TCRP Problem Statement Submission - FY 2027

Deadline to Submit: Monday, June 22, 2026

What is TCRP?
The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) undertakes applied research focusing on the needs of transit operating agencies. Research is conducted in all areas of public transportation and the results are shared widely across the public transportation industry to benefit as many agencies and stakeholders as possible.

How do you develop a research idea into a problem statement?
When developing your research idea, consider if it is:

• Applicable across the industry
• Achievable through this program
• Implementable to transit agencies to fit their needs
• Understandable and well written

We have created a video to guide you in developing your problem statement.

We also recommend that you review active and completed TCRP projects to help inform your submission.

Interested in submitted a problem statement?
Submit your idea(s) through this submission portal by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, June 22, 2026. 

What happens next?
August 2026: A screening panel of industry professionals will meet to review the submitted statements and make preliminary selections.
October 2026: The TCRP Oversight and Project Selection (TOPS) Commission will select the FY 2027 program.
Winter 2026: Project panels will be formed for the selected projects.
Spring 2027: Request for Proposals (RFPs) will be issued.

Help shape the future of public transportation—submit your problem statements today! For questions, contact Gwen Chisholm Smith at gsmith@nas.edu or 202-334-3246.