Research Focus Areas — Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Our transportation system connects all aspects of life—home, work, education, commerce and recreation. TTI’s research and development improves all aspects of the system and creates new ideas and innovations that save lives, time and resources. Our focus areas include: economics and policy; environment; freight movement; human and behavioral factors; infrastructure; mobility; safety; security; and workforce development.

Safety

The Institute’s safety innovations can be seen on virtually every mile of roadway in Texas and many throughout the world. Major advancements have occurred in the design of roadside safety devices such as guard rails, crash cushions and sign supports. Almost 700,000 TTI-patented highway safety devices are in use in the United States and internationally. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated TTI-developed devices have saved more than 10,000 lives. TTI’s researchers have a wide range of knowledge and skills in advancing safety initiatives in transportation, including traffic operations, visibility and distracted driving.

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Infrastructure

TTI is finding innovative and cost-effective ways to maintain and rehabilitate roadway infrastructure. Researchers have assessed infrastructure improvements that might be needed to effectively serve additional port, rail and truck traffic generated by the expansion of the Panama Canal. TTI also has measured the impact of the energy sector on roadways and made recommendations on mitigating the damaging effects. In addition, TTI supported TxDOT in examining the feasibility of high speed rail in Texas. With billions of dollars at stake, TTI‘s research helps ensure agencies are spending their dollars wisely.

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Mobility

Gone are the days when we simply build new roads or more lanes to ease traffic congestion. Funding is limited and, in many areas, the space is no longer available. Mobility analysts examine problems associated with congestion, develop innovative solutions and measure their effectiveness. TTI prepares the definitive national study documenting congestion costs and trends in 85 urban areas, which is reported on annually by hundreds of media outlets across the country. TTI also provides expertise in metropolitan, urban and rural bus and passenger rail transit planning and operations.

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Security

TTI has successfully developed and evaluated new technologies resulting in the cost-effective implementation of devices and standards to keep our country safe from terrorists. In the area of homeland security, TTI conducts testing of anti-terrorist safety barriers for the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and private-sector companies. These structures and devices are tested for durability at TTI’s Proving Grounds research facility in Bryan.

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Human and Behavioral Factors

Human factors and behavioral research involves both cognitive and ergonomic factors. In today’s world of ever-evolving technology, research on the use of that technology while driving is key to improving safety on our nation’s roadways. TTI has conducted several groundbreaking research projects that explore the interaction between driver, cell phone and roadway, and assess the dangers and causes of distracted driving. TTI also aids TxDOT in its annual statewide surveys of roadway user behaviors.

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Environment

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards evolve, the sophistication of the environmental research methods necessary to test for them also change. More refined measures, new controlled laboratory studies and behind-the-scenes computer modeling make a huge impact. TTI‘s environmental research helps everyone breathe a little easier. TTI researchers focus on transportation-related air quality, sustainability, energy and climate change, and sediment and erosion control.

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Freight Movement

Business and individual needs for product delivery continue to evolve due to technological advancements, economic globalization, increasing competitiveness and changing market demand. TTI is investigating innovative solutions that support the use of multiple modes of transportation, facilitate freight transfer and operation, enhance freight mobility, improve air quality and reduce border wait times. TTI also has developed an innovative technology called the Freight Shuttle, which has the potential to revolutionize freight movement by improving safety, reducing emissions and deceasing shipping costs.

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Workforce Development

TTI facilitates student participation in ongoing transportation research and prepares students for transportation careers. TTI employs more than 200 students in its research laboratories and offices. Over 40 Texas A&M faculty regularly work on TTI research projects. Many of TTI’s researchers are recognized national and international leaders in their fields, including 80 who chair or serve on national committees for the Transportation Research Board (TRB). TTI has trained more than 5,000 transportation professionals, at least half of whom are in Texas.

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Economics and Policy

As long as people and goods have to get to places, transportation will play a vital role in global economics. TTI has extensive expertise in transportation economics and finance research. TTI works closely with public agencies and private sector companies around the world to evaluate the economic benefits and costs of the transportation network, as well as to answer critical financial questions. TTI also provides objective information critical to state and national policy makers in the areas of transportation finance and policy.