About Us
The U.S. Department of Transportation supports a network of University Transportation Centers throughout the nation to advance technology and expertise in transportation through combined efforts of research, education, and technology transfer. Within the federal SAFETEA-LU legislation, the Center for Transportation and Urban Planning (CTUP) was designated the University of Connecticut's University Transportation Center in August 2005. With acceptance of the Center's Strategic Plan in October 2007, the CTUP began its first year of operation under the direction of Dr. Norman Garrick.
The theme of the Center for Transportation and Urban Planning is Transportation for Smart Growth, which directly includes walking, bicycling, transit and automobiles as modes of transportation. Within this theme, research, education, technology transfer and workforce development initiatives focus on the following target areas:
- Document, evaluate and disseminate transportation and land use policies that support the goals for smart growth
- Evaluate the impact of various transportation and land use systems on economic, environmental and societal sustainability
- Develop operating protocols and designs that maximize the efficiency, convenience and competitiveness of green modes of transportation
The theme provides common foci for the Center's current and proposed activities:
- Research Grant Program
- Sustainable Transportation Index
- Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Fellowships
- Transportation Lab
- Seminar Series in Transportation and Urban Planning
- Professional Development Courses and Workshops