Projects

This research will update to the spreadsheet version of the Fuel and Emissions Calculator (FEC) to Version 4.0. The update will incorporate the emission and energy use rates from the latest version of the EPA's MOVES 4.0 regulatory model for conventional and electric vehicles, utilizing the latest matrices from MOVES-Matrix 4.0 (also developed by the research team) and associated source type technology parameters.

This project will further build on previous MOVES-Matrix projects by developing MOVES-Matrix 4.0. A case study of the emission and energy use rate outputs will verify that the matrix produces the same results as using MOVES directly.

In this project, the researchers will conduct data collection and analysis to supplement the California AT Benefit-Cost Tool (or "the BC Tool").

This research consists of two primary objectives: identifying opportunities, information gaps, existing resources and research needs by engaging non-government organizations, the California Department of Transportation, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists who expressed interest in working on this project; and with input from these biologists, conduct a preliminary investigation for at least 10 sites, each with concrete median barriers, cable guards or thrie-beam barriers, and vegetated/developed medians, for comparison of rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions with large and all wildlife, as indicators of wildlife connectivity.

This research will create a comprehensive and streamlined framework that empowers Caltrans to efficiently identify and assess technically sound, environmentally sustainable, and economically feasible materials.

This project will enhance and expand the Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) for planners to use to plan, develop, apply for, and implement projects and programs that support active transportation. The project will focus on expanding the ATRC's reach, addressing structural transportation inequities, and strengthening the ATRC's ties to transport research.

This three-chapter dissertation will study the reasons behind the decisions of local jurisdictions, including cities and counties, about VMT reduction levels in their environmental reviews and how local planners view equity in the process of implementing VMT-reducing strategies in the CEQA process.

This research will study the challenges of installation and operation of a reliable network of public DC fast charging stations. While existing studies show costs ranging from $20,000 - $150,000, the researchers find costs range anywhere between $122,000 and $440,000.

The goal of this research is to understand vehicle interactions in mixed traffic and leverage the understanding to shape AV behaviors, simultaneously benefiting all road users (i.e., ensuring equity) and achieving emission reduction, even with a limited proportion of AVs.

This research project will develop models for Houston bikeshare system demand prediction at the station level by leveraging data on station activities. Accurate prediction of bikeshare demand has the potential to transform the way these systems are managed and integrated into urban transportation networks, leading to improved efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.

This research project will compare key elements of program design, administration, and projected benefits from the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) and Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) programs, with the aim of considering how and whether a state-led strategy (AHSC) differs from regionally-designed strategies (through REAP), in furthering SB 375 goals through funding that allocated for similar specific purposes.

In this study, the research team will: 1) measure real-world brake activities of a large volume of vehicles traversing major roadway segments (e.g., near signalized intersections) by leveraging advanced roadside sensing technologies, e.g., Light Detection and Ranging and/or high-definition camera, as well as deep learning-based computer vision algorithms; and 2) construct the real-world brake activity database and supplement for the non-tailpipe emissions inventory.