METRANS TSA

Tackle Traffic Together! Join us for the METRANS Spring 2024 Speaker Series, where Dr. Antonio Bento will talk about the future of Los Angeles traffic solutions. Starting from congestion charges to high-quality public transportation alternatives. Don't miss out!
🗓️ April 17, 2024 | 🕛 12-1 PM PST
📍 Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall (RGL) 101 or virtually via Zoom.

Join us on April 3, 2024, for an insightful talk on ‘Fuel Cell Technologies at Toyota’ with Senior Engineering Manager Jacquelyn Birdsall. Discover the future of zero-emissions mobility and Toyota’s strides towards a sustainable transportation era! 🚗💡🌿

Join the METRANS Spring 2024 Speaker Series for an insightful conversation on ‘Clean Air for All’ with SCAQMD’s Chair Vanessa Delgado. Dive into air quality solutions on March 20, 2024, from 12-1 PM PST, both online via Zoom and in-person at UGW 100B. RSVP now and be part of shaping a cleaner future!

Join Dr. Petros Ioannou at the METRANS Spring 2024 Speaker Series for a critical discussion on autonomous vehicles’ capabilities in challenging scenarios. This event delves into the reliability of sensor technology in self-driving cars during adverse conditions like roadblocks, rush hour, and rainstorms. Tune in on February 21, 2024, via Zoom or in person at USC’s Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall to explore the future of transportation safety and efficiency.

The Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT) hosted its annual State of the Trade and Transportation Industry Town Hall Meeting on November 17 at the Pointe Conference Center, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), focusing on port decarbonization for the year. Since its inception in 2001, the event has facilitated vigorous discussions on controversial topics, ranging from labor strikes to global pandemic impacts. The 2023 event featured a documentary, a roundtable panel discussion on supply chain decarbonization challenges, and presented the Domenick Miretti Award. Esteemed panelists included Genevieve Giuliano of USC, Trelynd Bradley from the California Governor’s Office, Sarah Dawn Saltzer of Stanford, Jack Hedge of BayoTech, and Tom O'Brien of CSULB, honoring the late Richard D. “Rick” Cameron from the Port of Long Beach. Supported by sponsors such as the Port of Los Angeles, Majestic Reality Co., and others, the Town Hall underscored the crucial role of open dialogue in addressing port and supply chain issues, thanking attendees and sponsors for their crucial support.

Join the METRANS Spring 2024 Speaker Series for an insightful conversation on 'Clean Air for All' with SCAQMD’s Chair Vanessa Delgado. Dive into air quality solutions on January 24, 2024, from 12-1 PM PST, both online via Zoom and in-person at RGL 100. RSVP now and be part of shaping a cleaner future!

Apply now for the Buser Memorial Scholarship 2023-2024! Two $2,250 scholarships are available for California undergraduates pursuing careers in land surveying. Eligibility: Minimum 2.5 GPA and a passion for transportation-related fields. Application period: November 9 - December 10, 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your land surveying career forward!

Apply here https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/busermemorial2023

"The Interstate Highway System: The Engine That Drives the Economic Engine of the United States" delves into the profound impact of the Interstate Highway System (IHS) on the U.S. economy. From its initial proposal at the 1939 New York World's Fair to the enactment of the Federal Aid-Highway Act of 1956, the IHS has evolved into a crucial 48,000-mile network, integral to national infrastructure. This system has been instrumental in driving a 340% increase in the nation's GDP over 65 years, boosting it from $3 trillion to $19 trillion. The expansion of the IHS has significantly enhanced productivity, market growth, and economic efficiency. Investments in the IHS, amounting to $5.4 billion, have directly influenced regional economic productivity by reducing transportation and production costs, thus increasing profitability and overall national productivity. Businesses have benefited from lower shipping costs and improved service reliability, leading to reduced inventory and storage expenses. The IHS's critical role was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the delivery of essential supplies. Studies indicate that for every dollar invested in the IHS, there is a return of $1.80 in economic output, with federal investments continuously fueling significant economic growth at both the national and state levels. The Interstate Highway System, beyond being a mere network of roads, stands as a testament to American ingenuity and a key driver of the country's economic dynamism.

The Port of Long Beach unveiled 33 zero-emissions, battery-electric yard tractors, replacing traditional gasoline and diesel models. This deployment, the largest of its kind on the West Coast, was led by SSA Terminals LLC and partially funded by a $50 million grant from the California Air Resources Board as part of the START project. This initiative aims to demonstrate a near-zero and zero-emissions supply chain, contributing to California's climate goals. The new equipment, which increases zero-emissions machinery at the Port to about 20%, is part of a broader effort towards zero-emissions operations, including future integration of human-driven top handlers. The project was supported by Southern California Edison and other partners, aligning with Matson's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

More on https://polb.com/port-info/news-and-press/zero-emissions-cargo-handlers-debut-at-port-of-long-beach-11-30-2023/

CalBike has been advocating for Complete Streets for over a decade, promoting safer and more inclusive roadways that accommodate all modes of transportation, including biking, walking, and public transit. Despite initial legislative efforts and incremental policy changes within Caltrans, the organization faces challenges in implementing a comprehensive vision of Complete Streets, with piecemeal improvements often falling short of creating truly safe and comfortable environments for non-automotive travelers. Past legislation aimed at integrating Complete Streets into state highway planning has been vetoed or not fully realized, lacking transparency and accountability. Moving forward, CalBike aims to introduce stronger mandates, ensure public safety, and contribute to climate change mitigation by transforming transportation infrastructure to support sustainable and active mobility, aligning with urgent environmental goals.

More on https://www.calbike.org/the-long-road-to-complete-streets/

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in Los Angeles, particularly at the SoFi Stadium, significantly boosted the local economy in early August 2023. This tour, contributing an estimated $5 billion nationwide, particularly impacted Los Angeles, increasing tourism, travel, and local businesses. The California Center for Jobs and the Economy reported that the Los Angeles concerts added $320 million to the county's GDP, $160 million in local wages, and created 3,300 jobs, with substantial tax revenues from occupancy and sales taxes. The event's success was fueled by the nearly 420,000 attendees, whose presence invigorated local restaurants, hotels, and services, and led to a 35% increase in Los Angeles Metro ridership. The ride-sharing industry also saw significant gains. While the influx of tourists highlighted the need for improvements in public transportation, the city demonstrated its capacity for handling large-scale events, setting a precedent for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Eras Tour thus marked a memorable economic milestone for Los Angeles, showcasing its ability to host world-class events with financial success and enhanced civic pride.