Research
CTS supports transportation researchers in more than 30 departments. We bring disciplines together to tackle the complex societal issues that call for broad perspectives. And we invest in labs and infrastructure to address current needs and prepare for what’s to come. Here are some achievements from FY24.
Project Showcase
In rural Minnesota, self-driving shuttle demo is paving the way for autonomous transit
Since October 2022, five self-driving shuttle vans have offered free, on-demand rides as part of the Minnesota Autonomous Rural Transit Initiative (goMARTI) pilot program in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. It’s a collaborative effort between multiple stakeholders and partners to conduct a first-of-its-kind demonstration of self-driving shuttles in a rural setting. To make the most of the knowledge gained through this innovative project, U of M researchers conducted two studies following goMARTI’s 18-month pilot phase.
With pedestrian deaths at a 30-year high, study examines engineering solutions
It’s a dangerous time for pedestrians, with deaths at a 30-year high nationally—a trend mirrored in Minnesota. As a result, pedestrian crashes are a top concern for MnDOT and local transportation agencies. In an expansion of a 2018 study, U of M researchers examined how engineering solutions might improve driver yielding to pedestrians at intersections in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
CTS awarded $6 million from FTA to address transportation insecurity
CTS and our partners were awarded $6 million by the Federal Transit Administration to design and lead a new Mobility, Access and Transportation Insecurity program (MATI). In June, the MATI team announced Phase 1 awards of $1.2 million to eight demonstration projects in communities across the U.S. to address challenges that stand in the way of people’s ability to access public transportation. The demonstration projects will tackle barriers and find ways to improve transit access and find solutions for caregivers, low-income families, second- and third-shift workers, older adults, and women.
