Overview

May 21

The pandemic has decimated public transit in cities all over the world. Ridership on subways, trains and buses plummeted by 80 percent in many urban centers last year. And it will likely be years before all those riders return: One analysis found that ridership in the New York MTA, for example, may return only to about 80 to 92 percent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.

Transit plays a vital role in the American economy, and modernizing transportation technology is a crucial part of helping cities thrive in a post-pandemic era. To discuss this timely and important issue, Government Technology is convening a panel of public transit experts and thought leaders.

With former U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx as a featured speaker, this hourlong virtual event, May 21 at 10 PT/1 ET, will cover a range of topics, including:

How the pandemic will shape the future of urban transit for years to come
Restoring transit service safely, sustainably and equitably
How state and local transit technology leaders should make use of federal funding, including the American Rescue Plan and new proposed infrastructure spending from the White House
The role of new technologies like automated bus lane enforcement in the future of smart cities
Using AI to power smarter curbsides

Speakers

Anthony Foxx

Board Member & Former Secretary of U.S. Department of Transportation

Anthony Foxx is the Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to the President and CEO at Lyft. In his role, Anthony works alongside Lyft's co-founders and executive team -- at the intersection of transportation policy, technology, and public-private partnerships -- to expand affordable mobility options and improve people's lives with the world's best transportation. From 2013-2017, Anthony served as the 17th United States Secretary of Transportation, leading an agency with more than 55,000 employees and a $70 billion budget, whose primary goal was to ensure that America maintains the safest, most efficient transportation system in the world. Among many accomplishments during his tenure, the DOT established a first-ever policy framework for the safe integration of self-driving vehicles, and leveraged $350 million in public and private funding to demonstrate how smart technology can change cities and local communities. Anthony was also the mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina from 2009-2013. During this time, he made transportation investments the centerpiece of Charlotte's job creation and economic recovery efforts. These investments included extending the LYNX light rail system, the largest capital project ever undertaken by the city. He also expanded Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (the sixth busiest in the world), worked with North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue to accelerate the I-485 outer belt loop, and started the Charlotte Streetcar project.

Renee Autumn Ray

Strategy and Innovation Leader, Conduent Transportation Solutions

Renee Autumn Ray is an urban planner who has worked in transportation and public health planning, policy, operations, and data evaluation. Renee focuses on how technology can improve transportation safety and access for everyone, particularly vulnerable populations. She currently leads partnerships for Conduent Transportation, a technology company which includes payment processing, enforcement, and data analytics for public safety, transit, curbside management, and road usage charging. Renee also serves on the Transportation Research Board committees for Intelligent Transportation Systems and Innovative Public Transport Services and Technologies.

Nick Lyell

Cofounder and Chief Impact Officer, CivStart

As Chief Impact Officer, Nick brings a range of expertise in media, narrative, and visual communications strategy and tactics along with a familiarity with both local government and civic technology communities. He loves to leverage technology to help governments make the largest impacts with their communities. Nick has also worked as a nonprofit communications consultant for state-based advocacy campaigns. Before that, he helped build out digital communications at the National Association of Counties (NACo), elevating NACo's overall brand and position as a thought-leader in the local government space.

Pete Sklannik

Principal Consultant & U.S. DOT Advisor

Pete Sklannik served as Chief Operating Officer for three start-up commuter railroads, with the bulk of his career spent at the MTA Long Island Railroad. While at LIRR, Mr. Sklannik served in several different capacities: Capital Programs, Operations and Public Affairs where he was appointed as the "youngest" Director in the LIRR's 188-year history. Currently, Pete is Project Management Oversight Consultant for the Federal Transit Administration, supporting the monitoring functions associated with the MTA's & NJ Transit's multi-billion-dollar Capital Programs. Mr. Sklannik has undergraduate education in Industrial Administration & Engineering, a Graduate Degree in Public Administration and several postgraduate programs in construction management, emergency response, and aviation management. Pete is also a Vice Flotilla Commander with United States Coast Guard Aux.

Eve Machol

Transportation Industry Director, Business Applications, Data Analytics and AI, Microsoft

Eve Machol is the Director of Transportation Industry Transformation for the US State and Local Government market at Microsoft, with a focus on IoT, Data Analytics and Business Applications. She has engaged with US airports, railways, and State DOTs to showcase innovation through modern technologies and real-time data insights, which will improve operational excellence and enhance the citizen journey experience. Eve’s focus includes driving Microsoft’s strategy around Azure Digital Twin and mixed reality capabilities for the public sector transportation market. The breadth and depth of Eve’s experience is focused on integrating services with software solutions, and working with AEC firms and other industry partners. Her deep industry relationships with clients, partners, professional associations and work groups has helped in shaping Microsoft’s focus on the US Transportation market.

Dustin Haisler — Moderator

Chief Innovation Officer, e.Republic, Inc.

Dustin Haisler is the Chief Innovation Officer of Government Technology's parent company e.Republic. Previously the finance director and later CIO for Manor, Texas, a small city outside Austin, Haisler quickly built a track record and reputation as an early innovator in civic tech. As Chief Innovation Officer, Haisler has a strategic role to help shape the company’s products, services and future direction. Primarily, he leads e.Republic Labs, a market connector created as an ecosystem to educate, accelerate and ultimately scale technology innovation within the public sector.

Webinar

Public Transit Modernization: Best Strategies During a Pandemic and Post-COVID Recovery