Click here to watch our save the date video!

2022 Mobility 21 Summit Will Sell Out!

Sponsorships are selling quickly for the 2022 Mobility 21 Summit on Friday, Aug. 19 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif. 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. 

Available sponsorships:
Titanium – $25,000 (SOLD OUT)
Platinum – $10,000 (3 LEFT)
Gold – $5,000 (2 LEFT)
Copper – $2,500
Bronze – $1,000 (open to registered SBEs, DBEs and non-profits only)

Registration Now Open!
Early bird registration is now open! 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 July 1!

Early Bird Registration: $325
Registration after Aug. 9: $450
Student/Military Personnel Registration: $175
Click here to register online!

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 July 16.


Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Theresa Dau-Ngo
Director, Transportation & Master Planning
Port of Long Beach

Theresa Dau-Ngo is Director of the Transportation & Master Planning Division in the Planning and Environmental Affairs Bureau at the Port of Long Beach, California. She began her Port career in March 2013 as Manager of Transportation Development and was appointed into her current role in 2021.

As Director of the Transportation & Master Planning Division, she provides leadership and direction to a team that is responsible for diverse planning functions including: maintaining the State-certified Port Master Plan, preparing short and long-range land use planning studies, managing the Port’s Strategic Planning efforts, assessing Port-related economic impacts, evaluating current and future transportation system performance within and outside of the Harbor District, developing funding and policy strategies in support of Port transportation infrastructure, and collaborating with transportation agencies on critical policy development.

Prior to joining the Port, her 18 years in the private sector included serving as a consultant at several infrastructure consulting firms in the Bay Area and Southern California.

Theresa attended the University of Southern California and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Planning and Development. She went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and a Master of City Planning Degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Her professional affiliations include the Ports and Channel Committee and the Intermodal Freight Transportation Committee of the Transportation Research Board, the Women’s Transportation Seminar (Los Angeles Chapter Board of Directors), Mobility 21 (Advisory Board), the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Transportation Division of the American Planning Association.

Theresa is a member of the Leadership Long Beach Class of 2019, and volunteers her time as a mentor to graduate planning students at USC and formerly at UC Berkeley. She also serves on the Port’s Diversity in Procurement Committee.

Theresa, her husband and three children make their home in Long Beach.

Victor Martinez
Vice President/District Transportation Business Leader
WSP

Vic Martinez leads WSP’s Highway-Bridge practice for the Southern Ca/Nevada District. In this role, he works with the senior project managers in the District to deliver major highway and transportation projects. He is currently working on several high-profile projects for Metro, including the West Santa Ana Branch Light Rail project where he is serving as Principal-in-Charge. Metro also recently approved the selection of WSP to provide PS&E for I105 ExpressLanes Segments 2 & 3 and Vic will be the project manager. In Orange County, Vic and his team are supporting TCA’s program and the San Diego Layover facility for LOSSAN. In the Inland Empire, Vic is working with RCTC on the Inland Empire Commuter Program, serving as the Principal-in-Charge. Finally, Vic is serving as the Principal-in-Charge on the SBCTA West Valley BRT project. Vic and his team at WSP appreciate the advocacy work that Mobility 21 does to solve local mobility issues. We are also excited to be a Platinum Sponsor for the in-person 2022 Mobility 21 Summit and proud to serve as the Titanium sponsor for next year’s Summit. Thank you for this opportunity and a big thanks to the Mobility 21 Board for all that you do for Southern California.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Edison International

SCE Program Helps Fleet Owners Apply for EV Grants

Many fleet owners would welcome the opportunity to electrify their fleets and reduce the emissions their vehicles put into the air every day, but the cost of doing so is often a significant barrier.

And although many millions of dollars in electric vehicle grants are available each year to help with the cost of going electric, the grant programs are often complex, and the application process is time-consuming and very competitive.

To help medium- and heavy-duty fleet owners through this, Southern California Edison, an Edison International company, has recently launched a Grant Assistance Program. Experts with the program help fleet owners identify the right funding opportunity for their fleet and prepare and submit competitive grant applications.

The Grant Assistance Program, which is part of SCE’s Transportation Electrification Advisory Services, is free to commercial customers with EV fleets of 50 vehicles or fewer within SCE’s service area.

Commercial customers can also apply for SCE’s Charge Ready Transport program, which provides funding to support EV charging for at least 8,490 medium- and heavy-duty EVs over the next few years.

SCE also offers Charge Ready for light-duty vehicles, which will assist with the cost of installing about 38,000 chargers for passenger EVs during the same period.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
First Class Connection

On the Move in Southern California

We understand how challenging it is to manage telecommunications when you’re busy with other business-critical operations. Building an IT strategy, sourcing the right tools, and managing their installation is a full-time commitment that requires money and patience few organizations can spare. First Class Connection guides your connectivity, mobility, and security improvements so you can pursue other business goals.

The average competitor offers 12 solutions for any given technology issue. First Class Connection goes above and beyond by offering clients 32 relevant and cost-effective tools customized to address their issues. No matter your pain point, we’ll find a way to improve your business technology.

Our team members are committed to continuous education and stellar service. We keep up with the latest developments in the telecommunications industry, so you don’t have to. When you trust us with your technology investments, we learn your vision for the future and offer solutions guaranteed to enhance your productivity, connectivity, and mobility. First Class Connection is dedicated to your success. Explore our resources and discover how we can transform your telecommunications experience.

A view of DTLA from the Sixth Street
Viaduct Replacement, Los Angeles, CA.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Jacobs

Here in Southern California, Jacobs takes on our client’s most complex transportation projects; while globally, we are solving infrastructure challenges in way 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.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight
WSP

At WSP USA we see a future that is urbanized, connected, equitable, sustainable and resilient. With a Future Ready® mindset and a goal to solve the challenges of equitable climate mitigation, asset and infrastructure adaptation and emergency management, WSP is proud to centralize a wide range of our services into a business line that addresses the need to make a positive impact on climate adaptation – Climate, Resiliency & Sustainability (CRS).

Our CRS business offers solutions in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG), sustainability, community/infrastructure resilience and emergency/disaster response. We work with clients throughout Southern California, putting ourselves in their shoes to understand the needs of today for a better tomorrow. By analyzing future trends through a lens of climate, society, technology and resources, we are poised to transform the environment around us. Together with our partners, clients and communities we strive to advance ESG performance, enhancing the resiliency of communities and infrastructure. Example projects that are making a positive impact on the environment include Caltrans’ Climate Action Report, OCTA’s Rail Defense Against Climate Change, WRCOG/SBCTA Resilient Inland Empire Phases I and II and the award-winning SANDAG Mid-Coast Extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley.

Summit Gold Sponsor Spotlight
Keolis

Keolis is continually developing new ways to improve the mobility services we offer to our customers in Southern California and beyond. The pandemic reinforced the need for safe, reliable, and equitable transit, but also afforded our industry a generational opportunity to reimagine how we provide that service. New commuting patterns and mobility preferences are still developing, and energy transition technologies will benefit from historic federal, state, and local investments. Our goal is to make it realistic and attractive for people to transition from personal vehicles and leverage the benefits of shared mobility, and to do it in a climate-friendly way.

Keolis is already leading energy transition and network modernizations in Southern California and worldwide. We are proud to be working with Foothill Transit, the first agency in the U.S. to bring fast-charge electric buses into service and which is currently adding hydrogen fuel cell buses into their fleet, as well as Victor Valley Transit Authority where we have helped launched a new, largely natural gas-powered bus network. In Europe, Keolis is responsible for launching both the largest e-bus fleet as well as the first 100% electric BRT service. Successfully executing these large conversion projects requires experience, and fleet replacement is only one component. Keolis has accrued best-in-class experience in zero emission conversions from around the world—from procurement to charging infrastructure to specialized workforce training—all designed to optimize value for our partners, our passengers, our people, and our planet. We are excited to serve Southern California and our partner agencies as we continue moving forward together to accelerate this new energy future!

OCTA Awards More Than $26 Million to Enhance Roads and Synchronize Traffic Signals

Cities throughout Orange County will receive more than $26 million in transportation sales tax funds to help ease traffic by making improvements to streets and timing of traffic lights.
The Orange County Transportation Authority board in May awarded funding for nine projects that will improve and widen busy streets and intersections, totaling $10.2 million.
Five additional projects will receive funding to synchronize traffic signals to ensure drivers hit the most green lights during peak traffic hours. That funding totals $16.2 million. The funds are available through Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, also known as OC Go.
“This is another great example of what OCTA does to improve the transportation network for all of Orange County, ensuring we keep our promises to the voters who approved Measure M,” said OCTA Chairman Mark A. Murphy, also the Mayor of Orange.

Since the sales tax measure was renewed by voters in 2006, more than $482 million in competitive funding has been awarded to make Orange County streets better. That amount includes external funding leveraged by OC Go funds. And that’s in addition to another $500 million-plus in formula funding.

The most recent call for projects was issued by OCTA in August 2021 through the Comprehensive Transportation Funding Program, making funding available on a competitive basis for projects that will improve congested streets and synchronize traffic signals.

Project applications were reviewed for eligibility, consistency and adherence to the program guidelines.

“By working with our partners in cities across Orange County to improve streets and synchronize traffic signals, OCTA continues to fulfill the mission of keeping Orange County moving safely and efficiently,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson.

Those receiving funds for projects include: Anaheim (two projects), Brea, Garden Grove, Irvine (two projects), Orange, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda.

Cities receiving funds for traffic signal synchronization include: Irvine, La Habra, Laguna Niguel (two projects), and Yorba Linda.

Regional capacity projects include:

  • Improving the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim
  • Widening Lincoln Avenue between East and Evergreen streets in Anaheim
  • Improving the southbound SR-57 onramp at SR-90 in Brea
  • Completing the engineering phase of improvements at the intersection of Harbor and Garden Grove boulevards in Garden Grove
  • Improving the intersection of Culver Drive and Alton Parkway in Irvine
  • Improving the intersection of Harvard Avenue and Michelson Drive in Irvine
  • Widening the intersection at Cannon Street and Serrano Avenue in Orange
  • Improving Fairview Street between Monte Carlo Drive and Trask Street in Santa Ana
  • Widening Savi Ranch Parkway in Yorba Linda.

 Signal synchronization projects include:

  • Bake Parkway and Rockfield Boulevard in Irvine and Lake Forest
  • Euclid Street Corridor in La Habra, Fullerton, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and Fountain Valley
  • Crown Valley Parkway in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, and the County of Orange
  • Moulton Parkway/Golden Lantern regional project in Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, and Dana Point
  • Yorba Linda Boulevard/Weir Canyon Road corridor in Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Placentia, and Anaheim.

Free Transit for Youth 18 and Under in San Diego County is Here!

SANDAG has teamed up with MTS, NCTD, and the County of San Diego to connect youth to school, jobs, entertainment, and more through the SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program!

The first-of-its-kind program began on May 1 and allows anyone aged 18 and under to get unlimited rides on public transit across the San Diego region through June 2023 with a youth PRONTO app account or card.

It’s easy to ride free! Youth with existing accounts don’t need to do anything – their rides will automatically be free every time they tap or scan using the mobile app. For anyone who is new to PRONTO, they can:

  • Download the PRONTO app on their smartphone and register for an account. Then visit com/youth-opportunity-pass to convert the account from Adult to Youth. Make sure your PRONTO account is set to youth! This is critical to ensure your rides are free.
  • Pick up a free Youth PRONTO card from the MTS Transit Store, NCTD Customer Service Centers, select community organizations, participating schools, or at special transit center events in May.

SANDAG is funding the Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program, with support from the County of San Diego, as part of the Transit Equity Pilot, which will help achieve a key goal of the 2021 Regional Plan to create a more equitable region by ensuring that safe, healthy, and accessible opportunities are available to everyone.

For more information on the pilot program and how to participate, visit YouthOpportunityPass.sandag.org.

SCAG is committed to highlighting excellence in sustainable planning and projects in the SCAG region.

Seven Innovative Planning Projects Receive 2022 Sustainability Awards

SCAG is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Sustainability Awards! Recipients of this year’s awards include municipalities, agencies and nonprofit organizations – all recognized for excellence in coordinating land use and transportation to improve mobility, livability, prosperity and sustainability.
The 2022 Sustainability Award recipients by category are:

Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability: South Coast Air Quality Management District and Volvo, for the Volvo LIGHTS project.

Volvo LIGHTS brought together the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Volvo and 12 other public and private entities to develop a blueprint to introduce zero-tailpipe emission battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market. During the project, which ran from 2019 to 2022, the partners demonstrated a range of innovations that over a 10-year period would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 30,200 metric tons. Watch the video.

Active, Healthy & Safe Communities: The City of Riverside, for its Riverside PACT Project

The Riverside PACT provides a safe, interconnected set of transportation options that promotes healthy, active mobility options for all ages and abilities. This comprehensive plan outlines four core elements of PACT: Pedestrian Target Safeguarding Plan, an Active Transportation Plan, a Complete Streets Ordinance, and a Trails Master Plan. Watch the video.

Clean Cities: Alternative Fuels & Infrastructure: Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), for its Metrolink Trains Run on Fossil-Free Fuels Project

Transitioning Metrolink to all modes of renewable energy sources to reduce emissions will help the SCAG region reach clean air goals and provide a cleaner way to travel for customers and those who keep the trains running. By using renewable diesel fuel, Metrolink trains reduce harmful pollutants while decreasing carbon dioxide by up to 80%. Watch the video.

Efficient & Sustainable Land Use: City of Rancho Cucamonga, for its PlanRC General Plan Update

Each chapter of the city’s General Plan Update is rooted in core values identified by the community as most important and aspirational – health, stewardship and equity – with an expectation that the future can be harnessed to improve on the past. With a focus on reducing greenhouse gases to nearly 50% of 2018 levels by 2040, the city planned infill development to align with public transportation to support new development. Watch the video.

Equity: Port of Long Beach, for its Community Grants program

The Port of Long Beach is an economic driver for Southern California, a gateway to international markets and a crucial part of the global supply chain. However, freight traffic has negatively impacted the surrounding community with poor air and water quality, traffic and transportation pollution, and noise. To mitigate these impacts on families and schools, the Port has implemented the Community Grants Program, which focuses on creating healthy, sustainable and economically resilient communities. Watch the video.

Green Region Initiative: Orange County Transportation Authority, in partnership with the City of San Juan Capistrano, for the City Parcel/2C Ranch Habitat Restoration Project

Building dorms for local college students was not feasible due to costs and land-use issues, but the city was able to secure funding from the state to create 26 tiny homes, each 170 square feet on a small infill property. By using available land owned by the city, and strategically relocating a transit stop to the project site, a community of students has been created that provides not just housing but access to other resources to support them and their educational pursuits. Watch the video.

Housing Innovation: City of El Centro, for its Lotus Living Tiny Home project

This project transformed an area plagued by illegal dumping, graffiti and non-native weeds into an ecosystem supporting native plants and wildlife. Threatened wildlife such as the coastal California gnatcatcher and the Bell’s Vireo have been found in the new habitat. The new area also provides greater protection against wildfires, by removing weeds and debris that once filled the area. Local businesses, nurseries, contractors and residents were employed to work on habitat restoration. Watch the video.

For more information on the SCAG Sustainability Awards and to view past winners visit scag.ca.gov/sustainability-program-awards.

New Route 60 Truck Lanes Open May 20 in Riverside County’s Badlands

Motorists making the trek between the Coachella Valley and western Riverside County now have a safer and more efficient way to travel with the opening of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s Route 60 Truck Lanes in the county’s “Badlands” on May 20.

RCTC began construction of the $138 million highway investment in June 2019 with Caltrans providing design and construction oversight. The new lanes were opened on time and within budget.

The project added an eastbound truck-climbing lane and a westbound truck-descending lane for 4.5 miles between Moreno Valley and Beaumont. Built next to the outer shoulders in both directions of Route 60, the truck lanes now separate slower-moving big-rigs from passenger vehicles that can use the two left lanes in both directions.

In addition, the project widened the inner and outer shoulders and excavated 2.1 million cubic yards of dirt from the steep hillsides to add another 30 feet next to the outer shoulders. The wider shoulders and open space provide safe pullout areas for motorists and emergency responders.

The project also flattened the curving roadway to improve visibility for drivers, another safety benefit.

Animals have a safer way to cross Route 60 as well, thanks to the construction of two 20-foot by 20-foot by 200-foot wildlife crossings and extension of culverts that allow coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, and other animals to travel beneath the highway to seek food and mates. The crossings also help prevent collisions between motorists and animals.

Funding was provided by a combination of federal, state, and local sources and employed approximately 1,400 workers.