MTI News

Dear Alverina,

This month, we highlight student voices alongside new research and conversations shaping the transportation industry. We celebrate the winners of our national e-bike safety essay contest while also sharing insights on active transportation, healthcare accessibility, and high-speed rail. Across these efforts, MTI continues to connect research and education to support safer and more effective transportation systems.

In this issue:

Cycling Past 50: A Closer Look into the World of Older Cyclists, Year 5 Survey

This report analyzes nearly 2,800 survey responses from older adult cyclists across North America, collected between March 2024 and February 2025. It examines lifelong cycling patterns, current habits, and how factors like physical ability and safety influence continued riding.

Findings show many older adults can keep cycling by adapting, such as using different bicycle types, riding with others, and choosing safer infrastructure. The study also highlights the need for improved bikeways and education on shared use. As the older adult population grows, the report highlights the importance of designing transportation systems that support safe mobility for all.

Equity Evaluation of Residents’ Transit+Walk Accessibility to Sacramento Healthcare Facilities

A new MTI-led California State University Transportation Consortium study examines how easily residents can reach healthcare using public transit and safe walking routes. Researchers developed a Transit+Walk Score (TWS), combining travel time and walkability data across 123 healthcare sites in Sacramento, CA.

Results show strong access in central neighborhoods like Downtown and Midtown, but significant gaps in suburban areas. Educational attainment emerged as a key predictor, pointing to deeper inequities in infrastructure.

The findings emphasize that equitable healthcare access depends on both reliable transit and safe, connected pedestrian networks—and offer a data-driven tool to guide future improvements.

Measuring Multimodal Equity in Resource-Challenged MPOs

Ensuring equitable transportation investments across different populations and travel modes remains a challenge, particularly for smaller, resource-constrained agencies. This report builds on prior research into transit equity metrics by examining practical, low-cost approaches for comparing equity across roadway and transit investments.

The study finds that many existing metrics are either mode-specific or too data-intensive for widespread use. Applying a cost-effective method used in San Joaquin County, the research evaluates transportation plans across California and shows that transit and non-motorized investments tend to be more equitable, especially in larger urban areas and for disadvantaged groups, while roadway spending more often benefits nondisadvantaged populations.

Overall, the report demonstrates that simple, accessible methods can provide meaningful equity insights, helping agencies advance more equitable transportation planning while highlighting opportunities for more consistent analysis.

What Holds High-Speed Rail Back: Lessons from Global Systems and California’s Experience

This report examines the challenges and opportunities of integrating California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) with existing rail systems. Drawing comparisons with international high-speed rail systems and U.S. examples, the study highlights differences in costs, operations, and integration approaches, while also exploring tools like value capture and land assembly.

Findings point to recurring barriers such as funding gaps, permitting delays, cost escalation, and land acquisition issues. The research emphasizes that stable funding, streamlined processes, and stronger coordination across agencies are essential to advancing HSR. Overall, the report underscores that successful rail integration depends on effective governance and policy, with recommendations including expanded partnerships, innovative financing strategies, and reforms to permitting and land acquisition practices.

Trailblazer Tuesday with April Rai

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Online
12:00-12:30 p.m. (PT)

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 event is co-sponsored by COMTO.

*0.5 PDH credit available

Featured Guest: April Rai, MTI Trustee; President & CEO, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)

Moderator: Dr. Hilary Nixon, Deputy Executive Director, MTI

2026 MSTM Capstone Showcase

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Online
5:30-8:30 p.m. (PT)

Join students from the Master of Science in Transportation Management program at San José State University as they present their final capstone research projects. This interactive event will provide opportunities to meet with the students and learn about their research on critical transportation management challenges.

Everyday GenAI: Your AI Writing Assistant

MTI hosted the next webinar in our Everyday AI series: Your AI Writing Assistant.

Participants explored how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude can support real writing tasks, including brainstorming ideas, organizing thoughts, and drafting and refining content. The session also addressed the limitations and risks of AI and discussed how to use it thoughtfully as a tool to enhance—not replace—professional expertise. Attendees learned practical strategies for prompt engineering, selecting the right tools for their needs, adhering to organizational policies, and streamlining workflows while maintaining clarity, accuracy, and their own voice.

Trailblazer Tuesday with Michelle Bouchard

MTI hosted a recent installment of Trailblazer Tuesday virtual fireside chat series, featuring Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director of Caltrain. This ongoing series highlights influential women leaders across the transportation industry, providing a platform for them to share their experiences, leadership perspectives, and career journeys.

In conversation with MTI Executive Director Dr. Karen Philbrick, Bouchard offered insights into her path in transportation and reflected on the importance of strong, thoughtful leadership in shaping the industry. The discussion is part of MTI’s continued effort to elevate diverse voices and inspire the next generation of leaders.