METRANS PUBLICATIONS STYLE GUIDE
Final research reports shall give a complete description of the problem, approach, methodology, findings, conclusions, recommendations, etc., developed in the project and shall completely document all data gathered, analyses performed, and results achieved.
Please follow style guide when submitting project reports to METRANS.
For more specific guidance on how to write a final report, consult Section 4 of the Caltrans Research Manual, available in PDF here: Caltrans Research Manual
Required Copies
Draft (subject to peer review)
Final (after responding to peer review comments)
- 5 Printed Copies
- 4 Compact Discs in html or MS Word format. All figures and tables must be imbedded in a single electronic file.
Submittal
Hard Copy:
Vicki Valentine
METRANS Center
University of Southern California
650 Childs Way, Room 228
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626
Electronic: victoria.valentine@usc.edu
Section Organization
The following sections shall appear in order:
- Cover page (sample)
- Disclaimer
- Abstract (not to exceed 200 words)
- Table of contents
- List of figures and tables
- Disclosure
- Acknowledgments (if applicable)
- Introduction
- Body of paper
- Conclusions and Recommendations
- Implementation
- Appendices (if applicable)
- References
Preferred Page Numbering (not mandatory)
- Use lower-case roman numerals for material preceding introduction (do not number title page)
- Use arabic numerals for remainder of paper, beginning with page 1.
- All first and second-level headings shall appear in table of contents
Preferred Font (not mandatory)
- Arial 14 point, bold, centered, preferred for first-level headings
- Arial 12 point, bold, left-justified, preferred for second-level headings
- Times Roman 12 point preferred for remainder of paper (other than title page)
Preferred Margins (not mandatory)
- 1” top and bottom
- 1.25” left and right
- page numbers centered in page footer
Mandatory Disclosure Section
A disclosure statement must be included in all final reports. The statement must identify the number and dollar amounts of all contracts or subcontracts in excess of $5,000 relating to the preparation of the report. For each relevant contract or subcontract, provide the following information:
- Funding source
- Names of principal investigator and co-principal investigators
- Dollar amount
- Title of project
- Brief description of relationship to report
If there are no relevant contracts or subcontracts, provide the following statement:
"Project was funded in entirety under this contract to California Department of Transportation."
Mandatory Disclaimer
The following words must appear in a section titled: Disclaimer
The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the information presented herein. This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program, and California Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government and California Department of Transportation assume no liability for the contents or use thereof. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the State of California or the Department of Transportation. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
Mandatory Implementation Section
This section should point out any immediate practical application of the research findings. It should also include a recommended procedure for implementation, and describe the methods used to translate the research product into implementation form. Describe any potential benefits to be derived from implementing the research findings. If the findings are positive, but not suitable for immediate application, indicate the extent of additional work need to produce results suitable for implementation.
Request For Proposals
Caltrans Quarterly Report Form
