McTrans and T2, two centers under the umbrella of the UFTI that specialize in the transfer of transportation technology, are consistently invited to participate in professional meetings, and this year was no exception.

In February, Bill Sampson, the director of McTrans, along with staff, were featured presenters at the 2014 Winter Workshop held at Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Headquarters. As users of the HCS 2010, FSITE members were interested what happened with the implementation of HCM 2010 procedures. They also want to know what is on the horizon for future modifications to both the HCM manual and the software. Questions were asked on the procedures, and suggestions were offered on the methods or the software.

“McTrans is always interested in keeping our users as current on what we are doing with HCS as possible,” Sampson said. “It’s part of our mission to provide service to our members, and part of our commitment to technical support.”

In October, Chris Ledew, the new UF T2 director, was the speaker for the ITE Florida Section Luncheon in Jacksonville. Several engineers and planners in the audience were surprised by the number and complexity of the projects and programs at T2. They were also impressed with the resources available through the UFTI and its affiliated centers.  Since becoming a part of UFTI last year, T2 is able to draw more on resources and expertise to define problems and deliver solutions.

“Everyone is busy. We remind them of the resources they have to do their job more effectively,” Ledew said. “If they have problems to solve, they have more resources available through us, whether it be training, research, or assisting with FDOT programs.”

The group had wide and varied interests.  Some were interested in T2’s new Transportation Safety Center which is working to help rural counties make their roads safer, while others asked about UFTI’s efforts in autonomous vehicle research.

“Presentations such as these spur ideas from the tools presented to them through UFTI and T2,” Ledew said. “Relationships are formed, discussions take place. This is how ideas are turned into projects and solutions.”

The Florida Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (FSITE) promotes professional development of its members, supports and encourages education, and stimulates research in main part through their annual, district and local meetings.