graduating student displaying her decorated graduation cap with the USF bulls U logo

Celebrating CUTR’s Spring 2026 Graduates

Training Tomorrow’s Transportation Workforce At the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), our mission extends far beyond research—we are committed to developing the next generation of transportation professionals. Each semester, our student employees and interns play a vital role in advancing innovative projects, gaining hands-on experience, and preparing to make meaningful contributions to the industry. …

Outdoor community event. woman stands behind exhibitor table covered in informational materials and give-aways, holding flyers in her hands.

Connecting Communities on Florida’s Adventure Coast: CUTR Supports Launch of New TheBus Routes in Hernando County

This spring marked an important milestone for public transportation in Hernando County, Florida, as two new transit routes—Routes 10 and 11—began service on May 4, 2026. Behind the scenes, the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida, through its Transit Management and Innovation (TMI) Group, played a key role in…

Exploring Local Funding Mechanisms for MPOs Across the US

Exploring Local Funding Mechanisms for MPOs Across the U.S.

New Research Examines Local Funding Strategies for MPOs A new report from the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) is offering timely insights into how Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) across the country are sustaining their work through local funding. Exploring Local Funding Mechanisms for MPOs Across the U.S., developed by the Transportation Planning, Policy, and…

Two women stand next to exhibitor table displaying informational materials.

Earth Day at TPA Highlights Regional Initiatives and Partnerships

In celebration of Earth Day, Tampa International Airport hosted its fourth annual Earth Day at TPA event on April 22, bringing together more than 25 exhibitors focused on resource management and operational efficiency across the Tampa Bay region. The event showcased initiatives from airport partners, local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and regional organizations. Tampa Bay…

Interview and interviewee sitting at table, shaking hands.

Building Confidence for the Future: Transportation Mock Interviews a Success!

On April 16, 2026, the transportation community came together in a show of collaboration and mentorship during this year’s Greater Tampa Bay Transportation Industry Mock Interviews, hosted by CUTR and the Greater Tampa Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (GTSITE). The event was held at CUTR, on the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa Campus.  Students from the…

Two male mechanics work on a bus engine while others watch.

CUTR Supports FDOT at the 2026 Florida Triple Crown Roadeo in Orlando

The 2026 Florida Triple Crown Roadeo took place March 6–7, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, bringing together Florida’s top transit professionals for a energetic weekend focused on safety, skill, and excellence in public transportation. This Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) event was held in collaboration with the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA), Florida Rural Transit Assistance…

Julie Bond, Director, Transportation Options

CUTR’s Julie Bond Appointed to The 82 Alliance Board of Directors

CUTR is proud to share that Julie Bond, Director of CUTR’s Transportation Options Program, has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of The 82 Alliance, a national nonprofit mobility think tank focused on reimagining how people move through their communities. Julie’s appointment reflects both her individual leadership in the transportation demand management…

Two men standing next to each other holding a certificate together.

CUTR Recognizes 2025 Michael R. Schwaid Bicyclist of the Year

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) honored Matthew Dockins, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, as the 2025 Michael R. Schwaid Bicyclist of the Year during an award ceremony held on March 12, 2026, celebrating his outstanding contributions to bicycling safety, advocacy, and multimodal transportation. About the Award The Michael R. Schwaid Bicyclist of the Year Award…

FDOT-Sponsored Transit Operations Planning Workshop Held at Palm Tran

During the last week of March 2026, the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) administered the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)–sponsored Introduction to Transit Operations Planning (ITOP) Workshop at Palm Tran in Delray Beach, Florida. The 3.5-day interactive workshop introduced transit operations planning concepts to new professionals while providing a timely refresher for experienced practitioners.…