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    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>NMDOT Pedestrian Outreach Program</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598430</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research report reviews best practices in pedestrian outreach and engagement from various state, regional, and city agencies that will guide pedestrian outreach for the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP). This report summarizes insights from interviews with government personnel overseeing pedestrian safety or active transportation initiatives throughout North America. The study examines engagement methods, including in-person and remote approaches, to effectively involve communities in the transportation planning processes. Key findings stress the significance of successful engagement regarding safety through data-driven prioritization methods and trust-building with communities while offering adaptable feedback systems. The findings led to practical recommendations for NMDOT to develop a sustainable and inclusive engagement framework while leveraging the best national practices and tools, such as the Our Voice App and the AARP Walk Audit Toolkit. The report recommends building a statewide advisory committee and regional engagement administrators alongside supporting outreach programs for youth and dedicated residents.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:51:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598430</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Video Summary Report (VSR) Production</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593193</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will produce Video Summary Reports (VSRs) that promote technology transfer of concluding Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) research and implementation projects. The research team will produce short videos (2–5 minutes) informing TxDOT staff and university researchers, as well as others nationwide, about the research and implementation results. The research team will plan and produce an annual Video Summary Report (VSR) production list in cooperation with TxDOT, track the detailed status of each VSR on the production list, schedule and conduct interviews (live and virtual), travel when requested and necessary to obtain B-roll for enhanced video experience, compose and create the VSRs, coordinate all reviews and approvals, and oversee the final publication and distribution of the final products. The research team will also produce other outreach materials as requested.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:49:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593193</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Road Usage Charge Communication Strategies</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558372</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A road usage charge (RUC) allows all users of a transportation system to help pay for that system in a fair manner and in proportion to how much it is used. A RUC is frequently referred to as a mileage-based user fee (MBUF), vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax, or distance-based fee (DBF). NCHRP Project 19-18 developed NCHRP WebResource 2: Road Usage Charge Guide that compiles resources, best practices, and sample communication materials to support agencies exploring, setting up, or implementing a RUC program.

Numerous states and regional organizations have conducted pilots, research, and operational programs for RUC. These activities used a variety of communication strategies, but there has been no systematic evaluation of how effective these strategies have been.

Research is needed to help transportation agencies communicate effectively with stakeholders about RUC.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop and validate a communications toolkit for RUC.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 13:01:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558372</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of AR/VR-Enhanced Tools for STEAM-Integrated Education</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2526442</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Technological advances have given unprecedented cause and fresh opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration in public transportation and related fields. Given this cross-functional momentum and with awareness of the present technological revolution in public transportation, a new educational approach is required of those stakeholders tasked with navigating the future landscape of supporting careers. Such workforce development stakeholders include kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) educators, career technical educators, employers, and, of course, the students themselves, who must be age-appropriately inspired, empowered, and equipped. In response, DriveOhio has developed an Educator Toolkit to provide effective resources to these stakeholders by which Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM)-integrated education may be facilitated, and career outreach programs may be advanced.

The interdisciplinary opportunity sought by this project and necessarily inherent to STEAM-integrated education is answered by the collaboration and the unique breadth of experience provided by the submitting research team. Specifically, the research team represents the past and present work of two complementary Student Transportation Advancement Research (STAR) projects, each with novel contributions to DriveOhio's Educator Toolkit and the referenced stakeholders it aims to serve. 

This project is intended as a bridge between the previous STAR projects, a continuation of their shared efforts and goals, and a means by which the entire DriveOhio Educator Toolkit may be advanced. This project will provide an educational platform for teachers to use in a K-12 context, consisting of various future scenario modules where students can learn about the next generations of technologies, the vehicles that they will enable, and the infrastructure required to sustain such innovation.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 08:21:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2526442</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancing Road Safety for Local Rural and Tribal Persistent Poverty Communities in the Northern Plains: A Research and Outreach Initiative for Safer Journeys</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2490982</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal is to continue working with Regional LTAPs, TTAPs, CTIPS partners, and Transportation Research Board committees to identify traffic safety priorities for rural communities and Tribal Nations in the Northern Plains so institutional capacity can be strengthened to ensure safe journeys on local and tribal roads based on proactive traffic safety planning, programs, policies, and resource decisions.

Objective 1: Engage with local and tribal communities to strengthen traffic safety information. Supporting road inventory/maintenance, crash documentation, education, enforcement, and post-crash EMS response as essential foundation knowledge. Identify purposeful action to ensure continuity of agency commitment and community recognition of traffic safety as a priority through program documentation and succession strategies.

Objective 2: Support the FHWA Safe System approach. Community wellness and shared responsibility in safe journeys for members and guests are achieved through this holistic approach.


Objective 3: Recognize, recommend ways, and produce practitioner resources to redress the well-documented needs of highly rural and persistent poverty communities for resources to access, community connectivity, and capacity building to proactively promote and sustain safe journeys on local and tribal roads.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:48:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2490982</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Innovative Marketing and Customer Communication Strategies for Rural Transit



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2464325</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Modern marketing and customer communication in the transit environment can involve a variety of marketing channels, branding (logos and design standards), onboard and external signage and kiosks, promotional items, in-person and virtual events, organic and paid online campaigns, traditional media, augmented reality experiences, geotargeted mobile advertising, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted technology for content creation. Technologies and approaches are changing so rapidly that marketing campaigns considered state-of-the-art 5 or 10 years ago may seem obsolete now.  

Most rural transit agencies engage in a variety of marketing and public communication activities. Many agencies do not have the resources or knowledge to effectively market their services or communicate service changes to all existing and potential riders. It is not financially sustainable for most rural transit agencies to hire an external marketing agency. Small transit systems without a dedicated marketing team member might rely on internal staff without relevant skills or dedicated time, which could lead to ineffective marketing, wasting valuable time and resources with little or no opportunity to measure the return on investment.

There are few standards, national guidelines, or programs on effective marketing or public communication strategies in rural transit settings. Research is needed to document successful marketing practices currently used by rural transit agencies and practical resources to develop strong marketing and communication resources to pave the way for innovative and effective marketing campaigns.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research is to develop practical guidance and resources for public transportation managers and staff at rural transit agencies and state departments of transportation to enhance rural transit marketing and customer communication strategies.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:21:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2464325</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Measures of Transit Ambassador and Outreach Program Effectiveness</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2464328</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Nationally, public transit ridership has not completely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. In some communities, the viability and perceived safety of public transit are further challenged by rising public drug use and increasing levels of unsheltered homelessness. Additionally, many cities are contending with a housing affordability crisis and decreased public funding for social services as COVID-19 era funding ends. These intersecting socioeconomic factors have required public entities, including transit agencies, to respond to new societal and public safety issues, and coordinate or provide trauma-informed care that they have never provided before. 

The urgency and scale of the problem has led to the implementation of ambassador, mental health outreach, or crisis response programs that do not have universal measures of effectiveness or established outcomes. Although many transit agency approaches or programs are supported by the public and experience many qualitative successes, short-term and long-term viability of the programs depends on their ability to demonstrate effectiveness at reducing the impact of disorder and social problems on their system. 

Despite common goals, no two programs are identical. Each operates in a unique sociopolitical climate that influences its functions, abilities, funds, and outcomes. As funding is varied and sometimes not permanent, it is important to be able to measure programs’ outcomes, define success and effectiveness, and share strategies or programs that improve transit operations, public and transit workers safety, and ridership. This research will help transit agencies evaluate the impact of their current programs and design future initiatives with built-in performance metrics. It will also provide a framework for agencies in the early stages of program development.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop guidelines and resources for transit agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of ambassador programs and mental health outreach or crisis response initiatives. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:11:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2464328</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Communicating the Impacts of Research Projects in
North Carolina</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2452917</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Research & Development Unit’s research projects are multifaceted – focusing on safety, materials, operations, planning, mobility, human and natural environments, and more – and have a real impact on people and communities across the state. It’s imperative that the story of the value of these projects is told, and heard, by many. This goes beyond needing to understand how tax dollars are being spent; how can North Carolinians appreciate how NCDOT research directly benefits them when they use the state’s transportation system?

This request for proposal indicates that NCDOT prioritizes communicating the value of its research, and the UNC Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC) is excited to submit this proposal to lead an effort to launch an engaging, public-facing video series to do just that.

The Research Team will work closely with the NCDOT Research & Development Unit; Public Involvement, Community Studies & Visualization office; and Communications Office, to promote the use and impacts of NCDOT research projects and products through an informative video series, tentatively titled “NCDOT Research Reels.” These short videos will promote the results of completed NCDOT research projects, explain how these products can or have been applied, as well as promote the benefits of these products results to potential users. The Research team will conduct all steps of the video production process, creating up to twelve succinct videos showcasing different key projects and areas of NCDOT’s research portfolio with interviews, on-site footage of research implementation, discussions with community members, narration and editing, and distribution.

HSRC will conduct all steps of the video production process, creating up to twelve succinct videos showcasing different key projects and areas of NCDOT’s research portfolio with interviews, on-site footage of research implementation, discussions with community members, narration and editing, and distribution.

HSRC has a long history of working with NCDOT on a variety of projects designed to improve the state’s roadway system and engage communities across the state. HSRC's team of communications and design professionals is uniquely positioned for this type of video outreach work. With well-written scripts, knowledge of the field, and great understanding of the importance of all the different users of a transportation system, HSRC can create impactful and digestible videos for the NCDOT Research Reels project. HSRC also has a legacy of creating impactful videos that tell a wide variety of transportation stories; key examples include the HSRC Insights series, the video “Low-Cost Pedestrian Safety Zones,” and a highlight reel for the U.S. Department of Transportation University Transportation Center managed by HSRC. Said simply, research depth, technical expertise, and practical experience qualifies HSRC for success for this proposed work.

Thank you for this opportunity to express HSRC’s interest in managing the “Communicating the Impacts of Research Projects in North Carolina” video series.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:55:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2452917</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Information Design for Public Transportation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2448892</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project explores how effective information design can increase public transportation ridership by making transit systems easier to navigate and understand for a broad range of users. Despite public transportation’s role in improving safety and mobility, gaps remain in how information such as maps, schedules, and updates are communicated, leaving many potential riders unaware of available services. By analyzing how various information types impact users' travel choices, this study aims to create a strategic information dissemination framework to improve public awareness and encourage a shift from private car use to public transit.

Drawing on insights from information design, marketing, and game theory, the project will develop a choice experiment to assess preferences for different transit information formats. This data will inform a model for optimizing information presentation to increase ridership and support safety and service availability goals. Ultimately, the project will provide public transit agencies with actionable strategies for designing effective communication materials to boost transit usage, potentially reducing traffic fatalities and lowering transportation costs for price-sensitive populations.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:36:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2448892</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Addressing Challenges to Airport Terminal Recycling



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413909</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 20:23:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413909</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SB-45. Synthesis of Transit Agency Customer Experience Programs</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2410390</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Around sixty US transit agencies have established some form of Customer Experience (CX) programs in recent years to elevate rider voices and customer service. These CX programs are central to agency efforts to provide quality service to populations that have limited transportation choices, and to build transit use among choice riders. This is particularly important in the context of post-pandemic ridership declines. 

US transit agencies that have established, or are establishing, CX program include the likes of LA Metro in Southern California and Trinity Metro in Fort Worth, Texas. LA Metro established its CX program in 2020 to “sharpen its focus on customers” (transitcx.org, 2024). LA Metro also hopes to utilize its CX program to create a smooth transit experience as it will receive a lot of attention leading up to, and including, the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. Trinity Metro has Community Outreach and Transit ENVOY teams that provide education, support, and training to assist its customers in navigating the system. Other agencies with significant CX programs include the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in Boston, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in Washington DC, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in Atlanta, Translink in Vancouver, Sound Transit in Seattle, the Toronto Transit Commission, which introduced a 5-Year Service and Customer Experience Action Plan in May 2024, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, a metropolitan planning organization in Northern California leading a Transit Regional Network Management initiative to identify ways to improve customer experience through a multi-agency network.

OBJECTIVE: Currently there are no industry-wide standards for transit CX programs, so with the rapid growth of CX organizational structures, program objectives, and methods currently vary widely. The synthesis would be useful in documenting the different CX program models of a variety of transit agencies, as well as how these programs are developed and refined. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jul 2024 18:00:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2410390</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigate the Impact of Rumble Strips on Motorcyclists</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342050</link>
      <description><![CDATA[
The goals of this research project are to investigate the effects of rumble strips on motorcycle crashes and to engage with motorcycle communities to promote communication about rumble strips and their impact on safety.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:07:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342050</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Autonomous Vehicle Testbed Pilot Design and Evaluation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2245511</link>
      <description><![CDATA[District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is preparing regulations to establish an Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Testing Program in the District of Columbia that will allow companies to obtain permits to test AVs on DC streets. DDOT needs to be able to know what is happening with these fleets once permitted – to monitor safety and operations for oversight purposes, to inform questions that should be asked before fleets expand or are authorized to begin additional services or fully deploy, and to begin to understand the likely impacts (both risks and opportunities) of AVs on travel and traffic management in the District. To address this need, DDOT is proposing to designate a zone as an "AV Testbed" and install sensors for monitoring as well as conduct community and stakeholder engagement.

This research project is a pilot of a broader testbed. The research project will prove out the feasibility of the monitoring technologies and approaches at 3 locations and develop a deployment plan for the full testbed. It will also start the community engagement process around the notion of an AV testbed to ensure the community is a partner at the table in this effort, informing and participating in the testing and evaluation of AVs. Finally, it will build the data management structure that will enable broader use of this data by DDOT, academics, industry, and other public agencies, as well as enabling public transparency around AV performance.

The project has two primary objectives: (1) Enable independent monitoring of AV test vehicles, watching for: (a) vehicle interactions with other modes and vehicles, (b) curbside interactions for loading/pick up and drop off activities, and (c) ability to handle unusual or unexpected events. (2)  Collect system data to provide baseline system understanding to compare AV operations against and to leverage the technology investments. 

Critically, the monitoring should be done in a privacy-protecting manner as much as possible. The research team will work to identify solutions that allow us to see the actions of the AVs but not track individuals or retain identifying characteristics. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Sep 2023 09:33:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2245511</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Workforce Development, Outreach, and Tech Transfer</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221114</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this project, the team will undertake impactful workforce development, outreach and tech transfer activities in collaboration with the Southern Plains Transportation Center, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma State University, and the private sector. As noted in the preceding section, these activities include 2023 Oklahoma Transportation Research Day, 2023 Oklahoma Transportation Symposium (in collaboration with Oklahoma State University), 2023 OU Engineering Days high school outreach event, seminars, and workshops. The Exxon-Mobil Rawl Engineering Practice Facility (REPF) on Norman Campus is an excellent facility for providing outreach to students of different levels (elementary to high school). SEED scholars design and implement hands on activities to students visiting this facility. This project is expected to provide partial support for a SEED scholar. Also, several seminars, webinars, and short courses will be organized in this project. Finally, the overall center operation including submitting progress reports, final reports, and tracking data, and attending annual meeting, co-director’s meetings, and other activities will be pursued in this project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:20:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221114</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wiyot Tribe, CA, Technical Assistance for Tribal Transportation Systems: Connecting Rural Transportation with Economic Opportunities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2215873</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Table Bluff Reservation of the Wiyot Tribe is relatively small, from both a population and land-mass perspective, and is in an area not served by public transportation (transit). There is a need, however, for tribal members to get to larger communities in the region, such as Eureka, California, for shopping, medical needs, etc. This project will investigate all options to provide enhanced mobility for Wiyot Tribal members located on the Table Bluff Reservation, and provide recommendations on how to implement the best options for enhanced transportation/mobility.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:00:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2215873</guid>
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