT, bus, busway, bus rapid transit (BRT), or commuter rail.
Researchers aim to better understand rural road safety
New work being done to better understand rural road safety was a hot topic at this year’s research conference.
Planning for alternative modes
Research into alternative transportation modes, particularly bicycling, took center stage in one concurrent session.
Roads and rails: impacts of the biofuels revolution
Minnesota’s agricultural areas are facing sweeping changes due to the boom in biofuels. What are the possible impacts on transportation infrastructure if this growth continues?
Relocating merge area on I-94 reduces multi-car pileups
New lane markings painted on a stretch of I-94 in downtown Minneapolis have shown some success in reducing crash severity and congestion.