Transportation network companies (TNCs) are rapidly expanding organizations that use digital technologies to connect passengers to drivers who use their personal vehicles to provide for-hire ride services. This research was designed to help Texas policy makers navigate the evolving policy considerations presented by the rising popularity—and accompanying controversy—of TNCs. This report presents the findings of […]
technology
New Report: Operations and Policy Implications for Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Traffic Incident Management
Transportation agencies and emergency responders are continually seeking new technologies and systems (especially for major incidents) that can improve incident response, monitoring, and clearance. This research explores the potential application of one such system/technology under consideration for that use – unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Commonly referred to as drones in military applications, public and civil […]
Austin, TX and the Smart Cities Challenge: Improving transportation, creating ladders of opportunity
Research is about more than just studying a problem in search of a solution. Sometimes, research is about realizing a vision. Imagine, for instance, a city with a robust downtown, vibrant neighborhoods, and bustling suburbs. It’s a city of the future, in which people circulate freely, but not by routinely using their own cars. Oh, […]
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Demand Management
Continuing growth across Texas has contributed to growing transportation demand and related congestion. Current strategies to manage demand (also known as transportation demand management [TDM]) focus on commuters who travel during the morning and evening peak congestion period and use strategies and incentives to encourage workers to change how they get to work. Changes in society, technology, […]
Research explores online communities to help build effective transportation policy
Online communities are virtual gathering places where members interact with other members and administrators of that community through the Internet. As technology has progressed, online communities have evolved to now include features such as surveying, crowd sourcing, voting on or prioritizing concepts or ideas, and participating in live chat sessions. Many online communities are considered […]
As Google confirms self-driving car tests in Austin, TTI continues research for automated/connected vehicles
In discussions about the emergence of automated and connected vehicle travel, it’s the technology that tends to attract most of the attention and fascination, but that technology also presents significant implications for policy makers. The TTI Transportation Policy Research Center is working to better understand those implications and inform the decision making that will influence […]