Mineta Transportation Institute joins C-STTAR consortium to improve railway safety

The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) of San Jose State University has entered into an agreement with ENSCO, Inc., to be a member of the Center for Surface Transportation Testing and Academic Research (C-STTAR) consortium.

The C-STTAR consortium, which is led by the University of South Florida Center for Urban Transportation Research, consists of eight universities and academic research centers and was established by ENSCO to provide expertise in research focus areas across all modes of surface transportation.

MTI says it will engage in surface transportation safety, security and emergency management research and training, and will contribute to workforce development initiatives and human factors studies.

“Advancing railway safety and technology while training the workforce of the future is critical to economic viability and improving the mobility of people and goods. Research into safety, security and innovation must remain at the forefront, which is why MTI is proud to join the C-STTAR consortium,” said MTI Executive Director Dr. Karen Philbrick.

ENSCO was awarded a $571-million contract by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in March to provide research and development, testing, engineering and training services at Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colo. Transfer of TTC operations is expected to be completed by October 2022. The team will focus on initiatives that support FRA and U.S. Department of Transportation objectives to establish TTC as a vibrant, engaging and modern center for railroad and ground transportation safety, security and innovation.

Transfer of TTC operations to the ENSCO team is anticipated to be completed by October 2022.