Delivering on Promises The US Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL)—previously known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—as well as the more recent Inflation Reduction Act, are providing unprecedented levels of funding for transportation modernization, and expansion projects. Jannet and Nat explained why this is going to require a fresh look at how transportation has been historically funded and programmed. Jannet: The future of transportation is complex, dynamic and exciting. We are in a state of rapid growth and continual transformation. Historical funding opportunities and federal programs are taking root, innovative technologies are becoming the norm and alternative fuel and energy sources are becoming more available. As we contend with the lingering effects of COVID-19 and workforce shortages, we are making vital policy decisions that will provide for safer, more sustainable, equitable, and accessible systems. Nat: In public transportation, funding historically has been earmarked for buses, trains, and infrastructure. In the 21st century, we must think beyond that and provide funding to enhance our role as mobility integrators that provide a variety of multimodal options that include walkability and cycling, greenspace, paths and trails, and transit- oriented development. Jannet: The highlights from the BIL—now in into the second of the five-year funding of $1.2B—covers improvements in infrastructure such as: • $66 billion in passenger and freight rail, • $7.5 billion to build a national network of electric vehicle chargers, and • $39 billion for transit and accessibility improvements. With this investment in transportation and infrastructure, we have the crucial opportunity to provide systems designed with the kaleidoscope of riders and their diverse needs, safety and access, accommodations, and perspectives in mind. We will see a difference in the usage of those systems, ridership numbers will increase and communities will benefit from access to new and meaningful connections to places, jobs, healthcare, educational institutions, voting locations, resources, and opportunities that did not exist before. Nat: Now it is our job as transportation professionals to make sure we deliver on the promises made. Driving Innovation and Technology Jannet and Nat identified several challenges and opportunities awaiting the transportation sector. Nat: The opportunities I see on the horizon for the industry are driven by innovation and technology. Both are powerful tools to address the priorities our customers demand. It helps us create integrated systems across all modes of transportation, putting the power at the fingertip of customers. It can support the dismantling of equity barriers and make sure there is more reliable access to services. It will provide more opportunities that help us deliver services that are environmentally friendly with more electric vehicles.
Jannet: When I think about the future of the industry, I see a focus on moving into new, smarter sources of energy, artificial intelligence, automation, and new mobility and technological infrastructure to support these innovations. Nat: A game-changer will be autonomous vehicle technology. Automation and all the opportunities in innovation and technology are helping us attract and retain a skilled workforce. It is also showing newer generations the amazing possibilities a career in the transportation industry can provide. Of course, all these opportunities lead to greater community services, enhancing the quality of life. Jannet: We must address the availability of adequate operational and capital funding to meet the needs of our transportation systems and aging infrastructure. We need a skilled workforce that is more diverse and gender-balanced and ensure that equity in the planning, design and delivery of the projects addresses our most pressing infrastructure needs. Equity Focus on Infrastructure The Fords see critical opportunities for the private and public sectors to work together and solve some of the transportation industry’s biggest challenges. Jannet: We all know the history of public transportation—including railroads, bridges, transit, and airports—and like the history of our country, it is complicated. Too often, decisions about where and how to build infrastructure disproportionately benefited some, while disenfranchising others. An equity focus on infrastructure is championed by the public sector and is currently—and should always be—a key consideration in public transportation and infrastructure improvements. But it is not just the federal administration and public institutions and agencies that are focusing on equity. More and more private sector entities are understanding how the history of their infrastructure and decision- making created unintentional consequences for communities throughout the United States. In cities, it was often Black and Brown communities who were devastated, while in more rural areas of the country it was often the lower income and Native communities who were disenfranchised. As transportation professionals we are charged with making important decisions that impact society. An equitable, diverse and inclusive group of stakeholder voices are vital for the road ahead. We can acknowledge past indiscretions that actively harmed communities, especially communities of color and other disadvantaged people, while choosing better alternatives that will actively help rectify the standing outcomes of these choices. Nat: I have seen the benefits of public and private collaboration within my own agency. Forming public-private partnerships (P3s) to serve the public that are financially beneficial, sustainable, diverse, efficient, and safe has enabled the JTA to become a best-in-class transportation authority.
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NOVEMBER 2023 csengineermag.com
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