Dedicated to enhancing the economic competitiveness of the state and improving the quality of life for Texans, the Texas A&M ... Transportation Institute (TTI) is the largest university-affiliated transportation research agency in the United States. Created in 1950 in response to the needs of the Texas Highway Department, TTI has since broadened its focus to address all modes of transportation (highway, air, water, rail and pipeline). TTI is a state agency and a member of The Texas A&M University System. TTI pioneered the "breakaway" and the "crash cushion" concepts. The cooperative relationship with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), formalized by the Texas legislature in 1949, has been key to the success and real-world applicability of the TTI program. Knowledge and expertise gained through that program have helped TTI effectively develop and implement work for numerous other sponsors. TTI has a breadth and depth of programs, facilities, and capabilities unsurpassed by any university-affiliated transportation research program in the United States. TTI's urban research and implementation offices foster local agency cooperation and help ensure implementable research results. The institute also partners with other universities through regional divisions, which allows greater focus on region-specific transportation solutions. read more