MUI Students Win First Place at UofT Transportation Case Competition

Three second-year students from the Master of Urban Innovation (MUI) program at the University of Toronto Mississauga have taken first place in the 2025 UofT Transportation Case Competition, hosted by the University of Toronto Transportation Alumni Network (UTTAN). This year’s theme — “My Year as Traffic Czar” — challenged participants to propose a single, implementable initiative to meaningfully reduce Toronto’s growing congestion. Competing against teams from across all UofT campuses, the trio — Michael Abegaz, Katyayani Bhada, and Thuan Truong — impressed judges with their innovative, policy-driven approach to addressing one of the city’s most pressing urban challenges. 

Taking a Holistic Approach to Urban Challenges

For the MUI team, the competition was more than just an academic challenge — it was an opportunity to apply their interdisciplinary training to a real-world issue. 

“The MUI program is unique because it doesn’t just focus on planning or design,” said Bhada. “It encourages us to think holistically — integrating economics, sustainability, and social factors when analyzing cities.” 

Their approach reflected the program’s commitment to connecting theory with practice. Unlike traditional urban planning programs, the MUI program emphasizes the intersection of policy, governance, and innovation — tools the team skillfully leveraged in their winning proposal.

From Idea to Implementation 

The case competition tasked participants with proposing a practical solution for Toronto’s growing traffic congestion — a problem familiar to anyone navigating the city’s downtown core. The MUI team approached the challenge from a governance and collaboration standpoint. 

“We realized early on that most teams were composed of engineers,” said Abegaz. “We wanted to bring something different — a policy-based solution grounded in what we’ve learned about governance and collaboration in MUI.” 

After several iterations, the team proposed a strategy focused on aligning pothole repairs with existing roadwork and private construction projects using AI technology. The idea may sound simple, but its implementation could reduce redundant lane closures and improve citywide traffic flow. 

"Our solution offered a quick win for the newly proposed ‘traffic czar,’" said Truong. He noted the role could face challenges in achieving its goals. The team’s solution laid the groundwork for future congestion management projects and aligned with the municipality’s political, financial, and technical realities, demonstrating the potential value and efficiency offered by this new role.

Overcoming Challenges Together 

Balancing the competition with their summer internships and coursework wasn’t easy. The team spent late nights refining their strategy, working on data analysis and visualizations, and designing their presentation. 

“We were all wrapping up our internships when the final submission was due,” said Truong. “It was challenging, but our collaboration made it manageable. Everyone brought different strengths — from strategic thinking to visual communication.” 

Their teamwork paid off: the MUI team not only won first place but also took home a $1,500 cash prize. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

The competition served as a learning experience that extended far beyond the classroom. Each team member reflected on the practical value of applying their MUI training in a real-world setting. 

“The coursework prepared us to think critically about the political and social implications of urban policies,” said Bhada, noting that the team drew on lessons from across the MUI program — from core classes to professional development workshops. “We brought a bit of everything we’ve learned into this competition. You can have the best technical idea, but if it’s not politically sound, it won’t go anywhere.”

Abegaz added that the experience strengthened their ability to communicate across disciplines — a crucial skill for urban professionals. “This competition taught us how to tailor our ideas to different audiences — whether it’s politicians, engineers, or community members,” he said.

Looking Ahead 

When asked what winning meant to them, the team emphasized growth, collaboration, and the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful change. “It’s about proving to ourselves that our ideas can have real-world impact,” said Abegaz. “It validates the kind of interdisciplinary approach MUI stands for.” 

Their advice for future competitors?  “Take on challenges beyond the classroom,” Bhada advised. “Case competitions give you the chance to apply your knowledge, work with great people, and build confidence in your abilities.” 

As the MUI program continues to prepare students to think critically about the future of cities, this achievement highlights how UTM students are shaping real-world conversations around transportation, governance, and innovation.