MTI leads nine-university consortium to $3.4-million win for research in US Department of Transportation competition

A consortium of 9 universities led by the Mineta Transportation institute has won a $3.49-million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to fund transportation research, workforce development, technology transfer, and education.

The two-year, $3.49-million grant was awarded to a newly formed consortium of nine well-established, university-based research centers. The new organization, led by San Jose State University's Mineta Transportation Insitute, will be known as the National Transit Research Consortium (NTRC). The other eight consortium partners include Rutgers University in New Brunswick NJ; Howard University in Washington DC; University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit MI; Grand Valley State University in Allendale MI; Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green OH; University of Toledo in Toledo OH; University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Las Vegas NV; and Pennsylvania State University in State College PA.

The consortium’s particular areas of expertise include alternative fuels, safety and security, public policy, finance, workforce development, livable communities, environmental sustainability, economic competitiveness, new modes, and many other critical factors essential to sustainable mobility. This helps to unify several diverse specialties and provide a more coordinated approach to addressing public transportation issues.

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) led an effort, in collaboration with MTI to secure the funding. On learning of the award, she said, “I want to congratulate San Jose State, as well as the other consortium universities, on receiving this grant funding. Transit options are critical to communities like ours in San Jose, and this investment will lead to important research to keep our public transportation systems running smoothly and safely for all."

Rod Diridon, Sr., executive director of MTI, noted that the Institute’s selection by the US Secretary of Transportation validates the quality of MTI's research, education, and technology transfer programs. He said, “We have a real passion here for helping to create a more sustainable national transportation system for America."

This also means that the MTI annual report, newsletter and other publications will be melded into those of the NTRC. We also will cross-promote consortium members’ symposia, research, education, and other activities. It’s a big move for MTI and for the consortium members, as well.