22nd Annual Mobility 21 Summit
On behalf of the Mobility 21 Board of Directors, thank you to our sold out audience for participating in the 22nd Annual Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit! Photos and videos coming soon! Follow us on Facebook for more.
Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Macaria Flores
City Executive- Los Angeles, CA
Global Cities Program
ARCADIS
Macaria brings over 20 years of strategic leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. As an experienced strategist with deep roots in the political, regulatory, media and City community, she has spearheaded many complex large-scale projects in the Los Angeles region. Her work includes securing a 10-year financial stability plan for the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, developing a legislative blueprint for both the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County’s proposed alternative technology facilities, and securing one of the region’s largest solar developments.
Macaria is responsible for developing strategies to position and further expands ARCADIS’ robust portfolio of work across the mobility, resiliency, placemaking and architecture markets in Southern California.
Prior to joining ARCADIS, Macaria served as the Vice President of Energy and Environment for a prominent public affairs lobbying firm in Los Angeles. Her technical background and experience working alongside public officials and policymakers makes her well suited in her current capacity. Macaria began her career as an Environmental Scientist with the State of California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board.
She serves on various local and statewide boards lending her expertise on environmental issues, mobility, sustainability and Science Technology Engineering Arts Math initiatives for girls.
Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Scott Norman
Executive Vice President of Construction, National Construction
Herzog
With more than four decades of expertise in the construction industry, Scott Norman has dedicated his career at Herzog Contracting Corp. to developing customer relationships and identifying key pursuits within U.S. transit sector. Scott excels at formulating a project’s teaming arrangements, where he skillfully maximizes the strengths of its joint venture partners and leverages Herzog’s vast network of reliable and highly skilled subcontractors.
In his role as Senior Vice President, Scott leads Herzog’s national construction operations alongside executive oversight duties in estimating and project management. His exceptional leadership and guidance have played a pivotal role in the successful execution of numerous projects. To date, Scott has actively overseen contract work amounting to over $6 billion. These projects encompass a diverse range of construction contracts, including conventional and alternative delivery methods for commuter rail, light rail, streetcar, and freight rail systems.
Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Caltrans
We are hiring – Join our Caltrans team!
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. More than the road workers, we are California’s transportation infrastructure; established in 1895, Caltrans has been active in moving the people and commerce of California and continues to model the way in innovative transportation systems.
Caltrans Planning and Modal Program (PMP) shapes the future of multimodal transportation across California by envisioning, articulating, and implementing desired outcomes. Within PMP are the Divisions of Aeronautics, Local Assistance, Rail and Mass Transportation, Research Innovation and System Information, Transportation Planning, as well as the Caltrans Office of Equity, Sustainability and Tribal Affairs; Caltrans Integrated Travel Program; and the Office of Enterprise Data and Geospatial Governance.
We are looking for Transportation Planners and Transportation Engineers interested in an exciting and rewarding career with Caltrans!
To learn more visit: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/planning-modal
Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
HNTB
The Challenge of Change
by Art Hadnett, Senior Vice President, HNTB Corp.
Across Southern California, communities are working to address the challenge of enhancing connectivity across the region. Their goal is to offer a better mobility option that is safe, reliable, cost effective and enjoyable.
As technology and innovation continues to rapidly evolve, it is having an immense impact on how we discuss and consider the future of transportation. Disrupters are changing how we deliver change including AI (such as ChatGPT). These disrupters are exciting, but they must produce the same or better quality, for less cost and faster. As one CEO told us, AI does not replace the seasoned engineer who knows why certain design criteria exists and how to apply it.
Data-driven insights are helping build more resilient infrastructure systems that increase efficiency and enhance safety. Digital platforms are allowing for more sophisticated ways to engage with stakeholders, driving collaboration that helps shape successful outcomes. Digital infrastructure solutions can deliver transformative transportation facilities when the right tool is applied to the right challenge by the right engineer.
Through a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of the disruptive technology, HNTB is committed to partnering with clients to leverage the promise of digital infrastructure that helps deliver customized solutions to meet your unique needs.
HNTB is a long-standing supporter and advisory board member of Mobility 21. Please visit our display at the Mobility 21 Summit to learn more about how we apply Digital Infrastructure Solutions to meet the challenge of change.
The 10 projects throughout the county are funded by OCTA’s environmental program, which to date has prevented 60 million gallons of trash of reaching our local waterways.
OCTA Invests $3.4 Million to Help Protect Orange County’s Water Quality
The Orange County Transportation Authority board recently approved nearly $3.4 million to improve water quality throughout Orange County in cities from San Clemente to La Habra.
The funds come from Measure M, the half-cent sales tax Orange County voters approved for transportation improvements. Measure M, also known as OC Go, includes funding for an environmental cleanup program that awards funding on a competitive basis to cities and the County of Orange for projects with a transportation nexus that reduce impacts to water quality.
“While OCTA is focused on improving transportation to keep the people of Orange County moving safely and efficiently, these water-quality projects also show how we can take the lead on protecting our natural resources in the process,” said OCTA Chairman Gene Hernandez, also the mayor of Yorba Linda. “I’m proud of OCTA’s commitment to both goals.”
The OCTA Board of Directors approved nearly $3.4 million for 10 projects focused on removing litter and debris from roads before reaching waterways and the ocean. These projects include purchasing or upgrading screens, filters and inserts for catch basins, as well as other devices designed to remove pollutants.
The cities and funding amounts for each project include:
The OCTA board has approved funding for 222 projects since the inception of this program in 2011, totaling more than $36 million. It is estimated that more than 60 million gallons of trash has been captured as a result of the installation of these devices.
For more information on the Measure M water quality program, visit octa.net/water.
Metro Bus Priority Lanes on La Brea Avenue
Officially Open for Business
Bus service is on our minds this year more than ever. We hired over 1000 new operators. We restored service to pre-pandemic levels. We’re on our way to creating a zero emissions fleet. We even celebrated the centennial of continuous bus service in LA!
And we continue to tackle one of our biggest challenges –– ensuring that riding the bus is fast, safe, reliable, and efficient.
It’s no secret that traffic congestion affects everyone –– especially our bus riders. Not even the biggest and brightest team of bus operators can maneuver a vehicle out of gridlocked traffic. When more cars clog the roads, bus service suffers. We need to get creative to show you that riding the bus is as fast and convenient as driving a car.
That’s why we’re so pleased to announce that the City of Los Angeles and the City of West Hollywood officially opened 5.7 lane miles (2.8 miles end to end) of bus priority lanes on La Brea Avenue today, running from Sunset Boulevard to Olympic Boulevard. We quietly opened them last month, but a press event this morning –– emceed by Metro’s Chief Operations Officer Conan Cheung –– made it official.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, County Supervisor Jackie Dupont-Walker, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, and Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass all attended (and spoke) at the event.
Why does this matter? A few reasons:
First, bus priority lanes are foolproof ways to improve travel speeds and ensure more reliable service. We now have 40 miles of bus priority lanes throughout the City of Los Angeles … and they’re making a difference. Bus service has been significantly faster in the areas where these special lanes have been implemented. The data isn’t all in quite yet, but on the stretch of La Brea Avenue where the priority bus lanes have been installed, we’re expecting bus speeds to improve by up to 15%.
Second, bus priority lanes are relatively fast and cost-effective to implement. After all, creating bus priority lanes doesn’t require us to widen any roads or alter the existing street infrastructure, which is expensive and time consuming. In this way, these lanes are part of a larger legacy of creativity that has characterized the last 100 years of bus service in LA.
Third, our bus priority lanes testify to the incredible partnerships that are so vital to improving travel in Los Angeles. Since we don’t own the public right of way, implementing these new lanes required working closely with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and other City departments, the City of West Hollywood … and numerous other stakeholders. We look forward to continuing the dialogue.
The project was a team effort.
So, if you haven’t already ridden yet, we invite you to join the 9,000 riders that use Line 212 each day and hop on board! The bus priority lanes will be operational during weekday peak hours (between 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.) and will run every ten minutes. Need a lift to the nearest Metro station? No problem! West Hollywood’s Cityline shuttle service will use the lanes to access the Hollywood/Highland B (Red) Line station.
This morning’s event was an exciting milestone, but we’re just getting started. Planning for a southern segment, which will continue down La Brea Avenue from Olympic Boulevard to Coliseum Street, is already in the works. And later this fall, more bus priority lanes are scheduled to be implemented along Sepulveda Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley.
For Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, the new bus priority lanes embody her ‘mobility triple bottom line’ –– they’re good for people, good for the planet, and examples of progress.
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again –– we want to be your first choice for getting around in Los Angeles, whether you travel by bus, train, bike, microtransit, or on foot. These new bus lanes are meaningful steps toward achieving this ambitious goal. So thanks for checking in about this important project. And thanks for riding Metro.
Keep Your Mind on Track and Your Feet
Off the Tracks for Rail Safety Month
A moving train can take up to a mile to come to a complete stop. Over the years, RCTC has promoted Rail Safety Month in September through a partnership with California Operation Lifesaver to provide countless presentations to schools, set up tabling booths for communities across the county, and even put-up reminders on the silver screens in theaters. RCTC is committed to promoting rail safety awareness throughout Riverside, Beaumont, Perris, and other communities with train tracks.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, California had the highest number of train-related incidents in the nation, with over 170 incidents in just 2022. With schools back in session and families coming home from vacation, there is no better time to learn about rail safety.
RCTC’s commitment continues in 2023. As always, RCTC reminds the community to remember that:
- The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at designated crossings.
- Railroad property is private property. It is illegal to be on the railroad right of way.
- Never walk around or behind lowered gates at crossings and do not cross tracks until the flashing light have stopped.
This Rail Safety Month, RCTC urges our community to “Keep Your Mind on Track and Your Feet Off the Tracks.” By adhering to basic rail safety guidelines, we can all significantly lower the rate of train-related incidents in our region. Join RCTC on this vital journey to save lives. Share this message with family, friends, and colleagues, reinforcing the idea that rail safety is a collective responsibility crucial for a secure community.
Agencies Approve Ryan Chamberlain as New Chief Executive Officer
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are pleased to announce Ryan Chamberlain as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Joint Boards of Directors voted to approve Chamberlain as CEO at their August 10 Board Meeting. His contract began August 28, 2023.
“As an Irvine native, I watched with excitement as the future 241 Toll Road was graded in the 90s and I’m honored to be presented with the opportunity to carry on TCA’s legacy of improving regional mobility,” said Chamberlain. “I look forward to serving the millions of drivers who use The Toll Roads each year to get to work, home or other destinations with ease.”
Chamberlain brings over 25 years of transportation experience in both the public and private sectors. He began his career as a transportation and environmental planner working on large-scale projects throughout California while at Parsons Brinkerhoff Quade and Douglas.
In 1999, Chamberlain joined the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) where he continued his work in transportation and environmental planning, eventually leading and managing the Department’s Transportation Planning Program as Division Chief in Sacramento. In 2012, Chamberlain returned to Orange County as Caltrans District 12 Director until 2018, when he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as Chief Deputy Director for Caltrans overseeing statewide internal operations for over 20,000 Caltrans employees and a budget that exceeded $13 billion.
When Chamberlain’s appointment expired in 2019, he returned to his position as Caltrans District 12 Director responsible for the planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance of the state’s transportation system in Orange County, which includes 2,067 lane miles of highway.
Chamberlain graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and an emphasis in Urban Planning.
“Ryan’s excellent track record of fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and regional transportation agencies will be an asset to TCA,” said John Taylor, Chair of the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency. “His collaborative approach will benefit the Agencies as we move forward with capital improvement projects and system enhancements that benefit our customers and support regional mobility.”
“We look forward to Ryan building on the Agencies’ recent efforts to increase our bond ratings and intelligently reduce debt,” said Will O’Neill, Chair of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency. “Throughout his career, he has led teams and delivered projects that will positively impact future generations. Ryan’s proven leadership will help drive forward the Agencies mission and goals.”
Chamberlain will replace Interim CEO Valarie McFall. Both will work together to ensure a smooth transition.
SANDAG Awards 118 San Diego Region
Organizations for their Sustainable Commuting Efforts
On Wednesday, September 13, SANDAG hosted the annual Diamond Awards and recognized 118 organizations in the Employer Commuter Program for their accomplishments in promoting sustainable commute choices including carpool, vanpool, bike, transit, telework, and compressed workweek schedules. Diamond Award recipients were recognized in four tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Congratulations to the 2023 SANDAG Diamond Award recipients on their hard-earned achievements! Shoutout to the Platinum-tier recipients who were responsible for the following achievements in the past year:
- Keeping 30,000 single-occupant vehicles off the road
- Reducing 844,000 vehicle miles traveled
- Reducing their number of single-occupancy vehicle commutes six times faster than the San Diego County average
SANDAG is here to lend a helping hand to organizations in the San Diego region though the complimentary Employer Commuter Program. We help organizations create customized commuter benefits programs that make it easier to switch from driving solo to embracing alternative commutes.