TransportGooru

This position serves as the Senior Transit Analyst for the Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC). The Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC) is a bi-county agency serving Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. The Commission facilitates planning, coordination and funding for transit services in the region, including the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Montgomery County Ride On, Prince George’s County The Bus, and other providers in the region. The primary focus of this position is on providing lead worker level of planning work at the WSTC. This position will work closely with the staff of the Washington Suburban Transit Commission and the Director of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Washington Area Transit Office. Salary is $43,000- $55,000.

Examples of duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

– Responsible for the analysis and evaluation of existing and proposed transit service.
– Conduct analysis of transit services in the region and develop recommendations to improve the efficiency and productivity of these services and an understanding the importance of transit service to provide connectivity to residents throughout the region, with particular emphasis on Title VI equity considerations.
– Participate in bus planning studies led by WMATA and other regional providers.
– Conduct analysis of transit ridership and cost trends as well as service change proposals, and preparation of recommendations for service improvements.

Questions, cover letters, and resumes should be sent to the attention of Mr. Sean Egan, Washington Suburban Transit Commission, 4351 Garden City Drive, Suite 305, Hyattsville, Maryland 20785 at wstcjobs@gmail.com. EOE.

via YPTransportation.org

Photo by Elvert Barnes

Metro’s Office of Planning is hiring a planner for its Regional Planning branch. The job description and information on how to apply can be found on the WMATA Careers page and the job code is 141283. The job will be open until 11:59pm on 12/24/14.

About the position:

The open position is within the Regional Planning (REGP) program area in Metro’s Office of Planning. The REGP program area focuses on developing and executing the Authority’s long-range regional transit system plan and advocating for Metro’s short and long-term infrastructure and operational needs at local, regional, and state levels, with an emphasis on ensuring integration of Metro’s plans across all the ongoing planning activities in the region. Planners in this position manage long-range planning projects, prepare technical reports/presentations, represent Metro at project stakeholder meetings, and analyze/recommend regional transit policy.  The successful candidate will possess extensive capabilities in regional planning, possess strong communications skills, and be able to represent Metro across the region. The applicant will be particularly skilled at translating highly technical information into written documents, graphics, and presentations that are easily digested by a wide range of audiences. Knowledge in the areas of regional transportation planning and forecasting, the metropolitan planning process, transit funding options and considerations, and project evaluation and alternatives analysis is strongly preferred.

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via USDOT/ITS JPO

The USDOT’s connected vehicle program has identified many safety applications and here is an important one – curve speed warning. This application warns a truck driver if the truck is traveling too fast for an approaching curve and potentially avoid a rollover. To learn more about connected vehicles click here.

Steps and Instructions: 

1. Technical Papers

   Papers should address technical subjects as well as the institutional, policy, business and economic aspects of ITS. All papers must be original and report on recent, significant and substantive achievements. All papers must relate to one of the eight main topics provided.

   Papers must be submitted as final, be at least six pages and no longer than 12 pages single spaced. Technical papers will be reviewed by a peer panel that will look for quality, relevance, and significance of the findings.

2. Guidelines for Paper Submission

   • The deadline for submitting papers is Friday, February 6, 2015. Papers will not be accepted after this date. This deadline will not be extended.
   • Submitted papers must be in final form and follow the formatting instructions outlined here.
   • Papers must be submitted as final, be at least six pages and no longer than 12 pages single spaced.
   • Graphics are encouraged to enhance the presentation of the technical material.
   • Authors may submit up to three papers.
   • Papers may have up to five listed authors. Please note only the presenting author will be listed in the 2015 ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition Final Program.
   • To help organize the technical sessions, please accurately specify the topic area that best describes the subject of your paper.
   • Upon submission, the primary author will receive a confirmation email.
   • If a paper is accepted, the primary author will be informed by mid-March 2015.
   • If the paper is conditionally accepted, the author must make sufficient changes to the paper, suggested by the reviewer, and resubmit the revised paper through the online portal by April 3, 2015.
   • Papers of a predominantly commercial nature will not be selected for presentation.
   • Presenting Authors must be registered for the 2015 ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition by April 24, 2015 or their paper will be withdrawn from the program.
   • Please note that English is the official language of ITS America’s Annual Meetings. Papers not submitted in English will be automatically rejected.

   For more detailed information on submissions, see the Call For Papers brochure.

   For complete 25th Annual Meeting Paper Formatting Instructions, see
   Formatting Instructions.

3. Technical Support

For help in submitting an abstract online, Contact technical support.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

via CNN

With plunging oil prices, the consumers are clearly thrilled but the oil producers, particularly OPEC, not so much.  This video below and the image, courtesy of CNN, clearly explains the gigantic complexities that impacts the price of oil. With $2/gallon already in some parts of the US, the current geopolitical scene will get even more volatile in the months ahead.

Image courtesy: CNN Money

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• Oil prices fall ahead of OPEC meeting

ASSOCIATION BACKGROUND

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to advancing the research, development and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to improve the nation’s surface transportation network. ITS America was formed to provide a unified voice with respect to the development and deployment of new technology from the perspective of all potentially affected parties, including industry, government, academia and other association partners. ITS America represents the experience, perspective, and interest of both the public and private sectors.

ITS America’s members include federal, state, local government agencies; national and international companies involved in the development of intelligent transportation systems; universities and independent research organizations; certain national associations, and others. The Society has 27 state and multi-state chapters representing more than 40 states.

The Society’s $5+ million dollar budget is supported primarily through dues, fees derived from meetings, including a triennial World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, technical contracts with the U.S. Department of Transportation and others.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

ITS America Board of Directors

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The President and CEO provides leadership for ITS America. S/he directly oversees the management of a $5+ million budget and 30 staff in Washington, D.C. S/he serves as an ex officio member of the ITS America Board of Directors and on the ITS World Congress Board of Directors. S/he is responsible for translating the mission of the organization into specific goals and expectations relative to market development, research, education, and government affairs activities. S/he also serves as the lead spokesperson for ITS America before current and prospective members, government leaders, key business partners and stakeholders, media, other associations, and the general public.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The President and CEO exercise’s responsibility for the overall strategic direction, coordination, and execution of society programs. S/he may delegate portions of these responsibilities consistent with sound management principles and authorized policies and procedures, together with proportionate authority for their fulfillment; but may not delegate or relinquish accountability for the results. The specific responsibilities of the president are:

• Serves as the liaison between the Board and ITS America staff.
• Participate in policy formulation actions undertaken by the Board of Directors; Identifies strategic gaps and provides input; interprets major policies and objectives for officers and key executives; recommends courses of action; and establishes operating policies and standards within the general framework established by the Board.
• Ensure that the ITS America Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are kept timely informed about the operations of ITS America.
• Directs the enforcement of the Association Bylaws and the execution of all resolutions of the membership, the Board, and the Executive Committee.
• Directs the development of the strategic plan, budgets, programs, and campaigns required to achieve the objectives of the Society.
• Presents recommended annual operating work programs for approval by the Board of Directors.
• Administers the financial affairs of the Society within applicable Board policies, budgets, and accounting controls to ensure the overall fiscal health of ITS America.
• Builds effective relationships with individuals and organizations with shared interests. Identifies and engages partners, building alliances that advance ITS America’s mission and efforts to promote, conduct research, and provide educational opportunities.
• Serves as a spokesperson for ITS America and the industry before a wide variety of government leaders, the media and related organizations.
• Develop, recruit and retain a high quality staff.
• Work to optimize the effectiveness of the relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Energy and other appropriate agencies.
• Provide a forum and environment for the public and private sectors to meet to examine, discuss and resolve complex ITS issues.
• Work closely with the ITS America Leadership Circle as well as any other forums organized at the Society to benefit the organization and its members.
• Provide leadership for ITS America’s participation in international programs and activities.
• Provide and active membership development and retention program.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

The president maintains constant contact with the volunteer leadership of ITS America and:

• Maintain contact with appropriate regulatory and legislative bodies, associations, public service representatives and organizations to achieve ITS America’s objectives and to enhance the image of the Society.
• Where appropriate and feasible, seek to jointly develop policies, advice, recommendations and programs on ITS matters in cooperation with interested and affected organizations such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the America Public Transportation Association (APTA), the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), SAE International, the Transportation Research Board (TRB), the Association of Global Automakers, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
• Represent ITS America in activities with its international partners, including ERTICO-ITS Europe and ITS Japan, and other national ITS organizations, to support a successful ITS World Congress and promote international cooperation on standards, research and deployment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The next ITS America President and CEO will be a strategic and innovative leader with a minimum of 10 years’ senior executive-level leadership and management experience with an organization of similar size, scale and complexity either in related sectors, a relevant association or government. The ideal candidate possesses the following experience and attributes:

• World class leader with a demonstrated track record as a leader in an organization known for innovation; Growth and customer/member service.
• Senior management experience including strategic planning, financial management, staff leadership, Board relations, market promotion and advocacy.
• Capable of anticipating and proactively addressing significant industry challenges and opportunities.
• Proven track record as a principal spokesperson and advocate before all forms of media and at the highest levels of government and business.
• Must have the intellectual courage to define and defend new ideas in an evolving organization environment and learn about member’s technologies and passionately advocate the Society’s mission internally and externally.
• A successful track record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with an active volunteer Board, external partners and stakeholders.
• A highly recognizable, marquee executive who will bring high credibility to the organization.
• A history of successful engagement, partnering and alliance building.
• Experience attracting, developing, motivating and retaining a high performing, team- oriented staff.
• Ability to manage staff remotely.
• Experience leading the development and execution of strategies for identifying new value-added services and products and generating sustainable revenue streams.
• Experience leading a federation of independent chapters is a plus. Effective at leading through persuasion.
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills for building and fostering key internal and external relationships.
• Outstanding communication skills, including speaking and presentation skills; an active listener.
• Familiarity with sectors and issues related to the transportation and technology industry is a strong plus.
• Has strong presence and judgment. Equally effective at all levels within and outside the organization. Has unquestionable ethics and integrity.
• Committed to the association, its mission and members, and all the issues that affects their success.
• Servant leader; diplomatic; politically savvy.
• Willingness to undertake a robust domestic and international travel schedule.

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

Keeps on Point: Can quickly separate the mission-critical from the nice to dos and the trivial; quickly senses what’s the next most useful thing to work on; focuses on the critical few tasks that really add value and puts aside or delays the rest.

Gets Work Done Through Others: Manages people well; gets the most and best out of the people he/she has; sets and communicates guiding goals; measures accomplishments, holds people accountable, and gives useful feedback; delegates and develops; keeps people informed; provides coaching for today and for the future.

Organizationally Savvy: Maneuvers well to get things done; maze bright; knows where to go to get what he/she needs; politically aware and agile; knows the right thing to do; presents views and arguments well.

Communicates Effectively: Writes and presents effectively; adjusts to fit the audience and the message; strongly gets a message across.

Manages Up: is ambitious and is comfortable marketing himself/herself to higher management; knows how to relate effectively with top management.

Relating Skills: warm, friendly, and interpersonally agile; easy to approach and talk to; relates well to all kinds of people; makes a pleasant first impression and builds solid relationships.

Manages Diverse Relationships: Relates well to a wide variety of diverse styles, types, and classes; open to differences; effective up, down, sideways, inside, and outside; builds diverse networks; quick to find common ground; treats differences fairly and equitably; values diversity and treats all people with respect and dignity.

Education: An undergraduate degree is required. An advanced degree is highly desirable.

Compensation: A competitive compensation package will be provided to attract outstanding candidates.

Search by ITS America: Please submit your letter of interest and resume to Human Resources at CEOsearch@itsa.org. pinterest-1f3bb

Via City Fix Blog

Photo by mariordo59

The World Bank and EMBARQ Mexico – in collaboration with TransMilenio S.A. – will host the third annual “Building Leaders in Urban Transport Planning” course, which provides tools for systematic integrated mobility planning, corridor management, public transport planning evaluation alternatives, governance, finance, and public-private partnerships – all of which are key issues facing Latin American cities and cities worldwide. The course will use a hands-on learning approach, making extensive use of case studies, group exercises, and site visits – all aimed at highlighting linkages between the various components of the urban transport system. The deadline to apply to the course is January 9, 2015.

The event is part of the World Bank’s “Leadership in Urban Transport Planning” (LUTP) capacity building series, which develops leadership, awareness, and implementation strategies for urban integrated mobility planning. It is designed specifically for senior level decision makers at the national, provincial or city level – those who have a responsibility for urban transport at the policy making level, rather than a purely technical level. Academics, consultants, and other members of civil society are also encouraged to apply.

The Building Leaders in Urban Transport Planning course will consist of two parts. The period from January 19 to February 21, 2015, will be devoted to self-study, covering topics in land use and transport planning, and incorporating the environmental and social issues of urban transport planning. Participants will then partake in a seven-day hands-on workshop from February 22 to February 28 in Bogotá, Colombia – a city with a track record of leadership in sustainable urban transportand development. Following the workshop, participants will also have the option to partake in a six-month mentoring program to provide advice and guidance as participants work on city-level projects.

In addition to other special guests, #LUTPColombia 2015 will have the following distinguished faculty:

• Thierry Denis Desclos, Urban Transport Specialist, World Bank
• Ivan Jaques, Head of Energy Efficient Cities Initiative, ESMAP
• Arturo Ardila, Urban Transport Specialist, World Bank
• Dario Hidalgo, Director of Research and Practice, EMBARQ
• Adriana Lobo, Director of EMBARQ México
• Fernando Páez, Transport Director, EMBARQ México

Learn more about the event and apply here.

The event will be conducted in Spanish, and is organized with support from the Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF) and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). Follow updates on the proceedings on social media from @EMBARQMX and#LUTPColombia. 

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Photo by torbakhopper HE DEAD

Alta Bicycle Share designs, deploys, and manages bicycle share programs and systems worldwide.  Public bike sharing systems combine the convenience and flexibility of a private vehicle with the accessibility and reliability of mass transit.

Overview of Position:

We at Alta Bicycle Share located in NYC are looking for a Technical Project Manager who thinks relentlessly about who does what by when, everything that can go wrong, and how to make it all come together in the end.  Someone who knows enough about technology to identify risks and evaluate plans, but doesn’t need to be the one actually writing the code or designing the system.  Someone who always has a plan B and a Plan C, and can stay cool when everything else seems to be going wrong.  This is an exciting opportunity for a high performing individual to be part of the Technology Team in a growth environment.

The Technical Project Manager will report to/support the Vice President of Technology to help deliver the desired products and projects on time, on target and on budget. This position includes project management responsibilities for one or more complex projects.  These projects typically utilize vendor participation and require complex schedules and integration with other systems and multiple contractors.

Key Aspects of Position:

• Manage scope, schedule, budget, and risks for critical aspects of aggressive and complex bikeshare systems rollouts and upgrades.
• Hold relevant contracted and in-house resources accountable for timeliness and quality of all deliverables
• Work with contractors to understand production and supply chain, and mitigate risks and issues.
• Identify and manage project risks through deep communication and collaboration with contractors and in-house technical and operational teams.
• Create contracts by developing scopes of work, estimating costs, identifying contractors, and negotiating contract awards.
• Report qualitatively and quantitatively on project status, progress, and risks.
• Develop and manage team project management tools and processes

Note: The above description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.  All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities due to the nature of work performed to accomplish Alta Bicycle Share’s Mission.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or analytical field and 5+ years of progressively more responsible experience.
• Experience managing at least one large and complex technology project or program across multiple teams or contractors.
• Technical experience and/or training sufficient to understand project technical risks.
• Exceptional verbal, written, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build consensus, negotiate solutions and alternatives, and resolve conflicting high-priority requirements.
• Travel: will vary but must be willing/able to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Located in or willing to relocate to New York City metro area.
• A Master’s degree in an engineering or analytical field.
• Thorough knowledge of Project Management principles, concepts and practices.
• Experience creating contracts and managing contractors.
• PMP Certification is a plus.
• Passion for bicycling/bikeshare and progressive urban transportation on issues.

Alta Bicycle Share is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Alta Bicycle Share is a drug-free workplace.

Click here to learn more and to apply

Image courtesy: IEA.org

Some interesting nuggets from IEA:

• Since 1990, the domestic transport sector has accounted for the largest share of total final energy consumption, more than 30%, in the 24 OECD countries.
• Within the sector, road transport dominates energy consumption, at 90% in 2011, as shown in this chart above based on the IEA energy efficiency indicators database.
• Further disaggregated data by segment and vehicle type indicate that consumption by passenger cars is a key driver (64%) for road transport, and thus for global energy consumption trends.

Click here to learn more.

With gas prices falling faster than a drop of water from the sky (as we speak, the national average is well below $3 – the 1st time since Dec 22, 2010), you can expect more Americans tempted to drive instead of opting for other modes of transportation.  AAA expects the travelers to spend an average of $573 over the course of their holiday travels.  Click here to view the complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2014 Thanksgiving Travel Forecast.

Image courtesy: Newsroom.AAA.com via cspnet.com

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