Topics

Transportation

Transportation is the movement of people and goods from one place to another, supported by physical and digital infrastructure systems that enable travel on foot, by vehicle, vessel, or aircraft. The National Academies provide insights that are fundamental to connecting communities and sustaining a strong, competitive economy.

What's happening

Public Meeting on Airspace Design, Civil-Military Coordination, and Operational Safety in the National Capital Region

Announcement

On Jan. 29, 2025, a passenger jet descending to Ronald Reagan National Airport and a U.S. Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River, killing all passengers and crew of the two aircraft. Join us May 21 for a public meeting of a National Academies’ Transportation Research Board study on airspace design, civil-military coordination, and operational safety in the D.C. region. Speakers include representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, families and friends of American Airlines Flight 5342, and other stakeholders.

May 20, 2026

ACRP Insight Event: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Airport Industry

Announcement

Join airport practitioners May 19 - 20 in discussing applications for AI at airports, barriers to implementation, and airport practices to foster innovation.

Apr 29, 2026

Futuristic airport screen displaying data analytics with travelers in the background, showcasing modern technology and travel efficiency.

Transforming Transportation: Leveraging the Power of Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization, and Automation

Announcement

AI, automation, digitalization, and advanced data systems are driving rapid change in the transportation industry. A new publication from the National Academies’ Transportation Research Board highlights key trends shaping the transportation landscape and identifies opportunities for research, collaboration, and innovation across the public and private sectors.

Apr 28, 2026

3d low poly illustration of moving high-speed train on rail bridge. Transport, travelling, logistics, tourism concept isolated in black. Abstract vector mesh with lines, dots and blue particles

Featured work

Study on Furthering the Development and Use of Innovative Materials in Water Resources Infrastructure

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

Used for the cover of: Innovative Materials in Water Resources Infrastructure: Opportunities for the Corps of Engineers

Review of Approaches for Managing Pollutant Loads in Highway Stormwater Runoff

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

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Science and Technology for Resilience

Initiative

In Progress

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Transit Research Analysis Committee

Other

In Progress

Study on Data, Metrics, and Analytic Tools for Transportation Investments that Support Family Quality of Life and Communities

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Preparedness and Response: Harnessing Lessons from the Efforts to Mitigate the COVID-19 Pandemic

Initiative

In Progress

Perspectives on the Impact of Active Shooter Drills and Other School Security Measures: A Listening Session Series

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Formation

Critical Issues in Transportation for 2024 and Beyond

Other

Completed

Best Practices for the Efficient Supply of Chassis for Transporting Intermodal Containers

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Impacts of Trains Longer Than 7,500 Feet

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Impacts of Alternative Compensation Methods on Truck Driver Retention and Safety Performance

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Transitioning Evidence-based Road Safety Research into Practice

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Study and Recommendations on the HIMS, FADAP, and Other Drug and Alcohol Programs within the USDOT

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Criteria for Installing Automatic and Remote-Controlled Shutoff Valves on Existing Gas and Hazardous Liquid Transmission Pipelines

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Addressing Issues of Vaccine Distribution and Supply Chains to Advance Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Preparedness and Response

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Committee on Options for Improving the Safety of Amphibious Vessels (DUKW boats) When Used in Passenger Service

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Security of America’s Medical Product Supply Chain

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Safe Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas by Railroad Tank Car

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Critical Issues in Transportation

Other

Completed

Featured Publications

Developing the Fourth Edition of the Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual

2026

Developing a Guide for Local Truck Parking Regulations

2026

Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual, 4th edition

2026

Guide for Local Truck Parking Regulations

2026

Mechanisms to Address Off-Airport Obstructions

2026

Preparing the Transportation Workforce for Emerging Technologies: A Guide

2026

Preparing the Transportation Workforce for Emerging Technologies: Developing a Guide

2026

Interdependence of Federal, State, and Local Transportation Funding and Ownership

2026

Addressing Liability Issues of Proactive Safety Improvements

2026

Transforming Transportation: Leveraging the Power of Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization, and Automation

2026

Data Protection and Privacy Management at U.S. Airports: Guidelines

2026

Buy America Requirements for Federally Obligated Airports

2026

Transportation Planning in Non-Metropolitan/Rural Areas

2026

Pedestrian Safety Enhancements by State DOTs

2026

Coordination of Highway Safety Improvement Program and Highway Safety Office Activities

2026

Revenue and Financing Alternatives for Medium and Small U.S. Airports in an Evolving Landscape

2026

Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Airport Industry

2026

Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features

1993

Strengthening Alcohol Policies and Supporting Safety and Health in the Maritime Industry

Consensus Study Report

2026

Strategies to Improve Reporting of Impaired and Distracted Driving in Motor Vehicle Crashes

2026

Upcoming events

2027 TRB Annual Meeting

Conference

Upcoming

January 10 - 14, 2027

TRB Symposium on Aviation Innovation and Research

Conference

Upcoming

June 8 - 11, 2026

See all events

Subtopics

Air Transportation

Freight and Supply Chain

Maritime Transportation

Public Transportation

Rail Transport

Road Transportation

Sustainable Transportation

Traffic Management and Road Safety

Transportation Planning

Vehicles

Vulnerable Road Users

Winter Maintenance

Units

Transportation Research Board (TRB)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Cargo train transportation - Freight railway. Used for TRB

Technical Activities Division

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Cooperative Research Programs

Oversight Unit

In Progress

TRB Consensus and Advisory Studies Division

Oversight Unit

In Progress

National Cooperative Highway Research Program

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Airport Cooperative Research Program

Oversight Unit

In Progress

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Transportation

Dropdown items

What's happening

Featured work

Study on Furthering the Development and Use of Innovative Materials in Water Resources Infrastructure

Review of Approaches for Managing Pollutant Loads in Highway Stormwater Runoff