Rice University Wins 2013 TxDOT College Challenge
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Rice University Wins 2013 TxDOT College Challenge

Texas college students competed for prizes by submitting innovative transportation ideas

AUSTIN – Students from Rice University received the top prize for their entry in the first-ever TxDOT College Challenge. The competition encouraged college students to develop innovative transportation solutions for Texas. TxDOT announced the winner during the final session of the 9th Annual Texas Transportation Forum in San Antonio, where the audience voted to help select the champion.

“TxDOT encourages students to consider careers in transportation, and this contest was a great place for them to start thinking about the transportation challenges we face,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin III. “Their ideas were carefully considered as we continue to find ways to offer Texans safe and reliable transportation solutions. Our congratulations go out to Rice University.”

The Rice students developed an expandable bike rack to increase the number of bicyclists who can ride public transportation. Austin College in Sherman was awarded second prize for GPS: Directions to the Future: A Method to Improve Texas Traffic in the Long Run, and third place went to students from the University of Houston who created an outreach campaign called It Can Wait to discourage texting and driving.

Student teams submitted entries that reflected collaboration among engineering, science, marketing, finance or other fields. Entries included short, written proposals and 3-5 minute videos that explained the concept. Students attending colleges and universities across Texas are encouraged to enter the upcoming 2014 TxDOT College Challenge. More information about the contest can be found at TxDOT College Challenge.

The Texas Good Roads and Transportation Association sponsored the competition with TxDOT and donated $5,000 for cash prizes that will be distributed to the students. Membership in TGR/TA is comprised of business people, community leaders, chamber of commerce members, professionals and transportation experts – Texans who understand that good roads lead to a stronger economy.

For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.

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Media Relations
January 22, 2014