Track 1: Deployment of Efficient and Reliable Multi-Modal Technologies
Proposals under Track 1 are for innovative yet practical deployments of
technology for communities that most need them. Readily available
micro-mobility and shared mobility modes such as e-bikes and jitneys
have emerged as viable transportation alternatives, but piloting and
implementation has been limited. Researchers will launch collaborative,
interdisciplinary, initiatives which enable readily transferrable
multimodal technologies and solutions: for example, ride-sharing or
last-mile delivery solutions with connected, automated, and electric
vehicles.
-
Example research initiatives:
- Equitable Commuting with Sustainable Micro-mobility
- Electric Shared Mobility Governance
- Secure CAVs and EVs for Last-Mile Deliveries via Blockchain
- Multi-Modal Trip Planner for Disadvantaged Travelers
-
Research proposals under this track should identify and feature the
following components:
-
Technology product releases, prototypes, or tools aligned with
USDOT Technology Transfer goals. Examples may include mobile
applications, field installation of equipment, web-tool to model
or analyze data, prototype of a new sensor/device, etc.
-
Agency or industry partner for the real-world
implementation/demonstration of the project output. Partner
commitment must be gained prior to authorization of the project.
-
Measurable outputs related to equity that target underserved
communities or population.
Track 2: Research on Enhancing Operations through System Control and
Design
Proposals under Track 2 will take advantage of infrastructure, testbeds,
or large and novel datasets that will break new ground in our
understanding of congestion reduction systems. These can be novel
approaches using artificial-intelligence/machine-learning (AI/ML)-based
methods in combination with complex simulation and modeling approaches.
Research under this track shall advance the state of practice while
having direct applications to real-world issues facing transportation
systems and users.
-
Example research initiatives:
-
Traffic Control for Safe Intersections for Pedestrians with
Disabilities
-
Cost-Effective Work Zone Management with AI-based Image Processing
-
Electric Trucks and Overweight Truck Enforcement to Reduce
Congestion
-
Digital Twin to Equitably Reduce the Negative Impacts of Floods
-
Research proposals under this track should identify and feature the
following components:
-
Implementations or pilot demonstrations to meet needs identified
by agency or community partner goals. Examples may include new
techniques or processes fitting a need that has been previously
identified by user groups or project partners.
-
Agency or industry partner for the real-world
implementation/demonstration of the project output. Partner
commitment must be gained prior to authorization of the project.
-
Performance measures related to equity outcomes or impacts
identified as addressing underserved communities or population.
Track 3: Evidence-based Policy-Making for Reducing Congestion
Proposals under Track 3 will leverage models and real-world data into
the development and deployment of data-driven tools, centered around
fairness and equity in long-term decision- making where they are
deployed. These can further implementations of responsible AI, smart
cities and infrastructure, and adaptable infrastructure under the threat
of major external disruptions such as COVID-19.
-
Example research initiatives:
-
Equitable Decision-making Data Architecture for Multi-Modal
Planning
-
Multi-Scale Modeling for Accessibility and Congestion Performance
Measures
-
Naturalistic Bicyclist Data & Multi-Modal Systems to Boost Transit
Usage
-
Cloud-based Collaborative Curb Management & Congestion Reduction
-
Proposals under this track should identify and feature the following
components:
-
Agency or industry partner requesting/driving the need for the
policy or analysis. Partner commitment must be gained prior to
authorization of the project.
-
How the research will address previously-identified equity
issue(s).
Track 4: Education or Development Program Filling a Gap in
Transportation Workforce Development
Proposals under Track 4 will create programs that will teach
transformative technologies/methods that will reduce congestion to one
or more diverse student groups, from primary-level students through
working professionals. They will (1) equip students with the
foundational knowledge they need to begin their careers, as well as
instilling soft skills like adaptability and willingness to learn and
experiment; or (2) help current industry and agency professionals
upskill to master new technologies and keep up with rapid technological
change.
-
Example research initiatives:
-
Consortium student-driven research projects or capstones with
mentorship
-
Cross-school and multi-entity learning and collaboration
opportunities, including internships and other placement programs
-
K-12 targeted programs to interest and cultivate a new generation
of transportation professionals
-
Technology/skills development in Rural, Isolated, Tribal, or
Indigenous communities
-
Certificate programs or apprenticeships for new technologies,
cybersecurity, or analytics for congestion reduction
-
Upskilling programs for agency staff and other working
professionals
-
Proposals under this track should identify and feature the following
components:
-
School or agency/partner organization commitment to participating
in the program.
-
Plan to target or improve diversity among participants in
identified programs, including attracting those from
underrepresented backgrounds.
Track 5: Signature Technology Transfer Activities to Address Congestion
Reduction and Transportation System Equity
Proposals under Track 5 will develop and execute outreach focused on
equitable outcomes, for targeted and effective technology transfer
across partnerships, communities, and diverse student groups. Activities
shall rely on the diverse talents, connections, and makeup of the
multi-university consortium. They aim to leverage diverse institutional
relationships with city and state agencies, and with the local
communities who rely on them, enable technology transfer efforts to
address even the most complex issues, including land use policy,
multimodal deployment, and high transportation costs.
-
Example research initiatives:
-
Symposia with academia, industry, and agencies to explore the ways
in which specific C2SMARTER research most impactful towards
congestion reduction
-
Community-based workshops, event or program to study the impact of
transportation infrastructure projects and policies on underserved
or marginalized communities (including Rural, Isolated, Tribal, or
Indigenous [RITI] communities)
-
Tools to increase knowledge capture and sharing research outcomes,
performance measures, tools, benefits, and best practices to
diverse audiences
-
Proposals under this track should identify and feature the following
components:
-
Identified need or committed participation in the described
programs from industry, agency, or community partner.
-
How the effort will address previously-identified congestion
reduction or equity issue(s).
-
How the effort will build off ongoing diversity & inclusion
activities to continue making strides in this area.
