Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota

Register by June 15 to get early bird pricing for the 2026 Minnesota Energy Innovation Summit! The October 19 event will convene Minnesota leaders in energy and electrification for a day of presentations, technology, and networking opportunities. CTS is an organizing partner of the event. Browse the full event program and register to attend: https://lnkd.in/gkhGkQXy

CTS is hiring a program coordinator! This full-time position is responsible for planning and delivering training, technical assistance, and engagement activities to a variety of transportation stakeholder groups for CTS and our programs. Application review begins June 22. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gemqNWWJ

Rural roads present special challenges for autonomous vehicles. AVs typically use camera-based feedback to operate and so depend on pavement marking and signage that may be lacking on these roads. CTS scholar Rajesh Rajamani recently led a project that explored alternatives such as Global Navigation Satellite System measurements and radar: https://lnkd.in/gnfKp3SV This project was funded through the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT). CTS is a research partner within the CCAT consortium of participating universities.

CTS is excited to be heading to the Open Streets Minneapolis event on Lyndale Avenue this Sunday, June 7. Stop by our booth near the intersection of Lyndale and the Midtown Greenway to participate in a bike/pedestrian level of stress activity or just to say hello! Open Streets events transform major city streets into car-free spaces, allowing visitors to explore and connect by walking, rolling, or biking. More about the event: https://lnkd.in/dTUbz3BU

As part of our 40th anniversary celebration throughout 2026, CTS is pleased to share stories from our colleagues and friends. In this video reflection, hear from John Hausladen, president and CEO of the Minnesota Trucking Association, and former CTS Executive Committee member: https://lnkd.in/gsiS2cZY

#ThrowbackThursday In 2001, leaders who shared a concern about safety on Minnesota's roadways gathered in the Twin Cities to discuss ways to reduce the number of fatal and severe-injury crashes. On behalf of MnDOT and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), CTS brought together agency representatives, traffic safety advocates, researchers, and international experts for a multi-day workshop. The event focused on a bold vision—that even one traffic-related death on the state’s roadways was unacceptable. With this, the groundwork was laid for what would become the Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) program. In 2003, a TZD program team was formed. A year later, Minnesota TZD was launched statewide as a deliberate, interdisciplinary approach to traffic safety with DPS, MnDOT, and the Minnesota Department of Health providing leadership and funding. Currently, Minnesota TZD relies on the sustained work of dozens of organizations across the state as well as dedicated individual volunteers. Through an agreement with MnDOT and DPS, CTS provides ongoing administrative support, coordination, and outreach for the program. CTS also serves on and administers the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety, a legislatively mandated body established in 2023 to advise the governor and key state agencies on improving traffic safety. CTS's early leadership and ongoing support helped transform a shared approach to traffic safety into a sustained, statewide commitment to preventing deaths and serious injuries on Minnesota’s roads. Learn more about this and other milestones in CTS's history: https://lnkd.in/g2gdx9ST #tbt #ctsat40 Learn more about Minnesota TZD: https://lnkd.in/dYXZfZG

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is historically the most traveled and the most dangerous on Minnesota roads. Help reduce crashes and move Minnesota toward zero deaths this summer by slowing down, buckling up, staying focused, and driving sober. https://lnkd.in/g5Rc9FMu

Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how transportation and infrastructure projects are planned and delivered—and how information about them is shared. A recent CTS webinar highlighted examples in these areas, from a large-scale urban development in Helsinki, Finland, to communications and public engagement practices among U.S. agencies: https://lnkd.in/gXTeDGtu

ICYMI: The Journal of Transport and Land Use has issued a call for papers for a special issue—"AI and the Evolving Dynamics of Transportation and Land Use." Learn more and submit a paper by June 15: https://lnkd.in/gc8E87xT

As part of our 40th anniversary celebration throughout 2026, CTS is pleased to share stories from our colleagues and friends. Here, Lyssa Leitner, AICP with Washington County, Minnesota Public Works reflects on CTS's impact on her career, beginning with her time as a CTS student employee: https://lnkd.in/gcBTTJ7a #ctsat40