Apply to Conduct or Oversee Six New Transit Synthesis Research Studies

8/10/2026

The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) is seeking experts to conduct and oversee six new synthesis studies. The program is seeking letters of interest from individuals and organizations interested in conducting the studies as well as nominations for individuals to serve on expert panels that will oversee the studies.

Sponsored by the FTA, TCRP reports help public transportation practitioners solve problems and inform decision-makers. The six research topics for TCRP’s 2026 program are:

  1. System Reliability – Documenting Variations in On-Time Performance and Service Consistency Metrics
  2. Planning and Implementation Considerations for Alternative Propulsion Transit Vehicles in Rural Public Transportation
  3. Transit Cleanliness – Understanding the Current Condition and Perceptions Across the Transit Industry
  4. Inter-Jurisdictional Approaches to Cost Sharing for Regional Transit Services
  5. Data-Driven Approaches for Optimizing Transit Parts Procurement, Lead Time Risk, and Critical Spare Parts Planning
  6. Transit Agency Practices for Automating NTD Operational Data Reporting
Letters of Interest

Qualified individuals and organizations interested in conducting these synthesis studies are invited to submit a letter of interest by September 21 via the Letters of Interest Submission Portal. Each submission must include:

  • Cover letter describing the team’s knowledge of the topic, relevant experience, and qualifications
  • Resume or CV for each team member
Panel Nominations 

Individuals can nominate themselves or others to serve on the expert panels that will oversee these studies. Nominees should have knowledge and experience relevant to the subject matter, be willing to participate in three panel meetings during the approximately 10-month study period, and review materials developed by the principal investigator.

Nominations should be submitted by September 14 through the MyTRB Panel Nomination Portal.