C-TIER · University of Memphis

Help Shape the Future of Memphis Transportation

The Memphis Regional Travel Survey (MRTS) uses the OpenPATH platform to collect anonymous travel data that helps planners improve roads, transit, and mobility options for everyone.

Join the Survey → See How It Works

Enroll Now

Scan the QR code or use the join code below.

Scan the QR Code in the OpenPATH app to join

Text Codenrelopenpath://join?study_config=mrts&sub_group=test

Survey Join Code

mrts-openpath.nlr.gov/join/?sub_group=test

Download the OpenPATH app (iOS or Android)
Open the app and tap Join a Study
Enter the join code or visit the link above
Complete the brief profile survey

Or visit: mrts-openpath.nlr.gov/join/?sub_group=test

Step-by-Step

How to Join the Survey

Watch the video below for a complete walkthrough of how to download OpenPATH, enter your join code, and start contributing to the Memphis Regional Travel Survey.

📱 How to Join — OpenPATH Tutorial

Download OpenPATH

Get the free app from the App Store or Google Play.

Join the Study

Tap "Join a Study" and scan the QR code or enter the join code.

Complete Profile

Fill out a brief background survey — takes just 5 minutes.

Travel Normally

The app logs your trips automatically. No extra steps needed.

Make a Difference

Why Your Participation Matters

Every trip you record helps transportation planners understand how people really move around Memphis — making the data more accurate and the improvements more targeted.

🎥 Why Participation Matters

Shape Local Policy
Your travel data directly informs decisions about bus routes, road improvements, and transit investments in the Memphis region.
100% Anonymous
Your personal identity is never shared. OpenPATH collects only trip patterns — not your name, address, or contact information.
Minimal Battery Impact
OpenPATH is designed to have a very low impact on your phone's battery and data usage.
Better Memphis for Everyone
More participants means more representative data — helping ensure all Memphis neighborhoods benefit from transportation improvements.

In the Community

MRTS Outreach & Events

C-TIER actively engages the Memphis community through events, demonstrations, and partnerships to make transportation research accessible to everyone.

Community Outreach Event — Memphis

Transportation safety simulator demonstration

Transportation Safety Demonstration

C-TIER Field Events

Memphis Region Overview

Memphis Families & Communities

Our People

Research Team

The MRTS is led by a multidisciplinary team of transportation researchers and data scientists.

Dr. Sabya Mishra, Ph.D., P.E.

Principal Investigator

Professor & Director, C-TIER
Department of Civil Engineering
University of Memphis

smishra3@memphis.edu

Vince Bernardin, PhD

Co-Investigator

Vice President, Travel Demand Analytics
Caliper Corporation

K. Shankari

Platform & Technology

Researcher III – NEX Decision Support Analysis
Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences
Transportation & Mobility Research · OpenPATH

Nikhil Gadham

Graduate Research Assistant

Doctoral Researcher, C-TIER
University of Memphis

Md Tawkir Ahmed

Graduate Research Assistant

Doctoral Researcher, C-TIER
University of Memphis

mahmed8@memphis.edu

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Memphis Regional Travel Survey?

The MRTS is a research study led by C-TIER at the University of Memphis that uses the OpenPATH app to collect anonymous travel pattern data. The goal is to help transportation planners understand how people move around the region.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes. OpenPATH collects only your travel patterns (trip times, modes, and routes). Your name, home address, and contact details are never shared with any third party. All data is anonymized before analysis.

How long does the study last?

Participants are asked to use the app for approximately one week, though you may continue contributing longer if you wish. The app runs passively in the background — you don't need to do anything after setup.

Will the app drain my phone battery?

OpenPATH is designed to minimize battery and data usage. Most participants report negligible impact on their phone's battery life during normal daily use.

Who can participate in the survey?

Any resident of the greater Memphis metropolitan area who is 18 or older and owns a smartphone (iOS or Android) is eligible to participate.

What transportation modes does OpenPATH track?

OpenPATH can automatically detect driving, walking, cycling, and public transit trips. You can also manually log or correct trip modes in the app.

How do I join the survey?

Download OpenPATH from the App Store or Google Play, then visit mrts-openpath.nlr.gov/join/?sub_group=test or scan the QR code at the top of this page.

Who do I contact with questions?

Use the contact form below, or call our study hotline. A C-TIER team member will respond within 1–2 business days.

Get in Touch

Contact Us

C-TIER Research Team

Institution

Center for Transportation Innovations in Education and Research (C-TIER)
University of Memphis

Study Platform

Memphis Regional Travel Survey — OpenPATH Portal

Send Us a Message

Topic *

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Privacy & Data Use

The Memphis Regional Travel Survey is conducted under IRB-approved protocols by the University of Memphis. All trip data collected through the OpenPATH platform is anonymized and used solely for transportation planning research. No personally identifiable information is sold or shared with commercial third parties.

OpenPATH is developed and maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Full privacy details are available within the OpenPATH app and at the survey enrollment page.