Research
CTS supports transportation researchers in more than 30 departments across the University of Minnesota. We bring disciplines together to tackle the complex societal issues that call for broad perspectives. And we invest in infrastructure to address current needs and prepare for what’s to come. Here are some achievements from FY26.
Project Showcase
Accessibility Observatory celebrates 10 years, expands research into new areas
CTS’s Accessibility Observatory (AO) published its tenth annual “Access Across America” study in January 2026. This highly influential study uses the most current data on land use and transportation to analyze how well walking, biking, transit, and auto travel connect residents of major urban areas to destinations. AO also expanded the use of its "level of traffic stress" measures, which assign values for ease of walking and biking to any street segment, and published a first-of-its-kind report on the impacts of a new $1 billion bridge on land values resulting from new access to jobs.
CTS, partners grant four communities $2.8M for demonstration projects to relieve transportation insecurity
In September 2025, CTS and its partners awarded communities in Illinois, Hawaii, Ohio, and Maine grants of $700,000 each to undertake community-shaped, innovative demonstration projects that tackle transportation insecurity. The projects were selected from among eight communities across the U.S. who were chosen in an initial round of competitive development grants awarded in June 2024 through the Mobility, Access, and Transportation Insecurity program.
Researchers tackle time-sensitive projects through new Applied Research in Transportation Program
CTS scholars led four initial projects through the new Applied Research in Transportation (ART) Program. Research projects undertaken through ART directly address a current process, document, or policy need within a 6- to 12-month timeframe. Topics tackled to date include integrating travel demand management strategies into highway projects, analyzing state rebates for E-bikes and usage, and forecasting changes to vehicle miles traveled for rural roadway projects.
