Mobility 21 Summit Agenda Announced!
The 2026 Mobility 21 Summit agenda is now available to view online! Click here to plan your day on Friday, Oct. 2 at the Disneyland Hotel.
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Registration Opens and Breakfast Buffet
8:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening General Session
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Morning Networking Break and NEW! Meet the Chairs
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
15 Minute Break
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Morning Breakout Sessions
AM 1: Mobility Decision-Making: What Drives Us
AM 2: Mobility 22: Moving People and Goods
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
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
PM 1: Southern California Hosts the World: The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
PM 2: Innovation Trends in Transportation and What That Means for All of Us
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Afternoon Networking Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing General Session
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Disney Vouchers Available
Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight: David Aguirre
Executive Director
Imperial County Transportation Commission
David Aguirre is the Executive Director of the Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC), appointed in December 2021. Mr. Aguirre has obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting. ICTC is the Regional Transportation Planning and Transit Agency for Imperial County, in addition to the administering agency for the Imperial County Local Transportation Authority. ICTC, through AB 939, is authorized to administer non-transportation programs. Current non-transportation regional programs administered by ICTC are the Imperial Valley Resource Management Agency (IVRMA) and the Service Authority of Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). Mr. Aguirre leads a staff of 15 with an annual budget of over 50 million.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Aguirre was the Transit Program Manager for ICTC for over 5 years. As Transit Program Manager, Mr. Aguirre was responsible for various critical ICTC programs such as managing the administration and operation of ICTC various public transit systems, budgetary administration of ICTC and oversight of ICTC’s newly administered programs SAFE and IVRMA. Mr. Aguirre was also responsible for project management activities for various studies, design, and construction efforts on behalf of the Agency. Mr. Aguirre, with interagency support, recently completed the efforts to expand the bridge over the All-American canal at the Calexico East Port of Entry as well as managing the construction efforts for the Calexico Intermodal Transportation Center and the Calexico East Port of Entry Intermodal Transportation Center. ICTC also recently implemented its first Microtransit service in the city of Calexico, which has been well received by the community of Calexico. Mr. Aguirre, coupled with ICTC staff, oversees highway and transit projects, public transit services, and critical regional studies.
Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight: Ali Mir
West Regional Planning Lead
WSP
Ali Mir is a Senior Vice President that leads the West Regional Planning Practice for WSP USA. His team of over 130 transit/transportation, land use and environmental planners serve federal, state, regional and local multi-modal transportation, planning, and public agencies in California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Hawai’i and the Pacific Territories.
Ali has more than 20 years of professional experience managing and directing transit, transportation, land use, and real estate development projects. He has led projects through feasibility studies, alternatives analyses, locally preferred alternative selection, advanced conceptual engineering, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearances, and oversight during final design/construction.
He has overseen projects for a variety of transit and transportation clients throughout California and the Pacific Northwest, including multiple projects with and for the Southern California Association of Governments, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Orange County Transportation Authority, Los Angeles World Airports, Riverside County Transportation Commission, Southern California Regional Rail Authority, City of Los Angeles, Caltrans and the California High-Speed Rail Authority. In addition, Ali has extensive inter- and intra-agency coordination, community outreach, and consensus-building experience for a broad range of projects, including work with and on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Railroad Administration. Ali is currently serving as Principal-In-Charge on the LA Metro Southeast Gateway Line Program Management Support Services Contract.
In addition to being a member of the Advisory Board of Mobility 21, Ali currently serves as a Board Member of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and on the National Steering Committee of MPACT. Ali grew up in Riverside County prior to moving to Los Angeles to study at the University of Southern California. Ali currently resides in the City of Los Angeles with his two children. He enjoys surfing and supporting the Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, Sparks, Los Angeles Football Club, and Angel City Football Club.
Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight: BECHTEL
At Bechtel, we understand that Building a Legacy begins by building stronger communities across the West, from San Diego to Los Angeles, to Riverside to San José, and as far north as Seattle.
Transportation Engineer Shishi Chen is a big part of that. She’s with the Bechtel team assisting the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) in delivering highway and toll projects.
Shishi also heads up our stewardship committee, which is responsible for creating dozens of outreach activities, spanning elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, universities, and community organizations all over the West Coast.
In a very short time, Shishi’s programs have reached the Moreno Valley Unified School District, Rialto High School, Palm Middle School, Cal State LA, San José State University, Los Angeles City Hall, and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Center.
Thanks to her efforts, Bechtel has been able to help identify and inspire the next generation of engineers not just with the infrastructure we deliver—but also with the partnerships we cultivate. We acknowledge Shishi and her committee for the extremely meaningful work that they do.
Concrete placement operations support long-term preservation of the I-5 corridor.
Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight: Kiewit
Building a Legacy on Interstate 5: Caltrans x Kiewit
Interstate 5 is one of Southern California’s most critical transportation corridors, connecting communities, employment centers, freight routes and international trade gateways throughout the region. Preserving the reliability of this vital corridor is essential to keeping people and goods moving safely and efficiently.
To support that mission, Caltrans and Kiewit partnered to deliver the Interstate 5 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) Asset Management Project, a comprehensive effort to preserve and modernize critical infrastructure from San Ysidro to Del Mar. Through a collaborative Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) delivery approach, the team is working together to enhance corridor performance while minimizing impacts to the traveling public.
The project includes pavement rehabilitation, drainage improvements, transportation management system upgrades, safety enhancements and ADA improvements designed to extend the life of critical transportation assets and improve long-term corridor reliability.
By bringing the contractor into the design process early, CMGC fosters collaboration, innovation, and proactive problem-solving, helping the project team identify opportunities to improve constructability, reduce risk and support efficient project delivery. One notable example involved the construction of approach/departure slabs at five bridges. The work was originally anticipated to require eight full freeway closures, each lasting up to 56 hours. Through early contractor involvement and collaborative planning, the team reduced the work to four full freeway closures and two partial freeway closures, with each closure reopening to traffic well ahead of the 56-hour limit. This approach significantly reduced impacts to motorists while maintaining project objectives and schedule commitments.
As Mobility 21 looks toward its 2026 theme of Building a Legacy, the I-5 SHOPP Project demonstrates how strategic investment and strong partnerships can preserve essential infrastructure today while strengthening mobility for future generations.
Charting the Future: The Port of Hueneme Hosts 13th Annual World Trade Month Summit on International Trade
The Port of Hueneme recently convened global trade leaders, agricultural exporters, and partners for its 13th Annual World Trade Month event, celebrating the Port’s agricultural roots while highlighting its role as a critical gateway for U.S. exports.
This year’s theme underscored the Port’s legacy as “the Port that the farmers built,” honoring generations of Ventura County growers who have relied on the Port to bring their products to international markets. Today, that legacy continues through the Port’s leadership in moving fresh produce, nursery stock, specialty crops, and automobiles to high-value destinations worldwide with unmatched speed and efficiency.
“This event celebrates the partnerships that power global trade. It’s a reminder that what happens at our Port reaches far beyond our shoreline, supporting jobs, economies, and connections around the world,” said Vice President Mary Anne Rooney.
The event featured a keynote address from Christine Birdsong, Undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, who spoke about the importance of expanding global opportunities for California agriculture. “We are always looking for ways to improve our product, our quality, and our value. That’s where a facility like the Port of Hueneme can really fill a need. I’m very excited to hear that you are growing to take on more capacity to move some of our products out of the state of California,” she said.
The program also brought together leading voices in agriculture for a panel discussion on strengthening America’s export engine, moderated by Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Korinne Bell. Panelists included Ian LeMay of the California Table Grape Association, Glenn Millar of the California Milk Advisory Board, and Harold Edwards of Limoneira, who shared insights on the policies, infrastructure, and partnerships needed to keep U.S. agriculture competitive on the international stage.
“The Port of Hueneme is responsible and very helpful in helping us identify new markets and how to get there,” said Harold Edwards, President and CEO of Limoneira. “It’s creating new opportunities for our business to grow as developing countries become regular consumers of the products we are producing.”
Further emphasizing the Port’s diverse capabilities, a fireside chat moderated by Stacy Lange, Chief Commercial and Public Affairs Officer, featured Christian Beninati and Jeff DiPrimio of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, who discussed the evolving landscape of automotive and industrial exports and the Port’s role in supporting efficient, resilient supply chains.
“World Trade Month is about connection and bringing people, businesses, and opportunities together across borders,” said Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director. “At the Port of Hueneme, we’re focused on advancing strategic trade growth, expanding our export portfolio, and supporting high-quality jobs here at home through continued investment, strong partnerships, and a commitment to efficiency and sustainability.”
Attendees also heard from regional export resource leaders, including Bruce Stenslie of the Economic Development Collaborative – Ventura County, Ray Bowman of the Small Business Development Center, and Maryanne Burke of the U.S. Commercial Service, who shared tools and strategies to help local businesses expand into foreign markets.
The event highlighted the importance of international partnerships, with participation from the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard, the Consulate General of Peru in Los Angeles, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council—key partners in fostering cross-border trade.
As part of the celebration, the Port recognized outstanding contributions to global trade through its annual Export Achievement Awards. Toyota Motor North America was honored with the Auto Export Achievement Award for its leadership in advancing automotive exports through the Port, while Allied Potato received the Container Export Achievement Award, marking its continued excellence and long-standing partnership in moving agricultural products to markets around the world.
With California and federal leaders focused on expanding export opportunities for U.S. farmers, the Port of Hueneme continues to demonstrate how strategic investment, innovation, and collaboration can strengthen America’s position worldwide. This year’s World Trade Month event not only celebrated a proud agricultural legacy but also charted a path forward for expanding international market access and supporting the next generation of exporters.
OCTA’s Wave Fare Payment System Helping More Riders Easily Access OC Bus and Save
Since launching in October 2025, adoption of the Wave fare payment system has more than doubled to approximately 61% of riders as they discover the convenience and cost-savings.
The Orange County Transportation Authority’s Wave fare payment system continues to see strong adoption, with approximately 61% of OC Bus boardings now using Wave cards or contactless payment options as OCTA advances efforts to modernize fare collection and improve the transit experience for riders.
Since launching in October 2025, the Wave system has steadily replaced previous fare media with faster, more flexible payment options designed to streamline boarding, improve reliability, and help riders more easily access fare discounts and cost-saving benefits.
Wave and contactless payments accounted for approximately 31% of OC Bus boardings when the system launched in October 2025. By March 2026, adoption had nearly doubled to 60% and continued growing to approximately 61% in April.
During the same period, farebox payments – including cash, magnetic stripe passes and transfers – declined from 54% of boardings to 39%, reflecting the continued transition to contactless and account-based payment methods.
“The continued growth of the Wave system shows that riders are embracing a more convenient and modern way to pay for transit,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “Wave helps speed up boarding, simplifies fare payment, and ensures riders can more easily take advantage of discounts and features that automatically provide the best value for passengers.”
As of the end of last month, OCTA had more than 255,000 active transit accounts, including approximately 159,000 physical Wave card accounts and 97,000 virtual Wave mobile accounts. The system allows riders to pay using a physical Wave card, the mobile app, or contactless debit and credit cards, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Wave’s account-based system provides several features focused on convenience for riders, including free two-hour transfers, balance protection, autoload capabilities, and online account management. Fare capping also ensures riders never pay more than the equivalent daily or monthly fare without needing to pre-purchase passes.
To support accessibility and convenience throughout Orange County, OCTA has expanded the Wave retail network to more than 400 locations countywide – up from 113 retail outlets that previously supported paper pass sales. As of April, retail partners processed more than 60,000 Wave card sales and reload transactions totaling approximately $1.17 million.
OCTA is also continuing efforts to expand in-person retail access for customers who rely on cash-based transactions, including targeted outreach to additional retailers in the Little Saigon area and other communities throughout Orange County. All nine Orange County community colleges and three universities now participate in the Wave program, along with 13 social service agencies and 10 employers that help connect riders with transit access and reduced-fare opportunities.
The successful transition follows OCTA’s completion of the phase out of magnetic-stripe paper passes as of May 1. Riders may still pay with cash using exact change onboard OC Bus, an option still chosen by about 20% of riders.
OC Bus currently averages approximately 110,000 daily boardings, reflecting continued strong ridership demand throughout Orange County. For more information about the Wave fare payment system, visit www.octa.net/wave.
SCAG Funding Supports Metrolink’s New Contactless Payment System
Metrolink recently launched its Contactless Payments Pilot project with funding support from SCAG
Contactless payment is a secure, cash-free method to pay transit fares by tapping or holding a payment card, smartphone, or smartwatch on a payment terminal. This technological innovation is becoming more common around the region and the nation and is considered an important upgrade in advancing a more seamless, connected, and rider-focused transportation experience. Projects like Metrolink’s Contactless Payment Pilot explore new ways to simplify transit access and improve the overall customer experience.
SCAG is proud to support the transition to contactless payments by providing Metrolink’s Contactless Payments Pilot with $2.8 million in funding from the Regional Early Action Planning Grants of 2021 (REAP 2.0) and the Carbon Reduction Program to demonstrate contactless fare payment technology, also known as “open loop technology,” on the Arrow and San Bernardino lines.
Visit SCAG News to learn more about SCAG’s role in Metrolink’s contactless payment system.
I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project Launch Event in Temecula
Ready, Get Set, Go! RCTC Launches the Smart Freeway Pilot Project Along Northbound I-15 in Temecula
California’s first smart freeway system officially went live on June 1 in Temecula/Murrieta. Hey Smart Phone, what’s a lower cost solution California can use to address traffic flow without adding new lanes on the highway? The Smart Freeway Pilot Project is the first-of-its-kind in California that uses advanced technology to improve traffic flow, reduce stop-and-go conditions, and provide more reliable travel times for drivers.
This project is intended to address the increasing traffic congestion along an 8-mile stretch of northbound I-15 between the Riverside/San Diego County line in Temecula and the I-15/I-215 interchange in Murrieta. As the first-of-its-kind in California, the newly activated system uses advanced technology to improve traffic flow, reduce stop-and-go conditions, and provide more reliable travel times for drivers.
“Launching California’s first Smart Freeway is an exciting step forward for Riverside County,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “Building our way out of traffic congestion is not an option. In today’s environment of rapid growth, we must look at how we can combine technology with existing infrastructure to improve the driving experience. The Smart Freeway Pilot Project is an example of finding a lower cost solution that will help improve traffic flow without the addition of new lanes.”
Ramp meters at Temecula Parkway, Rancho California Road, and Winchester Road will operate in coordination to optimize the rate of vehicles entering the freeway during peak hours. Digital message signs will display recommended speeds in real-time to improve safety and traffic flow. During the pilot period, drivers may have a slightly longer wait before entering the freeway, but the goal is to improve overall freeway travel times.
The project was funded by federal, state, and local sources. Of the $33 million secured, $27 million came from federal funding; the State provided $1 million, and $5 million was secured through a congressional Community Project Funding request by Representative Ken Calvert. Local, state, and federal officials gathered in the City of Temecula on Friday, May 29 to celebrate the partnership and significant project milestone of the system’s activation.
In coordination with Caltrans, RCTC will analyze results over two years to evaluate system performance. A public dashboard will be available by the end of the year to share updates and performance metrics with the community. If the system is determined to be successful, implementation may be considered in other parts of Riverside County and beyond.