Overview

The Southeast Data Competition challenges university students to design innovative, sustainable, and resilient transportation solutions for rural communities in North Carolina. The focus is on leveraging local data and community partnerships to improve mobility in areas that depend on limited intercity routes and demand-response transit .

Vision & Goals

• Foster student-driven engagement using real-world data.

• Develop creative, AI-informed, data-driven strategies for connecting intercity buses with microtransit systems.

• Address key issues such as service coverage, cost-effectiveness, and user experience in rural transportation  .

Competition Focus

Study Area

Your proposals will target rural counties in North Carolina. You may choose 1–3 counties for a detailed case study, such as Rockingham and Caswell Counties, and generalize your solutions to other areas .

Datasets

Participants will use a variety of data sources, including:

• NHTS NextGen: General travel patterns.

• Dewey & Pass_by POI: Popular destinations.

• Veraset Mobility Diary: Individual movement history.

• County-level info: Current transit routes, Transport Disadvantage Index, geospatial files .

Challenge Details

You will:

• Develop a proposal to improve rural mobility through AI-enhanced intercity bus routes and demand-responsive microtransit.

• Suggest specific service designs: routes, transfer hubs, operating hours, and modes of coordination between systems.

• Illustrate your concepts with maps, diagrams, and clear operating models .

Key Design Elements

Service Design & Coverage

• Propose specific routes/zones for buses and microtransit.

• Define important hubs, transfer points, and on-demand service zones.

• Set clear service hours and schedule coordination between modes .

Technology & AI Integration

• Explain how you plan to use AI or data-driven tools (routing algorithms, demand prediction models, smart dispatch systems, rider-focused apps).

• Reference existing or forward-looking tech as appropriate  .

Incentives & User Engagement

• Outline fare policies (flat, distance, passes), payment integration (e.g., PART’s Umo app), and loyalty or promotional programs.

• Suggest app features for engagement (ratings, promos, route suggestions).

• Propose outreach campaigns (social media, radio, community demos) to raise awareness and attract riders, including those who usually drive .

Addressing Constraints

• Be realistic about fleet size, driver availability, and costs (aim for cost-effectiveness via small vehicles, increased ridership, or resource sharing).

• Discuss operational feasibility: training needs, infrastructure, phased rollouts, inter-county cooperation, and possible funding strategies.

• Anticipate challenges (recruitment, maintenance, tech integration) and suggest mitigation strategies .

Timeline & Process

• Kickoff Meeting: January 23 @ 12 - 1PM

• Stage 1: Introduction and Training: Jan 26 to Feb 2

• Stage 2: Concept Design: 

• Stage 3: Final Design: April 6

• Center-wide final symposium: April 22–23, 2026

Getting Started

Action Items for Teams:

• Identify stakeholders and relevant datasets.

• Refine your problem statement and strategy.

• Prepare for the competition timeline and create awareness about participation .

Stakeholders

Potential partners include:

• Rockingham County

• Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART)

• NCDOT

• ITRE Transit Lab