Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities

Research

Led by Western Michigan University, the TRCLC is a consortium of five universities that aims to address aspects concerning the development of livable communities through transportation. The TRCLC coordinates efforts across 30 top researchers in associated fields to collectively enable livable communities through transportation research, education and workforce development and technology transfer.

Each of the five institutions in the TRCLC consortium has its own expertise within the theme of livable communities.

WMU has expertise and strong research capabilities in the areas of mobility for those with disabilities and in non-motorized safety.
The University of Texas, Arlington's strengths are in analyzing environmental impact and multimodal levels of service.
Utah State University members have strengths in both network analysis and transportation services for individual with disabilities.
Wayne State University's specializes in bus rapid transit and pedestrian safety.
Tennessee State University members have strengths in safety and performance measures (see figure below).

The TRCLC is a collaboration that will be of benefit to all five institutions, their surrounding communities and for sustainable transportation research, more generally.

Western Michigan University Research Areas

The TRCLC promotes public transit and non-motorized transportation systems for commuters, children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low income people.

Related research will include planning, design, maintenance, and technologies for public transit and non-motorized transportation.

The TRCLC's research falls into six categories of benefits: mobility, safety, environment, accessibility, health, and performance.

To help foster livable communities, TRCLC members will deal with the following transportation-related needs:

Technologies for communities' safety and mobility;
Performance measures for community walkability and bikeability;
Transportation services and human health and safety;
Safe routes to school and transportation education for next generation;
Multimodal level of services and complete streets;
Bus rapid transit and transit information systems;
Transit-oriented development;
Technologies for individuals with disabilities;
Rapid construction to minimize negative impacts for commuters;
Infrastructure monitoring and information services;