2016 Mobility 21 Summit Registration Now Open!

Register Early for the Summit and Save $100

Early Bird registration is now open for the Mobility 21 Summit on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim! Join more than 1,000 transportation stakeholders, industry leaders and elected officials at California’s largest one-day transportation event. Hurry, Early Bird registration ends Aug. 26!

Conference Highlights Include:

  • Access to top industry decision-makers and elected leaders
  • Eight thought-provoking breakout sessions
  • More than 1,000 attendees and over 100 exhibitors
  • A hospitality suite with complimentary seated massages, charging station and snacks to energize you throughout the day
  • Complimentary Metrolink roundtrip service or self-parking
  • Twilight ticket to Disneyland redeemable after 4 p.m.
  • Special discounted rate for students and military personnel (does not include twilight Disneyland ticket)

Registration Rates
Early Bird Registration: $285
Registration after July 10: $385
Student/Military Personnel Registration: $150 (does not include twilight Disneyland ticket)

Click here to register online!

Sponsor the Summit Today
Sponsor the largest one-day transportation event in California. The Summit is the only place where you can mix and mingle with every transportation CEO in Southern California, policy makers and nationally-known transportation experts. Click here to view the sponsorship packages.

Reduced Hotel Rate Reservations
Discount hotel rates are available to conference attendees! Click here to reserve your room now. Space is limited and the discount is only available until it’s sold out or Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Purchase Additional Disneyland Tickets
Planning on bringing family and friends to enjoy the evening at Disneyland with you after the Summit? Purchase specially-priced Disneyland tickets online! (Student/military personnel registration does not include twilight Disneyland ticket).


Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Lisa Maurath
Los Angeles Area Manager, WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff

Lisa Maurath was recently appointed area manager of the Los Angeles transportation and infrastructure office of WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff, where she is responsible for the firm’s transportation activities in the region.

“WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff has been part of the transportation scene in Los Angeles for 40 years, and I consider it an honor to carry on from the leadership that preceded me,” Maurath said.

Her responsibilities include oversight of projects that include the Metro Regional Connector Subway, the Purple Line Extension, management of the Metro ExpressLanes program, Metro Airport light rail transit station, and the Los Angeles World Airports LAX landside access modernization program.

“All of these projects will greatly improve the mobility of the region, and many of them involve implementation of new or highly sophisticated technology,” Maurath said. “My office even provides me with a great view of the Regional Connector subway construction, as soldier piles are being installed along Flower Street just outside our office!”

A WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff vice president, Maurath rejoined the firm in 2009 in Los Angeles to serve as operations manager after a previous eight-year tenure in the Minneapolis and Chicago offices.

Maurath has 33 years of experience in project and program management, business development and operations, project controls, construction management, engineering and procurement in the infrastructure business.

Vertical Transportation

Born and raised in the Boston area, Maurath graduated from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and holds a certificate in business management from the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management.

“My first job upon graduation was actually in the ‘vertical transportation industry,” she recalled. “I was hired as an engineer by an elevator company in New Jersey, and I worked closely with architects, engineers, and building owners all over the U.S. to prepare layout drawings for elevators and escalators in new buildings.”

She added that one of her elevator design projects from those days was the same building that is now the location of her Los Angeles office.

Maurath said her very first exposure to the transportation industry was a summer job as a draftsperson at WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Boston office while she was still a student. “From there, my path crossed with the firm’s on numerous occasions, through joint venture partnerships, teaming and mentorships.”

In addition to serving on the advisory board of Mobility 21, she is also on the Dean’s Advisory Board for Cal State Los Angeles College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology.

Maurath is a member of the board of directors for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, and is serving as the 2016-2017 president for the Los Angeles chapter of the American Consulting Engineers Council. She served six years as a board director on the national Women’s Transportation Seminar Foundation.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to STEM [science, technology, engineering, math] initiatives,” she said. “I enjoy encouraging and supporting students to pursue an education in both the engineering and transportation fields.”

Olympic-sized Goals

Public transportation is at a crossroads in Los Angeles, and Maurath said one of her priorities will be to find innovative, cost-effective solutions to the city’s needs.

“As is the case in most U.S. cities, the need for infrastructure improvements far outweighs the available funding,” she said. “Los Angeles County is considering another ballot measure in November to add to the revenue stream, and is looking to accelerate transportation improvements with the hope of winning a bid for the 2024 Olympics. “If successful, this will create a tremendous need for resources in the region.”

WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff is committed to serving as a valued partner to the small business community in the region, helping to expand and train the available workforce by partnering with small businesses to provide the resources that they need.

“Emerging industry trends such as driverless vehicles, managed lanes, resiliency and sustainability, cyber security and active transportation are all very much in play in Los Angeles,” Maurath said. “Our ability to demonstrate leadership in these areas will be critical to our continued success here.”


Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Mark Baza
Executive Director, Imperial County Transportation Commission

In June 2010, Mark Baza was appointed as the Executive Director of the Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC). ICTC is the regional transportation planning and transit agency for Imperial County. ICTC recently celebrated its fifth anniversary as it was established as a County Transportation Commission in 2009 under Senate Bill 607 (Ducheny) and became a new agency effective January 1, 2010.

Under the direction of the Commission, Baza has led the development of the new agency’s organizational structure, staffing and work programs.

ICTC is responsible for managing the following programs for the Imperial Valley region:

  • Regional Transportation Plans for highways and transit
  • Program administration of state and federal transportation funds
  • Administration of Imperial County’s Measure D, half-cent sales tax program; and,
  • Administration and oversight of the region’s transit operations, known as Imperial Valley Transit or IVT. The IVT system includes the region’s fixed-route system, paratransit services and dial-a-ride services throughout the county.

Prior to his appointment as Executive Director for ICTC, Mark had worked for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for 21 years. At Caltrans, Mark had lead responsibilities for regional planning, goods movement and cross-border/binational planning in San Diego and Imperial counties. Later in his career at Caltrans, Mark served as Project Manager for a portfolio of long-range regional plans, binational plans and capital projects to improve goods movement in Southern California and ground access to all of California’s land ports of entry with Mexico and the Port of San Diego’s seaport terminals.  Mark served as Project Manager for the San Diego Region’s State Route 11 and Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project, a new state highway, California Highway Patrol truck inspection facility and federal land port of entry – a project led by the San Diego Association of Governments in partnership with Caltrans, and the U.S. and Mexico land port of entry agencies.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Planning Studies from the University of California, San Diego and completed a Certificate Program in Transportation Planning at the University of California, Riverside.


Aerial view of the Link Union Station Project. Click here to view larger.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
HDR

HDR is pleased to again sponsor and partner with Mobility 21 on this year’s Summit “Empowering California” on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Disneyland Hotel.

Currently, HDR is working with L.A. Metro, project partners and community stakeholders to deliver the Link Union Station (Link US) project. Link US will transform Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) from a stub-end to a run-through station, extending multiple tracks over the US 101 freeway, providing one-seat rides to regional destinations and increasing peak station capacity by 40 to 50 percent. These run-through tracks will connect to a new loop track that will provide additional operational flexibility. To construct these track elements, the entire LAUS rail yard must be elevated, allowing for the design and construction of a new passenger concourse under the platforms as envisioned in the LAUS Master Plan.

HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible since 1917. We specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. With nearly 10,000 employees in more than 225 locations around the world, we think global and act local.


L.A. Metro Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Expo Line to Santa Monica

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) officially dedicated the Metro Expo Line Extension to Santa Monica at a special ceremony Friday, May 20 at the new Downtown Santa Monica Station.

To kick off the grand opening, an Expo Line train carrying local, state and federal elected officials and executives from the Metro Exposition Construction Authority broke through a giant banner at Colorado Avenue and 5th Street near the Downtown Santa Monica Station as a large crowd cheered on the train’s arrival.

“After the Pacific Electric Streetcars were decommissioned 63 years ago, many never believed that public transit would ever return to the Westside,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Mark Ridley-Thomas. “But today, Metro has made the impossible, possible. Angelenos can now get from Santa Monica all the way to Downtown Los Angeles in just 47 minutes!”

The $1.5-billion extension is the second rail project funded by Measure R to open this year — the Gold Line extension to Azusa debuted in March. Almost 68 percent of Los Angeles County voters in 2008 approved the Measure R half-cent sales tax increase to fund new transportation projects and programs.

“For the first time in a generation, Angelenos and visitors from around the world can travel from our skyline to the shoreline without setting foot in their cars, bringing needed relief to some of our most congested corridors,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Second Vice Chair Eric Garcetti. “This extension of the Expo Line — along with the recently-opened Gold Line extension and the Crenshaw-LAX Line that is now halfway complete — is an example of our commitment to building out a world-class transit system that can ease congestion and improve quality of life by delivering convenient, affordable, and efficient transportation to more people than ever before.”

The 6.6-mile Expo extension runs from Culver City to Santa Monica and includes seven stations: Palms, Westwood/Rancho Park, Expo/Sepulveda, Expo/Bundy, 27th St/Bergamot, 17th St/Santa Monica College and Downtown Santa Monica.

The Expo Line now stretches for 15.2 miles between downtown Los Angeles and downtown Santa Monica with 19 stations. In downtown L.A., the Expo Line offers easy transfers to the Blue Line, Purple Line and Red Line at the 7th/Metro Center Station. The Metro Rail system, which began with the Blue Line in 1990, now includes 105 miles spanning six lines.

Ridership on the new portion of the Expo Line is projected to total 18,000 to 20,000 weekday boardings after the first year of service. The travel time from downtown L.A. to the Downtown Santa Monica Station is 48 minutes. Expo service begins each day at about 4:45 a.m. and continues until about 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. Trains will run every 12 minutes until about 8 p.m., after which service will be every 20 minutes.

The Expo Line extension includes a paved bike path that runs adjacent to the tracks for most of the route between Culver City and the 17th Street/SMC Station. The bikeway includes lighting and landscaping. Each station has secure bike racks and lockers.

“The opening of the Expo Line extension today is a great reminder that we have come a long way in a short time,” said Metro CEO Phil Washington. “But we still have more to do with easing everyday congestion. We will continue to strive to deliver our investments on time and on budget for the transportation network that Los Angeles County deserves.”


Metrolink’s 91/Perris Valley Line: Now Rolling! 
Service to Begin June 6

Metrolink and the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) have announced that service on the 91/Perris Valley Line will begin Monday, June 6. The 91/PVL is the first extension of Metrolink service since the Antelope Valley Line was built in 1994.

“We are very excited the residents of the Perris Valley soon will be able to board Metrolink stations in their community and reach areas throughout Southern California,” said Metrolink Board Vice-Chair Daryl Busch, who is also the mayor of the Perris and a member of the Riverside County Transportation Commission. “Metrolink and RCTC staff have worked incredibly hard to make this concept a reality.”

The extension of the 91 Line will serve four additional Riverside County stations: Riverside-Hunter Park/UCR, Moreno Valley/March Field, Perris-Downtown and Perris-South.

Weekday trains 701, 703 and 705 will originate at the Perris-South Station, with service beginning at 4:37 a.m. Trains 702, 704 and 706 all return to the Perris-South Station, with the last train reaching its final destination at 7:50 p.m.

There also will be three round trips each weekday between Perris and the Riverside-Downtown Station. There will be no weekend service to or from the four new stations.

Construction of the 24-mile Metrolink extension began in the fall of 2013 and cost approximately $248.3 million from federal, state and local sources. About 25 percent of the funding is from Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County.

The 91/PVL extension enhanced 15 at-grade crossings in Riverside County.  A variety of safety measures were added to these at-grade crossings, including flashing warning devices, gates, raised center medians, striping and pavement markings. The project also added pedestrian crosswalks at two railroad crossings and permanently closed two others.
To increase awareness of the dangers of crossing railroad tracks, a continuing Operation Lifesaver, Inc.  public outreach program was launched in 2014 for local Riverside County schools, neighborhoods and community groups. The program reminds the community to “See Tracks? Think Train!” as part of this public safety program. Also, an outreach campaign for students at the University of California, Riverside, is ongoing.
For more information about Metrolink and the new service, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com/pvl.


Val Henry (DRPA), Ryan McEachron (SANBAG), David Kim (FHWA), Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley), Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), Assemblymember Marc Steinorth (R-Rancho Cucamonga), Fran Inman (CTC), Mayor Carey Davis (San Bernardino), Captain Bill Dance (CHP).

SANBAG and Caltrans Making it
Easier for “Movin’ Through the Pass”

On May 20, the San Bernardino Associated Governments, the California Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration cut the ribbon to mark the completion of two major improvements through the Cajon Pass. The Devore Interchange Project and the Cajon Pass Rehabilitation Project on Interstate 15 offer the public an improved commute between the High Desert and San Bernardino Valley.

Joined by federal, state and county elected officials, the partner agencies recognized the efforts of both project teams. Both projects implemented the innovative strategy of design-build to deliver the enhancements more than a year ahead of the more traditional design-bid-build method. Coupling that with the creativity of the contractors and cooperation of the Devore community, this project represents a model example of meeting the challenge of improving an aging infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the nearly two hundred thousand travelers who use this freeway daily.

Nearly 90,000 daily commuters originate from the High Desert en route to jobs in the valley. Nearly just as many recreational travelers to Las Vegas, Laughlin, and other destinations use this route to break free from their daily grind. In addition, an increasing number of trucks moving goods to and from the ports of the Long Beach and Los Angeles rely on this corridor to keep the region and nation economically competitive.  Efficient movement plays a major part in all of that.

With the addition of new capacity, truck by-pass lanes, rehabilitated concrete, and better access to and from the system from local streets, these two projects will continue to play a major part in the county’s ability to flex and grow over the next two decades.  According to the Department of Finance, San Bernardino County is expected to grow by nearly 60 percent over the next 40 years.


Join L.A. Area Chamber in Sacramento

ACCESS Sacramento is a unique opportunity to share your business perspective with the state’s top decision makers. Join 150 Los Angeles area business leaders and public officials on the L.A. Area Chamber’s annual advocacy trip to our state capital. You’ll meet with key legislators and high-ranking officials to advocate on issues important to you and L.A.’s business community.

June 8-9
More info | Register


Test Drive The Toll Roads’ New Website

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) unveiled a new website for The Toll Roads of Orange County (State Routes 73, 133, 241 and 261) to better serve their 800,000 accountholders and 260,000 daily drivers. The redesign provides the website’s 5.5 million annual visitors with faster, easier access to pay tolls, open accounts, manage accounts and resolve violations. It also provides information such as TCA’s Board meeting agendas; finance and investor information; and news regarding capital projects and environmental programs.

New features at thetollroads.com include:

  • Streamlined processes for online One-Time-Toll payments and FasTrak® and ExpressAccount® sign ups
  • Enhanced capabilities for accountholders to easily update their account information and view account activity
  • A refreshed look and feel allowing customers to discover the latest news, offers and projects
  • Responsive design making it easier to navigate the website on a desktop, mobile device and tablet

Additional improvements to customer’s travel planning and online experience will be introduced in the coming months.


Transportation Events in the Community

Wednesday, June 1
OCBC: Meet the New Leaders of the OC Register
More info | Register

Thursday, June 2
WTS-IE: Professional Development Workshop – Essential Skills
More info | Register

Tuesday, June 7
OCBC: Primary Election Day Luncheon
More info | Register

June 8-9
LA Chamber: ACCESS Sacramento
More info | Register

Wednesday, June 15
CMAA SoCal: Summer Networking Mixer
More info | Register

Thursday, June 16
SANBAG: General Assembly
More info | Register

Thursday, June 16
WTS-SD: Members Only Event – Women in Construction
More info | Register

Thursday, June 23
FuturePorts: Strong Ports=Strong California Conference
More info | Register

Thursday, June 23
ACEC-OC: Annual Awards Banquet
More info | Register

Wednesday, July 20
CMAA: Breakfast Featuring Los Angeles Streetcar
More info | Register

Thursday, July 28
California Construction Expo 2016
More info | Register

Monday, Sept. 12
CMAA SoCal: Golf Classic
Sponsor

Friday, Sept. 16
ACEC-OC: 2016 Scholarship Golf Tournament
Sponsor

Sept. 19-21
ITS California: Annual Conference and Expo
More info | Register

Thursday, Aug. 4
CMAA SoCal: What Owners Want from CMs
More info | Register

Thursday, Aug. 18
CMAA: LA Metro Capital Program Update
More info | Register

Thursday, Aug. 25
CMAA SoCal: Tech Expo 2016
More info | Register

Tuesday, Oct. 4
AAa/e: Annual Awards Banquet
More info

Oct. 9-12
Rail~Volution
More info | Register

Friday, Oct. 21
2016 Mobility 21 Summit, Disneyland Hotel
More info | Register

Nov. 16-18
California Transit Association: Annual Fall Conference & Expo
More info | Register

Dec. 4-6
Self-Help Counties Coalition: Focus on the Future, Hollywood
More info