Audio: Interview with the whizkid who led MIT team to first place in the Hyperloop pod competition

February 3, 2016 at 5:00 pm

Fascinating interview and congrats to winning team.  Very exciting to see the young engineers take to building radically new transportation systems/concepts like Hyperloop that will transform the future of mobility/transportation! Graduate student Chris Merian, chief engineer for MIT’s Hyperloop team, speaks with Radio Boston’s Meghna Chakrabarti about the team’s success in the recent Hyperloop contest

“…really cool engineering challenge that we are really passionate about, and seeing our hundreds of hours of work rewarded like that was really, really nice”

 

Disruptions ahead for automotive industry?

January 25, 2016 at 10:11 am

The latest forecast from McKinsey Consulting on the disruptive trends unfolding in the automotive sector is very much along the lines of what I have been saying for quite a while.  It predictions comes packaged in a nice, easy to consume slick video presentation shown below.

Among the major disruptions, the ones I see having direct and tremendous social and roadsafety implications are ridesharing and vehicle automation, both aided by a confluence of technology and consumer aversion for driving/owning automobiles. Of course, the pace of disruption will be dictated by the Federal policies and that means our lawmakers must remain nimble and be willing to set aside their political ideologies to help the industry as it leaps forward.

Growth of vehicle automation. Source: McKinsey

Scenarios for growth of vehicle automation. Source: McKinsey

Check out the full report here

Job(s) Alert – Multiple Opportunities: Transportation SME, Transpo. Ops. Project Manager, Junior Transportation Engineer/Analyst) – Leidos @ Washington, DC

November 16, 2015 at 4:32 pm

Multiple opportunities for transportation professionals (engineers/planners/subject matter experts) are available at one of the well-respected companies in all of Washington, DC. FYI – you will be working in support of the U.S. Department of Transportation contracts.  Please let me know (transportgooru@gmail.com) if you are interested in applying.

623342 – Senior Transportation Operations SME

http://jobs.leidos.com/ShowJob/Id/653286/Senior-Transportation-Operations-Subject-Matter-Expert-(SME)/

622669 – Transportation Operations Project Manager/Research Analyst

http://jobs.leidos.com/ShowJob/Id/633336/Transportation-Operations-Project-Manager-Research-Analyst/

623240 – Junior Transportation Engineer/Research Analyst

http://jobs.leidos.com/ShowJob/Id/650597/Jr.-Transportation-Engineer-Research-Analyst/

Hays Outside the Box Competition! Submit your best public transportation idea by Nov. 30; first prize = $10,000

November 16, 2015 at 3:38 pm

THE 2016 HAYS OUTSIDE THE BOX COMPETITION IS OPEN!

The leading public transportation ideas competition
January 9, 2016 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm | Arlington, VA

outside the box_final_V3Click here for competition submissions forms

Register for the Outside the Box Conference

Register for the 2016 Transportation Camp

The Hays Transportation Innovations Conference hosted by George Mason University School of Public Policy (and sponsors), seeks to support innovative and “outside the box” solutions to challenges in transportation.

In the world of transportation and transportation challenges, it is imperative that we foster the development and implementation of new ideas. Instead of offering the same old solutions–turning the proverbial wheel, but not moving forward– we challenge you to think creatively and offer “outside of the box” solutions to complicated transportation policy challenges. So how can you push that wheel forward? How can you effect change?

First prize: $10,000
Second prize: $5,000
Third prize: $2,500

We welcome all thoughtful, innovative and diverse ideas…so inspire us!

3 weeks until Submission deadline. Grand Prize is $10K!! Get proposals in by Nov. 30

Age restriction lifted. Conference Date is evening of Transportation Camp – Sat. Jan. 9th

Cameron_Rian_Hays_300Follow us on Twitter @GMUOutsideBoxtwitter
This competition, a memorial tribute, has been made possible through the generosity of the family of Cameron Rian Hays, an “outside the box” thinking 2011 Master’s graduate of the George Mason University School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs.

Timeline:
October 6, 2015 – Hays Outside the Box Competition opens
November 30, 2015 – Submissions Deadline (midnight)
December 15, 2015 – Top 3 Finalists Selected
January 9, 2016 – The Hays Outside the Box Conference

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2016 Roy Award

November 6, 2015 at 2:42 pm

Roy Awards – via Harvard

CLICK HERE to fill out the nomination form.  Self nomination is permissible and encouraged.

 

The Roy Family Award for Environmental Partnership is presented every two years to an outstanding public-private partnership project that enhances environmental quality through the use of novel and creative approaches.

The mission of the Roy Family Award is to encourage governments, companies, and organizations worldwide to push the boundaries of creativity and to take risks that result in significant changes that benefit the environment and create leverage for greater action. We need your help to identify the most innovative and impactful partnerships around the world. Partnerships should be unusually creative and provide a model for improvement that is transferable to other issues or geographic regions. We are looking for organizations that have advanced a new idea, model, or paradigm that could be replicable for other efforts to improve the quality of the environment or natural resources.

Partnerships can consist of individuals or academic, business, civic, government, and non-profit groups. Projects can be domestic or international in scope, should involve a novel leap in creativity, and should foster significant positive changes that improve environmental quality or protect natural resources. The character, scope, and transferability of the environmental benefits created as a result of the partnership will be a major consideration in selecting the recipient. This is not a “lifetime achievement award,” but rather an award for a specific program or initiative. Modafinil online, this award recognizes multiple parties.

For more information on the Roy Award and the nomination process, please contact royaward@hks.harvard.edu

Student Paper Competition: SHRP 2 Safety Data Bonanza

August 20, 2015 at 6:13 pm

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is sponsoring a paper competition for university students to propose research projects using the SHRP 2 Safety Data, the Naturalistic Driving Study data, and Roadway Information Database. Abstracts should be submitted electronically toSHRP2@nas.edu and are due on September 11, 2015.

Selected students will be invited to present their research at a special poster session at the 2016 TRB Annual Meeting, January 10-14, 2016 in Washington, DC. The TRB Annual Meeting program is expected to attract 12,000 transportation professionals from around the world. In addition, selected students will be awarded the opportunity to write a paper for consideration of inclusion in a special edition of TRB’s Transportation Research Circular.

View details about the competition. The application window is now open.

H/T @YPTransportation.org

Fellowship Alert: Policy Fellow (Transit) – Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) @ Arlington, VA

August 3, 2015 at 5:18 pm

Want a chance to work on some of the most innovative regional transit policy and funding issues? Your analytical and communication skills is needed at the premiere transit organization in Northern Virginia.

As part of its Transit Fellows program, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) seeks a Policy Fellow, full time for a term of six months, renewable for up to a year. This fellowship provides a professional development opportunity for mid-career t

A PRTC OmniRide bus in Arlington, Virginia ope...

A PRTC OmniRide bus in Arlington, Virginia operating the Lake Ridge express route. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

ransportation specialists as well as college graduates and graduate students. Successful applicants will gain in-depth knowledge of transit policy and funding issues and will serve a key role in tracking and analyzing federal and state policy including legislation, policy and planning. The Policy Fellow will draft issue briefs, prepare presentations, as well as write policy memorandum, newsletter articles, web content and special reports for the Commission and its stakeholders. Specific activities include: supporting briefings of policy makers on key transit issues, analyzing legislation related to transit and the Commission, participating in the planning and execution of NVTC’s annual briefing of the General Assembly and NVTC Commission Meeting in Richmond in February, and staff support of the Executive Director. The responsibilities will include local travel and some evening commitments.

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • College graduates, graduate students or mid-career professionals
  • Bachelor’s Degree in policy, government, journalism, transportation planning, public administration, economics, policy or related area
  • Demonstrated interest in public transportation or transportation planning and policy development
  • Strong writing and analytical skills
  • Ability to work in a small office/team oriented environment

Duration of the appointment is six months and is a renewable for six months. Priority will be given to applicants who can begin their fellowship quickly.

WHO SHOULD APPLY:

Fellowships are awarded to professionals with a strong understanding of transportation policy, finance and transportation funding and/or public outreach. Graduate students and mid-career professionals are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION:

The Fellow will receive compensation consistent with compensation guidelines of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and will be eligible for transit benefits.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample to Colethia Quarles at transitfellows@nvtdc.org. The cover letter should describe the applicant’s objectives in pursuing the fellowship. Please highlight particular skills, knowledge or interests as it relates to a demonstrated interest in the Commission’s work, familiarity with federal or state legislative and policy issues, and experience or knowledge in public outreach. Please note your availability at the top of the cover letter.

Applications can also be mailed to:

Colethia Quarles
​Transit Fellowship Program
​2300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 620
​Arlington, VA 22201

DEADLINE:

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until a candidate is selected.

ABOUT NVTC:

NVTC has a small staff located in offices in the vibrant Court House area of Arlington. NVTC is a leading expert on performance metrics and transit finance, coordinates regional planning studies and evaluations, partners with other regional entities including the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. NVTC encompasses six cities and counties, a commuter rail service, six bus systems including MetroBus, Metrorail and the Vanpool Alliance.

Job Alert: Lead Research General Engineer – Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – McLean, Virginia

June 29, 2015 at 6:10 pm

This position is for the Team Leader of the Transportation Enabling Technologies Team in the Office of Operations Research and Development (R&D). The incumbent specializes in research management, the conduct of exploratory advanced research related to advanced traffic management and operations systems, and the development of transportation enabling technologies.

The ideal candidate will have strong transportation or transportation-related R&D experience with advanced degrees in one or more of the following enabling technology areas (listed in alphabetical order): civil engineering; computer science; cyber-physical systems; electrical engineering; mathematics/statistics; mechanical engineering; real-time data capture, management, and analytics; software engineering; or, systems engineering. He/she is a thought leader at the national and international levels and has been recognized for past scientific and engineering contributions in the development and application of transportation operations, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), or connected-automated vehicle technologies. He/she will have experience in managing a team of research professionals and conducting laboratory and field research in the fields of transportation operations, ITS, or connected-automated vehicles. The ideal candidate has expert experience facilitating the development, implementation, and/or evaluation of national technologies, policies, programs, and budgets in a research environment, and has experience communicating this knowledge, orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.

You will be requested to do a presentation and complete a writing sample as part of the interview process.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

  • Occasional Travel
  • Occasional Travel is required less than 25%

KEY REQUIREMENTS

  • You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
  • Review Required Documents Section as documents are required by closing date
  • Job announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 30 days.
  • Announcement also advertised merit promotion: FHWA.HRT-2015-0001

DUTIES:

As a Lead Research General Engineer, you will:

  • Demonstrate classic management knowledge, skills, and abilities in leading change, leading people, being results driven, demonstrating business acumen, building coalitions, and demonstrating and promoting excellence in oral and written communications.
  • Provide expert knowledge in traffic engineering and transportation management theory specializing in one or more of the following areas: signal systems, communications, surveillance and detection, data management, cyber-physical systems, and modeling and simulation of the impacts of hardware, software, standards, and operating practices on mobility, safety, environment, energy, and other performance areas.
  • Plan, develop, coordinate, and conduct a research and development program in traffic operations and traffic management to produce transportation enabling technologies in areas such as transportation data collection and management; cyber-physical systems, sensing systems; wireless communications; connected and automated vehicle technologies; and positioning, navigation and timing.
  • Lead the planning and conduct of a national program of research by means of partner and customer inclusion and through active liaison, collaboration, and coordination with other FHWA offices, Federal agencies, state and local highway agencies, AASHTO, TRB, ITS America, ITE, IEEE, SAE consortia, user groups, universities, private industry, and the highway community in general.
  • Work closely with Office of Operations, Resource Center, and other FHWA offices, as well as with state highway agencies to translate and transfer the team’s research and development results to the highway community and to assure that research products are marketed and deployed as rapidly as possible.
  • Represent FHWA nationally and internationally to initiate technical exchange, recommend international partnerships that are potentially beneficial to FHWA and the US Department of Transportation, and coordinates U.S. research and development with foreign countries under the auspices of TRB and through the International Programs Office and interagency agreements.
  • Use essential leadership skills to enhance team productivity and commitment to research products and services that contribute to the strategic goals and objectives of the agency
    .

Job(s) Alert – Program Manager & Program Coordinator for Environment – American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) @ Washington, DC

June 7, 2015 at 10:33 pm

via YPTransportation.org

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is currently hiring a Program Manager for Environment & a Program Coordinator for Environment.

Program Coordinator for Environment – NATURE OF THE POSITION:

Reporting to the Program Director for Environment, the Program Coordinator for Environment supports a wide breadth of AASHTO’s environmental programs, projects, and special assignments related to the Center for Environmental Excellence (Center), the Standing Committee on Environment (SCOE), and the Resilient and Sustainable Transportation Systems (RSTS) Steering Committee and Technical Assistance Program.  This position is housed in the Policy and Management Division of AASHTO.

The incumbent coordinates the environmental research program, including maintaining the Transportation and Environmental Research Ideas database, soliciting research ideas for the database, facilitating the SCOE process for rating ideas, developing research statements, and submitting research statements to the appropriate research programs.  The incumbent also maintains the Center and SCOE websites including managing two website consultants. The incumbent ensures regular monitoring of the Center website usage, content updates, and periodic enhancements to the SCOE and Center websites.

Additionally, the incumbent serves as staff liaison to the SCOE Subcommittee on Community and Cultural Concerns. As the SCOE frequently develops comment letters on proposed federal actions related to transportation and the environment, the Program Coordinator assists in coordinating with the member state departments of transportation (state DOTs) to discuss proposed federal actions and electronically submits AASHTO’s comments on the actions.

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the incumbent is responsible for contract negotiation and management, and oversight in performing some of the aforementioned tasks. The incumbent regularly coordinates activities in the environment area of AASHTO through skillful and timely research, analysis, and utilization of a variety of technology and communication platforms. Such duties may include assisting in planning and implementing national conferences, training workshops, webcasts, webinars, and meetings with state DOTs and resource agencies; and receiving and answering inquiries from members and the public about environmental programs.  In addition, the incumbent performs a wide range of technical and administrative support tasks including but not limited to drafting correspondence, conducting surveys and tabulating results, coordinating meeting and teleconferences, filing expense reports, organizing committee mailings, processing invoice requests, and tracking billing against budgeting for accuracy.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Candidate must possess excellent written and oral communication, research, and analysis skills, and the ability to establish work program priorities and carry them out independently. Incumbent must be sensitive to the needs of multiple members and customers and have a general understanding of federal and state environmental policies, regulations, procedures and practices as they relate to transportation. Incumbent must be highly skilled in the use of computers, and proficient in word processing software packages with experience in graphics, spreadsheets, and the operation of conventional business equipment. It is desired that the incumbent be familiar with the fundamentals of project management and budgeting, including consultant selection and oversight, drafting requests for proposals, and negotiating and overseeing consultant scope of work and budgets.

A minimum of two to three years of previous transportation and/or environment program and policy support experience is required. A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree is required, preferably in an environment or transportation related field. Evidence of a higher degree of professional development, such as a postgraduate education, is desirable.

TO APPLY:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to recruiter@aashto.org by Monday, June 15. Relocation costs are not reimbursable. For more information, visit http://web.transportation.org/employmentopps/Default.aspx?lid=4221.


AASHTO is also currently hiring a Program Manager for Environment.

Took this awesome pic of i-10 and i-45 right a...

Awesome pic of i-10 and i-45 right at the northern edge of downtown Houston. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NATURE OF THE POSITION:

Under the leadership of the Program Director for Environment, the Program Manager for Environment serves as the staff liaison to the AASHTO Resilient and Sustainable Transportation Systems (RSTS) Steering Committee and manages the RSTS Technical Assistance Program (TAP). The Program Manager also serves as the staff liaison to the Standing Committee on Environment’s (SCOE) Air Quality, Climate Change, and Energy Subcommittee (AQ Subcommittee) and the SCOE Natural Resources Subcommittee. Additionally, the Program Manager oversees and directs various activities under the Center for Environmental Excellence (the Center) by AASHTO. Duties are performed with input from the Program Director and oversight groups consisting of state transportation agency representatives.

As liaison to the above committees, the Program Manager’s primary duty is to ensure AASHTO members are cognizant of key technical, legislative and regulatory issues related to climate change, extreme weather, air quality, stormwater, wetlands, endangered species, and other related environmental topics. In addition the incumbent ensures AASHTO members’ awareness of the linkage between general environmental topics and transportation. The Program Manager monitors the legislative, regulatory and technical activities of appropriate Congressional committees, federal agencies and other public interest groups and associations, and provides this information to members to assist them in policy deliberation and development.

In managing the RSTS Technical Assistance Program, the Program Manager is responsible for the development of long-term program and project objectives and strategies; program and project planning and budgeting; contract preparation, negotiation and administration; marketing of RSTS services and products; coordination of activities, programs and projects with governmental agencies, trade associations and public interest groups.

As staff liaison to the SCOE Air Quality, Climate Change and Energy and the SCOE Natural Resources Subcommittees, the Program Manager provides management support to the subcommittees. In this capacity, the Program Manager attends meetings and provides policy and procedural advice; advises on meeting agendas; disseminates informational materials to committee members, provides other assistance as required; and serves as liaison between the subcommittees and SCOE.

As a task manager for the Center, the Program Manager supports the Program Director in developing the annual work plan; long-term environmental program objectives and strategies; environmental program and project planning and budgeting; contract preparation, negotiation and administration; marketing of the Center’s services and products; and coordination of activities, programs and projects with governmental agencies, trade associations and public interest groups. The Program Manager oversees the development of training materials, webinars, websites, workshops, and national conferences that provide AASHTO members opportunities to engage in critical environmental discussions.

The Program Manager represents and promotes AASHTO’s environmental goals and policy positions in meetings, task forces and workshops; prepares and delivers presentations; and performs other functions as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A broad understanding of federal and state environmental policies, regulations, procedures and practices as they relate to transportation; and sound comprehension of the administrative, legislative and regulatory process at the federal and state levels is required.  The incumbent must have an understanding of state transportation responsibilities, planning and project delivery practices and policy issues. Project planning, budgeting and management skills, experience with contracts administration and financial reporting, and excellent written and oral communication skills are required. The incumbent must be able to travel approximately 30 days per year.

The successful candidate must have a minimum of four to six years of progressively responsible, professional experience in the transportation sector; with a focus on environmental issues or in the environmental field with a focus on transportation issues.  Prior experience in project management is desired.   A bachelor’s of arts or science degree is required, preferably in an environment or transportation related field.  Evidence of a higher degree of professional development, such as a postgraduate education, is desirable.

TO APPLY:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to recruiter@aashto.org by Monday, June 15. Relocation costs are not reimbursable. For more information, visit http://web.transportation.org/employmentopps/Default.aspx?lid=4220.

AASHTO is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Job Alert: Project Manager – Green Trucks China Project — Smart Freight Center @ Netherlands

April 1, 2015 at 5:10 pm

Smart Freight Centre (SFC) is looking for an energetic and efficient individual with initiative to manage the implementation of the Green Trucks China project, and be part of our global team to advance green freight and logistics worldwide.

The Green Trucks China project is the first project of SFC to catalyze the sector-wide adoption of proven technologies. SFC has selected China as the first market and will operate under the umbrella of the China Green Freight Initiative (CGFI) that is managed by the China Road Transport Association. SFC has selected a ”green tires package” consisting of high quality tires supplemented with tire maintenance and telematics as the first technology package, which could reduce 20 million tons of carbon dioxide from trucks in China annually.

The full job ad is available on www.smartfreightcentre.org