Communities for Transit (“CFT”) is a newly formed non-profit organization dedicated to public education to cultivate and harness enthusiasm for transit and smart growth to build support for a planned rapid transit network in Montgomery County, Maryland. CFT will employ a range of strategies to catalyze support for making Montgomery County a national leader in using transit systems to transform “urbanizing” suburbs from congested, auto-centric neighborhoods into more environmentally and financially sustainable communities.

• Work with web development, media and design consultants to develop high-impact simulations of the proposed transit network
• Build a program of public education events and community discussions around transit-related issues
• Conduct outreach to stakeholders and communities impacted by the transit plan
• Draft and design fact sheets, brochures, and other educational materials
• Establish and maintain regular communications with journalists, opinion leaders, blogs, and other news outlets
• Facilitate formation of a diverse coalition of local organizations that support high-quality transit systems
• Help manage office and organizational functions ranging from fundraising activities, intern supervision, and more
• Develop and maintain website and social media strategy for CFT
• Devise and implement a fundraising plan to sustain CFT’s efforts into the future

• Passion for transit, smart growth, planning, and/or environmental issues strongly preferred
• Prior experience at a public advocacy, non-profit, or policy organization, especially in a field related to CFT’s mission
• Project management experience, with demonstrated organizational abilities and attention to detail
• Ability to self-start and work creatively and independently in a fast-paced environment, including comfort with tracking multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Solid work history involving public speaking, writing and interpersonal skills
• Experience conducting public education campaigns, particularly for diverse communities, including youths, renters, immigrants, businesses, environmentalists, etc
• Excellent computer skills; Familiarity with mass email communications, social media, and web development preferred; Experience with graphic design, CRM, video editing, and blogging software a plus

A new study from the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) led by Georgia Institute of Technology is looking at how transit agencies can use web-based tools including online polls and surveys, social media, mobile applications, and crowdsourcing to gather feedback from customers and other stakeholders. The project team is inviting transit operators to participate in a survey about their current and future uses of web-based feedback.

The survey is open to all transit agencies regardless of size or transportation modes offered. Even if the agency does not have a web-based presence, agencies insights will be valuable to the research effort. The final survey results will be incorporated into a report that will be published by the Transportation Research Board. This is a web-based survey that should take 10-15 minutes to complete and the survey deadline is May 31, 2013.

For queries please contact

Kari Watkins, the PI, by phone at (404) 385-4213 or email at kari.watkins@ce.gatech.edu.

Human subjects inquired can be directed Melanie Clark, Georgia Institute of Technology, at (404) 894-6942.

Here is the link for the survey http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1190592/5ac76b6bebb0

via YPTransportation

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Objective

This position is responsible for assisting the Assistant Director, Environmental & Long Range Planning in the management and coordination of Metro-North Railroad (MNR) efforts in the identification and resolution of all planning, design and implementation issues related to MTA/LIRR East Side Access (ESA).  Ensure protection of MNR interests as ESA design/construction progresses.

Responsibilities
Coordinate, communicate, and disseminate all ESA related issues within MNR with other MNR departments in resolving operational, environmental and institutional issues related to ESA.

Coordinate MNR’s involvement in the multi-agency (MNR, LIRR and MTACC) Rail Activation Plan.  Provide support to MNR, MTACC and LIRR and attend Rail Activation Plan Task Working Group Meetings.  Work with Metro-North representatives (various departments) to the Rail Activation Plan to ensure that MNR interests are protected.  Identify issues from Rail Activation Plan meetings and work with teams to either resolve or bring issues to the attention of senior management.  Assist in the preparation of the remainder of the Rail Activation Plan document. Provide assistance in developing Memorandum of Agreements, assessment and negotiation of cost sharing data with MTACC/ESA.

• Provide technical review, recommendations and analyses on Operation impact related to pedestrian flow, customer service, etc.  in Grand Central Terminal (GCT)
• Act as liaison when needed, at ESA meetings and other external meetings related to ESA.  Prepare and deliver presentations as needed.
• Draft status reports to Senior Management related to ESA
• Develop and coordinate  annual internal control reviews
• Provide support for the Long Range Planning Department as designated PeopleSoft Representative

Required Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Planning Strategic or Regional/Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Public Policy/Administration and/ or related field and a minimum of five (5) years experience in planning, design review and/or technical management of projects, preferably in a transportation operation.

Qualified applicants can submit an online application by clicking here. Applications due by April 16.

About Metro-North Railroad

Playing a vital role in the economy of New York State and Connecticut, Metro-North Railroad, a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), is the busiest commuter railroad in the nation with an annual ridership of over 82 million. A dynamic organization with a strong focus on customer service, safety, and new technologies, Metro-North employs approximately 5,900 people. Operating out of its home base in New York City’s historic Grand Central Terminal, the railroad’s three lines serve 120 stations in seven counties in New York and two counties in Connecticut. In 2011, Metro-North received the prestigious International Brunel Award for Overall Excellence in Railroad Design, recognizing its continuing work as a more efficient operation, its commitment to sustainability, and its focus on providing excellent customer service. Metro-North was the first American railroad to win this coveted award in its 26-year history. The competition is open to all passenger and freight railroads in the world. Metro-North has a reputation for rewarding employee resourcefulness and innovation, and offers excellent job opportunities in a challenging and diverse environment.

Description:

Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning (Foursquare ITP – www.foursquareitp.com) is looking for a qualified Senior Transit Service Planner / Project Manager to lead tasks, conduct analysis, and manage projects that require expertise in bus service planning and transit agency operations for services of all size and in all operating environments. The types of projects include transit network analysis, bus priority plans, and transit development plans.

The selected candidate will be responsible for leading service planning efforts, managing projects, conducting transportation research, analysis, report development, field work and meeting participation on a wide variety of transportation projects. Within service planning, the candidate will develop transit service plans, route structures, operating costs, ridership estimates, and implementation and operating plans.

In addition to transit service planning, the selected candidate must have the breadth of experience and interest to assist, lead, and/or manage teams on a diverse array of transportation projects for state and local governments, federal agencies, transit agencies, and regional agencies. (S)he will be involved in a variety of projects, including (but not limited to) transit development plans, transit system operations, transportation needs assessments, alternatives analysis, station area plans, and transit performance monitoring.

In addition to having the appropriate technical and project management skills, the successful candidate will be a smart, motivated, self-starter who is passionate about transit and transportation planning. The candidate must also be flexible in meeting client demands and operating within a dynamic workflow.

Qualifications

Any potential position at Foursquare ITP requires excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Topical area expertise is required in transit service planning: route planning, ridership estimation, scheduling efficiencies, and transit program implementation. Additional experience desired includes: corridor-level transit planning, regional transportation planning, transit development plans, transportation demand management (TDM), land use and economic development analysis, and strategic planning.  A strong working knowledge of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area is preferred.

The candidate must have at least 10 years of experience in the field (12 or more years preferred) and at least 3 years of task or project management experience. Demonstrated service planning capabilities with large, complex transit systems are essential. Experience managing staff and overseeing projects from the technical and administrative sides is required. Appropriate educational background is also required, including preferably a Master’s degree in transportation planning, urban planning, or similar.

While résumés will be accepted through Friday April 12th, 2013, candidate evaluations will begin April 5^th. Send to resumes @ foursquareitp.com. The interview and hiring process is on a fast track and the candidate must be available to start work in the very short term.

Reference 130316 or search for ‘Sustainability’ on WMATA’s career site

Note the 3/21/13 closing date.

Responsibilities:

This is a high level professional and technical position involving the development and analysis in support of Authority-wide sustainability planning, initiative development, and performance measurement. Incumbent uses innovative analysis, corporate/transit best practices, and in-depth evaluation. The incumbent analyzes current performance, identifies new business models and markets, develops implementation strategies and plans, and provides project management support.

Results provide refined critical information to enable effective organizational decision making, performance management, and leadership. Incumbent communicates regularly with executive staff and other Authority personnel. Incumbent conducts special studies to ensure efficient management of resources. Incumbent produces presentations that communicate Authority¿s stance and leadership in sustainability practice.

English: Washington, DC Metro logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Develops, evaluates, and supports sustainability initiatives, programs, policies, and procedures for the Authority.
•  Independently conducts analytical studies.
• Serves as a project analyst and provides project management support to resolve problems and to meet PLAN objectives and Authority strategic goals.
• Conducts special studies focusing on life-cycle costing, cost benefit analysis, and return on investment calculations for potential investments.
• Researches and summarizes selected policy areas related to sustainability.
• Prepares reports on transit issues such as sustainability best practices, impacts of transit on regional sustainability, and summarizes selected policy and technical areas related to sustainability innovations in the transit industry.
• Researches and drafts responses to inquiries from members of Congress; federal, state, regional, and local officials; the Board of Directors; and the public.
• Prepares and presents reports and recommendations for a variety of internal and external customers.
• Attends meetings, hearings, high-level planning sessions, and other activities essential to the execution of the functional responsibilities of PLAN.
•  Maintains effective working relationships with individuals and organizations with whom interface and cooperation are required.

The above duties and responsibilities are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. It is not intended to limit in any way the right of supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of sustainable business practice and sustainable development.
• Knowledge of and experience in leading interdisciplinary teams to facilitate effective policy and initiative planning, development, implementation, and support.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic business planning, performance metrics, and innovation management.
• Knowledge of financial analysis including: life-cycle costing, cost benefit analysis, return on investment calculation.
• Knowledge of the sustainability and environmental policy context in which transit systems operate. Familiarity with sustainable design, green building, and energy planning in a transit context.
• Knowledge of public transit principles and practices and the application of new technology and other innovations to transit agencies.
• Demonstrated success in completing difficult assignments, displaying innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to acquire and maintain current knowledge of major transit systems and changes in the public transportation field that may be of benefit to the attainment of the Authority’s goals and objectives.
• Ability to effectively analyze and present findings on various assigned studies.
• Ability to prepare concise technical reports and engaging presentations for a variety of internal and external customers.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management and organizations with who interface and cooperation are required.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.

The employee performs moderately difficult administrative and office management work assignments for the head of an entity whose staff consists of one or more subordinate branch management level persons who are responsible for key functions and/or programs. Incumbents in this class perform a full range of administrative support duties which affects the efficacy of work processes performed by others. Contacts are maintained with members of other departments with whom the Director level maintains working relationships. Some situations require the use of persuasion and tact to maintain the Director¿s viewpoint. Written guidelines are generally available, but require interpretation.

To be considered for the position, you must meet minimum qualifications. It is, therefore, very important for you to include on your application any education/experience you have had that is described in the minimum qualifications. Incomplete information may delay the assessment process.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in planning, public policy, business administration, or related field. A Master¿s degree preferred. A minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in sustainable business practices, sustainable development, or related field.

MEDICAL GROUP:

Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of 5 years experience in office management activities that involved providing administrative/secretarial services within a diverse organizational entity. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in word processing on the standard software currently in use by the Authority based on a computerized word processing skills evaluation which measures efficiency at various levels; demonstrate proficiency in communication and clerical skills based on a computerized skills evaluation which measures proficiency in spelling, punctuation, capitalization and grammar.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

1. Education, training and experience
2. Personal Interview
3. Medical examination which may include alcohol and drug testing
4. Performance attendance record
5. Background check to include criminal, education, work and driver’s record

Closing Statement

Posted salary ranges and offers are subject to Union contract agreements and Metro salary administration guidelines. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from minorities, females and persons with disabilities.

Please apply before: 03/21/2013

Reference 130316 or search for ‘Sustainability’ on WMATA’s career site

(via Wall Street Journal)

The U.S. spending on transportation (and infrastructure in general) has flatlined (or some argue that it has declined considerably) over the decades while other countries around the globe, especially in Asia, have ramped up their investment in large-scale infrastructure projects such as building highways and railroads.  So, how does it look when we match our spending versus the other nations.  This chart from Wall Street Journal shows show you how badly we are behind in this race to stay competitive. Recommend reading the related article on WSJ that shows how funding for infrastructure projects may be coming from new sources as ‘wealth advisers are steering clients into infrastructure deals. Let’s not forget that we have already a crazy amount of things to fix and on top of that we have to spend on projects that can cater to the growing need for transportation as the population explodes.  But do we really have the money to fix the broke and embark on starting new projects? With a dwindling highway trust fund account and a political gridlock in Washington, even the basic of needs for keeping the country economically superior seems to be a bigger challenge than ever.

Related articles

• Two Charts That Make The Case For More Infrastructure Spending
• Oberhelman calls for infrastructure improvement
• Why Americans Can’t Afford The Future: Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI)
• Aging Infrastructure in America is Like Giving Cash to China
• America’s Disastrous Infrastructure; USA Is Ranked At 25th In the World

As many of us predicted and wanted, Disney’s animation “The Paperman” won the Oscars tonight in the animated shortfilm category…

Moral of the story, don’t hesitate to use your darn mobile phone when you are standing at that unassumingly boring plain vanilla bus stop.  In this campaign, mobile electronics firm Qualcomm put up a poster featuring a URL and waited for people to visit the mobile site. When the visitors got to the website, the fun began. Watch to see what happens at probably what I call the best bus stop ever. Sigh! I wish my bus stop would offer something like this to spice up my sleepy mornings.

Related articles

• Qualcomm’s New Ingenious Web Ad Series Shows the Merits of Waiting at a Bus Stop
• Qualcomm asks: sled dogs or the bus today, ma’am?
• Qualcomm’s new ‘Born Mobile’ ad series makes the bus stop fun again
• Qualcomm details ‘always-on’ Snapdragon voice activation features

(Source: via YPTransportation.org)

Associate Project Manager/Senior Associate

NelsonNygaard Consulting Associates (NN) seeks a highly organized, independent, forward-thinking professional for its newly formed Washington, DC office. The selected individual will play a key role in the firm’s growing multi-modal practice. This is an outstanding opportunity for the right person to become involved in the continued growth and service of one of the nation’s most innovative transportation planning firms.

NelsonNygaard has a long history of sustainable planning for livable, and successful, communities. NN’s work emphasizes quality, creative transit/transportation planning that addresses wider community goals such as economic growth, social equity, strong communities, environmental and energy conservation, and quality places. NelsonNygaard was established with an emphasis on transit service planning and system design, but has since become a national leader in multi-modal transportation planning and engineering.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work as part of a small professional team focusing on transit and multimodal transportation planning, policy development and/or design. The position requires quality work and individual initiative. Candidates must bring demonstrated technical experience in the transportation, design, or policy fields as well as excellent visual, written and oral communication skills. The individual will have the opportunity to assume key roles in project management, marketing and business development.

Specific expectations of the position include the ability to:

• Function as a project manager for small projects and lead planner for complex components of large projects.

• Organize, conduct and supervise data collection activities in the office and in the field

• Analyze public transit, parking, and multi-modal travel data including models, surveys, and operational plans

• Prepare quality technical reports and recommendations

• Frame and conduct independent research

• Track and work within budgets and assist senior managers with project delivery

• Formulate strategies for and assist with community outreach activities

Though most of the work will come from projects on the East Coast, there will be numerous opportunities for the candidate to contribute to NN projects across the United States and internationally. Candidates must be willing to travel (on average 2-4 overnight stays per month plus numerous day trips) and must have a valid Driver’s License.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have at least five years of increasingly responsible experience in a broad cross-section of transportation, urban planning, or engineering. Private sector consulting experience is highly desired but is not a requirement. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. A Master’s Degree in planning or engineering is preferred, however candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree with at least two additional years of direct work experience may be considered.

Potential candidates must have demonstrated problem solving skills and be able to perform detailed technical analysis and feasibility studies with proven expertise in at least two of the following areas:

• Transportation master planning

• Transit/shuttle planning and operations

• Transit facility planning

• Bike/pedestrian planning

• Site planning in urban environments

• Transit Oriented Development

• Transportation Demand Management

• Parking Management

• Multi-modal circulation studies

• Corridor planning and design

• Policy research and development

• State or regional planning

• Transportation performance management (including return on investment) and evaluation

Salary and Benefits

All employees are paid an hourly rate. The annual salary range equivalent for this position is $70,000 to $85,000, depending on qualifications. Benefits include fully paid health and dental insurance, a 401K/profit-sharing program and Paid Time Off (PTO).

Please send cover letter and resume to jobs@nelsonnygard.com by March 18, 2013, with the subject line DC Associate Project Manager/Senior Associate.

Reconnecting America is a national nonprofit organization that helps transform promising ideas into thriving communities, where transportation choices make it easy to get from place to place, where businesses flourish, and where people from all walks of life can afford to live, work and visit.  We accomplish these goals by advising civic and community leaders on how to overcome community development challenges to create better communities for all.

We also develop research and innovative public policy, while building on-the-ground partnerships and convening the players needed to accelerate decision-making. Reconnecting America engages in an integrated set of activities to support our efforts including technical assistance with a broad set of stakeholders in regions big and small across the country, policy reform at the federal, state and local levels and education activities to build capacity among the range of stakeholders ultimately responsible for building stronger and more equitable communities.

Reconnecting America is the managing partner in the Center for Transit-Oriented Development (CTOD), the only national nonprofit effort funded by Congress to promote best practices in transit-oriented development.  For more information visit our website, www.reconnectingamerica.org

Position Overview

Reconnecting America is looking for a motivated, self-guided individual with knowledge, experience, and interest in transit-oriented development, affordable housing, community development and transportation and an interest in helping to develop materials for our policy and education programs. The intern will work on a variety of projects that may include:

• Conducting research on the integration of housing and transit in small and midsize cities.
• Creating project sheets and case studies on various topics related to transit-oriented development, transportation, and affordable housing policy.
• Reviewing and preparing budget analysis of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the US Department of Transportation annual budget requests.
• Supporting staff with graphic representation and editing information in Adobe illustrator and PowerPoint formats.
• Conducting research on local, regional, state and federal transit-oriented development policies.
• Supporting staff with federal level policy advocacy for transportation and sustainable communities.
• Updating content on the Mixed-Income TOD Action Guide (www.mitod.org), an online tool developed for the Federal Transit Administration.
• Preparing presentation materials and assisting with logistics for RA projects.
• Possible short-term, targeted research and/or analysis projects. Also, occasional minor administrative tasks.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelors degree and at least a year of graduate work in city planning, geography, architecture, transportation, public policy, or other related field
• Excellent research, writing and analytical skills
• Comfort using Excel and PowerPoint are essential. Experience with Illustrator, Photoshop, Access, or ArcGIS would be a plus
• An understanding of transit-oriented development principles and strategies and/ or principles related to sustainable communities (health, affordable housing, transportation etc.)
• Self-directed, resourceful, and results-oriented
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills. Ability to work productively, professionally and respectfully with coworkers and outside partners
• Motivated, enthusiastic and committed to the organization’s mission

The position is paid, part-time (15-20 hours/week) and available starting in early to mid-March. Position will be filled from March to August 2013, possibly beyond. Hourly wage is commensurate with experience.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume no later than March 1, 2013 to Sasha Forbes, gsforbes@reconnectingamerica.org. In the subject line write: RA SPRING INTERN. No phone calls, please.

For more information about Reconnecting America please visit our website: www.reconnectingamerica.org.