MTI joins ENSCO led surface transportation research team, C-STARR, to advance railway safety and technology

The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) of San Jose State University is part of a team of surface transportation research organizations led by ENSCO, Inc. (ENSCO) that was recently awarded a $571 million USD contract by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to provide research, testing, engineering, and training services at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC). The team will focus on initiatives that support FRA and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) objectives to establish TTC as a vibrant, engaging, and modern center for railroad and ground transportation safety, security, and innovation. Transfer of TTC operations to the ENSCO team is anticipated to be completed by October 2022.

“Advancing railway safety and technology while training the workforce of the future is critical to economic viability and improving the mobility of people and goods. Research into safety, security, and innovation must remain at the forefront, which is why MTI is proud to join the C-STTAR consortium,” says MTI Executive Director, Dr. Karen Philbrick.

MTI has entered into an agreement with ENSCO to be a member of the Center for Surface Transportation Testing and Academic Research (C-STTAR) consortium. This consortium of eight (8) universities and academic research centers were established to provide expertise in research focus areas across all modes of surface transportation, including intermodal transportation, which will support TTC growth initiatives. The consortium will be led by the University of South Florida (USF) Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR).

MTI will engage in surface transportation safety, security, and emergency management research and training and will contribute to workforce development initiatives and human factors studies.