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International Initiatives

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A Global Perspective

Effective transportation is the circulation system for a healthy economy—not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Transportation research stimulates advancements in trade and economic productivity and helps ensure that supply chains are as efficient as possible. Through international transportation research, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) is sharing its best practices in transportation planning, design and operation with countries around the world and learning about their transportation practices to collaboratively advance transportation knowledge globally.

In 2007, TTI launched an international research initiative, with the goal of sustaining a research program of $1 million or more per year. The relationships that develop between TTI and international transportation organizations and researchers through this initiative will ultimately forge new perspectives and ideas leading to solutions to global transportation challenges. These joint efforts are enhancing transportation infrastructure and promoting a vibrant global economy as our world population continues to grow.

TTI's International Presence
Map showing countries TTI has or has had contracts in: United States, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Macedonia, Qatar, India, China including Hong Kong, South Korea, and Australia.

International Research Efforts

India

A program with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in Chennai, India, consists of faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research and educational programs designed to improve the transportation infrastructure in India. Researchers are exploring computer modeling of roadway networks, development of sensors for vehicles and improvements in roadway materials. Through a contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, TTI is studying the feasibility of converting landfill gas to liquified natural gas to fuel refuse trucks and buses.

congestion on a roadway in China
China

TTI and Beijing Transportation Research Center have a cooperative research agreement to help improve the city's urban transport system. The work includes assessing Beijing's methods of transportation planning, modeling and design, and traffic operations and management to identify areas in which TTI can help develop solutions to the city's traffic challenges.

Mexico
aerial view of truck traffic at border crossing

More than 85 percent of surface trade into Texas from Mexico is moved by truck. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in 2006 with $76.1 billion. TTI researchers are working with officials in Cuidad Ju�rez and El Paso, as well as Mexican Customs and the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transport. Efforts are expected to measure and improve the performance of the overall supply chain at the border, expedite border crossing times, enhance border security, and develop a Multimodal Corridor Master Plan to increase Mexico's competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Argentina

The Asociación Argentina de Carreteras (Argentine Roads Association) and TTI are working together to find transportation solutions in Latin America. Through a five-year memorandum of agreement, TTI is sharing "best practices" in U.S. transportation with colleagues in Latin America and applying those, as appropriate, to the unique transportation challenges in Argentina.

Qatar
students attending Texas A&M University at Qatar

Texas A&M University and the Qatar Foundation entered into an agreement in 2003 to bring the University's top-ranked engineering programs and research to the Gulf Region by establishing a branch campus in Education City, a consortium of educational and research institutions. Now entering its fifth academic year, Texas A&M University at Qatar, which is funded by the Qatar Foundation, has grown to a student body of 421 and faculty of 80. TTI is establishing an office in Doha to seek contracts with the Qatar National Research Fund and other local agencies to improve the nation's transportation system.

Paraguay

Through a contract with the Inter-American Development Bank, TTI researchers are developing construction specifications and guidelines to improve pavement design in Paraguay. Seminars, workshops and forums will be conducted to ensure the successful implementation of longer-lasting pavements for this developing country.

Macedonia
TTI researchers Rafael Aldrete (far left) and Juan Villa (second from right) with Booz Allen and USAID officials.

TTI researchers Rafael Aldrete (far left) and Juan Villa (second from right) with Booz Allen and USAID officials.

As a subcontractor to Booz Allen Hamilton in a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) contract, TTI recently assisted the government of Macedonia with a feasibility study for development of the Bunardzik Free Economic Zone (FEZ). The Bunardzik FEZ is one of Macedonia's most important assets to attract foreign investments and stimulate economic development. TTI researchers analyzed the potential trade and manufacturing market demand for the Bunardzik FEZ. The analysis consisted of reviewing the required infrastructure investments, assessing its financial viability and developing a public-private partnership strategy for its implementation.

Materials and Structural Testing—Around the World

TTI has implemented 20-plus contracts with institutions in the private, educational and governmental sectors in foreign countries over the last two years, helping them improve their products, expand product lines and develop new products. These contracts include design, development and evaluation of pavement materials, techniques and equipment, as well as testing of guardrail terminals, crash cushions and breakaway sign supports. The agency has worked with organizations in Argentina, Australia, Colombia, France, Hong Kong, Italy, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

TTI's Mission

To solve transportation problems through research, to transfer technology and to develop diverse human resources to meet the transportation challenges of tomorrow.

For More Information

Edward J. Seymour, Ph.D.
Associate Agency Director
Texas Transportation Institute
Texas A&M University System
9441 LBJ Freeway, Suite 103
Dallas, TX 75243
ph. (972) 994-0433 · fax (972) 994-0522
e-seymour@tamu.edu

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