Texas A&M University has rolled out an initiative to identify new products and ideas for testing on its campus, which will ultimately help in improving the campus transportation system.

The Campus Transportation Technology initiative is undertaken by A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) under the direction of Texas A&M University through Request for Information (RFI) process.

The RFI document has been sent to several companies including automobile manufacturers, small, individual businesses that have products or ideas related to automated or connected vehicles, electric vehicles, pedestrian, bicycle or transit system safety or mobility, signage and parking, mobility applications and data mining.

TTI’s connected vehicles and infrastructure programme senior research scientist Bob Brydia said: "We want to encourage those who have a technology they think improves transportation, especially in a campus environment, and want to have that technology tested by TTI and its world-class partners to respond to the RFI.

"I view this RFI as a monumental step forward in our efforts to transform the campus transportation environment, which is our top priority."

"We believe our affiliation with national transportation companies can reduce research and development time, increase product exposure and offer product enhancement."

Texas A&M transportation services executive director Peter Lange said: "Texas A&M wants to lead the effort in developing a smarter campus transportation eco-system, while increasing safety, mobility and efficiency across all modes of transportation.

"I view this RFI as a monumental step forward in our efforts to transform the campus transportation environment, which is our top priority.

"Technology will play a huge role in the vision Texas A&M University has for the future of our campus transportation system, and we are excited about the opportunities available to us and the innovators who have their ideas and products tested here."

TTI will review the company-provided technologies and services, while supplying testing venues and preparing and publishing a comprehensive report of the findings.