Mobility

Mobility and transportation focus

Infographic detailing driver, research thrusts, outcomes, and pillars of CERCA's mobility research
A rapidly changing climate with more frequent and sever extreme events threatens our mobility infrastructure. CERCA researchers are providing systems-level solutions co-developed with communities to make our transportation infrastructure resilient, safe, and sustainable, and equitable. This includes vehicle automation and electrification, creation of integrated multi-modal alternatives, and the integration of real-time local climate predictions with emergency response.

Example projects

  • Public transit bus

    Equitable transit development

    This study develops a framework to evaluate the impact of transit-oriented development projects on low-income residents. The goal is to ensure these projects benefit vulnerable communities and promote equitable outcomes. The research aims to provide a model for assessing and improving transit development nationwide.

    Faculty advisors: Burcu Akinci and Corey Harper

  • Virtual model of a heavy-duty truck

    Enhancing safety and sustainability in heavy-duty vehicles

    Heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for a disproportionate share of fatal accidents and carbon emissions in the transportation system. This research focuses on creating a digital twin framework that integrates real-time data and telematics to model the physical and operational dynamics of heavy-duty vehicles, continuously monitoring vehicle behavior, predicting potential safety risks, and suggesting interventions to prevent crashes. The system provides transparent, data-driven insights for fleet managers, helping optimize vehicle operations, enhance safety, and reduce emissions, while informing regulatory standards and policy decisions.

    Faculty advisor: Pingbo Tang