University Transportation Centers
Since 1987, the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded and administered grants to a consortium of universities and colleges to advance transportation research.
UMTRI has been awarded four University Transportation Centers (UTC), receiving over $40 million in funding. By leading these centers, UMTRI demonstrates its commitment to partnership and leadership in supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation’s goals.
Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT)
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Transportation
Dates: December 2016–present
Principal Investigator: Henry Liu
Amount awarded: $30 million
CCAT serves as the Region 5 University Transportation Center designated to address the field of comprehensive transportation safety, congestion, connected vehicles, connected infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles. CCAT aims to significantly advance the evolution of the U.S. next-generation transportation systems with emerging technologies on safety, mobility, cybersecurity, and fairness.
Michigan Center for Advancing Safe Transportation throughout the Lifespan (M-CASTL)
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Transportation
Dates: October 2013–2018
Principal Investigator: David Eby
Amount awarded: $6 million
M-CASTL was dedicated to advancing the safety and mobility of both young and older adult transportation system users, each of whom faces unique challenges. M-CASTL aimed to enhance understanding and develop solutions that address the various aspects of roadway, vehicle, and driver risks affecting individuals at both ends of the age spectrum.
Center for Advancing Transportation Leadership and Safety (ATLAS Center)
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Transportation
Dates: August 2007–February 2012
Principal Investigator: David Eby
Amount awarded: $5 million
The ATLAS Center was a Tier 1 UTC led by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) in collaboration with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). The Center’s theme was “Integrated Solutions for Transportation Safety.” The ATLAS Center was dedicated to providing high-quality education and experience to students, professionals, and the community and making research and knowledge available and accessible to those who need this information across the globe.
Great Lakes Center for Truck and Transit Research (GLCTTR)
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Transportation
Dates: 1988
Principal Investigator:
Amount awarded: $3 million
This regional UTC focused on developing a science-based understanding of all aspects of truck transportation and related aspects of bus transit.