Lauren Isaac

🚶🚴‍♂️ How can high-density areas be optimized to support bicyclists and pedestrians? In this piece, we use LOCUS to explore active transportation travel patterns along Los Angeles Metro's Rail-to-Rail corridor, revealing insights that can help shape more accessible, safe, and transit-friendly urban environments.   Learn how data-driven strategies are transforming planning efforts for healthier and better-connected communities: https://lnkd.in/d9FC7nTy

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I'm thrilled and honoured to join this Bus Network Design panel event with Jarrett Walker and Julian Moss on June 13th, sponsored and hosted by WSP and sponsored by Podaris, JARRETT WALKER & ASSOCIATES, LLC and the Transport Planning Society. You can join us in-person in Birmingham, or you can join online as well! Register here: https://lnkd.in/eNVV8bfp In my time working in public transportation, I've never seen a more exciting time for the sector, full of existential risks and opportunities alike, and I can't wait for this panel to delve into them. On one hand, the pandemic still echoes throughout the sector, with its resulting challenges in ridership and budgets, and possibly longer-term shifts in travel patterns and purposes. This has fed into sociopolitical challenges such as conspiracy theories about 15-minute cities, and the political weaponisation of rhetoric around the so-called "war on drivers". On the other hand, there has never been a broader or more vibrant movement towards urbanism, with public transport now being increasingly discussed in the way that it should be: as a holistic part of making cities more liveable, vibrant, and sustainable, with public transport playing an integral role alongside broader urbanism strategies, such as creating walkable, bikeable, and and mix-used neighbourhoods. I'm encouraged by the fact that these discussions aren't just happening in the halls of academia, but are going viral on Youtube and TikTok. Good urbanism has never been more popular, and that can only be to the benefit of public transport. And then there's the third hand, where changes in technology -- micromobility, automation, new operating paradigms for app-enabled Demand Responsive Transport, and much more -- fall firmly into the "it's complicated" bucket, offering many opportunities for both beneficial and complementary capabilities, as well as the potential for distractions and mis-steps. In short, we're living in Interesting Times, with plenty of implications for how one should plan a bus network. I can't think of better co-panelists to discuss this with. Jarrett's writings have been hugely influential worldwide, and for excellent reason: they're derived not from decades of experience with planning minutia -- although he certainly has that! -- but rather from a first-principles human-values-based philosophy that impels us to think about what really truly matters in transport planning, and then translates these timeless imperatives into concrete actionable strategies. Meanwhile, thanks to the way he's driven the adoption of Podaris at WSP, and the ringside seat that's given me, I've been privileged to see how Julian Moss's principled work has positively shaped a huge number of public transport initiatives across the UK. This is going to be a great conversation, and I hope to see you there!

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"Governance" is a wonky word, but what it really raises are values like "responsiveness," "customer service," "accountability, "and "efficiency," as well as issues like "who decides" and "who gets served." Those are the real stakes Chicagoland and the SF Bay Area need to address as they work to finally remedy the governance fragmentation that has inhibited improvement of public transit for their residents. Outright "consolidation" may or may not be the right answer - the right answer needs to be identified not in terms of form, but in terms of optimized outcomes for the public. https://lnkd.in/esmZ34e4

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This may not be an easily achieved solution, but this is a proposal that should spark serious conversation about how we fund and develop public transit... as well as on our over-dependence on cars and what they do to our community, safety and environment. https://lnkd.in/ex4s69Pk

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Currently, I am managing several impactful infrastructure initiatives, each focused on modernizing urban transit and traffic management for a smarter, more efficient future. These include: 1. ISBT Redevelopment on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Model: Transforming Inter-State Bus Terminals to prioritize seamless urban mobility, integrating transit solutions with real estate and pedestrian-friendly spaces. 2. AI-Based Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for Intelligent Traffic Management and Challan Systems: Deploying advanced AI-driven ANPR for managing 13 dynamic and 9 static scenarios, enhancing enforcement precision and optimizing traffic flow. 3. AI-Based Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) System at Fuel Stations: Implementing real-time online challan issuance and flagging for non-compliance, ensuring environmental standards are met directly at gas stations/Petrol pumps . 4. Dynamic Bay Allocation for Buses: Introducing adaptive bay assignment to streamline bus operations, reduce wait times, and improve overall passenger experience. 5. Route Rationalization and Optimization for Transit Systems: Strategically optimizing routes for greater efficiency and accessibility, creating a more responsive transit network. *I invite anyone who has tackled similar challenges to share their insights—it would be great!!* any references on successful completion of similar project elsewhere!! #TOD #ITMS #Transportspecialist #MMI #AI #ANPR #LMC #EV #MDBs #Efficency #Optimization #transportplanning #MRTS #Metro #E-mobility #bussystem

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"The US is experiencing a critical influx of capital into public transit... the industry is now racing to catch up. However, this urgency has led to inefficiencies and waste in the procurement of rolling stock and infrastructure development." — Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, President of Icomera North America In the US, many agencies have deferred asset renewal for decades, and now face significant gaps in current knowledge and experience for procuring new products and technologies. At the American Public Transportation Association Rail Conference, we sat down with Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, President of Icomera North America, to explore strategies for maximizing the impact of modern-day investments in rail. Read the interview here: https://lnkd.in/e4Eae4Hp #Rail #USA #APTA #Icomera #Investment

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The Center for Transportation and the Environment has just published a comprehensive guidebook to help transit agencies navigate the complexities of transitioning to a zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet. With practical, accessible advice, this guidebook outlines key considerations like range limitations, infrastructure needs, and workforce development, ensuring a smoother transition. A well-developed ZEB Transition Plan is crucial to avoid unnecessary costs, delays, and operational challenges as battery & fuel cell buses become an increasing part of the fleet. This guide is a must-read for transit agencies ready to take the next step toward a sustainable, zero-emission future. 🔗 https://hubs.la/Q02ZcBsP0 #ZeroEmission #FuelCellElectricBus #Hydrogen #PublicTransit #ZEB

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As cities evolve, the way we design and integrate transit systems can truly transform communities. Placemaking, while not new, plays a vital role in the future of transit. It’s about designing with people in mind, not just rules or specific modes. As we move forward post-COVID, merely aiming to return to the past means missing a big opportunity. #Transit #Placemaking #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability #Community

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To my RR colleagues A comment or two A tool kit for testing alternatives Monetizes costs and benefits using birth suggested and/or user variables. It is NOT a prescribed plan for construction. It suggests different ways to test for how sharing risks and rewards can alter the investment outcome when and if choosing OCS technology. On corridors the user organization(s) select to consider. Yet, it is NOT an optimization model. It doesn’t pick a best choice. User interaction and thinking are required. I am one of the 4-authors. Cheers! Jim.

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U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition unveils roadmap with guidance on how to launch high-speed rail project June 17, 2024 The first-of-its-kind action plan is intended to equip advocates with practical tips, realistic expectations and strategic support as they work to launch new high-speed train projects in their regions. The U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition unveiled a roadmap with guidance on how to launch a high-speed rail project. The first-of-its-kind action plan is intended to equip advocates with practical tips, realistic expectations and strategic support as they work to launch new high-speed train projects in their regions.  “High-speed rail lines are complex megaprojects with unique challenges,” said Bernard Cohen, senior advisor for planning and operations at Alternate Concepts Inc., as well as former Massachusetts Department of Transportation secretary and the principal author of the roadmap. “We’ve created a practical guide that demystifies what’s involved in launching a new high-speed rail project.”  The report, “High-Speed Rail Projection Initiation: A Roadmap for Advocates”, focuses on five key building blocks of success:   Organization   Technical planning   Strategic engagement   Project funding   Compelling communications  The report argues that long-term, strategic advocacy campaigns are required to launch new high-speed projects. When designing campaigns, advocates must be fully aware of potential pitfalls, as well as likely sources of support and opposition.    The roadmap notes that a recent survey by Public Policy Polling for the Coalition found that 72 percent of U.S. registered voters support the creation of a nationwide high-speed rail network in the U.S. According to Ezra Silk, political director of the U.S. High-Speed Rail Coalition, a major goal of the report is to help build a grassroots movement for a national high-speed rail network.  “Launching high-speed rail involves technical experts but you don’t need to be a transportation planner to take the lead in bringing high-speed rail to your community,” Silk said. “Millions of Americans want high-speed rail and this report will help give them the tools they need to turn their bullet train dreams into reality.”  The roadmap was designed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. In May, the 600,000-member union announced a voluntary recognition agreement with Siemens Mobility to represent workers who will build the trainsets for the Brightline West high-speed rail project that will connect Las Vegas, Nev., to southern California by 2028. 

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‘Human factors’ are under appreciated and under applied in roads, road safety and transport generally. For instance, this report found: “ human presence enlists automatic mental resources that can help drivers resist distractions. “ “ roadways should be broken into segments (salient interruptions) to prevent an attentive driver from reaching fatigue or frustration.” “FDOT is poised to consider a new perspective on Complete Streets that incorporates non-motorized travel modes as a driving force behind the policy.” There is much more work to be done and applied here, including updating outdated engineering oriented road design standards. Well done, Florida Department of Transportation and everyone involved. You can find the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gsmi5UX7 (Sorry, I can't find Volume 2) #roadsafety

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Facing overcrowded buses & surge in demand, DRT takes action! Changes underway to improve transit, like reallocating resources to high-demand areas, & expanding the fleet. Click the link below to know more https://lnkd.in/euZZhY9m

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"Driving on deficient roads costs California motorists a total of $53.6 billion annually in the form of additional vehicle operating costs (VOC), congestion-related delays and traffic crashes." [source: Metropolitan Transportation Commission, California, 2016 report] $53.6 billion? That’s huge! 💰 Intersections are a key part of traffic management and flow. Almost all intersections in the US and worldwide are using legacy technology which can not adopt to changing traffic requirements and driver behaviour. It can also do better in protecting vulnerable road users including pedestrians and cyclists. 🚴‍♂️ Seyond offers complete traffic solutions including #LiDAR, Perception Software, Integration with legacy Controllers and Analytics. Our solution enables traffic operations practitioners to manage a mixture of traffic modes simultaneously and with a singular sensor (vs a suite or combination of sensors), promoting efficiency of movement through the intersection, improved performance, and direct input to ATSPM platforms.  So let’s get some of those billions of dollars back into the pockets of road users, and most importantly, keep them safe. Let’s talk! 🤳

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Check out useful resources on how to get started with Vissim and the more advanced how-to videos and webinars.

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TRB Webinar: Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion FREE! As transportation technology evolves and agencies adopt new mobility services to meet changing market demands, ensuring equitable access and transportation options for all populations is critical. The TCRP Research Report 244 & NCHRP Research Report 101: Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion Playbook was developed to support organizations that want to provide safe, fair, and accessible transportation tailored to the needs of everyone in the community. TRB will host a webinar on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern that will discuss the playbook, setting the stage for inclusive transportation as an integral component of the evolving transformative transportation ecosystem. This webinar is sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program and National Cooperative Highway Research Program. There is no fee to attend this webinar. Registration is required. A recording will be sent to all registrants after the webinar.   Webinar agenda and presenters Laying the foundation: Background research – Cecilia Viggiano, EBP US Playbook development: Structure and use of case scenarios – Polly Okunieff, GO Systems and Solutions LLC From theory to practice: Implementation considerations – Jim Cline, Texas A&M Transportation Institute Question and answer session moderated by Ipek N. Sener, Texas A&M Transportation Institute The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.   Learning Objectives At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Recognize current and anticipated barriers that pose challenges for underserved individuals to access and use new mobility services Develop actionable strategies to implement inclusive transportation solutions Utilize the Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion Playbook to ensure inclusive transportation options tailored to the needs of underserved populations #TRB

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📌 Los Angeles Mobility Wallet Phase II 🚌 The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (#LADOT) and LA Metro have announced the expansion of their Mobility Wallet Transportation Subsidy Program, aiming to enhance transportation #equity for low-income residents. 🔑 Key Highlights - Mobility Wallets provide #funding for public transit, rideshare, taxis, and bike shop purchases. - Phase I Success: 1,000 participants benefited from $150 monthly subsidies, making over 140,000 trips, including 80,800 public transit #rides and 60,700 rideshare trips. - Expanded Reach: Phase II will support 2,000 low-income residents—1,000 in South LA and 1,000 across #LA County. - Eligibility Criteria: Open to LA County residents aged 18+, with income requirements aligned with Metro's LIFE program. 🌱 Program Benefits - Eases commuting for work, education, medical visits, and exploring the city. - Allows residents to choose the most suitable transportation options. 💸 Funding - Supported by a $30 million Universal Basic Mobility pilot program. - Funded through a grant from California Air Resources Board's Sustainable Transportation Equity Project and Southern California Association of Governments grant. Expansion of the #mobility program is a step towards increasing the availability of transportation access for low-income residents, enhancing their ability to access work, education, and health services. Source: Metro Magazine #MobilityWallet #LAMetro #PublicTransit #LACommunity #InclusiveTransport _ _ _ 👍 Like if you find value, re-post ♻️, and follow for more interesting tech, and innovation insights.

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Today's Mobility Digest headline: FTA publishes climate resilience guidebook for transit agencies. https://lnkd.in/eCs4mGqj ------------ At GTS, we're passionate about staying up-to-date on the latest news and developments in transportation technology, smart mobility, and safety. 🚝 🛴 🚲 🚶‍♀️ 🚗 Follow GTS - General Technologies and Solutions for more content like this. #SmartTransportationStartsHere

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