Submit a Research Problem Statement
We want to hear from you – anytime! If you have an idea for research on a specific transit subject you think would be widely useful, just submit a research problem statement using the TCRP Research Problem Statement Form. Research problem statements are welcomed year round, although there is a cut off date of June 15 for study ideas to be considered for each year's program. If a problem statement is submitted after June 15, it will automatically be considered for the next year. For additional information on submitting a research problem statement click here . Or contact Chris Jenks at 202-334-3089 or by email at cjenks@nas.edu.

Join a Panel
Each research project is assigned to a panel of volunteers appointed by the Transportation Research Board. Each panel provides technical guidance and counsel throughout the life of the project. Panels include experienced practitioners and research specialists. Heavy emphasis is placed on including members representing the end users of the research product. The panels prepare project statements and select research contractors based on review of the submitted proposals. As in other TRB activities, TCRP project panels serve without compensation, though travel expenses are paid. Opportunities to participate are announced here on the web site, in Passenger Transport or by mail. To volunteer or to nominate someone to serve on a project panel or a screening panel, please contact Chris Jenks at cjenks@nas.edu or call 202-334-3089.

Conduct Research Projects
Each TCRP project represents an opportunity for qualified contractors and consultants to conduct transit research. Research contractors are selected through a merit-based competitive process developed by the TRB over several decades. The work of the selected research agency is monitored in a similar manner. The Transportation Research Board encourages proposals from small, woman-owned, and/or minority-owned firms. To learn what projects are currently underway or proposed, visit the TRB TCRP website. When submitting proposals in response to a TCRP Request for Proposal (RFQ) please follow the procedures detailed in the TCRP brochure, “Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals”. The brochure is available here from the TRB TCRP Website.

At the TRB web site you can register to be notified of new RFPs. Click here to find out how to register.

Become a TCRP Ambassador
Another important part of the process is dissemination of the research. The TCRP Ambassador Program is designed to involve emerging transportation professionals in the TCRP program. Volunteers are drawn from the industry and are selected on a competitive basis and are given the opportunity to participate in the research dissemination process while their expenses are underwritten by the TCRP.

The Conference of Minority Transportation Professionals (COMTO) provides management services to TCRP and oversees the activities of the selected volunteers. TCRP Ambassadors participate in industry events and visit transit providers as a means of bringing attention to TCRP and its products. The Ambassador Program is credited with assisting the research program in reaching an expanded segment of the transit community that would otherwise have limited access to these vital resources. Additional information and nomination packages can be obtained by calling COMTO, at 202-530-0551. You can read more about the TCRP Ambassador program at http://www.comto.org.

Apply the Results of TCRP Research
If you’re a transit professional, the most important way you can take part is by learning about the results of TCRP studies and in applying them. In addition, you’re encouraged to take part in the program by suggesting, guiding or performing new research. To make sure the results of TCRP studies are available for your use, the American Public Transportation Association disseminates research information in a variety of ways:

• Publications are distributed to mailing lists
  
• Results are announced in Passenger Transport and other industry publications
  
• Findings are presented at transit industry conferences
• TCRP representatives host resource centers at industry conferences where reports and other information can be obtained.
  
• Where applicable, supplemental products such as videos and software are created and distributed

Look for other specialized products as well – videos, CDs, software, and so on.

Contacts
TCRP Dissemination
American Public Transportation Association
1666 K Street, N.W. 11th Floor
Fax: 202-496-4335
Email: tcrp@tcrponline.org

TCRP Transit Cooperative Research Program
Transportation Research Board
500 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20001
Fax: 202-334-2006
Email: tcrp@nas.edu
Internet: http://www.trb.org