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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <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>Monitoring of Urban Roadway Safety Hazards from Existing Bus-based Video Imagery: Phase 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2440023</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Traffic safety is diminished by drivers’ changing lanes in queued traffic at signalized intersections, bus stops, and construction zones, mixes of vehicle classes, variability in speeds, and vehicle overtaking. Assessing locations with these recurring but dynamic hazards requires extensive and ongoing data collection. Traditional data collection methods rely on sensors at permanent or temporary fixed locations, which are costly, labor intensive, and provide limited collection over time and space and only of some hazard contributors. Moreover, the location of these sensors may be influenced by factors other than optimal sampling, such as requests from well-organized constituencies. Therefore, relying on the traditional methods could lead to missing high-risk conditions resulting in decreased safety and inequitable outcomes.

Transit buses operate regularly over wide networks, and most bus fleets are already equipped with cameras that record the environment inside and outside buses for liability, security, and safety purposes. Consequently, the imagery is available for other uses at near-zero marginal cost, and the extensive spatial coverage of transit fleets would provide comprehensive views that could be used to determine times and locations of regularly occurring safety hazards. Moreover, this imagery has been shown by the principal investigators (PIs) to be effective in monitoring traffic volumes across time and space, information that provides exposure-based context for identifying safety hazards. In the current phase 1 project (year-1), the PIs are investigating the use of available, repeated, and extensive imagery recorded by cameras mounted on transit buses in regular operation to identify “hazardous hotspots”. The proposed phase 2 project (year-2) would build on the phase 1 investigations.

The PIs have been obtaining transit bus-based video imagery to estimate traffic flows across the Ohio State University (OSU) campus and providing summary results to campus planners and operators on a regular basis. The OSU campus will again be used as a living lab testbed. The size and diversity of land uses make the campus representative of urban areas. Moreover, the campus has been undergoing major construction activities, which allows investigation of different infrastructure conditions that could influence traffic safety. Using the campus as an experimental testbed also allows for in-situ ground-truth observations to assess the accuracy of the video-based results.

Hazards being considered in phase 1 include lane specific queue lengths at intersections and bus stops and vehicle type mix with an emphasis on vulnerable vehicles (e.g., bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles). Frequency of lane-changing in the presence of queues, speeds, and speed variation where autos conflict with vulnerable vehicles are also important safety factors. In phase 2, the ability to measure these hazards from the imagery would be investigated, and methods to do so would be developed. In addition, changes in speeds at construction zones measured from the imagery would be explored given the safety hazards associated with these zones. Moreover, while the identification of hazards in phase 1 is being demonstrated using semi-automatic techniques based on a Graphical User Interface, in phase 2 automation of the identification of hazards will be pursued.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Oct 2024 09:34:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2440023</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Comprehensive Evaluation of I-275 Bus-on-Shoulder (BOS) Pilot Project</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256382</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of the research include: 
(1) Evaluate the effectiveness of BOS operation, including driver experience, ease of accessing the shoulders, adequacy of shoulder width, frequency of encountering obstacles on shoulders and how quickly they were cleared, passenger car drivers’ reaction, BOS motorist violations, etc. 
(2) Evaluate transit route system performance changes, including BOS transit operations ridership, schedule reliability, safety (motorist, transit, law enforcement, passenger), frequency of use of BOS, and other indicators of transit level of service (LOS). 
(3) Evaluate the effectiveness of BOSS installed in both the northbound and southbound directions at the 38th Avenue N and 54th Avenue N on-ramps. 
(4) Evaluate whether I-275 BOS project leads to traffic and safety impacts to I-275 project segment and parallel local streets due to spill-over of traffic from on-ramps of I-275 segment. 
(5) Provide recommendations that may improve the implementation and operation of BOS, such as training, marketing, structure modification, traffic operations and control, etc.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:52:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256382</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing Connected Micro-transit Vehicles for Efficient Mobility Service for Rural and Underserved Communities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2239020</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sporadic transportation demands over large, geographically dispersed rural areas make conventional fixed-schedule, fixed-route solutions inefficient. This project develops technology-driven solutions for development and deployment of micro-transit transportation vehicles to address distributed and low-demand transportation needs in rural areas by providing more efficient, customer-focused autonomous transit services via flexible routing and scheduling while interacting with and integrating into other transportation modes. This integrated systems of systems and technology-driven approach will lead to efficient transportation solutions by reducing transportation costs due to smaller vehicle sizes and the adoption of ride-sharing strategies for transit services in rural and disadvantaged communities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:43:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2239020</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air Quality Inside Buses</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2149961</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The COVID-19 pandemic brought air quality to the forefront of the transit industry. In the summer of 2022, due to the immediate need to understand the issue, the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) conducted its first Insight Event. TCRP Insight Event--Air Quality in Transit Buses explored how air quality inside transit vehicles, especially buses, may contribute to the spread of infections. During that event, presentations and conversations about dispersion, ventilation, circulation, and filtration issues were held. Presentations from the event and the literature search results are available on the TCRP Insight Event web page at https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/06-21-2022/trb-tcrp-insight-event-air-quality-in-transit-buses. 

Since that event and the end of the pandemic’s restrictions, the public transit industry has learned that air quality inside transit buses matters to bus operators and passengers. There is an increased focus on reducing the concentration of pathogens containing respiratory aerosols and other harmful pollutants in the air inside a bus cabin. Transit agencies are working to increase operators and passenger confidence in air quality. With increased confidence, riders will return, and it will be easier to hire bus operators. 

Transit systems are analyzing the current air quality inside their buses to better understand current airflows and possible risks. Measuring and controlling air quality inside the bus cabin has proven difficult.  Buses idle, constantly open their doors to embark or disembark passengers, and are exposed to traffic-related air pollutants, such as  exhaust.  

This reality has not hampered the desire to improve air quality inside cabins. Transit agencies are employing the following solutions to mitigate poor air quality: dilution, which consists of bringing more fresh air inside the bus while sending indoor air out; filtration with the use of better-quality filters; and cleaning, including the use of ultraviolet light and photocatalytic oxidation.  

Research is needed to find clear solutions to improve air quality on buses for operators and passengers. Transit systems are doing the best that they can to protect their employees and passengers. However, research can provide information to improve air quality and standardization of practice. 

The objective of this research is to create a research document that helps transit agencies understand air circulation inside a typical 40-foot heavy-duty transit bus and finds solutions to protect employees and passengers without decreasing passenger comfort, safety, and reliability of the system. The research should help guide the development of future design and performance criteria to support better transit rolling stock procurement and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operations in emergency conditions (e.g., airborne diseases and wildfires).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:08:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2149961</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Transit Automation Enabling Research and Implementation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096563</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project conducts market analysis research, establishes criteria for selecting and evaluating transit bus automation demonstration projects, as well as other activities related to the development, testing, and demonstration of automation technologies and capabilities for transit buses.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:49:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096563</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Transit Bus Mirror Configuration Research and Development</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096552</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project plans to design, develop and evaluate prototype mirrors to reduce bus operator blind spot to avoid collisions with pedestrians at intersections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:49:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096552</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pierce Transit Collision Avoidance and Warning Research and Demonstration Project</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096549</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project plans to develop and deploy collision warning technology with automated braking system to assist transit bus operators in avoiding collisions with pedestrians,  cyclists and other road vehicles.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:49:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096549</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Comparative Analysis of Alternative Fuel Fleet of Buses (AFB) to Enhance Mobility in Central Florida</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093462</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of the project can be summarized as follows: (1) Collect performance data from the buses in real time with trip mapping to perform various sustainability analytics. (2) Conduct a comparative analysis for the alternative fuel bus technologies to quantify their life cycle sustainability impacts, including environmental impacts (e.g., carbon footprint, air pollution, energy consumption), social impacts (e.g., human health), and economic impacts (e.g., life cycle costs). (3) Investigate the impacts under different policy-relevant scenarios such as charging infrastructure, different ridership profiles, and different routes to better aid effective policymaking. (4) Determine the optimum fleet composition including the number of refueling stations under different market penetration rates, using multi-objective optimization techniques to help ease the transition period and avoid unnecessary investment in the infrastructure to aid transit agencies in optimizing fleet utilization and policymakers in designing effective policies.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:03:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093462</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Redesign of Transit Bus Operator Compartment to Improve Operator and Passenger Safety</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093181</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) in New Orleans, Louisiana, will receive $600,000 to study the implementation of shields/barriers on its bus fleet to protect its bus operators. NORTA will work with its bus operators to secure feedback on the implementation of this project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:53:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093181</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bus of the Future Compartment Redesign</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093180</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The International Transportation Learning Center based in Silver Spring, Maryland, will receive funding to redesign a transit bus compartment to improve safety for drivers. By designing a barrier, the compartment will minimize operator assaults and maintain positive passenger interactions through mirrors and lighting]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:53:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093180</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CTE Transit Vehicle Innovation Deployment Centers Project (formerly NextGen)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077917</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will help facilitate the coordination of three bus testing centers and conduct related new technology bus research.  The project is coordinated with a related effort being conducted by CTE.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:48:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077917</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Low or No (LoNo) Emission Component Assessment Program - The Ohio State University</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077916</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This statutory program tests, evaluates, and analyzes low or no emission (LoNo) components of LoNo transit buses. The program provides unbiased assessments of low- or no-emission vehicle components, documenting maintainability, reliability, performance, structural integrity, efficiency, and the  noise of the tested components.  It is funded at $1,500,000/yr.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:48:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077916</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Low or No (LoNo) Emission Component Assessment Program - Auburn University</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077915</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This statutory program tests, evaluates, and analyzes low or no emission (LoNo) components of LoNo transit buses. The program provides unbiased assessments of low- or no-emission vehicle components, documenting maintainability, reliability, performance, structural integrity, efficiency, and the  noise of the tested components.  It is funded at $1,500,000/yr.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:48:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077915</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Project #1 (Proj.#1): Automated Wheelchair Securement Project #2 (Proj.#2): Passenger Mobility and Contactless Fares Solution</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067950</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project will demonstrate the use of the Quantum automated wheelchair securement system on buses at 5 transit agencies in rural and urban service environments. Proj. #2: will offer smartphone app that integrates with CCPT's dispatching/scheduling/fare payment system. Use of the system and app will mitigate exposure to the COVID-19 virus and provide operational efficiency.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067950</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New EMV (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) certified electronic validators for contactless payment on fixed route</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062819</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will complete a demonstration and study of innovative contactless payment systems in fixed route transit buses.  The installation of new electronic validators on 404 vehicles will reduce customer interaction points and mitigate risk of COVID-19 exposure for both drivers and passengers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2022 11:56:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062819</guid>
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