MRI 2 will examine the development of sensing, communication, and computing solutions and the use of connected vehicles and infrastructure in providing safer, more reliable transportation services for rural communities.  MRI 2 will also explore the development of autonomous micro-transit vehicles as effective and flexible solutions for providing mobility services in response to infrequent demand. It will also investigate challenges associated with EV adoption to achieve more sustainable and reliable transportation in rural areas.  

Project 2-1: Cost-Effective and Reliable Data and Communication Infrastructure for Enhancing Rural Transportation Safety and Efficiency  

PIs:  Wayne Sarasua (CU), Mi Geum Chorzepa (UGA); Mashrur Chowdhury (CU); Evangelos Kaisar (FAU); Hossein Sarrafzadeh (NCAT); Linbing Wang (UGA); Jidong J. Yang (UGA) 

Duration: 08/01/2023 to 06/30/2026; Funding: $1,565,364 (Federal: $736,984; Non-Federal: $828,380); Status:  Active

Project R2-4: Enhancing Automated Vehicle Operation and Safety on Rural Roads Areas: Challenges and Innovative Solutions

PIs:  Subhadeep Chakraborty (UTK) and Asad Khattak (UTK)

Duration: 01/15/2024 to 7/31/2025; Funding: $150,000 (Federal: $75,000; Non-Federal: $75,000); Status:  Active