Best Workplaces for Commuters

08/28/2026

🤝 UPCOMING SEMINAR! Progress through Partnerships: The Tampa Bay Smart Cities Alliance

Join us for the next CUTR Transportation Seminar featuring Sara J. Hendricks, AICP, TDM-CP, Senior Research Associate and Deputy Program Director for the Transportation Options Program at the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research.

Sara will discuss the evolution of the Tampa Bay Smart Cities Alliance, which grew from a collaborative effort to pursue federal Smart City Challenge funding into an eight-year partnership among the City of Tampa, the University of South Florida, and FDOT District Seven. Learn about the research initiatives that emerged from this collaboration and the value of partnerships in addressing complex transportation challenges.

📅 September 4, 2026
🕛 12:00-1:00 PM ET
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams
📍 In person at CUT202, CUTR Building, USF Tampa Campus

Seminars are free and open to the public.

🔗 Learn more and register: https://www.cutr.usf.edu/seminars



USF College of Engineering

08/09/2026

08/03/2026

🚐 New CUTR Publication Available

As transit agencies respond to changing travel patterns, evolving rider expectations, and the need for more flexible mobility options, microtransit continues to gain attention across Florida and beyond.

Our newest CUTR research report, "Microtransit in Florida: Strategic Considerations and Research Needs," explores how on-demand transit services can improve mobility, expand access, and address challenges associated with traditional fixed-route service. The report provides a decision-oriented overview of planning, implementation, operations, performance measurement, and emerging research priorities for Florida transit stakeholders.

Authored by Jennifer Flynn, Martin Catala, and Victoria Perk, this report draws on a review of current literature, Florida case examples, and input from transit professionals across the state.

📖 Read the report: https://cutr.click/microtransit


USF College of Engineering

07/10/2026

CUTR is proud to announce that former Florida Senator Jeff Brandes has been selected as the 2026 inductee into Florida’s Transportation Hall of Fame™.

A decorated Army transportation officer, combat veteran, and visionary policymaker, Brandes helped position Florida as a national leader in transportation innovation. From autonomous vehicles and ridesharing to advanced transportation testing and emerging mobility technologies, his contributions have shaped the future of transportation across our state.

Brandes will be honored during the 2026 CUTR Transportation Achievement Awards on November 18, 2026, at the University of South Florida.

Read the full announcement: https://cutr.click/brandes-hof-2026



USF College of Engineering University of South Florida Florida Policy Project

06/15/2026

CUTR Connections June Issue is out!

Featured in this issue:
🔹 CUTR’s support for the launch of new transit routes in Hernando County—expanding mobility and access on Florida’s Adventure Coast
🔹 Innovative research on MPO funding mechanisms and transportation planning in rural areas
🔹 Workforce development in action, including recognit ion of Spring 2026 graduates preparing to enter the industry
🔹 Key takeaways and engagement from the 2026 Transit Safety & Operations Summit
🔹 Upcoming trainings and events
🔹 Webinar recordings
and more!

Explore how CUTR is partnering with agencies and communities to advance transit innovation, safety, and workforce development.

📖 Read the full newsletter: https://conta.cc/4vapywL

Email from Center for Urban Transportation Research New bus routes in Hernando County FL, MPO funding, rural transportation planning, and more June 2026 Issue News and Updates   Connecting Communities

06/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 25 years of impact!

CUTR is proud to have 14 team members presenting at the 2026 FPTA/FDOT/CUTR Professional Development Workshop & Transit Safety and Operations Summit.

If you're attending, don’t miss the opportunity to learn from these experts across a wide range of sessions focused on advancing transit safety, operations, and innovation.

👀 Be sure to check the agenda and stop by their sessions!

06/05/2026

🚨 New CUTR Research 🚨

How do Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) across the U.S. fund the work that shapes our regional transportation systems?

Our latest report, “Exploring Local Funding Mechanisms for MPOs Across the U.S.”, dives into the strategies, challenges, and innovations behind MPO funding nationwide.

📊 Based on a national survey of 129 MPOs and an in-depth literature review, this study highlights:
- Common local funding tools used to unlock federal dollars
- Key barriers limiting financial capacity
- Adaptive strategies MPOs use when resources fall short

This research provides valuable insights for planners, policymakers, and transportation professionals working to strengthen regional planning and investment.

🔗 Read the full report:https://www.cutr.usf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/007_CUTRawd_FundingForMPOs_TBoyd_0626.pdf

👏 Authors:
Taylor Dinehart, AICP, CPH
Tia Boyd, AICP
Jeff Kramer, AICP

04/27/2026