Overview

With Houston being a major transportation hub for air, bulk marine, containers, project cargo, railroads, trucking, and pipelines, the Center will provide an opportunity to work with the providers, users, and regulators to develop answers to our transportation problems. Houston is a primary player in international trade. The port is expanding, the airport is growing, NAFTA and CAFTA-DR trade is escalating, rail traffic is intensifying and highway congestion is increasing.

The Department of Transportation has developed a six-point plan which outlines six areas of emphasis. The Center for Transportation Research provides a source for partnership opportunities for researching solutions for Houston and Texas. This Center is a conduit for new ideas for old problems and original answers for complex questions. Houston, Harris County and Texas have all identified congestion and transportation issues as key components for economic growth. There is a need for a Center to bring diverse views together and to develop workable answers.

Companies have long recognized the value of an efficient supply chain and logistics operation. Using applied research, the Center can partner with industry to solve problems and update processes to enhance their bottom line. Providing additional knowledge to established employees and new hires can be coordinated with existing HR and Training departments and our Center.

Research Goals

The Center for Transportation Research will identify and develop close relationships with private and government entities to pursue research opportunities. The Center will also develop the expertise and strategies needed for attracting outside research funding. It is expected that a research "incubator" enterprise will be formed as a natural progression.

Training and Education Goals

• The Center will provide research opportunities for students and faculty from all areas of the College of Technology and the University of Houston.
• Research partnerships will be pursued from government and private industry.
• Executive seminars and workshops will be offered to current and future partners.
• Partnership arrangements will be pursued with international transportation professional organizations for additional training opportunities.