Research

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Research

Selection Goal: an objective process for selecting and reviewing research that balances the multiple objectives of the program.

The project solicitation/selection process planned for NCTR builds on experiences with USF's National Urban Transit Institute (NUTI) and incorporates changes to reflect the interests of the U.S. DOT and the Florida Department of Transportation, which is providing the match funding for the Center.

The Research Selection Program will involve an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from local operating transit agencies, FDOT, USDOT, APTA, TCRP, ACT, ITAC, and NCTR, a broad representation appropriate for a national center. The Advisory Committee will not only help identify the projects of greatest interest to the transit community but will also help ensure objectivity and prevent duplication of other research efforts with which they are familiar. NCTR envisions that this selection program outcome will result in research that is completed relatively quickly while still ensuring objective selection and high-quality research results.

The vast majority of NCTR’s program dollars will be dedicated to research. It is anticipated that the Center will fund and commence between 15 and 20 projects each year, with an average completion time of 12 months from the time of notice to proceed. This rate of productivity will result in relatively quick responses to issues that have been identified as high priority by those very familiar with the research needs of the transit industry.

A project Advisory Committee will be utilized to help identify the projects to be undertaken. The committee will be composed of 13 individuals who are knowledgeable in the area of transit research and public transportation planning and operations. Overall program design and identification of research priorities will be the primary purposes of the Committee. The Committee also will review the basic goals of NCTR and offer guidance as appropriate.

Members of the NCTR Advisory Committee include:

Gary L. Brosch, Chairman of NCTR

Joel Volinski, Deputy Director, CUTR; Director of NCTR

Wendell Joyce, Director, ITAC

Louis Clopton, designated liaison, Office of Research, Federal Transit Administration

Louis Sanders, Director of Research and Technology, APTA

Executive Director, General Manager, or Deputy Director, large urban area transit agency

Executive Director, General Manager, or Deputy Director, small- to medium-size transit agency

Eric Schreffler, Director of Research, TDM Institute, ACT

Ed Coven, State Transit Office Manager, Florida DOT

Ysela Llort, Director of Transportation Planning, Florida DOT

Richard C. Long, Director, Office of Research, Florida DOT

Designee, Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council