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Volpe Center Year in Review 2008

Introduction

As the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center approaches its 40th year of service to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the Nation, it is a good time to both reflect upon some of our most significant contributions during the past 12 months and to look ahead to an even brighter future under the new Centers of Innovation (COI) structure of the Volpe Center. The COIs present greater opportunities for research and technology synergy, both within and outside U.S. DOT, and increase the effectiveness of the Volpe Center's crossmodal and multimodal capabilities. The new structure also institutionalizes and strengthens the Center's ability to anticipate future transportation challenges to expand U.S. DOT's horizon and to show how innovation can arise from creative and collaborative use of internal and external assets.

This annual review breaks from previous editions, with our accomplishments now aligned by the eight COIs. Although activities are listed under individual COIs, many projects, programs, and initiatives, in reality, cut across multiple COIs and benefit more than one national goal. The achievements contained in this document illustrate the Volpe Center's vital role as a unique Federal resource within the Department's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), an organization that continues to earn respect and appreciation from clients and stakeholders across all modes of transportation.

The Center is committed to helping its clients achieve their goals through safer, simpler, and smarter transportation solutions. The projects identified in this document exemplify the Volpe Center's tradition of providing outstanding support to U.S. DOT, other organizations in the Executive Branch, and the broader transportation community.

2008 has been an exciting year at the Volpe Center. Perhaps it is fitting that, in a year when we celebrated the 100th birthday of our namesake, John Volpe, the restructured Volpe Center looks forward to continued growth and service to the transportation enterprise. Secretary Volpe was an innovator, a builder, and a true visionary—virtues that our staff seek to infuse in all their work.