For nearly five decades, U.S. DOT's Volpe Center has provided essential support to critical missions across branches of the Department of Defense (DoD). Find out how various DoD commands and organizations leverage the Volpe Center’s world-renowned, multimodal expertise.
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How an Automated Car Platoon Works
July 31, 2017
With emerging automated driving technology, self-driving cars may soon have the capability to form a platoon on a highway, which could improve travel time, increase lane capacity, and reduce congestion. A car platooning proof-of-concept was tested and evaluated at a U.S. Army facility in Maryland. Learn how platoons work and find out what the researchers discovered.
Improving Service and Safety at Penn Station in New York City
July 21, 2017
Penn Station is one of the busiest passenger transportation facilities in the U.S., serving more than 600,000 commuter rail and Amtrak passengers each day. In late March and early April, Penn Station suffered two train derailments within a week of each other. Following both derailments, U.S. DOT’s Volpe Center supported the Federal Railroad Administration by sending mechanical engineer Brian Marquis to take measurements at both sites and conduct a track and equipment data analysis.
Exploring Future Energy Scenarios with the Freight/Fuel Transportation Optimization Tool
July 19, 2017
What’s the best way for raw fuel material to get to a refinery? Road, rail, water, pipeline? What emissions are associated with moving raw material and fuel? Environmental biologist Kristin Lewis recently talked about how a Volpe-developed tool can help optimize fuel logistics strategies.
How Effective Are Pedestrian Detection Systems in Cars?
July 13, 2017
As pedestrian detection technology becomes integrated into the cars we drive, we must ask: How effective are these systems in preventing pedestrian crashes and injuries? How do we measure safety? A team of advanced vehicle experts at U.S. DOT’s Volpe Center conducted a study to find out.
The Cambridge Science Festival Comes to U.S. DOT’s Volpe Center
June 22, 2017
Science lovers of all ages gathered recently at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to attend transportation events as part of the Cambridge Science Festival, an annual 10-day event that engages an estimated 50,000 people with science, technology, engineering, and math. Find out what our participants did with blocks, simulators, and transportation planning.
WTS International Honors Rachael Barolsky Sack with a “First of its Kind” Award
June 21, 2017
WTS International recently honored U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s Small Business Innovation Research program manager for her exceptional leadership and commitment with its “Chapter President of the Year” award—the first honor of its kind granted by the association. Find out what made her stand out.
Analyzing Online Media Reporting of Rail Suicide and Trespass Incidents
June 20, 2017
Responsible media reporting on rail suicide and trespass incidents can inform the public and help those in need. However, media reporting of such events can also lead to copycat incidents. A new report illuminates common reporting practices that could increase suicide contagion on the rail system. Read the study’s key findings and recommendations.
How Traditional Aviation Testing Can Inform Unmanned Aerial Technologies
June 6, 2017
In his award-winning paper, U.S. DOT Volpe Center engineer Seamus McGovern applied traditional flight testing techniques and principles for aircraft designs to fixed-wing and rotary-style drone designs.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Chao’s Volpe Center Homecoming
May 8, 2017
Continuing her long history with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao returned to learn how Volpe provides innovative multimodal expertise for partners at U.S. DOT, other government agencies, and the private sector. Secretary Chao first visited Volpe as Deputy Secretary of Transportation in 1990 when the center was renamed for John A. Volpe, the former Massachusetts governor and second Transportation Secretary.