Faculty and students working in the STE Lab have research interests in transportation policy and management. All transportation projects are conducted in collaboration with the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Our primary partner within UTC is Dr. P. S. Sriraj and our funders include the Chicago Transit Authority and the Regional Transit Authority.
The project began in 2001 as collaboration between the CTA, UIC, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Sponsored by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), this project provides a unique opportunity for students and faculty to work collaboratively with the CTA, generating research projects that are defined by common interest and their potential to advance the state of practice in transit management, planning and operations. The research agenda focuses on the development of new knowledge to support efficient, equitable and appropriate capital investment, policy and operating decisions. Research teams identify areas of common interest through consultations with CTA. Specific research topics are chosen based on student interest, the commitment of a faculty advisor and the identification of appropriate and interested CTA personnel.
The UIC-CTA-MIT collaboration focuses on six areas of research from a capital investment standpoint: (i) Capital investment Decisions for Transit Operations; (ii) Transit Facility Design and Construction Processes; (iii) Decision Support for Service Development; (iv) Future Transit Funding Strategies and Opportunities; (v) Transportation Planning; and (vi) Infrastructure Renewal and Replacement. The research team in consultation with CTA staff and CTP staff will identify specific topics. A typical topic will integrate student drive and interest, CTA needs, faculty advising and expertise and guidance and assistance from appropriate CTA staff.
Please see the project website for more information.