Our Vision
To be the premier research division within TTI leading the application of transformational operational concepts, tools, test beds, and technologies that enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the transportation system.
Our Mission
To transform transportation operations, reliability, mobility, and safety through the application of innovative concepts, tools, and technologies. We will focus on the core programmatic areas of: (1) advanced transportation operations and (2) connected and automated transportation.
Our Core Values
- We are guided by a fundamental philosophy that values:
- Leadership in advancing transportation operations, connectivity, automation, and reliability;
- Integrity, objectivity, excellence, and service to the public and our sponsors;
- Innovation in our research endeavors;
- Responsible stewardship of resources;
- Respect for the rights and values of individuals; and
- Engagement and collaboration while working with others.
Our Key Tenets
The following represent the key tenets of the Division’s research program.
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Excellence in Research and Expertise — The Division has unique strengths and expertise in multiple areas of research and outreach. Its staff members garner national and international recognition for their work.
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Innovation — The Division seeks to solve operational and mobility-related challenges through innovation. As transportation and communication technology expands and evolves, we look for avenues to apply that technology in new ways and with new partners to address these challenges.
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Partnerships — The Division forms partnerships with representatives from industry, including vehicle manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), government (e.g., TxDOT, NHTSA, FHWA), and nonprofit organizations that are interested in improving transportation system management and operations. Specific areas of interest include intelligent transportation systems (ITS); technology development; comprehensive and innovative system development and deployment; advanced and innovative/emerging approaches to transportation operations; connected and automated transportation; and connected infrastructure elements. These relationships help the Division identify current and emerging research areas, shape its research and outreach agenda, and support and facilitate research/outreach activities.
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Interdisciplinary and Academic Collaborations — The Division collaborates and teams with other TTI research programs, other university entities, and industry partners from diverse disciplines with an interest or stake in transportation operations and contributes to interdisciplinary research. These collaborations help extend the reach and capabilities of the Division and strengthen the quality of the research.
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Focused Outreach — Division staff members share the results of their work with representatives of stakeholder groups through such activities as ongoing communications, presentations, professional development efforts, and technology transfer. They also promote the beneficial aspects of understanding and incorporating transportation operations into research, outreach, and education activities.
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Attracts Diverse Funding Sources — Through its partnerships, interdisciplinary collaborations, and focused outreach, the Division attracts funding from diverse sources. The Division understands the funding cycles of key organizations and identifies potential new funding sources on a regular basis.
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Awareness of Industry Changes and Trends — The Division tracks trends and issues that impact advance transportation operations and connected and automated transportation by listening to its collaborators and stakeholders. The data helps the Division staff members respond more quickly to emerging needs, to innovate, to confirm the relevancy of its work, and to remain a leading provider of advance operations and connected and automated transportation research to the transportation community.