Transportation Research
Universities have long played an important role in providing information to the professionals who plan, design, construct, maintain, regulate, and operate our local, national and worldwide transportation systems. The rapid advancements in technology and the global economy present major challenges for our current transportation services and organizations to keep up. Metropolitan traffic congestion is a problem all over the world. Freight transportation and logistics are being revolutionized by e-commerce and integrated supply chain management, putting new demands on the out-dated transportation systems.
Our changing world, including more frequent natural disasters and terrorist attacks and the need for accommodating all people with varying abilities and disabilities, pose new considerations and requirements for all transportation modes and systems. The world's dependence on fossil fuels and the destructive repercussions for the planet necessitates the discovery of new methods of alternate and automated travel — sooner rather than later.
These societal challenges require new ideas and innovations in transportation, as well as an educated workforce of transportation professionals. University research programs have the potential to make major contributions to providing solutions to these problems. The Transportation Institute at N.C. A&T State University is involved in cutting-edge, vital research to help meet transportation needs now and the future.