2024 Mobility 21 Summit Sold Out! Agenda Announced!

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7:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Registration Opens
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Breakfast Served in Expo Hall
8:45 AM – 10:15 AM: Opening General Session
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM: Morning Networking Break
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM: Morning Breakout Sessions
AM 1: Chairs’ Roundtable: Authors of Innovation and Policy
AM 2: Federal and State Opportunities: Finding Innovation in Uncertainty
AM 3: Unlocking the Future of Mobility: How AI is Transforming Transportation
AM 4: The Next Exit: California’s Transition to Sustainable Transportation
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: 15 Minute Break
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Luncheon General Session
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM: 15 Minute Break
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Afternoon Breakout Sessions
PM 1: Technology in the Real World: Coming Soon and Already Here
PM 2: Mega Projects in Southern California for Commuters and Commerce
PM 3: The Human Equation in Transportation Innovation
PM 4: California VMT Metrics and Mobility Solutions
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Afternoon Networking Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Closing General Session

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Sarah Catz
Researcher, Institute of Transportation Studies
UC Irvine

Sarah L. Catz is a Researcher in the Institute of Transportation Studies at University of California, Irvine as well as a lecturer in the Urban Planning and Public Policy Department. She is also a member of the UC Institute of Transportation Studies Board of Advisors.
For over two decades, Sarah has been a leading transportation/infrastructure and public policy expert and has played a key role in critical transportation and infrastructure projects, both at the local and state levels. She has served as the state’s acting Deputy Secretary of Transportation as well as the project manager for The Commission on Building for the 21st Century, a California infrastructure commission that included projects within water, transportation, housing, facilities and technology areas. While with the state of California, Catz also helped secure state funding for critical infrastructure projects, including major rail projects in Southern California.

Sarah spent 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Transportation Authority and served as Chairman of the Board and was a founding member and two-term chairperson of the Board of Directors of Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink). Sarah is a past chair of the Orange County Forum, a nonpartisan current affairs organization convening the Orange County civic community to exchange ideas and discuss public policy issues with distinguished speakers and national leaders. She is also a member of the Mobility 21 Advisory Board.

Sarah has been recognized by The League of Women Voters of Orange County with the “OC Woman of Achievement” Award and by OC Metro Magazine as one of “10 Women Making a Difference in Orange County.” Additionally, Sarah is the recipient of the California Transportation Foundation Tranny Award for “Citizen of the Year” and has been named “Woman of the Year” three times by the Orange County Chapter of WTS.

Sarah received her law degree from the University of Santa Clara and her bachelor’s degree from George Washington University.

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Fran Inman
Senior Vice President
Majestic Reality Co.

Fran Inman, Senior Vice President, directs government relations and external affairs activities for Majestic Realty Co., one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate development companies. With a real estate portfolio totaling approximately 84 million square feet of commercial properties, Majestic Realty has offices in Los Angeles; Atlanta; Bethlehem, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Laredo and Phoenix.

Inman served on the California Transportation Commission from 2010 to 2021 and recently completed a two-year term as Chair and two years as Vice Chair (2016-2020). In 2013, Inman was also appointed as a founding member of the National Freight Advisory Committee and co-chaired the sub-committee on project delivery and operations.

Inman served as the chair of the board of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and serves as vice chair for the California Business Properties Association (CBPA). She is the former chair of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership (SGVEP) and is also a founding board member of FuturePorts and a board member of Inland Action and the California Business Roundtable. She is also a long-time member of the Coalition of America’s Gateway and Trade Corridors.

Also recognized as a leader in the philanthropic community, Inman is the founding president of the Majestic Realty Foundation. Established in 2002, the Majestic Realty Foundation provides grants and other support to various charitable community partners that work the areas of youth, family, education, health, and violence prevention in the communities where Majestic Realty Co. does business.

Inman further demonstrates her commitment to active community engagement through her service as board member and former board chair of THINK Together, nationally-recognized non-profit providing extended learning programs that serve more than 150,000 at-risk and low-income students daily across California. She serves on the board of QueensCare, a $400 million foundation dedicated to providing healthcare for the underserved. Inman is also a trustee for Three Square, the regional food bank in Las Vegas, Nevada, and serves on the board of trustees for the University of Redlands as well as a member of METRANS and the UC-ITS Advisory Boards. Inman also serves on the Executive Committee of The Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall.

A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Inman holds both a BA and a MBA in finance. In 2010, Inman was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Woodbury University. She was recently awarded the Peter Drucker Award for Excellence in Logistics and the California Trucking Association Annual Leadership in Logistics Award.

AtkinsRéalis Engineers a Better Future in California Growing Investment in California

We combine traditional engineering with state-of-the-art technologies to deliver safe and reliable transport infrastructure that connects communities and promotes sustainable living. Our end-to-end services span the entire transportation ecosystem, from railways to roadways and ports to airports, and we never forget communities are at the heart of everything we do.
We support this by taking a collaborative approach to help drive efficiencies, improve mobility for people, businesses and organizations and unlock vital regional growth. Understanding each project is different, we provide creative, smart, affordable and sustainable solutions underpinned by robust funding models to ensure transportation networks serving communities deliver maximum benefit.

We’re proud to use our expertise to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for transformative infrastructure projects throughout California like LA Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project and the OC Streetcar Project with the Orange County Transportation Authority. Our work has also helped increase safety and reduce congestion in iconic locations like Yosemite National Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

We love being part of the Southern California community and investing in change agents like SEED LA. We seek to support the region’s goals as we work to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Flatiron

Flatiron embraces the challenge to create sustainable, mobility infrastructure that is reliable, safe, equitable and accessible for everyone. As a leader in cutting-edge solutions to infrastructure challenges, we partner with infrastructure innovators across the U.S. and Canada.
Flatiron’s commitment to innovative transit solutions is exemplified by the Los Angeles World Airport Automated People Mover (APM). This state-of-the-art system will connect Los Angeles International Airport with the city’s light rail network, reducing traffic congestion and improving the experience for millions of travelers and employees. The APM includes six stations, features electric-powered trains and offers an eco-friendly travel option. The project highlights Flatiron’s dedication to integrating sustainable practices and advanced technology into urban mobility systems.

In Contra Costa County, California, Flatiron will design and construct dedicated guideways for the Contra Costa Transit Authority Automated Transit Network. Developed with Plenary and Glydways, this project will introduce driverless electric shuttles to extend Bay Area Rapid Transit service, connecting key destinations and providing an efficient and environmentally-conscious transit solution to underserved communities.

Both projects underscore Flatiron’s collaborative approach with clients, partners and local stakeholders to address complex transportation challenges and ensure that public transportation is functional, forward-thinking and inclusive.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
TRC 

Enhancing Mobility in San Bernardino: TRC Paves the Way on I-10 Express Lanes Project

TRC – a global provider of consulting, engineering and construction management solutions – is supporting the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) for the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates for Contract 2 of the I-10 Express Lanes program. This project will enhance an 11-mile stretch of I-10 from I-15 in Ontario to Pepper Avenue in Colton, adding an express lane in each direction and designing for potential future expansion to two lanes.

Key improvements include the design of a new tolling facility along the 11-mile stretch, including closed circuit television systems, changeable message signs, fiber optic cable systems, and traffic monitoring systems. Additional improvements include construction of approximately 6,900 feet of soundwalls, more than 5 miles of retaining walls, drainage modifications, widening or reconstruction of nine bridges, right-of-way impacts (including 15 railroad parcels), and a significant number of new BMPs.

Delivery of the improvements has required coordination with Union Pacific Railroad to receive concurrence on right-of-way impacts to their facility and develop the Construction & Maintenance agreement. The project also includes coordination with four cities and San Bernardino County, jurisdictional agencies for permitting, utility companies including Southern California Edison, and many more.

TRC’s comprehensive responsibilities include project management, leading delivery of the roadway plans, drainage design, construction staging/traffic handling plans, signing and pavement delineation plans, electrical design, soundwall and retaining wall plans, BMP design, landscaping plans, preparation of supplemental project report, environmental revalidation, the Design Standard Decision Document, quality management and a detailed Transportation Management Plan. In total, our team will produce over 2,000 plan sheets. Working closely with SBCTA, the Toll Service Provider, and Caltrans District 8, TRC’s expertise has been critical in obtaining Caltrans’ approval on an expedited schedule, allowing the project to meet critical funding deadlines. As a result, SBCTA will maintain their commitment to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in San Bernardino County.

Summit Gold Sponsor Spotlight:
Metrolink

Metrolink is proud to serve as the LINK between six Southern California counties with safe, seamless and reliable transportation and connectivity. Our rail network consists of more than 545 total service line miles and 67 stations across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and San Diego counties.

Historically, we have provided service for commuters traveling into major job centers in the morning and back home in the evening. Today, with remote and hybrid work schedules here to stay, we are reimagining our system to attract new riders and offering more options throughout the day and evenings. We continue to improve our system to make Metrolink the transportation option of choice for exploring everything Southern California offers, whether that is a day at the beach or a trip to work. We are also attracting the next generation of riders with our Student Adventure Pass, which allows students with a valid student ID to ride for free throughout our entire network.

It is an exciting time at Metrolink as we evolve from a commuter to a regional rail system. As you plan to attend the Mobility 21 Summit in Anaheim, your registration ticket will also serve as a train ticket for free roundtrip service to the conference between September 19-21, 2024.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Mott MacDonald

Making Connections in LA

Over the years, four light rail transit lines have been built to serve Los Angeles, each one ending at the edge of the downtown area. Since the 1980s, planners have talked about a rail link that would offer easy transfers between the north/west and east/south LRT systems.

LA Metro selected Mott MacDonald to be the Prime Designer for the Regional Connector: a 1.9-mile line running from the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station on the Gold Line to the 7th Street/Metro Center Station in downtown LA.

Mott MacDonald used 3D modeling to meet the demands of this highly complex design-build delivery project. Construction had to avoid disrupting the existing Gold Line, and the new line had to be earthquake-resilient.

The Regional Connector opened to the public in June 2023. LA Metro expects it to handle 60,000 or more trips each weekday. It’s just one example of how Mott MacDonald’s leadership in transportation engineering is transforming communities.

Now Open: Sustainable Communities Program –
Active Transportation and Safety Call for Applications

The 2024 Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) – Active Transportation and Safety call for applications is now open. The program will fund projects that improve roadway safety to help achieve the mobility goals of the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The 2024 SCP – Active Transportation and Safety call for applications has an estimated $10.4 million available to fund projects in the region, with support from the state Active Transportation Program and a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. This competitive call for applications will fund two project types:

  • Community plans or area plans: including, but not limited to, active transportation plans, pedestrian plans, bicycle plans, and safe routes to school plans that benefit disadvantaged communities.
  • Quick-builds: capital improvement projects constructed with durable, low- to medium-cost elements to immediately address a safety need, facilitate community engagement, and refine final project design.

Register to attend an application workshop on Thursday, July 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or Wednesday, Aug. 7, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Both application workshops will cover the same content, and a recording will be available online after the sessions.

In addition, SCAG will offer office hours on Mondays and Thursdays to provide additional support during the application period. Sign up for office hours (30-min Teams meeting):

Applications are due Sept. 27 by 11:59 p.m. Questions? Please visit the SCP website, or contact Rachel Om at om@scag.ca.gov for more information.

2024 Southern California Demographic
Workshop Registration Open

Registration is now open for the 2024 Southern California Demographic Workshop, presented by SCAG and the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California at SCAG’s main office in Downtown Los Angeles, with an online option for attendance, on Sept. 24.

Register today for this 35th annual event and join local leaders, elected officials, and regional experts to network and learn about key demographic signals specific to the Southern California region and its local communities.

SBCTA’s Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU)

In the very late hours of June 20, 2024, the revolutionary next generation of clean passenger rail vehicles arrived in San Bernardino County.  Slated to begin service this fall between the cities of San Bernardino and Redlands, the arrival of North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train that will meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, has begun its final testing phase. The train’s arrival at the San Bernardino Depot Train Station marks a significant milestone on its incredible journey from concept to reality.
The passenger train, a Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU), uses a hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to propel the train and power onboard electrical systems. Water vapor is the only emission generated from the propulsion system, making this a clean transit alternative.

The train’s arrival to Southern California represents more than 10 years of planning, including four years of train development, by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), which saw the need for efficient, sustainable passenger rail as part of the regional transportation ecosystem. The agency serves one of the fastest-growing economic and population centers in the country, as well as one of the more challenged air quality basins in North America.

ZEMU’s journey began in eastern Switzerland, where it was built by Stadler at the company’s headquarters. From there, it was transported by truck and then barge to Belgium where it set off on its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.  ZEMU arrived in the U.S. at the Galveston, Texas port in fall of 2023 where it continued its journey on American soil to the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado. for safety testing.

Taking a short break from testing, Stadler and SBCTA debuted ZEMU at the October 2023 American Public Transportation Association’s annual EXPO in Orlando, Florida. to showcase the innovative hydrogen-powered rail technology.

At the conclusion of testing, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotive coupled with ZEMU on June 18, to pull the new train more than 1,000 miles over two days from Pueblo to San Bernardino.

“ZEMU’s arrival in San Bernardino is a significant milestone recognizing years of strategic planning for a greener rail system and a commitment to innovative transportation solutions in San Bernardino County,” SBCTA Board President Ray Marquez said. “I look forward to county residents and visitors riding ZEMU on the Arrow line later this year.”

The new ZEMU is easy to spot with its signature blue and white water-vapor design wrapped around the train’s two passenger cars and center power pack where the hydrogen and battery propulsion system is located.

In the coming months, ZEMU will complete testing, including trips on the Arrow line and Metrolink system checks. The future of clean passenger rail service has arrived and it all begins in San Bernardino County.

Learn more about ZEMU and the Arrow line here.

Left to right: Ryan Chamberlain, CEO of TCA, Janine Heft, Chair of San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency and Laguna Hills City Council Member, and Vincent Valdez, Chief Toll Operations Officer, TCA.

Transportation Corridor Agencies Recognized by California Transportation Foundation with Two Industry Awards

The best and brightest in transportation gathered for the annual California Transportation Foundation (CTF) Awards Gala in Sacramento and the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) walked away with two prestigious industry awards.

In the category of Operational Efficiency, TCA’s Customer Service Back Office Solution received the award for the program that improves transportation operations through management solutions. TCA’s upgrade of its customer service back-office system was done to better serve the Agencies’ 2.5 million accountholders and provide opportunities for TCA to partner with other agencies for shared toll processing and customer service support, resulting in cost savings and operational efficiencies.

The newly upgraded system provides a modern, scalable platform to serve The Toll Roads’ customers and other tolling agencies for back-office support. This system upgrade was years in the making, involving detailed planning, software development and large-scale testing.

In the category of Sustainable Transportation/Environmental Enhancement, TCA’s Cattle Grazing Program received the award for the program that implements policies or improvements which enhance social, economic, and /or environmental sustainability or improvements. In March, after the completion of a three-year pilot program, TCA adopted cattle grazing as part of its permanent land management tool for its Adaptative Weed Management Program, the first of its kind in Orange County. Cattle grazing is a fiscally prudent, natural alternative to using harsh chemicals for habitat management that increases biodiversity and reduces flashy fuels from nonnative annual plants that are associated with fire risk.

This program has generated a unique relationship between a tolling agency and a small family ranch, 5 Bar Beef, that practices holistic planned grazing, a form of regenerative agriculture which promotes the restoration of the soil and grasslands. Following successful grazing events, nonnative plant litter and residual dry matter (RDM) was reduced, and the cover of native vegetation doubled.

“We are pleased to be recognized by CTF as an innovator in back-office tolling solutions, as well as a leader in environmental conservation with these prestigious awards,” said Janine Heft, Chair of San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency and Laguna Hills City Council Member. “The upgrades to TCA’s back-office system improves the overall processing capabilities while also allowing TCA to support other tolling agencies for toll processing with our expertise and structure in place. In addition, I’m so proud of the cattle grazing program which is a prime example of TCA’s commitment to preserving and restoring native habitat in Orange County.”

About California Transportation Foundation

The California Transportation Foundation promotes and recognizes excellence in California transportation by helping to fund scholarships, grant awards, educational programs and support for workers and families in time of need. The organization also recognizes excellence in the field with its annual awards programs, while providing opportunities for the next generation of practitioners. Learn more about the organization by visiting California Transportation Foundation (the-ctf.org)

Measure A Specialized Transit Program supports special non-profit community agencies that provide unique transportation services.

Commission Approves $9.9 Million in Measure A Funding for Specialized Transit Services

At its June 12 meeting, the Commission awarded $9.9 million in Measure A funding for 20 projects to 15 non-profit and public agencies that provide specialized transit services across Riverside County for Fiscal Years 2024 through 2027.

For Riverside County’s most vulnerable residents – seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals – accessing transportation options to medical appointments, social services, and everyday activities can be challenging. RCTC’s Specialized Transit Program makes a significant difference in filling in the gaps not met by other forms of transportation. Specialized Transit Programs support operating and capital projects such as senior transportation shuttles, non-emergency medical transportation services, bus pass/voucher programs, mileage reimbursement programs, travel training, vehicle and maintenance equipment, and communications and dispatch equipment.

At its meeting, Commissioners heard first-hand how valuable this funding is for organizations providing the services and those who use it. “We are thrilled and very grateful to have been recommended for RCTC funding through the Measure A program,” said Jessica Muñoz, President and CEO of Voices for Children – one of the 15 grant recipients. The non-profit recruits, trains, and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who speak up for the needs and well-being of children in foster care.

Muñoz added, “the funding is important to us for many reasons. One of the ways that our volunteer advocates support youth in care is by providing transportation for them when they need to attend court hearings, meetings in the community, school events, and sometimes even enrichment activities that they have no other way to participate in.”

RCTC has heard from additional organizations about the value of funding for these services.

“RCTC’s Measure A Specialized Transportation funding has for over 30 years supported Care-A-Van’s mission to provide ‘transportation with a heart’ to seniors, disabled individuals, and the truly needy,” said Mary Jo Ramirez, Executive Director of Care-A-Van which provides door-to-door transportation services for seniors and riders with disabilities.

Ramirez added, “Care-A-Van provides more than just a ride – our drivers keep a watchful eye on our elderly and disabled customers well-being, directing them towards resources, and helping them preserve their quality of life. We thank RCTC for all their support for Specialized Transportation in helping our most vulnerable individuals by improving their quality of life.”

“For the past nine years, the Idyllwild Area Shuttle Service has been the only public transportation service available in our small hamlet communities of Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Fern Valley, and Mountain Center. The award of this grant will allow the continuation of this free service for another three years as well as allow for the purchase of a new, safer, more reliable, and more comfortable van for necessary medical and shopping trips down the mountain,” said Reba Coulter, Secretary and Treasurer of Forest Folk.

The 15 Measure A Specialized Transit Program grant recipients include:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley
  • Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County
  • Care-A-Van Transit Inc
  • City of Norco Parks – Recreation and Community Services Department
  • Forest Folk, Inc.
  • Friends of Moreno Valley Senior Center, Inc,
  • Operation Safehouse
  • Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH)
  • Riverside University Health System – Medical Center (RUHS-MC)
  • EXCEED
  • Angel View
  • Independent Living Partnership
  • Voices for Children
  • Blindness Support Service
  • Michelle’s Place

With these latest grants, RCTC continues to uphold its commitment of providing funding to non-profit providers of transit services for vulnerable Riverside County residents.