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INSTRUCTORS:
Adrianna L. Fragozo-Alvernia, M.Sc.
Luis E Ferreras PE, LEED AP BD+C
Stanley Young
Chetan Sharma, PE
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the International Conference on Transportation & Development 2025.
How to Prioritize Microtransit Implementation in Rural Areas? A State-Level Tool (11 minutes)
This presentation explores a comprehensive planning framework to identify the most suitable areas for implementing microtransit in rural New Mexico. Microtransit refers to demand-responsive public transportation using small vehicles and app-based booking, providing a flexible and affordable mobility option. The study develops a "Rural Microtransit Propensity Index" by analyzing transit potential, transit need, and existing service levels using census and performance data. Twelve case studies and interviews with transit agencies informed a decision-making tool that guides deployment prioritization. The resulting GIS-based interactive map and story map offer agencies a user-friendly way to assess their region’s readiness for microtransit. This approach aims to replace underperforming routes, fill transit gaps, and enhance first/last-mile connectivity in underserved communities.
Public Transportation in the Era of Mega-Innovations (13 minutes)
This presentation offers a visionary perspective on reshaping public transportation amid disruptive innovations such as autonomous vehicles and drone technology. It critiques the limitations of traditional transit systems due to physical and spatial constraints and argues that supply will never fully meet urban demand. The speaker emphasizes the importance of transit-oriented development (TOD) as a financial solution to fund transit through housing revenue near stations. The talk also highlights the promise of drone-based Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for real-time traffic control and adaptive signal management. By shifting to a model of public-private cooperation, government agencies can become more resilient and financially sustainable. The discussion balances philosophical insight with real-world implementation strategies.
New Mobility Technology Assessment – Benefits, Risks, and Safety (15 minutes)
This presentation examines a rigorous framework for evaluating emerging mobility technologies, using gondola-based personal rapid transit systems as a case study. It introduces a Multi-Dimensional Benefit Analysis (MDBA) to assess impacts on cost, travel time, infrastructure, energy, and access. The speaker underscores the importance of safety certification processes, leveraging decades of experience from automated train systems, and engaging state safety oversight agencies. Risk assessment is also addressed, focusing on business viability, project management, software dependency, and vendor continuity. By encouraging cities to ask hard questions and anticipate pitfalls, the framework aims to support responsible innovation. The ultimate goal is to equip communities to make informed decisions about new mobility systems.
Reducing US Transit Costs: An Empirical Review & Comparative Case Study of Portland, Manchester Rail Systems (17 minutes)
This presentation presents findings from a comparative study of Portland’s MAX light rail system and Manchester’s Metrolink, exploring why U.S. transit systems often have higher capital and operating costs. Using 74 cost hypotheses and international benchmarking, the study identifies procurement methods, design standards, and governance structures as key cost drivers. Manchester’s use of national standards, modern rolling stock, operational franchising, and strategic procurement contrasts with more fragmented practices in the U.S. The research also calls for streamlining Buy America requirements, embracing transit speed, and providing proactive maintenance through improved fare recovery. By translating international best practices into policy recommendations, the presentation offers actionable insights for improving transit affordability and efficiency in the U.S.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the key factors used to determine microtransit suitability in rural areas.
- Explain how transit-oriented development (TOD) can generate revenue and enhance transit efficiency.
- Discuss the importance of safety certification and applicable standards for emerging transit systems.
- List the key recommendations for reducing both capital and operational transit costs in U.S. cities.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Transportation Engineers
- Transportation Professionals
- Traffic engineers
- Highway engineers
- Materials engineers
- Construction engineers
How to Earn Your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]