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TRANSPORT CHICAGO 2024
June 14 | voco Chicago Downtown 350 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654 |
8:00–8:45am • REGISTRATION - BREAKFAST
8:45–9:45am • MORNING KEYNOTE WITH EDITH MAKRA
Transportation and Climate CM | 1
BIO
Edith Makra directs sustainability initiatives for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, a coalition of 275 mayors in the greater Chicago region. Makra developed the Greenest Region Compact, a consensus sustainability pledge now adopted by 159 Chicago-area communities, forming the largest regional municipal sustainability collaborative in the US. She has led the creation of the first climate action plan for the Chicago region and is now leading municipalities to prepare for transportation electrification.
Makra previously served as the first environmental advisor to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and has directed state-wide and regional environmental programs in Illinois and Massachusetts.
She has a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Illinois; an Executive Sustainability Certificate from Harvard University; and is an International Society of Sustainability Professionals –Sustainability Excellence Professional; and is a Climate Change Professional, Certified by the Association of Climate Change Officers.
Makra previously served as the first environmental advisor to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and has directed state-wide and regional environmental programs in Illinois and Massachusetts.
She has a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Illinois; an Executive Sustainability Certificate from Harvard University; and is an International Society of Sustainability Professionals –Sustainability Excellence Professional; and is a Climate Change Professional, Certified by the Association of Climate Change Officers.
10:00–11:00am • SESSION 1
Loop Elevated
Funding Strategies for Regional Transit as the Fiscal Cliff Approaches CM | 1
Funding Strategies for Regional Transit as the Fiscal Cliff Approaches CM | 1
What is Next For Transit Funding Cliff?
- Maulik Vaishnav; Senior Deputy Executive Director, Planning & Capital Programming, Regional Transportation Authority
- Kate Lowe, Ph.D.; Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Policy, UIC College of Urban Planning and Planning Affairs
DESCRIPTION
The federal relief for transit operations will run out in our region in early 2026, potentially leaving a 20+% budget hole that could lead to dramatic service cuts. As transit agencies, stakeholders, and advocates gear up for state legislative action to adequately fund transit, we are in need of more open conversations on the future of transit that we want to see. CMAP's PART plan offered some high level recommendations on transit funding and governance reform, but a lot more work lies ahead to dig deeper on numbers, build a coalition, and advance transit priorities.
An Urban Core Congestion Pricing System for the Chicago Region
Thomas Bamonte; Senior Advisor, Metropolitan Planning Council
Thomas Bamonte; Senior Advisor, Metropolitan Planning Council
DESCRIPTION
This presentation will outline a cordon-based congestion fee system for the Chicago region and provide an interactive opportunity for audience members to weigh in on the merits of that system and supply their ideas for optimizing such a system. Congestion fee systems are gaining traction in leading global metros, most recently in New York City. The Chicago region faces the same challenges that prompted other metros to adopt congestion fee systems.
This project assessed three CMAP PART Plan recommendations for user fees to provide transit funding and analyzed for the region:
The project found that the CMAP roadway user fee options were too broad (Tollway toll hike), too narrow (Chicago CBD cordon), and too impractical (tolling "free" expressways). It concluded that ISTHA's Tri-State (I-294) should mark the boundary separating the urban core from the rest of the region. The urban core congestion fee will be collected using existing ISHTA technology. Proceeds will be used to fund improved transit services within and connecting into the urban core. The revenue potential is very high even at relatively low fee levels.
This project assessed three CMAP PART Plan recommendations for user fees to provide transit funding and analyzed for the region:
- traffic flow, tolling, and transit service data;
- technology and institutional capabilities;
- where externalities associated with single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) driving are concentrated;
- equity implications of roadway pricing; and
- best practices from congestion pricing systems elsewhere.
The project found that the CMAP roadway user fee options were too broad (Tollway toll hike), too narrow (Chicago CBD cordon), and too impractical (tolling "free" expressways). It concluded that ISTHA's Tri-State (I-294) should mark the boundary separating the urban core from the rest of the region. The urban core congestion fee will be collected using existing ISHTA technology. Proceeds will be used to fund improved transit services within and connecting into the urban core. The revenue potential is very high even at relatively low fee levels.
Red Line
Three Pillars of Transit Access: Coverage, Service, and Fares CM | 1
Three Pillars of Transit Access: Coverage, Service, and Fares CM | 1
Destination DeKalb: Expanding Commuter Rail Access in Northern Illinois
Matt Orenchuk; Principal + Transit and Rail Practice Leader, Sam Schwartz
Matt Orenchuk; Principal + Transit and Rail Practice Leader, Sam Schwartz
DESCRIPTION
During the pandemic we learned our transit systems are not suited to serve many trips beyond traditional weekday commutes. For transit to survive in 2024 and beyond, we must pivot to connect people to where they want to travel. DeKalb sits on the periphery of Chicagoland, approximately 15 miles from the end of the Metra Union Pacific West line in Elburn. The city conducted a feasibility study in 2023 to understand the implications of extending Metra service. While the distance is short and DeKalb would be a natural fit for a Metra terminal with 40,000 people and Northern Illinois University, the solutions are not so simple.
The chief issue is that DeKalb it is not in the six-county Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) area. Despite the short distance and the fact that Metra service already operates nearby, a decision made more than five decades ago on RTA's service area is one of the primary hurdles for the project. In short, Metra and RTA would have to break precedent to extend the service.
This talk will focus on DeKalb's desire to extend commuter rail service, the political and economic hurdles it faces to do so, and the massive benefit it stands to gain if the project can be brought to fruition. It is a story of frustration and potential – how the connection that makes the most sense on paper is not necessarily the one that happens in real life, and what we can do in Northern Illinois to expand transit's reach
The chief issue is that DeKalb it is not in the six-county Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) area. Despite the short distance and the fact that Metra service already operates nearby, a decision made more than five decades ago on RTA's service area is one of the primary hurdles for the project. In short, Metra and RTA would have to break precedent to extend the service.
This talk will focus on DeKalb's desire to extend commuter rail service, the political and economic hurdles it faces to do so, and the massive benefit it stands to gain if the project can be brought to fruition. It is a story of frustration and potential – how the connection that makes the most sense on paper is not necessarily the one that happens in real life, and what we can do in Northern Illinois to expand transit's reach
Post-COVID Transit Planning - Metro Transit's Network Now
- Matthew Stegeman; Transit Planning Lead, SRF Consulting
- Cyndi Harper; Senior Manager, Route and Service Planning, Metro Transit (Twin Cities, MN)
DESCRIPTION
Since 2020, transit agencies across the world have seen unprecedented changes in travel patterns and customer preferences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many agencies prioritized service for essential workers and for the communities most reliant on transit while facing overall ridership declines. As the world recovered, the transit industry confronted a major shortage of bus operators, impacting many systems' ability to maintain consistent service levels. Metro Transit in the Twin Cities has begun a process to reckon with the changes of the last several years and build toward sustainable growth with Network Now, the agency's next four-year bus service plan.
This presentation will summarize outcomes of the planning process, including key themes from customer engagement, lessons learned from communicating with riders, and the approaches used to develop the draft plan, scheduled for adoption in summer 2024.
This presentation will summarize outcomes of the planning process, including key themes from customer engagement, lessons learned from communicating with riders, and the approaches used to develop the draft plan, scheduled for adoption in summer 2024.
Building a More Equitable Fare Structure: Access Pilot
Peter Kersten; Program Manager, Strategic Plan Implementation, Regional Transportation Authority
Peter Kersten; Program Manager, Strategic Plan Implementation, Regional Transportation Authority
DESCRIPTION
Transit connects the most vulnerable people in our region to jobs, healthcare, and other opportunities. Chicago's regional transit system gives thousands of residents with disabilities and older adults independence through ADA paratransit and reduced fare and ride free programs. Fully funding and expanding regional reduced fare and ride free programs increases access for those residents who need it most. Making paying for transit more seamless and affordable is a commitment RTA made in Transit is the Answer.
In February RTA, in partnership with Metra and Cook County, launched the Access Pilot to offer a reduced fare Metra ticket to any individuals living in households currently receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This presentation will provide initial lessons learned from the pilot while digging deeper into broader fare equity analysis the RTA is currently conducting.
In February RTA, in partnership with Metra and Cook County, launched the Access Pilot to offer a reduced fare Metra ticket to any individuals living in households currently receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This presentation will provide initial lessons learned from the pilot while digging deeper into broader fare equity analysis the RTA is currently conducting.
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Blue Line
EV Planning Scenario: You Make the Decisions! CM | 1
DESCRIPTION
Illinois’ Reimagining Electric Vehicles (REV) Act and Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) have ushered in a new era of opportunity for EVs and alternative fuels in the state, which has set the bold goal of putting one million EVs on the road by 2030. How might different types of Chicagoans respond to the ideas and innovations put forth by these acts? In this interactive simulation, participants will be assigned to a team from a hypothetical location and take on the role of an elected official, corporate bigwig, transportation planner, or community member to work with their team to design an EV plan for their area. Along the way, each team will receive new challenges to address, testing their ability to adapt and advance shared goals. A panel of experts will introduce the topic and serve as your in-house consultants throughout the simulation. Participants will come away from the simulation having learned about:
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Green Line
All Aboard: Progress Through Collaboration and Engagement CM | 1 SAFER routes to Schools
Siddharth Shah; Senior Planner, Sam Schwartz DESCRIPTION
In 2022, Chicago launched a locally funded school zone improvement effort to install traffic safety improvements around schools that saw disproportionately high traffic safety concerns. For this effort, Chicago Department of Transportation developed a comprehensive assessment approach with varying zones of improvement around a school. Additionally, CDOT crafted a new engagement strategy to ensure community buy-in for infrastructure improvements. CDOT is on track to implement school zone improvements at eight school zones by 2024 using this approach. This session will provide insights into the development and implementation of Chicago's school zone improvement effort. Enhancing Public Transit Efficiency in Chicago: A Business Procedure for Transit Signal Priority Implementation
DESCRIPTION
Transit-oriented projects are essential in metropolitan areas to effectively tackle the travel time challenges associated with public transit. Among these projects is the Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system, which gives priority to transit vehicles at intersections, resulting in reduced delays and improved efficiency. In Illinois, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is the leading TSP system, involving up to 100 miles of roadway and up to 500 signalized intersections across multiple jurisdictions. A $40 million federal grant, along with the RTA, funded the project in 2013. Aside from technical design, there are several challenges in TSP implementation that can affect their execution in specified corridors. This research aims to discuss the challenges associated with the implementation of TSP in Illinois as well as architectural recommendations related to the policy and hardware. Interviews with 13 local and out-of-state agencies were conducted to identify the challenges and successful TSP implementation practices. The major obstacles to TSP prioritization are interoperability, staffing, and time-consuming access and permit processing, according to key findings. Drawing from successful models, the proposed recommendations emphasize regular coordination meetings, considering effective stakeholder communication, designated leadership roles, and streamlined administrative procedures. These recommendations aim to expedite TSP implementation (i) under the current system by changing the policies (revising the permit issuance process, signal timing, etc.) and updating the design manuals toward a unified transit network and (ii) in the future, by launching centralized TSP management (focusing initially on high-priority bus routes and signal intersections experiencing the most significant delays). Working in Tandem: Plan-gineering Partnerships for Bike Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION
The City of Chicago released the Chicago Cycling Strategy in 2023, outlining the Chicago Department of Transportation's (CDOT) approach to planning and implementing the next 150 miles of bike lanes in Chicago. This innovative strategy considers the bike network at both a neighborhood and citywide scale with a focus on connecting residents to key destinations such as parks, schools, and shopping. CDOT's Complete Streets Division is responsible for implementing the Strategy, and the team consists of a mix of planners and engineers who work collaboratively to select and design upcoming bike lane installations. Steph and Calvin will share their work at CDOT as an embedded planner and engineer respectively, walking through the process their team uses to implement new bike routes. Several contextual and physical considerations go into the iterative process of choosing the best street segment to add to the bike network and selecting the best low-stress bike facility for the street's context. |
11:15am–12:30pm • SESSION 2
Loop Elevated
Spaces for People: Activating Public Spaces Along Transportation Corridors CM | 1.25
Spaces for People: Activating Public Spaces Along Transportation Corridors CM | 1.25
Public Space Activation on Rail Projects: Metra UP North Rebuild and CTA RPM Phase One
- Colin Fleming; Public Engagement Lead, CDM Smith
- Steve Hands; Senior Project Manager of UP North Rebuild NEPA, former Project Manager of RPM Phase One, CDM Smith
- Kate Sullivan; Lead Architect and Project Manager of UP North Rebuild, Metra
- Grace Ohs; Vice President of Red and Purple Modernization Phase One, Chicago Transit Authority
- Brenda Kiesgen; Senior Project Manager for RPM Under El Activation, Landscape Architecture and Concept Design, site design group, ltd
DESCRIPTION
This session delves into the pivotal role of community engagement in rail infrastructure projects, with a specific emphasis on developing concepts for landscaping and activating public spaces. We explore how such enhancements foster community input and engagement, focusing on two major initiatives: CTA's Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project and Metra's UP North Rebuild: Fullerton to Addison.
Utilizing these case studies and leveraging feedback from stakeholder and community engagement, our session shares the strategies employed by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra to engage the public in re-envisioning public space following rail infrastructure projects. We analyze the importance of marrying needed infrastructure improvements with landscaping and activation of public spaces to garner community involvement, shape project outcomes, and foster a sense of ownership among stakeholders.
Our work unveils vital insights gleaned from the CTA's RPM Phase One Project and Metra's UP North Rebuild. Both projects are replacing critical rail infrastructure and have recently begun the process of assessing ways to activate spaces under or adjacent to this new rail infrastructure through landscape and public space planning and community engagement. Both projects highlight the importance of integrating landscaping and public space activation into the infrastructure planning process to create vibrant, inclusive environments. By soliciting community input through various channels, including community meetings, online platforms, and stakeholder briefings, these initiatives have successfully harnessed local knowledge and preferences to inform design decisions.
Utilizing these case studies and leveraging feedback from stakeholder and community engagement, our session shares the strategies employed by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra to engage the public in re-envisioning public space following rail infrastructure projects. We analyze the importance of marrying needed infrastructure improvements with landscaping and activation of public spaces to garner community involvement, shape project outcomes, and foster a sense of ownership among stakeholders.
Our work unveils vital insights gleaned from the CTA's RPM Phase One Project and Metra's UP North Rebuild. Both projects are replacing critical rail infrastructure and have recently begun the process of assessing ways to activate spaces under or adjacent to this new rail infrastructure through landscape and public space planning and community engagement. Both projects highlight the importance of integrating landscaping and public space activation into the infrastructure planning process to create vibrant, inclusive environments. By soliciting community input through various channels, including community meetings, online platforms, and stakeholder briefings, these initiatives have successfully harnessed local knowledge and preferences to inform design decisions.
Reconnecting Communities, building a vision – The Viaducts in Chinatown
- Debbie Liu; Manager, Metropolitan Planning Council
- Grace Chan McKibben; Executive Director, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Culture Community
- Emma Jasinski; Senior Community Designer, Design Trust Chicago
DESCRIPTION
In 2023, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) published the Reconnecting Communities report documenting equity and environmental harm that transportation infrastructure like highways and railroads has historically caused in the region. The goal was to set a path for local agencies to apply for future grant opportunities. The report also became a starting point for identifying projects that communities want to advance and the process for doing so. This effort also revealed how project development often depends on the community's capacity to build a vision. To support the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community in defining solutions for a set of viaducts under an elevated railroad structure, MPC partnered with Design Trust Chicago (DTC), a nonprofit that provides pro-bono design services to community-based organizations. The community's vision was translated into design renderings that will be used for future advocacy to transform these viaducts into a more pedestrian-friendly and welcoming space for the community. This panel discussion will illuminate the steps and challenges communities face in advancing project ideas, underscoring the importance of organized community engagement and aldermanic support in advocating for agency collaboration to advance projects.
Red Line
Inside PART: Process, Stakeholders, and Key Recommendations CM | 1.25
Inside PART: Process, Stakeholders, and Key Recommendations CM | 1.25
- Elizabeth Scott; Principal Policy Analyst, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
- Leo Torres; Policy Analyst, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
- Nikolas Merten; Policy Analyst, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
- Julie Reschke; Policy Analyst, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
DESCRIPTION
In 2022, CMAP was directed by the State of Illinois to prepare a report addressing threats facing northeastern Illinois' transit system coming out of COVID-19. The resulting report, the Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART), proposed bold solutions for how to design, fund, and govern the transit system the region wants. This session will provide an inside look at the report, the process to develop it, and insight into how regional leaders achieved consensus. Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage and discuss the report with the PART project team.
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Blue Line
Riding Together: Community-Driven Bike Planning CM | 1.25 Bikes for Belmont Cragin: Fostering Active Transportation through Community-Driven Initiatives
DESCRIPTION
Since 2019, Northwest Center, a community-based nonprofit organization based in Chicago's Belmont Cragin neighborhood, has been working to foster a more bicycle-friendly community to improve the area's transportation landscape. Recognizing that a lack of reliable transportation was one of the most pressing issues facing the community, Northwest Center, through its Youth Leadership Council, launched the Bikes for Belmont Cragin campaign, an initiative that worked with Chicago city officials and community leaders to install bike lanes, bring Divvy bikeshare to the neighborhood, and foster a bike-friendly community in the neighborhood. In 2023, The Shared-Use Mobility Center developed an evaluation of the Bikes for Belmont Cragin Campaign and examined how it changed the biking landscape in the neighborhood. The report analyzed data from surveys, semi-structured interviews, and publicly available Divvy data to determine the program's impact, and further explored how organized community-driven efforts can bring about meaningful change. This session will explore both the programming side of the Bikes for Belmont Cragin campaign and the evaluation. It will explore the history, background, and future plans of the initiative, and go over SUMC's evaluation process. Finally, the session will discuss lessons learned and other considerations for community organizations working on similar initiatives. Cycle219: Initiating a Community-Owned and Operated Bike Share Program in Gary, Indiana
DESCRIPTION
Cycle219 is a community-owned and operated service supplementing first- and last-mile connections between commuter rail and bus to neighborhoods throughout the Gary, Indiana, area. The city of Gary is situated on the south shore of Lake Michigan, in the northwestern corner of the state of Indiana. Gary shares deep cultural and economic ties to neighboring Chicago. Gary is one of the largest majority-minority cities in Indiana and has a history of racial and ethnic conflict that has resulted in disinvestment in many neighborhoods, the results of which have impacted travel patterns immensely. The bikeshare service grew as an extension of Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) and partners who were concerned with enhancing overall mobility for residents and the withdrawal of private micromobility operators, potentially leaving residents and visitors in a lurch. Following completion of the city’s first bicycle and pedestrian master plan in 2022, the prospect of a bike share to increase first- and last-mile access for all users led to a more in-depth analysis of community needs and potential for developing a larger community-owned bike share program. A quantitative, anticipated demand analysis was conducted to identify areas with the highest potential demand, with special consideration provided to existing daily destinations and transit connections. Initiated as a single-site bicycle library proposed by a private developer, Cycle219 quickly grew into a community-wide bike share program with the support and collaboration of a diverse group of nonprofit, private, and public sector stakeholders. Cycle219 was launched in March 2024. Lake Calumet Bike Network Study: An Equity-Based Approach to Improving Walking and Bicycling in the Lake Calumet Area
DESCRIPTION
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) prepared the Lake Calumet Bike Network Study as the first action toward implementing the Cook County Bike Plan. The Cook County Bike Plan is an effort to promote safe walking and biking through equitable investments throughout Cook County. Focused on a 34 square mile area in southeastern Cook County, this plan was aimed specifically at identifying programs, project development support, and capital projects to help improve walking, bicycling, and access to transit for residents within several Cook County villages, cities, and Chicago neighborhoods. The study area is historically disadvantaged with most vulnerable users (those relying on biking and walking as a main source of transportation) unable to access safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Presenters from DoTH, We Keep You Rollin' (a community-based organization), and HNTB will discuss the planning process including key objectives that drove the analysis, planning, and engagement tasks for the study. Key among these included improving access for populations without access to an automobile, increasing mobility options for school-age residents, and bolstering capacity for municipalities and neighborhoods that lack project development and administrative support to advance capital projects on their own without assistance. By using key findings from the equity analysis and engagement, planners will demonstrate where and how project recommendations will close gaps and reduce traffic stress for area residents, emphasizing improved conditions for walking, bicycling, and accessing transit service. |
Green Line
Leveraging Tech CM | 1.25 ChatGPT in Planning: Wins and Losses
Dawson Crisman; Planner I, Sam Schwartz DESCRIPTION
As transportation planning evolves to utilize new technology, leveraging Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT presents groundbreaking opportunities and notable limitations. This presentation will delve into a practical application of ChatGPT in analyzing public feedback to enhance transportation planning. Specifically, we examine how ChatGPT efficiently processed and synthesized insights from 750 comments on the Vision Zero Oak Park public engagement website, highlighting the tool's ability to rapidly distill vast quantities of text-based data into actionable intelligence. This capability is pivotal for urban planners, enabling a more responsive and inclusive approach to community input in transportation projects. The presentation will also showcase the abilities of ChatGPT to assist with writing Python and Excel scripts to analyze and manipulate data. However, the integration of AI in urban planning is not without its challenges. A significant limitation to be discussed is the current state of AI-generated images, particularly their inability to accurately represent street geometry and urban landscapes. One of the main reasons that clients choose Sam Schwartz for projects is our production of accurate streetscape graphics. The presentation aims to provide a balanced perspective, showcasing how AI, while a powerful tool for data analysis and engagement, requires cautious application and human oversight, especially in tasks demanding high levels of precision and realism. Attendees will hear about the successes and failures of the Sam Schwartz team utilizing ChatGPT in the workplace, as well as tips to better refine their ChatGPT prompts New Tools for Transportation and Transit Planning: Using StreetLight Data for Better Insights
DESCRIPTION
Jacobs’ StreetLight Data platform pioneered the use of Big Data analytics to shed light on how people, goods, and services move – empowering smarter, data-driven transportation decisions. This presentation will highlight how leveraging big data can lower project cost while improving agency decision-making and the quality of life of residents in Chicago and around the US. Belmont Avenue Accessibility Improvements and the Role of Microsimulation Analysis
Brian DeSalle; Senior Traffic Engineer, Civiltech Engineering DESCRIPTION
The presentation will discuss the planning and design of transit and traffic operational changes within the Belmont Avenue corridor between Milwaukee Avenue and Western Avenue. The operational changes were proposed due to a desire to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and transit reliability within the corridor. The proposed changes included removal of peak hour parking restrictions and installation of protected bike lanes, exclusive bus lanes, in-lane bus bulbs, curb bump outs, bus stop consolidation and relocation, and traffic control changes. Evaluation of transit operations requires more detailed analysis than is available through conventional traffic analysis tools, so traffic microsimulation software of the corridor was employed to evaluate potential alternatives. Preliminary post-installation traffic safety data will also be presented, including promising data on reductions in reduction in total crashes, vulnerable road user crashes, and injury-producing crashes on the corridor since installation. |
12:30–1:00pm • LUNCH
1:00–2:00pm • AFTERNOON KEYNOTE WITH NADINE LEE
Innovating Innovation: Ya Basic CM | 1
BIO
Nadine Lee is the President & Chief Executive Officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) where she leverages the talents and expertise of 3700 employees to deliver mobility freedom for all.
Previously, Nadine served in the roles of Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief Innovation Officer for Los Angeles County Metro, where she established the Vision 2028 Strategic Plan, the Offices of Equity & Race and Customer Experience, and the Better Bus Program.
Prior to L.A., Nadine led the development and implementation of the Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit for Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), a project that produced a 40% increase in corridor ridership in its first few months of service.
In addition to her civil engineering background, Nadine is committed to using performance measurement and continuous improvement to elevate the quality of DART’s mobility services for the benefit of everyone in North Texas.
Previously, Nadine served in the roles of Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief Innovation Officer for Los Angeles County Metro, where she established the Vision 2028 Strategic Plan, the Offices of Equity & Race and Customer Experience, and the Better Bus Program.
Prior to L.A., Nadine led the development and implementation of the Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit for Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), a project that produced a 40% increase in corridor ridership in its first few months of service.
In addition to her civil engineering background, Nadine is committed to using performance measurement and continuous improvement to elevate the quality of DART’s mobility services for the benefit of everyone in North Texas.
2:00–2:45pm • POSTER SESSION
Details
Bike Share Dock Rebalancing: A Comparative Study
Hugh Bartling, Ph.D.; Associate Professor and Director, Sustainable Urban Development Program, DePaul University
Hugh Bartling, Ph.D.; Associate Professor and Director, Sustainable Urban Development Program, DePaul University
Description
An important component of bike share systems is ensuring availability of bikes at bike docks and having open docks available for users seeking to return bikes following a ride. This process of bike rebalancing is a key service of bike share operators and requires shuffling bikes throughout service areas to meet the varying demand for ride origins and bike deposits at different locations.
From the perspective of bike share users, not being able to access a bike when needed or not being able to return it at a destination dock can be frustrating and could impact bike share system usage.
This study is interested in systematically understanding the the extent to which bike and dock availability is occurring and assessing if factors such as population density, public transportation access, and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics correlate with bike and dock availability.
We assembled a unique data set using automated collection of dock and bike availability from nine different bike share systems in the United States. Using both correlation and regression analysis we look at the effects of the aforementioned factors on dock/bike availability.
This empirical analysis will provide reliable estimations that bike share operators can use to improve existing dock rebalancing efforts as well as to anticipate challenges during bike share expansion phases.
From the perspective of bike share users, not being able to access a bike when needed or not being able to return it at a destination dock can be frustrating and could impact bike share system usage.
This study is interested in systematically understanding the the extent to which bike and dock availability is occurring and assessing if factors such as population density, public transportation access, and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics correlate with bike and dock availability.
We assembled a unique data set using automated collection of dock and bike availability from nine different bike share systems in the United States. Using both correlation and regression analysis we look at the effects of the aforementioned factors on dock/bike availability.
This empirical analysis will provide reliable estimations that bike share operators can use to improve existing dock rebalancing efforts as well as to anticipate challenges during bike share expansion phases.
Identifying Trends in Logistics Facilities in Chicago and Their Impact on the Surrounding Communities
- Carla Tejada, Ph.D.; Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Illinois Chicago
- Yasmine Ehab Mounir; Undergraduate Student, University of Illinois Chicago
- Otgondulam Boldbaatar; Undergraduate Student, University of Illinois Chicago
Description
With the rise of e-commerce and immediate deliveries expectations, there has been an increase on the number of logistics facilities that support delivery operation near and within city limits. Although these facilities spread eases logistics operations and permits to reach customers faster the development within cities is hard to track and has different externalities on surrounding communities. This is a preliminary work, that uses an approach developed by the lead researcher to apply methods to identify where logistics facilities are allowed to be located in Chicago and in Chicago’s Statistical Metropolitan Area. Land use information and web-scraping allow us to identify where there has been warehouses development. In addition, new warehousing trends, such as dark stores, are also identified.
Once logistics facilities were identified, Census Data allows for the calculation of the vulnerability in surrounding areas. For this, socioeconomic, household, racial and minority indicators, and built environment characteristics are used to estimate the vulnerability.
Preliminary results show that there is a tendency, within city limits, for logistics facilities to be in vulnerable areas. Further, analysis is needed to understand other externalities present in these communities.
Once logistics facilities were identified, Census Data allows for the calculation of the vulnerability in surrounding areas. For this, socioeconomic, household, racial and minority indicators, and built environment characteristics are used to estimate the vulnerability.
Preliminary results show that there is a tendency, within city limits, for logistics facilities to be in vulnerable areas. Further, analysis is needed to understand other externalities present in these communities.
Distinguishing a Successful Transit Oriented Development
Aishwarya Vanmali; Architectural Professional, Georgia Tech/ Wight and company
Aishwarya Vanmali; Architectural Professional, Georgia Tech/ Wight and company
Description
TOD is a growing and popular development style promoted in the late 1900s to reduce environmental concerns, combat sprawls, and preserve and protect the natural landscape. As per Calthorpe and many other researchers, an ideal TOD is a network of compact development connected through high-quality transit options . In America, where the landscape has dominantly evolved because of auto-centric and auto-dependency, how can a designer encourage the use of transit systems?
Some researchers question- as long as one lives near a rail station, design factors are unlikely to deter them from using transit. Moreover, therefore, the paper investigates the importance of urban characteristics that can determine the success of a heavy rail transit system.
Transit-oriented development also needs critical mass density for it to function efficiently. Some have a notion of connecting density with traffic and congestion. The study will seek data to answer these questions by analyzing the essential qualitative urban characteristics backed by quantitative data along the Rosslyn-Ballston transit corridor, Virginia. The research indicates that the conscious design along the corridor, its pedestrian-friendly approach, and its walkability may be the reason for the decongestion of the parallel I-66 and the arterial roads along the Roslyn-Ballston corridor.
Some researchers question- as long as one lives near a rail station, design factors are unlikely to deter them from using transit. Moreover, therefore, the paper investigates the importance of urban characteristics that can determine the success of a heavy rail transit system.
Transit-oriented development also needs critical mass density for it to function efficiently. Some have a notion of connecting density with traffic and congestion. The study will seek data to answer these questions by analyzing the essential qualitative urban characteristics backed by quantitative data along the Rosslyn-Ballston transit corridor, Virginia. The research indicates that the conscious design along the corridor, its pedestrian-friendly approach, and its walkability may be the reason for the decongestion of the parallel I-66 and the arterial roads along the Roslyn-Ballston corridor.
Analyzing Event Impact on Public Transit Ridership: A Case Study of Chicago's CTA Stations
- Hantao Xiao; Ridership Data Analyst Intern, Chicago Transit Authority
- Maeve Coates Welsh; Senior Ridership Analyst, Chicago Transit Authority
Description
This presentation explores a comprehensive study on the impact of city-wide and sports events on public transit ridership, focusing on specific Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) stations. By leveraging multiple data sources, including environmental conditions, event schedules, and temporal factors, the project employs both Multiple Linear Regression and Deep Learning Models to assess variations in ridership. The analysis spans key locations such as Wrigley Field, O’Hare and Midway Airports, and Grant Park, offering insights into how different events affect public transit usage.
The findings reveal significant ridership increases tied to specific events, with R² values exceeding 90% in predicting these variations. The study further categorizes the impact by day of the week and event type, including concerts, marathons, and sports games, providing a nuanced understanding of transit demand. This research not only aids in strategic marketing and operational planning for the CTA but also contributes to the broader discourse on optimizing public transportation systems in response to urban events.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between urban events and public transit ridership, underscored by data-driven analyses. The presentation promises to offer valuable insights for transportation professionals, city planners, and policymakers looking to enhance public transit efficiency and customer experience.
The findings reveal significant ridership increases tied to specific events, with R² values exceeding 90% in predicting these variations. The study further categorizes the impact by day of the week and event type, including concerts, marathons, and sports games, providing a nuanced understanding of transit demand. This research not only aids in strategic marketing and operational planning for the CTA but also contributes to the broader discourse on optimizing public transportation systems in response to urban events.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between urban events and public transit ridership, underscored by data-driven analyses. The presentation promises to offer valuable insights for transportation professionals, city planners, and policymakers looking to enhance public transit efficiency and customer experience.
Universal Mobility Learning Module and Implementation Guide
- Al Benedict; Director, Accessibility Programs, Shared-Use Mobility Center
- Enjoli Dixon; Training and Technical Assistance Specialist, Easterseals, Inc.
- Judy Shanley; Asst. VP, Education & Youth Transition, Easterseals Headquarters; National Director, Easterseals Transportation & Mobility
Description
Evolving rider demographics, travel patterns, and transportation innovation characterize the challenging environment in which we seek to design and deliver efficient, high-quality transportation services. As planners and transportation officials consider the expanding range of transportation options, the concept and practice of universal mobility must be the foundation for mobility innovation. Universal mobility, in its simplest form, is a design practice that ensures that all transportation products and services are inclusively designed and available for all user groups.
This learning module and implementation guide takes a systems approach toward universal mobility as it considers a wide range of supporting strategies, from paths of travel, accessible design, understanding passengers, coordination of services, and the role of technology and data standards. This resource was completed in coordination with the Shared-Use Mobility Center and National Center for Mobility Management and supported by an active working group of public, private, and non-profit leaders actively building universal mobility solutions in their respective communities. Through targeted working group discussions, the project team developed a better understanding of the barriers agencies face when planning and implementing Universal Mobility practices. Solutions to address those barriers and supportive policies offer actionable steps supporting replicability from small to large cities.
This poster session will provide an overview of the Universal Mobility Learning Module. The implementation checklist offers an additional resource that attendees can use to identify opportunities to build a culture centered on universal and equitable mobility solutions in their communities
This learning module and implementation guide takes a systems approach toward universal mobility as it considers a wide range of supporting strategies, from paths of travel, accessible design, understanding passengers, coordination of services, and the role of technology and data standards. This resource was completed in coordination with the Shared-Use Mobility Center and National Center for Mobility Management and supported by an active working group of public, private, and non-profit leaders actively building universal mobility solutions in their respective communities. Through targeted working group discussions, the project team developed a better understanding of the barriers agencies face when planning and implementing Universal Mobility practices. Solutions to address those barriers and supportive policies offer actionable steps supporting replicability from small to large cities.
This poster session will provide an overview of the Universal Mobility Learning Module. The implementation checklist offers an additional resource that attendees can use to identify opportunities to build a culture centered on universal and equitable mobility solutions in their communities
Total Eclipse of the Train: Traffic Management in Illinois for the April 8th Celestial Event
Matt Weiss; Public Lands Transportation Fellow, Western Transportation Institute / U.S Fish & Wildlife Service
Matt Weiss; Public Lands Transportation Fellow, Western Transportation Institute / U.S Fish & Wildlife Service
Description
This poster will analyze traffic management strategies that were used in the recent April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Southern Illinois. The region was incredibly fortunate to be in the path of totality for not only one, but two Solar Eclipses - one in 2017 and the second in 2024. The region is primarily rural, centered around the college town of Carbondale that is well-served by Amtrak's Illini, Saluki, and City of New Orleans services. Following Letters of Support from stakeholders, Amtrak adjusted schedules to accommodate visitors from Chicago to access the region in time to enjoy a day trip to witness this incredibly unique celestial event. Traffic management and mobility were primary concerns because this area was the crossroads of both the 2017 and 2024 eclipse. In my role as a Transportation Fellow for the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service, I prepared our Public Lands for the influx of visitors. The Wildlife Refuge just east of Carbondale, Illinois fell along the centerline path of totality and attracted a total of 11,000 visitors across just six viewing locations. NASA and former WGN meteorologist Tom Skilling were some of the people present. Interagency collaboration and preparations ensured traffic was safe and efficient, especially employing best practices learned following the 2017 eclipse event. The poster will detail takeaways for multimodal travel demand management strategies and best practices for seamless interagency communication.
Intersection Safety Analysis and Planning using Aerial Imagery, Deep Learning Computer Vision, and Non-linear Dimensionality Reduction
Isaac Salvador; Graduate Research Assistant, University of Illinois Chicago
Isaac Salvador; Graduate Research Assistant, University of Illinois Chicago
Description
Intersection crashes are a tremendous source of societal and economic loss. Intersections are the most complex components of an urban roadway network, consisting of conflicting movements of varying travel mode. While there has been no rest academically and at the professional level to address these issues, the multitude of variables both latent and observable, that contribute to danger at an intersection makes comprehensive analysis difficult at a local-level, and unfeasible at the macro-level. To this end we propose a novel approach to analyze urban intersections. Leveraging the use of deep learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision, this analysis is conducted on a readily available source of data, aerial intersection images. This proposal presents the application of machine learning, coupled with crash data and traffic volume data, to reframe the complex task of intersection safety analysis as a machine learning problem that an artificial intelligence can be trained to solve. The outcome of this research is a scalable and efficient unsupervised learning model, leveraging transfer learning and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection dimensionality reduction to perform a global assessment on a dataset of over 5,000 urban intersections in Cook County, Illinois in less than an hour. The results of the model are an identification of intersection groups that are statistically distinct from other from each other in terms of crash rate, that can be explained by their physical appearances. This research introduces a novel method to identify and plan the improvement of intersections in a rapid, comprehensive, and unbiased fashion.
HealthLine BRT Impact on Residential Prices
Josh Chapman; Undergraduate Student, Northwestern University
Josh Chapman; Undergraduate Student, Northwestern University
Description
Bus-rapid-transit (BRT) has gained prominence in recent decades as a more cost-friendly transit improvement compared to light rail or metro systems (Wright & Hook, 2007). The HealthLine is a 7.1-mile-long BRT corridor along Euclid Avenue, a thoroughfare in Cleveland connecting the two main commercial hubs of the city (Perk, 2016). Considerable research exists on the impact of implementation of BRT on nearby residential values. However, such research on the real estate effects of BRT is inconclusive, including previous research on the HealthLine in Cleveland (Acton et al, 2022; Perk, 2016). I examine the effect of the HealthLine on nearby residential prices by utilizing a hedonic differences-in-differences (DiD) model, using data with more years of examination, to help establish a consensus on the residential price impacts of BRT. The main results indicate an increase of housing prices within ½ mile of any HealthLine station of 10.2% for all residential properties and 7% for single-family-homes, respectively. Further analysis indicates that this increase in value is concentrated extremely close to the HealthLine. A secondary analysis including an additional ¼ mile threshold reveals an increase in prices of 51.1% for all residential properties and 45.2% for single-family-homes within ¼ mile of any HealthLine station. However, prices of single-family-homes between ¼ and ½ mile of any HealthLine station actually fell -8.0%. This analysis raises additional questions, including the elevated activity of residential transfers immediately before the commencement of the HealthLine and the delayed response of housing prices to the HealthLine.
Lessons Learned From Two Recent AV Pilot Deployments in Arizona
Tassio Magassy; Travel Demand Modeler, WSP
Tassio Magassy; Travel Demand Modeler, WSP
Description
Emerging technologies such as ridehailing services, e-scooters, and electric and autonomous vehicles have been increasingly part of the U.S. transportation system. In recent years, autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies have been expeditiously advancing and promising transportation benefits in terms of safety, mobility, economy, environment, and efficiency. Exploring whether, and to what extent, someone will or will not use AVs is very challenging and encompasses several factors, such as psychosocial, technological, temporal, financial, and legal. Recently, two pilot projects launched in Arizona gained attention: the Waymo/Valley Metro Partnership and Peoria’s RoboRide Autonomous Shuttle. The first was an on-demand, private, AV service, while the latter was a public low-speed AV shuttle operating on a fixed route in a medical district. These projects, while distinct in their nature and purpose, provided valuable lessons regarding the public acceptance of automated technology and insights on willingness to use AVs, perceptions of safety and convenience, and mobility needs. Using survey data collected from participants, this presentation will shed light on how AV opinions and perceptions vary depending on the nature of the project, as well as explore mobility patterns, general AV concerns, and preferences. Furthermore, this presentation will summarize major lessons learned, showing what did and did not work from these two experiences. The results will directly benefit transportation service providers, who want to meet people’s travel needs efficiently, and stakeholders and public officials, who are constantly developing strategies to ensure these emerging technologies will be properly accommodated by our transportation system.
The Interrelated Nature of Urban Travel and Electricity Usage: The Case of Chicago Area
Juan Acosta Sequeda; Ph.D. Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago
Juan Acosta Sequeda; Ph.D. Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago
Description
Participants will learn about the correlation between electricity consumption patterns in the Chicago area and commute times to work by travel mode. When aggregating similar daily electricity consumption curves, areas sharing similar electricity patterns are geographically closer to each other and located in regions that are strictly urban or suburban. We will show how these clusters are associated with commute times to work by mode using Machine Learning techniques and time-series clustering on ComEd energy usage data and Census data. The findings suggest that morning electricity consumption differs significantly among clusters and that it is caused primarily by long duration public transport trips. This will unveil potential areas of work in terms of integrated demand assessment in both the transportation and the energy usage sectors.
Burden or Blessing! Quantifying Infrastructure in the Chicago Metropolitan Area
Uttara Sutradhar; Graduate Student, University of Illinois Chicago
Uttara Sutradhar; Graduate Student, University of Illinois Chicago
Description
Deterioration of infrastructure is going to be a crucial issue in the coming future. As the population growth rate in the U.S. is declining, many cities are facing challenges to finance their infrastructure which is generally maintained by the revenue earned from local populations. The aging of infrastructure adds to the burden. In this study, we investigated building and roadway infrastructure for the Chicago Metropolitan Area (CMA) and quantified the burden (i.e., miles per person) for residents of each place as defined by the Census Bureau. Although most places do not show a declining trend in population yet, the burden of maintaining infrastructure will not be the same for all these places. With existing transport inequality, the maintenance burden is going to be higher in some places compared to others as they already have low availability of services. Deterioration of existing roadway and housing infrastructure will aggravate the situation. Therefore, to identify places with relatively high burdens and to quantify the burden, we inspected the age of buildings and roadways and evaluated their future conditions based on deterioration trends over time using existing literature. Here, we focused on buildings and roadways since housing choice is closely related to transport access. Through this study, we aim to raise awareness among planners and practitioners and advocate for policy changes and inclusive planning to ensure sustainability and equity in infrastructure planning and resource distribution.
Measuring the Perceived Safety of Bicycle Infrastructure in Chicago
- Otgondulam Boldbaatar; University of Illinois Chicago, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department
- Malik Harry; University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department
- Dmytro Medvekov; University of Illinois Chicago, Computer Science Department
- Dheeraj Yernani; University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, Computer Science Department
- Noah Wangerin; University of Illinois Chicago, School of Design
Description
Biking in the city of Chicago has continued to grow year over year. The Department of Transportation of the City of Chicago (CDOT) has put in place a cycling strategy that aims to achieve an equitable cycling transportation network. One of the pillars for this strategy is safety. In recent years, the city has made several efforts to increase the biking infrastructure, but little has been done to analyze the perceived safety from the users. This preliminary work aims to address this gap by understanding what are the nuisances that bicycle infrastructure users find in their daily commute. To achieve this, computer science methods are used to identify recurrent nuisances that cyclists find. These methods are applied to real-life videos from commuters of the city of Chicago. Although this is ongoing research, we have seen that the type and number of nuisances vary per season and time of day in the city.