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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The Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA), a nonprofit corporation established in 2012, is seeking its first Executive Director who will be charged with overseeing the operations and maintenance of the entire system through a third-party operator, and ensuring stakeholder and neighborhood involvement.

When becomes operational in late 2015, the two-mile north-south streetcar route (approximately 4 miles round trip) will operate on City streets and efforts are currently underway to study opportunities and gain support for future expansion projects.

Without question, this position represents a tremendous opportunity for a dynamic leader to have a significant impact in a city focused on downtown revitalization. Given that Kansas City Streetcar initiatives are in their development stages, it will be necessary for the Executive Director to demonstrate flexibility, maturity and an ability to “scale” within a dynamic, expanding entity.

We are seeking candidates who possess:

·         At least five years of demonstrated experience in an externally focused leadership position is required.

·         A solid base of experience in administrative skills, project management, budget oversight and contract/vendor management is necessary.

·         Given complexities associated with federal funding, candidates with previous experience resulting in positive relationships with the FTA will be viewed favorably.

While ideal candidates will have experience in public transit (e.g., streetcars/light rail, urban transit, bus systems, heavy rail), individuals with applicable skills in government/stakeholder relations, urban redevelopment, urban planning and/or community outreach are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information or make a referral, please contact Nancy Huckaba at 913.234.1570 or nhuckaba@eflassociates.com.

(via YPTransportation)

Here is something new.. Attendants on a subway train serving snacks and beverages? Yeah.. That’s what happened in Toronto’s subway.. This past Sunday, Improv Toronto decided to put a fun twist in an otherwise mundane ride on the city’s subway ride to make it memorable for the riders.  As they said on the website, “Our mission was simple, transform the old every day nature of riding the subway into a luxury flight experience, making it more a comfortable, enjoyable, and eventful ride.” So, off they went, equipped with snacks, drinks and blankets, our sharp looking flight subway attendants and captain tended to the riders on a Eastbound train on the Bloor Line.

Looking at the warm welcoming smiles on the riders’ faces, I wouldn’t be surprised if this stunt gets emulated globally much like the No Pants Subway Ride , another popular Improv stunt.  BTW, worn out Washington, DC Metro riders like me can sure get used to some TLC like this..

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