March '25 Newsletter

Each year, the Mineta Transportation Institute Essay Contest challenges students in grades 6–12 to tackle pressing transportation issues through the lens of sustainability, equity, safety, community, and innovation.

This year’s “Get Going, Go Green” theme inspired students to explore bold solutions for a more sustainable and accessible future. We are thrilled to announce the winners, whose insightful essays showcase the next generation of transportation leaders!

In this free 3-week non-residency program, students engage in hands-on STEM activities and exciting local field trips—all while learning about transportation careers and earning 3 transferable college credits in Environmental Studies (ENVS 1) from SJSU.

To apply, students must be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or better), completed Algebra 1 & Freshman Science, and provide a letter or email recommendation. The application is open now until May 16, 2025.

We invite licensed California drivers to participate in a research study on perceptions of ISA technology, funded by the MTI-led California State University Transportation Consortium. This short, anonymous survey (10–15 minutes) explores experiences with speeding, awareness of ISA, and opinions on potential regulations. Participation is voluntary, and responses will remain confidential. Your insights help shape the future of transportation safety!

Autonomous vehicles are transforming car rentals and ridesharing, bridging the gap between daily commuting and business travel. This study explores how driver behavior shifts across different levels of automation (Levels 0, 3, and 5) and assistance modes (risky vs. conservative). Through simulated driving trials with 12 participants, researchers analyzed driving performance, posture, and eye movement. Findings suggest stable control at full automation (Level 5), increased variability at partial automation (Level 3), and distinct posture and attention shifts across levels. Further research could focus on conducting on-road tests, using equipment designed for on-road tests and broadening the demographic range of participants.

Turbo roundabouts, widely used in Europe, are now making their way to the U.S., with California installing its first. These multilane roundabouts improve traffic flow and safety by separating entry and circulating lanes with helical markings and raised structures. This study evaluated California’s first turbo roundabout, comparing it to the previous signalized intersection. Using simulation models and real-world video analytics, researchers found a significant reduction in crash potential and queuing delays, with severe crossing and head-on conflicts nearly eliminated. Results suggest turbo roundabouts could be a valuable solution for rural routes, and ongoing monitoring will help confirm long-term safety benefits.

This study examines the intersection of mental health distress and transit-related assaults, providing insights into how agencies can enhance safety and response strategies. Researchers conducted a literature review, data analysis of reported incidents, and case studies of 10 transit agencies to assess the role of mental health in these events and identify best practices for mitigation.

Findings reveal that misconceptions about mental illness often contribute to stigma and misinformed responses, underscoring the need for targeted education and training for transit personnel. Many agencies have implemented specialized training programs to help frontline workers recognize signs of mental distress and engage appropriately. Additionally, evidence-based practices—such as crisis intervention training, partnerships with mental health professionals, and improved communication strategies—have been shown to enhance both employee preparedness and passenger safety. The report outlines key policy and practice recommendations to help transit agencies reduce assault-related incidents, strengthen community engagement, and improve overall system resilience.

Major challenges are leaving agencies and transit bus manufacturers facing uncertainty as the U.S. public transportation sector moves towards a zero-emission future. On March 11,  Leah Foecke and Zachary Karson of global infrastructure advisory firm Rebel Group and authors of a recent MTI publication shared their insights into the obstacles in the U.S. transit bus market. The discussion covered key industry dynamics, financial challenges in acquiring zero-emission buses (ZEBs), technological barriers to deployment, and regulatory issues. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on how the industry is navigating these challenges while pushing towards a more sustainable transit future.

MTI’s newest webinar series explored the secrets behind over 50 years of global high-speed rail innovation. Participants discovered best practices in station planning and design development, along with groundbreaking projects from France, Germany, and Spain. Expert speakers shared actionable insights, helping U.S. professionals learn from international high-speed rail success to shape the future of transit in our communities.

This webinar series was co-sponsored by APTA High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Committee, California High-Speed Rail Authority, High Speed Rail Alliance, and US High Speed Rail Association.