April 16 - 17 , 2026
About the Conference
The 2026 R-SEAT Annual UTC Conference explores how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping transportation systems across rural landscapes. This year's event highlights innovative research and strategic collaboration in advancing safe, efficient, and innovative transportation options in rural communities.
Automated Vehicles and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Mobility, MaaS, Ridehailing, and Public Transit Solutions
Resilience in Infrastructure and Emergency Response
Transportation Safety and Risk Mitigation
About R-SEAT Center
The Rural Safe Efficient and Advanced Transportation (R-SEAT) Center was established in early 2023 by the U.S. Department of Transportation. We are a consortium of six institutions dedicated to advancing safe, efficient, and innovative transportation options in rural communities.
Conference Agenda
The Rural Safe Efficient and Advanced Transportation (R-SEAT) Center was established in early 2023 by the U.S. Department of Transportation. We are a consortium of six institutions dedicated to advancing safe, efficient, and innovative transportation options in rural communities.
Day 1 - Thursday, April 16, 2026
Topic: What 's the perception of transformation from a user's point of view
| 8:00AM - 9:00AM | Registration, Breakfast, and Networking |
| 9:00AM - 9:20AM | Welcome Remarks |
| 9:20AM - 9:30AM | Conference Overview and Theme Introduction |
| 9:30AM - 10:00AM | Session 1 - R-SEAT Research Aligned with the Conference Theme |
| 10:00AM - 12:00PM | Session 2 - Workshop: User Perceptions of Transportation Transformation |
| 12:00PM - 1:00PM | Lunch & Keynote Address |
| 1:00PM - 2:30PM | Live Technology Demonstrations & Student Poster Session |
| 2:30PM - 2:45PM | Closing Remarks |
|
3:00PM - 5:00PM |
Advisory Board Meeting |
Day 2 - Friday, April 17, 2026
Topic: How are transportation technologies and related infrastructure scalable between rural and urban areas?
| 8:30AM - 9:30AM | Breakfast & Networking |
| 9:30AM - 9:45AM | Welcome Remarks (Day 2) |
| 9:45AM - 10:00AM | Day-Ahead Overview |
| 10:00AM - 11:00AM | Panel Discussion — Scalability of Transportation Technologies Across Rural and Urban Areas |
| 11:00AM - 12:00PM | Lunch & Networking |
| 11:30AM - 12:00PM | Keynote Address |
| 12:00PM - 2:00PM | Student Research Presentations |
|
2:00PM - 2:15PM |
Conference Closing Remarks |
Conference Speakers
Conference Speakers
Christian Levings
Emergency Management Department Head,
Apalachee Regional Planning Council (ARPC)
Dr. Raj Ponnaluri
Manager of Emerging Technologies
(formerly State Connected Vehicles & Arteril Management Engineer),
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Dr. Rupert R. Giroux
Safety Data Coordinator,
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Safety Office
Ms. Cipriana Patterson
Regional Director of Operations,
Mid-Atlantic Traffic & Transportation Engineering,
Multimodal Transportation for Toole Design
Dr. Tierra S. Bills
Assistant Professor,
Public Policy & Civil Engineering at UCLA
Mr. Gabe Philips
Tribal and Regional Integrated Planning Manager,
Metropolitan and Rural Transportation Planning at Seattle Washington
Mr. Christopher D'Antonio
Principal Planner,
Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning,
Division of Downtown and Transits-Oriented Development for New York City Metropolitan
Register Today
Join researchers, industry experts, and students shaping the future of rural transportation technology.
April 16 - 17 , 2026