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2020 Mobility 21 Summit Sponsorships Now Open

Sponsorships for the 19th annual Southern California Transportation Summit are now open to the general public! Join us for California’s largest one-day transportation event on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Disneyland Hotel.

2020 Summit sponsors will experience:

  • Access to public and private sector transportation decision-makers
  • Visibility at California’s largest one-day transportation Summit and Expo
  • Pre-event publicity to transportation sector professionals
  • Networking with 1,300+ business partners, clients, elected leaders and speakers
  • Value for your investment with highly competitive sponsorship rates

Click here to view the sponsorship packages. Please e-mail Jenny Larios for more details or call 949.288.6884.

 

Top left: Mobility 21 delegation members advocated for Southern California’s transportation priorities in Sacramento. Bottom left: Caltrans Chief Deputy Director Jim Davis and CalSTA Undersecretary Elissa Konove with Camarillo Chamer of Commerce President & CEO and Mobility 21 Chair Gary Cushing. Bottom center: California State Senate Transportation Committee Chair Jim Beall. Right: CalSTA Secretary David Kim addresses audience members at the Mobility 21 Legislative Reception.

2020 Mobility 21 Sacramento Advocacy Trip

Mobility 21 held its annual Sacramento delegation trip on Feb. 11, 2020. The 45-person delegation from Southern California’s leading public and private transportation organizations met with more than 32 State legislators and their staff to advocate for the following priorities:

  • Support SB 1 Implementation and Funding For Southern California
  • Support Transit Investment / Clean Transportation
  • Support State and Local Collaboration
  • Support Efforts to Facilitate Toll Interoperability and Network Improvements

Check out Mobility 21’s Facebook page for more photos from the trip.

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Steve Agor
Business Development Director
Skanska

Steve Agor, Director of Business Development for Skanska, leads business development and proposal efforts for Skanska’s Civil Western United States business, with primary focus on the California transportation market. During his 28 years in the engineering and construction industry, Steve has led the planning, engineering and construction management of complex infrastructure projects. He enjoys working with customers, utilizing his engineering background, to find innovative solutions that work given each project’s unique constraints of the environmental impacts, community needs, budget limitations and project objectives.

Steve currently focuses on Skanska’s strategic business opportunities; including government affairs, joint venture partnering and designer teaming for alternative delivering procurements. Throughout these efforts, he helps Skanska teams determine the most cost-effective solution that meet or exceed the project’s goals. Through collaborative team efforts, during Steve’s tenure at Skanska, key project wins have included LA Metro’s Regional Connector and Westside Phase 1 projects, City of Los Angeles’ Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement, SANDAG’s MidCoast Corridor Project, Caltrans District 11’s NorthCoast Corridor Project, and RCTC’s I-15 Express Lanes as well as Virgin Train USA’s Xpress West.

Prior to joining Mobility 21 as an Advisory Board member, Steve participated on Mobility 21’s Ad-Hoc committee regarding Work Force Development. Volunteering has long been a component of Steve’s professional and personal life. He was President of the California Water Environment Association in 2005, and serves on the Boards for both the Southern California Partnerships for Jobs and Transportation California. At home, Steve was a 10+ year board member for Lake Forest Little League, and also served numerous leadership roles for Cub Scout Pack 765.

Steve earned his degree from California State University Long Beach, holds a certificate in Project Management from University California Irvine (Extension) and is a Registered Civil Engineer in the State of California. Steve and his wife of over 26 years, Lisa, along with their three sons – Koby, Brady and Rory – and their dog Spanky, reside in Lake Forest.

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Dr. Allison Yoh
Director of Transportation Planning
Port of Long Beach

Dr. Allison Yoh is Director of the Transportation Planning Division in the Planning and Environmental Affairs Bureau at the Port of Long Beach. She began her Port career in June 2013 as a transportation policy specialist, was promoted to manager in February 2015, and named division director in March 2016.

As director, she leads the review and analysis of transportation-related policies; conducts regulatory and legislative analysis; provides expertise in developing regional, state and national transportation policy; oversees Port transportation planning studies; assists with managing Port-related traffic in support of Supply Chain Optimization efforts; seeks and administers grants and other funding, and represents the Port on transportation-related matters before various audiences at public meetings, including local, regional and statewide stakeholder groups.

Prior to joining the Port, Dr. Yoh was associate director for the Institute of Transportation Studies, and for the Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies, at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she co-directed the two research centers focusing on transportation policy.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Yoh was an adjunct researcher at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica and served as a mayoral appointee to the board of directors of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). She has also served as an advisory member for the Los Angeles County Measure R Oversight Committee and on the Mayor’s Transportation Task Force on Congestion for the City of Los Angeles.

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Arts degrees in Urban Planning, both from the University of California, Los Angeles. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Dr. Yoh has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, authored professional reports and delivered presentations on subjects including the effects of wait time on public transit travelers, the adoption of smart technologies for transit fare policy innovations, and green planning for bicycles at the Port. She is a member of the Ports and Channels Committee of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Science.

Long Beach Councilwoman and Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal presented Dr. Yoh with a Steward of the 2ndDistrict award in 2015.

Frequently called on by the news media for her expert opinion, her quotes have been included in the Los Angeles Times, La Opinion, LA Weekly, CityBeat and others. Her televised interviews include appearances on Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) World News, The Today Show on NBC, NBC Nightly News and other local television media.

HDR is pleased to partner with RCTC and Caltrans to improve mobility in Riverside County.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight
HDR

Riverside County has experienced dramatic growth since the 1980s. At almost 2.4 million residents, Riverside County is the 5th fastest growing county in the country. By 2040, the population is expected to grow by 41%, a figure that is also amongst the nation’s highest.
To improve mobility, RCTC in partnership with Caltrans and HDR, is conducting preliminary engineering and environmental studies to support an Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment for the proposed Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension.

The proposed project would add capacity by extending the I-15 Express Lanes, currently under construction, by an additional 14.5 miles. The new segment would extend from Cajalco Road in Corona, through Temescal Valley, to State Route 74 in Lake Elsinore adding two tolled express lanes in both directions to accommodate increasing traffic.

Once built, the project will improve traffic, increase travel time reliability, expand travel choice thru carpooling and mass transit, manage congestion, and expand compatibility with the regional express lanes network.

Jacobs is involved in the LA Metro Gold Line & I-210 Barrier Replacement Projects. Photo Credit: LA Metro

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight
Jacobs

What if… we told you that to meet 2030 growth forecasts, we need to invest $3.3 trillion in infrastructure globally? That by 2035, Americans will spend an average of 160 hours a year stuck in traffic? That if we continue what we’re doing today, there won’t be enough water in the world to quench the thirst of the world population and keep current energy and power solutions going by 2040?

Here in Southern California, Jacobs takes on our clients’ most complex transportation projects; while globally, we are solving infrastructure challenges in ways not thought of before. Our passion lies in helping our clients in every aspect of mobility.

Our diverse and inclusive workforce brings different capabilities and perspectives to everything we do. The projects we help deliver establish the backbone of productive, economically strong communities as assets essential to commerce, trade, public safety, and quality of life. We thrive on the larger purpose behind what we build—linking communities, creating vibrant and sustainable places, advancing economic and social flexibility and equity, and developing the next generation of professionals that will drive infrastructure development into the future.

We are a proud partner of Mobility 21 and its member agencies, and will continue to provide solutions for a more connected, sustainable world. For more information, contact Judy.Johnson@Jacobs.com.

The post-groundbreaking August 2018 McFadden Avenue bridge demolition signaled the start of heavy construction for the I-405 Improvement Project. (Image courtesy of OCTA)

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight
Moffatt & Nichol

2020: CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION: “Generation Transportation”
In the transportation world, each generation’s unique vision propels us forward—ideas and innovation become the infrastructure that keeps our communities and commerce on the move. The I-405 Improvement Project is such an undertaking, a visionary effort that will widen and improve 16 freeway miles between Costa Mesa and the Los Angeles County line.

As the designer of record, Moffatt & Nichol is proud to have played a major role in helping to reshape this vital transportation corridor. For the design team, which included experienced and upcoming transportation talent, the assignment was exciting and challenging: eight new structures, 18 overcrossing structure replacements, six structural widenings or modifications, and 132 retaining walls, under a design-build contract. The pace was relentless and major construction began with the first bridge demolition a few months after the January 2018 groundbreaking. The payoff? What a difference a year makes—within a year of its demolition, the Slater Avenue Bridge reopened to traffic in August 2019, the first of the project’s 18 bridges to do so.

Continuing a tradition of transportation innovation to share with the next generation is important to us. Moffatt & Nichol looks forward to designing transportation infrastructure that connects California to national and global economies for generations to come.

Purple Line Extension Project: Goals for 2020

One of Metro’s priority projects, the first section of the Purple Line Extension started heavy construction back in 2015.
Wilshire Boulevard has changed a lot since the early days of construction with much of the recent changes has been mostly underground.

Tunneling began in late 2018 and in a little more than a year, tunneling is now more than 50 percent complete. More than 3.5 million cubic feet of dirt has been excavated — that’s about 87,500 tons of dirt! Elsie and Soyeon, the Section 1 TBMs, are currently tunneling to the west under Wilshire Boulevard and should be arriving at Wilshire/Fairfax Station in February.

The first section is 3.9 miles long with stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega. The forecasted opening for Section 1 is late 2023.

Section 2 of the project extends the subway 2.6 more miles to stations in downtown Beverly Hills — at Wilshire/Rodeo — and Avenue of the Stars and Constellation Boulevard in Century City. Major construction milestones are being met on this section and the forecast opening is 2025.

Construction at the Wilshire/Rodeo subway station in Beverly Hills ramped up again this month with piling to create the supports for the underground station box. Two additional TBMs are currently being assembled underground in a TBM launch box in Century City on Constellation Boulevard.

This will bring the total of working Purple Line Extension TBMs up to four — more TBMs than any current underground rail project in the United States.

The third section of the project will run another 2.6 miles from Century City to Westwood. With a station at Wilshire Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard near UCLA and a station at Wilshire Boulevard and Bonsall Avenue on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Property. The final section is anticipated to be open in 2027, just in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

In Westwood, work to map and relocate underground utilities took place in 2019. Metro and the Federal Transit Administration are finalizing a massive grant for the project and a ground breaking for major construction should be soon.

To remain on target for completion, the Purple Line Extension’s has these goals for 2020:

  • Tunnel west to Wilshire/La Cienega Station and add 3,280 more feet of tunnels.
  • Finish piling for the Wilshire/Rodeo Station and start decking to create a temporary street surface while excavation occurs underground.
  • Complete early utility relocation in Westwood and start piling for the Westwood/UCLA Station.

The Purple Line Extension hosts quarterly meetings and webinars to provide community members the latest project updates. Join the Purple Line Extension for the first webinar of 2020 on Wednesday, January 8, from 12 to 1 p.m.

Members of the Orange County Transportation Authority board of directors joined with CEO Darrell E. Johnson (far left) and other transportation officials to unveil the largest transit-operated hydrogen fueling station in the nation and 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses in Santa Ana, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 31. Photo courtesy of OCTA

OCTA Debuts Nation’s Largest Hydrogen Fueling Station and 10 Zero-Emission Fuel Cell Electric Buses

The Orange County Transportation Authority recently joined with local, state and federal officials to mark the debut of the largest transit-operated hydrogen fueling station in the nation and 10 new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.

The event highlighted OCTA’s continuing efforts to use zero-emission transportation technology for a balanced and sustainable transit future.

OCTA is also in the process of purchasing 10 plug-in battery electric buses, which are expected to be in operation beginning in 2021.

“We are very happy to be leading the way toward a cleaner and greener future that keeps the residents of Orange County moving, while keeping the air they breathe healthy with zero emissions,” said OCTA Chairman Steve Jones, also the Mayor of Garden Grove.

The new hydrogen fueling station was unveiled at OCTA’s Santa Ana Bus Base on Jan. 31. OCTA officials were joined at today’s event by representatives from the partners in the project, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB), South Coast Air Quality Management District and Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE).

“We are proud to be working with all of our partners to set a strong example as a large urban transit operator making a positive impact on the environment,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “We will continue to explore the use of zero-emission technology to ensure we deliver a balanced and sustainable transportation system for Orange County’s future.”

OCTA’s hydrogen fueling station is the largest in the nation for public transportation. Along with the 10 fuel-cell electric buses, it represents a $22.9 million investment in zero-emission transit.

More than half of that funding – $12.5 million – comes from California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The hydrogen-fueled buses will be strategically integrated into the OC Bus fleet to operate in communities that serve disadvantaged populations. The funding is the largest single grant to date from the California Air Resources Board to a transit agency.

“California’s transit agencies are leading the revolution to zero-emission transportation by taking action to replace their fossil-fuel powered buses with the very cleanest models available,” said CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. “The Orange County Transportation Authority is among the state’s and the nation’s leaders in this crucial effort. This project will accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell powered buses. It also showcases today’s hydrogen fueling facility to keep those zero-emission buses powered up and clearing the air.”

OCTA’s project aligns with California’s Innovative Clean Transit Rule, a first-of-its kind regulation in the U.S. that sets a goal for public transit agencies to gradually transition to 100 percent zero-emission bus fleets by 2040. The Clean Transit Rule is part of the state’s comprehensive program helping to achieve California’s air quality and climate goals.

Fuel cell electric buses are powered by hydrogen, stored as a gas on the vehicle. A chemical reaction – not combustion – within the fuel cell splits apart the hydrogen molecule, freeing up electrons that power the drive motor and electric accessories on the bus. The used hydrogen reunites with oxygen from the air to form purified water and heat. The excess heat is recycled to the bus to warm passengers when needed, and the water is exhausted through the tailpipe.

Other funding for the fuel cell buses comes from SB1 State of Good Repair funds, administered by Caltrans, and from the South Coast AQMD Clean Fuels Fund.

The project is also a partnership with Air Products, which designed and provided enabling equipment for the hydrogen fueling station and will provide maintenance and hydrogen fuel. Trillium was contracted for construction, operations and maintenance of the fueling station, and New Flyer provided the buses. Ballard worked on the hydrogen fuel cell electric technology on the buses. And Fiedler Group engineered upgrades to maintenance facilities to safely service hydrogen-fueled buses.

CTE, a nonprofit transportation consulting firm specializing in the development of zero-emission solutions for public transit, organized and led the team to successfully win a grant from the California Air Resources Board to launch this project.

The hydrogen fuel cell buses have a range of up to 300 miles. The hydrogen fueling station requires shipments of liquid hydrogen to power the 10 buses.

OCTA was the first large public transportation agency in Southern California to operate a hydrogen fuel cell electric bus, debuting a pilot program in 2016.

Excavators and scrapers have moved 1.3 million cubic yards of dirt for the Route 60 Truck Lanes Project in Riverside County. The westbound lane is set to reopen on March 5.

Route 60 Westbound Lane Set to Reopen March 5 in “Badlands”

Travelers on Route 60 through Riverside County’s “Badlands” soon will be able to reclaim a lane that closed last summer for construction. The Riverside County Transportation Commission will reopen the westbound Route 60 lane between Beaumont and Moreno Valley on March 5, marking a milestone for the Route 60 Truck Lanes Project.

The lane closed August 23 to allow crews to safely excavate thousands of cubic yards of dirt from the hillsides to carve out space to build a truck lane in both directions and widen the inner and outer shoulders. During the closure, crews excavated 1.3 million cubic yards within the project area.

Crews are shifting k-rail and checking pavement quality to prepare for the reopening of the westbound lane on March 5. The timing will improve traffic flow in time for the April festival season in the Coachella Valley.

Closing the westbound lane created safer conditions for motorists and construction crews and saved overall project time. Originally planned as a 3.5-year project, the lane closure will reduce a year of construction time and allow the project to be completed in about 2.5 years or late 2021.

RCTC operated Freeway Service Patrol roving tow trucks to help stranded motorists while the westbound lane has been closed. Tow truck drivers assisted more than 1,600 motorists, including 134 with flat tires, 205 with mechanical problems, 75 with overheated engines, and 74 who ran out of gas.

Learn more about the 60 Truck Lanes Project.

Board Leadership Elected for San Joaquin Hills and Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies

At their January meeting, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (SJHTCA) and Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Boards of Directors nominated and elected board leadership for 2020.

Director Patricia Kelley, Mission Viejo Mayor Pro Tem, was elected SJHTCA Chairwoman, and Director Will O’Neill, Newport Beach Mayor, was elected Vice Chair. SJHTCA manages the 73 Toll Road, which spans 15 miles in South Orange County from Newport Beach to San Juan Capistrano. Since opening to motorists in 1996, the 73 Toll Road has served as a congestion-free alternative route to Interstates 5 and 405.

“It’s an exciting time to be leading the SJHTCA Board,” said SJHTCA Chairwoman Trish Kelley. “We are considering adding a lane in each direction of the 73 Toll Road at the Catalina View Mainline Toll Point – a much needed project for our customers who are experiencing increased congestion during morning and afternoon peak travel times.”

Director Christina Shea, Irvine Mayor, was re-elected F/ETCA Chairwoman, and Director Chuck Puckett, Tustin Council Member, was re-elected Vice Chair. F/ETCA manages the 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads, which provide vital links between Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine and the border of Orange and Riverside counties.

“I’m grateful that the F/ETCA board voted for me to serve a second term as chairwoman,” said Shea. “Between the 241/91 Express Lanes Connector, the Oso Parkway Bridge and efforts to enhance mobility in South Orange County, the Board is working hard to benefit the more than three million residents of Orange County.”

Orange County’s 51 miles of Toll Roads – State Routes 73, 133, 241 and 261 – carry, on average, 330,000 trips each weekday. Collectively, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) will focus on various capital improvement projects to improve mobility for their more than 1.7 million accountholders and continue protecting 2,200 acres of habitat and open space that has been set aside in perpetuity.

Port of Hueneme Leads Ventura County’s Green Economy

The Port of Hueneme kicked off 2020 drawing the attention of Ventura County’s business leaders and environmental advocates earning the California Green Business Network Certification and the 2020 Outstanding Business Catalyst Award.

“What a great way to begin the New Year! Having both the business and environmental communities recognize the work the Port is doing affirms that we truly are leading our community in green job growth.” Jess Ramirez, Oxnard Harbor District President stated,” Our community knows that if the Port is involved, the job gets done right and in the greenest way possible.”

Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners Mary Anne Rooney and Jess Herrera were present to accept the 2020 Outstanding Business Catalyst Award at the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting on January 30th, 2020.

“The relationship between the Chamber and the Port goes back 82 years, when they rallied support to have the Port built at Hueneme instead of Ventura.” Commissioner Rooney stated, “This award speaks to our Vision as a Port, ‘to provide the maximum possible economic and social benefits to our community and industries served’.”

The Port’s past two years of record-breaking cargo growth (1.65 million cargo tons), the 15,834 jobs generated annually, and their leadership as the Greenest Port in the United States were highlighted in the Chamber’s selection of the Port.

Nancy Lindholm, President of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce commented, “This award is a very small token of the appreciation that the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce has for the Port of Hueneme and its impact on our local economy, all the jobs that it provides and the tax revenues generated, our community would not be the same without the Port.”

The Chamber award comes on the heels of the Port earning the California Green Business Network Certification. Funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and under assistance agreement with the California Air Resources Board, the California Green Business Network “is a nonprofit focused on sustainability; [partnering] with local governments and utilities to help businesses meet an aggressive set of environmental standards.” Being a Certified Green Business “means that your business complies with environmental regulations in the areas of waste, energy, water, pollution prevention, and air quality.”

Jason Hodge, Oxnard Harbor District Vice President stated, “These two recent accolades are a testament to our two-pronged approach of sustainable job growth for our Port. We view it our responsibility to set the bar for our community in what green economics looks like: one eye on job creation, and the other on responsible resource management.”

“We pride ourselves on having business growth and environmental sustainability work in harmony at the Port,” reflected CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas. “These two priorities shape our decisions and investments; it’s great to have our business and environmental communities recognize our efforts with these accolades.”

To learn more about the environmental initiatives of the Port of Hueneme, Click Here.

To learn more about the economic impacts of the Port of Hueneme, Click Here.

In Fond Memory of Commissioner Dr. Manuel Lopez
June 1, 1927 – January 27, 2020

Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Dr. Manuel (Manny) Lopez leaves an outstanding legacy of leadership and public service. Dr. Manuel Lopez served as Oxnard’s first Latino Mayor and engaged in multiple leadership positions for many organizations including: Oxnard Chamber of Commerce Board, Oxnard Community Relations Commission, City of Oxnard Redevelopment Agency, Planning Commission, Oxnard College Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Ventura County Community Foundation, and several other service oriented and philanthropic groups. Aside from public service, Dr. Lopez opened his optometry business in 1962. Throughout his life Dr. Lopez conveyed the spirit of giving back.

Commissioner Lopez’s determination over the last 50 years as a public servant is testimony to his passion for making Oxnard and the Oxnard Harbor District a thriving environment for business and community. He has created profound mark in our community and the District will always keep his compassionate spirit and commitment to service with us. We will share the details of his services as soon as we have the information.

“Dr. Manuel Lopez was a true trailblazer for the Oxnard community. Dr. Lopez leaves a legacy of civic engagement and leadership for generations to come. Leaders like Dr. Lopez, who embody the best character traits of his generation, will continue to inspire through the breadth of his life’s work. The Oxnard Harbor District will honor his legacy by continuing the work that Dr. Lopez envisioned for our community.”

— Board of Harbor Commissioners, President, Jess Ramirez

“The Oxnard Harbor District salutes Dr. Lopez’s many civic accomplishments to benefit Oxnard’s children, veterans and citizens. The Oxnard Harbor District staff honors Dr. Lopez’s legacy and longstanding contributions to Latino leadership and service and offers its condolences and support to the Lopez Family which is part of the Harbor District family.”

— Harbor District CEO, Kristin Decas