The Universal Transportation Model Simulation Center (UTMSC), housed within the CUNY Institute for Transportation Systems (CUNY-ITS), is a leading hub for advanced data analysis, simulation, and modeling in transportation.
Building upon initial investments from the Manhattan Borough President's Office and Silicon Graphics Inc., UTMSC leverages state-of-the-art computing technology to develop and refine operational Universal Transportation Models for the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut metropolitan areas, extending its reach globally.
At UTMSC, we drive data-informed solutions by fostering collaboration among engineers, planners, emergency services, industry partners, and academic institutions, addressing complex transportation challenges with innovative approaches.
Established on March 26, 2008, the Universal Transportation Model Simulation Center (UTMSC) stands as a testament to pioneering advancements in transportation modeling and technology. From its inception, UTMSC has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge tools and methodologies to address the complex challenges of modern transportation systems. Its history is marked by a steadfast commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence, serving the diverse needs of researchers, students, professionals, and decision-makers in the transportation sector.
The foundation of UTMSC was laid through the visionary efforts of Professor Neville A. Parker (then Director of CUNY Institute for Transportation Systems - CUNY ITS) and Dr. Kyriacos Mouskos (Research Professor at CUNY ITS). Recognizing the transformative potential of advanced simulation in transportation planning, they spearheaded the initiative to establish UTMSC. Their relentless dedication and expertise were instrumental in securing significant initial investments from key partners:
• The City College of New York: Contributed $200,000 for personnel costs and $20,000 for the UTMSC training room, demonstrating the institution's commitment to fostering innovation.
• Manhattan Borough President's Office: Invested $500,000 for hardware and software, providing crucial technological infrastructure.
• Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI): Provided the SGI Altix 4700 supercomputer, a cornerstone for UTMSC's computational capabilities.
• Vista Transport Group, Inc. (VTG): Supplied essential software for transportation modeling, enabling sophisticated simulations.
This collaborative support, driven by Professor Parker's and Dr. Mouskos's leadership, allowed UTMSC to leverage cutting-edge computing technology and processes. The center aimed to develop, maintain, and continuously improve operational Universal Transportation Models for the NY/NJ/CT metropolitan area, extending its impact across the United States and globally. Today, UTMSC continues to build upon this rich history, pushing the boundaries of transportation modeling and simulation to address the evolving needs of our communities.
UTMSC's vision is to revolutionize transportation modeling through data-driven innovation. We strive to develop cutting-edge tools and technologies that enhance research, education, and implementation, leveraging artificial intelligence for optimized traffic flow and predictive analytics. By providing real-time transportation management solutions and continuously refining dynamic traffic forecasting models, we aim to be a global leader in creating efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation systems.
UTMSC is committed to overcoming the challenges posed by complex, large-scale transportation networks through the development and deployment of advanced technological solutions. We strive to create innovative tools for research, education, and project implementation, leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize traffic flow operations and continuously updating dynamic network assignment models. By delivering real-time transportation management solutions, UTMSC aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of regional transportation systems, ensuring smooth traffic flow despite their inherent complexity, physical constraints, and scale.