In this paper, we explore a distributed cyber-physical solution using connected vehicle technology (CVtech) to substantially mitigate transportation systems' safety and efficiency problems. Future vehicles, by communicating with other vehicles (V-V), roadside infrastructures (V-R), and personal com-munication devices (V-P), will adapt to the external regional environment and consequently avoid collisions and congestion. We proposes to seamlessly int e-grate networked and embedded sensing, computational intelligence, and real - time communication (cyber) into transportation infrastructure including veh i- cles and roadsides (physical) to facilitate self - organization and system coordin a- tion. Specifically, this research addresses two specific t hemes: Foundations by advancing basic theories in component fields and abstracting the particular knowledge into core principles that integrate cyber and physical processes; and Methods and Tools by designing alternative architectures, modeling a unified o nline system of cyber and physical elements. The integration of research and education will prepare the future workforce to operate and advance CPS