How an Automated Car Platoon Works

Improving Service and Safety at Penn Station in New York City

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...

Exploring Future Energy Scenarios with the Freight/Fuel Transportation Optimization Tool

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.

The Volpe Center is DOT’s ‘Nerd Lab’—and Much More

Connected vehicles. Unmanned aircraft. Worldwide vessel tracking. Find out why Politico featured the Volpe Center’s multimodal expertise in its recent tour of federal government nerd labs.

How Effective Are Pedestrian Detection Systems in Cars?

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

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...

WTS International Honors Rachael Barolsky Sack with a “First of its Kind” Award

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

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...

How Traditional Aviation Testing Can Inform Unmanned Aerial Technologies

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

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...