Dear Alverina,
This month, we celebrate the people and partnerships driving innovation across the transportation industry. From securing federal support for critical rail safety research to recognizing student leaders shaping the future of mobility, MTI continues to advance solutions that improve safety in communities throughout California and beyond. We also highlight new research findings and community engagement efforts.
In this issue:
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- MTI awarded a $1.3 million Federal Railroad Administration CRISI grant to advance passenger rail safety research
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MSTM student achievements, including the 2026 HNTB Spark Scholarship recipient and California Passenger Rail Summit presenters
- Community impact through bicycle safety education at Pedal Fest
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New research on sustainable asphalt technologies that reduce emissions while improving pavement durability
- Upcoming Trailblazer Tuesday webinar featuring Nadine S. Lee, Senior Strategic Advisor for Transportation Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania and former CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
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MTI Wins $1.3 Million Federal Rail Safety Grant |
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Rail trespassing remains the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S., with more than 500 fatalities each year—highlighting the urgent need for data-driven prevention and targeted mitigation.
MTI has been awarded a $1.3 million U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant to advance passenger rail safety over the next three years.
This research will focus on reducing trespassing accidents on passenger railroad rights-of-way—a persistent challenge with serious consequences for public safety.
By analyzing and synthesizing California passenger rail data, CRISI researchers will identify high-risk locations and develop evidence-based trespassing profiles to help inform targeted public messaging and mitigation strategies.
Led by UC San Diego Medical School, the project will culminate in a practical mitigation toolbox to support safer rail operations and improved system efficiency.
We’re proud to contribute research that is rigorous, relevant, and designed for real-world impact—helping keep communities safer while advancing mobility for all.
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California Passenger Rail Summit |
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| Anita Lau
Anita Lau, Manager of Customer Experience and Community Engagement at BART, presented “BART Mart: Driving Ridership Recovery through Strategic Community Development,” to demonstrate how transit agencies can modernize scalable outreaches by transforming functional hubs into cultural destinations. Specifically, the project highlights the use of BART’s original anime mascots and Artist Alley events to capture discretionary "lifestyle" trips, targeting younger demographics to revitalize ridership. Anita is excited about the potential for related initiatives like "equity-focused placemaking"—finding creative, data-driven ways to use local subculture to make transit systems feel more approachable and welcoming.
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| Ashankh Jaishankar
Ashankh Jaishankar, a regional planner at San Diego Association of Governments, showcased "Can I-5 Toll Revenue Bonds Fund California High-Speed Rail?," at the summit. His project examines whether Interstate 5 toll revenues could serve as a supplemental funding source for future high-speed rail construction. “I have been fascinated by rail since I was a kid growing up in Dubai,” he told MTI. “Dubai is an incredibly car dependent city with land use patterns that make walking or getting around without a car really difficult. So when the Metro opened it felt like a breath of fresh air. That experience of what good transit can do for a city and for people stuck with me.”
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Anita and Ashankh’s presentations show just some of the diverse perspectives MSTM students bring to some of transportation's most pressing challenges. We are excited to see their impact continue to grow!
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HNTB Spark Scholarship Recipient |
Congratulations Master of Science in Transportation Management (MSTM) student Gavin Chan for winning the 2026 HNTB Spark Scholarship!
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Gavin’s interest in transportation began with childhood bus rides around the city with his grandparents. Now in his third year as a transit operator with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), he brings a unique perspective as a first-generation college student and the son of immigrants who made many sacrifices to build a life in the United States. “I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship,” Gavin said. “This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family. Their belief in me gave me the motivation to work hard and stay focused.”
Gavin says that his motivation for joining the MSTM program comes from his desire to grow as a leader and expand his knowledge. He also expressed gratitude for the MSTM professors and staff and the part they play in his success in the program.
Now in its fourth year, the HNTB Spark Scholarship supports students from historically underserved and underrepresented communities, helping develop the next generation of transportation leaders. Gavin exemplifies that mission through his leadership, including his service as Recording Secretary for TWU Local 250-A and his advocacy for workers' rights.
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Pedal Fest: 72 New Helmets, Countless Safer Rides |
Through support from MTI, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition provided free bicycle helmets and professional helmet fittings at this year's Pedal Fest. The helmet station was a major draw at the event, with staff and volunteers fitting and distributing 72 helmets to children, teens, and adults.
Many participants immediately put their new helmets to use while enjoying Pedal Fest activities, from riding bicycles and unicycles to making bike-powered smoothies. The effort helped expand access to essential safety equipment while encouraging active transportation and family participation. Any remaining helmets will continue to support local Safe Routes to School programs and future community events throughout Sonoma County.
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Enhancing Sustainability and Durability in Asphalt Pavements: Evaluating the Impact of Low-Carbon Sulfur Polymer Modifiers and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
As transportation agencies look for ways to reduce emissions while maintaining infrastructure performance, researchers are exploring innovative asphalt materials made from recycled and low-carbon ingredients. This study evaluated a new asphalt modifier composed of sulfur, biochar, and waste cooking oil, combined with asphalt mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).
Using laboratory tests that measured resistance to cracking and rutting, researchers compared the performance of the low-carbon mixtures to conventional asphalt under both long-term thermal and UV aging conditions. The modified mixtures reduced the asphalt binder's carbon footprint by up to 22.4% while maintaining stronger resistance to aging-related deterioration than the conventional mixture.
The findings suggest that lower-carbon asphalt materials can improve pavement durability and resilience without sacrificing performance, offering a promising pathway toward more sustainable transportation infrastructure.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Online
12:00-12:30p.m. (PT) | Link to register.
*0.5 PDH credit available.
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Trailblazer Tuesday with Nadine Lee
The Mineta Transportation Institute is hosting a series of virtual fireside chats featuring influential women leaders in transportation. These successful women—representing academia, public and private industries, and the nonprofit sector—will share their compelling personal narratives and leadership journeys. Gain valuable insights into their strategies for balancing assertiveness with emotional intelligence, overcoming stereotypes, and leading with intention. Join us to explore the profound impact of reshaping perspectives and championing women's roles within the transportation industry and beyond.
This webinar is co-sponsored by COMTO.
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Featured Guest
Nadine S. Lee, Senior Strategic Advisor for Transportation Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania (TRIP) and former CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
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Mineta Transportation Institute
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192
sjsu.edu
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