About CUTR

§334.065, Florida Statutes – Center for Urban Transportation Research

There is established at the University of South Florida the Florida Center for Urban Transportation Research
The center shall be a continuing resource for the Legislature, the Department of Transportation, local governments, the nation’s metropolitan regions, and the private sector in the area of urban transportation research

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) was established in 1988 as part of the University of South Florida’s College of Engineering in Tampa, Florida. CUTR’s mission is to proactively support the implementation of innovative multimodal transportation solutions and develop leaders through research, education, and action. Since its inception, CUTR has become internationally recognized in transportation research and education, and as a technology transfer, training, and outreach center, with a focus on producing quality products and people. Our work supports transportation agencies, the transportation profession and community, policymakers, and the public. CUTR provides high-quality, objective expertise in the form of insightful research, comprehensive training and education, effective technical assistance, and in-depth policy analysis, that translates directly into benefits for CUTR’s project sponsors. CUTR’s faculty and students combine academic knowledge and extensive “real world” experience in developing innovative, implementable solutions for all modes of transportation. The multidisciplinary research faculty includes experts in engineering, planning, computer science, economics, public policy, public health, and geography. CUTR receives nearly $30 million per year in awards through contracts and grants to support its research, education, training, and technical assistance missions.

CUTR’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission

Proactively support implementation of innovative multimodal transportation solutions and develop leaders through research, education and action.

Vision

A vibrant, multimodal, multidisciplinary university transportation center that is an exciting place for students to learn and an engaging environment for faculty to conduct compelling research.

Strategic Goals

Research | Educate | Lead | Implement | Collaborate

Values

View funding model, clients and sponsors

USF Standards of Service

Per the USF Standards of Service, CUTR supports the following goals and ideals and commit that we will:

Treat students, visitors and fellow workers with dignity and respect and assist them in a caring and helpful manner.
Act in a manner that students, visitors and fellow workers see us as a source of accurate and helpful information.
Continually review our policies and procedures in an effort to simplify them and improve service.
Continue to improve and update our knowledge, skills and abilities in order to best serve our students.
Derive pride and satisfaction from solving problems, not passing them on, as we seek solutions not blame.

In support of these goals and ideals, CUTR adheres to these standards of service, and we will:

Acknowledge an inquiry as quickly as possible.
Make the point of conflict the point of resolution.
Listen to our students and fellow workers and our communications will be clear and understandable.
Identify opportunities to simplify systems and processes to benefit internal and external stakeholders.
Give the student the benefit of the doubt.
Act so that students and visitors who interact with us feel welcome, relaxed and comfortable.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it among the top medical schools in the nation and among the leading public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the United States. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

College of Engineering

Led by Dean Levi Thompson, the University of South Florida College of Engineering offers seven ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree programs, as well as nine master’s and seven doctoral degrees. Home to 12 major research centers and institutes, the College is actively engaged in local and global research activities, generating $46.9 million in research expenditures during fiscal year 2024-2025. The college advances research, innovation and workforce development in areas including sustainability, biomedical engineering, computing technology and transportation.

Distracted Driving Policy

CUTR supports federal and state policies against distracted driving. It is CUTR policy that employees will not text or email and drive while on CUTR business, and we encourage our employees to voluntarily follow these practices while on their own time as well:

Florida Statues (F.S.) 316.305 Wireless Communications Devices Prohibition that prohibits motorists from using mobile phones to text or email.
Follow the Florida Highway Patrol tips for driving: make safe driving your first priority, keep your eyes on the road, limit conversation and use common sense.
As we receive federal grants for our work, we follow Federal Executive Order 13513 that encourages organizations to ban text messaging while driving company-owned or rented vehicles or while driving privately owned vehicles while on official business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the Government.