‘Mineta Transportation Institute’ - Silicon Valley's Outreach for Assistance:
The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University is a renowned hub for independent surface transportation research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer on a global scale. Dr. Philbrick spearheads four prestigious, competitively selected consortia, including the Mineta Consortium for Transportation Mobility and the Mineta Consortium for Equitable, Efficient, and Sustainable Transportation, generously funded by the US Department of Transportation. MTI also manages the California State University Transportation Consortium, made possible by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (CA Senate Bill 1), and the Climate Change and Extreme Events Training and Research Program, supported by the Federal Railroad Administration. Their mission is to enhance nationwide mobility by elevating the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of the United States’ transportation system.
America's Transportation Problem:
- Traffic Congestion: The 2019 Urban Mobility Report found that commuters spend an extra 54 hours in traffic annually, totaling 8.8 billion hours overall
- Inefficient Public Transportation: The ASCE 2021 graded U.S. transit “D-,” with over 40% of buses and 25% of rail assets in poor condition
- Road Safety Concerns: In 2019, 36,096 people died in car crashes, with pedestrian fatalities at their highest since 1990, accounting for 6,205 deaths
* Data cited from internet sources and may not be 100% updated
Mineta Transportation Institute's Mission:
Their mission is to increase mobility by improving the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of our nation’s transportation system. Through research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer, they help create a connected world.
"If you lack mobility, you lack access to opportunity."
In this Episode:
In this episode, get ready to explore the fascinating history and impactful work of the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI). Founded in 1991 as a university transportation center, MTI is dedicated to improving the mobility of people and goods. This episode delves into the organization’s origins, its mission to honor the legacy of Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, and its remarkable journey from a local initiative to a globally recognized institution. Join us as Karen Philbrick, the President of MTI, shares her passion for improving mobility and the life-changing impact of transportation. Don’t miss this episode that celebrates the power of transportation in transforming lives, fostering community, and making a global impact. Stay tuned for an enriching conversation with Karen Philbrick, and be prepared to embark on a journey of change and empowerment through transportation.
About the Guest:
Karen Philbrick has served as the Executive Director of the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San José State University since 2014. MTI oversees three distinguished multi-university consortia: the California State University Transportation Consortium (CSUTC), which consolidates surface transportation research and workforce development across the extensive California State University system; the Mineta Consortium for Transportation Mobility (MCTM), comprising four exceptional institutions that champion the diversity enriching our nation’s fabric, including Howard University, Navajo Technical University, San José State University, and the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Additionally, MTI administers the Climate Change and Extreme Events Training and Research Program, generously funded by the Federal Railroad Administration.
"Say yes to opportunity because you never know where that opportunity will lead."
Show Notes:
- Learn about the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) and its mission to improve mobility
- Discover the origins of MTI, founded in 1991 as a university transportation center, and its ties to Secretary Norman Y. Mineta
- How MTI was established to address the need for research and workforce development in transportation
- How mobility is a lifeline to opportunities, touching on its impact on social engagement and physical health
- Learn about MTI’s numerous success stories, focusing on workforce development and its impact on young students pursuing careers in transportation
- Discover the challenges in transportation, including the need for policy alignment with innovation and user acceptance of autonomous vehicles
- Explore the various programs offered by MTI, including K-12 initiatives and an affordable Master’s in Transportation Management program
- Rotary Club of San Jose: Learn about Karen’s role as president of the Rotary Club of San Jose and her passion for community service
- Impact of Rotary: Karen shares a heartwarming story about the Rotary Play Garden, a project that made parks more accessible to children with disabilities
"Listen with intention and communicate with meaning."
Links Mentioned:
- San Jose International Airport
- National Summer Transportation Institute
- California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- Rotary International
- Rotary Play Garden
- Donate to MTI
- Connect with Karen Philbrick and MTI:
IIf you’re passionate about transportation and community impact, Contact MTI:
Address: 210 N. 4th Street, 4th Floor, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: (408) 924-7560
Email: mineta-institute@sjsu.edu
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