Fourth National Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Symposium

On March 23, 2004, the Mineta Transportation Institute brought together experts in surface transportation and students from elementary, middle, and high schools to discuss sustainable transportation topics. The goal was to introduce the students to transportation-related careers and to inspire them to pursue the academic curriculae that would lead to success in those careers. Students from Maryland and California participated in a videoconference, during which they heard a keynote statement from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. Five teams of students also presented project proposals for innovative transportation alternatives during the videoconference. These included two variations of magnetic levitation (Maglev) trains, an alternative-power-sourced airplane, and a solar-powered car. The presentations were followed by a moderator-led question-and answer period featuring peer review of the projects and discussions of the young people’s perceptions of critical transportation issues that they will face in the future. This publication is an edited summary of the March 23 event.