July '25 Newsletter

MTI NEWS

July 2025

We are thrilled to welcome four new members to the Board of Trustees and elevate two more long-serving members to emeritus status. MTI welcomes California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Dina El-Tawansy, Deputy Project Director of Engineering for The Portal project (formerly known as the Downtown Rail Extension) Anna Harvey, Global Transit Director of global professional services firm Mathew Tucker, and Senior Vice President and national practice consultant in HNTB’s advisory practice K. Jane Williams to the Board.

In addition, MTI is elevating Trustee Will Kempton and Trustee Diane Woodend Jones to emeritus status. Trustee Kempton is a renowned transportation innovator and retired Executive Director with 50 years of experience in transportation, government affairs, and public service who has been a member of the Board since 2004, including as previous Chair. Trustee Woodend Jones is Chairman of the Board, Executive Vice President, and Principal of the international consulting firm, Lea+Elliott, Inc. During her twelve years of service on MTI’s Board, she has been a dedicated and thoughtful leader, contributing her expertise to key initiatives including bridge funding and the development of a sustainable endowment.

MTI is incredibly grateful for all our Board members who share their dedication and expertise to strengthen our vision and advance our goal of mobility for all.

MSTM student and San Jose native Antonio Tovar knew he wanted to work in public service but, like many of us in the industry, stumbled into the transportation sector serendipitously. These days, he is working hard to keep everyone safe around rail as Transit System Safety Supervisor at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Recently, he presented to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) about his work on the StartPoint program. VTA’s StartPoint Program is an initiative that merges multiple safety data sources into one framework in order to identify “hotspots” (high-risk locations) for safety events like accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The initiative revealed that 13% of all locations account for 60% of the overall event severity score—a significant finding that can support VTA’s efforts to shift from a reactive to proactive data-driven safety culture. Antonio, proud to have worked on the StartPoint program, said, “I want to highlight the accomplishments of my team. Safety is a thankless job at times, and their dedication and professionalism inspire me to continue to find new tasks or opportunities for us to grow as a group.” Thank you for your hard work and dedication to safety, Antonio!

Addressing Urban Traffic Congestion: A Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Approach 

In a recently published MTI project, the research team developed an automated system that optimizes traffic light timings using advanced artificial intelligence. By combining Deep Q-Networks (DQN)—which learn optimal actions through trial and error—with Auto-encoders that simplify complex traffic data, the system can make faster, more accurate decisions. To fine-tune performance, researchers used vehicle speed as a key measure of traffic flow and optimized the system using a technique called HyperOPT.

The method was tested in three scenarios: controlling a single intersection, managing multiple intersections, and overseeing protected left-turn signals. The results were clear and promising. In each case, the system improved traffic flow—reducing wait times and boosting vehicle speeds. This innovative approach highlights the potential of AI to ease urban congestion, making commutes faster and safer for everyone.

A Comprehensive Study of Impacts of “Q” Bus Rapid Transit System on Blackstone Avenue

A recent study from the MTI-led California State University Transportation Consortium assessed the Fresno FAX Q Line, a 15.7-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, focusing on its effects on housing prices and rider satisfaction. While no significant increase in property values was found along the corridor, machine learning models revealed eight key factors driving satisfaction, including audio-visual quality, value, comfort, proximity to home, and driver helpfulness.

The findings highlight the importance of inclusive, rider-focused service—particularly in addressing lower satisfaction levels among low-income passengers. Researchers recommend continued investment in service quality, without relying on housing market gains, to ensure the Q Line’s long-term success and better serve the Fresno community.

An Ambient NOx Reduction Reactor System with and without Forced Air

Ambient nitrogen oxide (NOX) plays a major role in forming ground-level ozone, or smog, which contributes to global warming, airborne particulates, and serious respiratory illnesses—especially among children, seniors, and individuals with lung conditions. In an effort to reduce these harmful pollutants, researchers investigated the use of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles in paint applied to concrete surfaces.

To maximize the paint’s effectiveness, the study used numerical modeling to design an optimized surface geometry that increases air recirculation and the time air remains in contact with the surface. When coated with the titanium-infused paint and tested under ISO standards, the optimized surface achieved roughly 15% more NOX reduction compared to a smooth surface.

These findings demonstrate the potential of using specially engineered, photocatalytic surfaces as a passive strategy to lower NOX levels and improve urban air quality, ultimately benefiting both public health and the environment.

Cycling and Public Transit: How well do these mix for older adults

While cycling offers clear health and mobility benefits for older adults, less is known about how public transit supports their ability to maintain independent, active travel. Building on prior work by dblTilde CORE, Inc., this project explores how adults aged 50 to 79 combine cycling with transit and identifies ways to enhance this multi-modal mobility. A survey of 182 older adults, along with focus groups, revealed barriers like difficult-to-use bus bike racks, limited train station access, and inconsistent transit policies.

The findings suggest that improving bike rack design, easing bike restrictions on transit, and enhancing station accessibility could help older adults stay active and independent. Better integration of cycling and transit can support lifelong, equitable mobility.