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NVTA’s InNoVAtion Lunch and Learns are designed to provide opportunities for pragmatic information exchange about topics supported by NVTA’s Transportation Technology Strategic Plan (TTSP) that are feasible immediately or in the near future (1-5 years).

The Lunch and Learns are fully virtual and are recorded and posted on NVTA’s YouTube page.  Each session focuses on a chosen topic with a presentation from a subject matter expert in the field, followed by moderate questions and answers from the online participants. The sessions are approximately 45 minutes.

Upcoming Lunch and Learn Sessions

November 7, 2024 – 11:00 AM

The topic and speaker for November’s Session is being finalized and will be posted here as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. In the meantime, check out NVTA’s YouTube page to view all of the previously recorded sessions!

Completed Lunch and Learn Sessions

September 5, 2024 – 11:00 AM

Innovative Approaches to Local EV Charging

Amy Posner, EV Planner, City of Alexandria

The third season of InNoVation Lunch and Learns kicked off with a presentation from Amy Posner, the only dedicated EV Planner in the metropolitan area. Ms. Posner shared advancements in single-family and multi-family residential charging solutions as well as fleet charging solutions for Alexandria’s DASH fleet.  She highlighted the challenges faced by residents without driveways or garages and discussed the city’s pilot programs to address these issues. Additionally, she outlined Alexandria’s comprehensive strategy to achieve a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2040.

Watch the Full Session

February 1, 2024 — 11:00 AM

Insights on Arlington County’s Performance Parking Pilot Project

Melissa McMahon, Parking and Curbspace Manager at Arlington County
 

During the third winter session on February 1st, Ms. McMahon discussed how Arlington County’s Performance Parking Pilot project collects oarking occupancy data to develop a long-term pricing model for metered spaces in the area. She provided updates on two real-time parking interfaces that will notify the public where there is parking availability. Ms. McMahon also gave details on the process involved with changing parking meter rates and how this project expedites dynamic changes to those rates.

Watch the Full Session
December 7, 2023 — 11:00 AM

Lessons Learned for Microtransit Deployments

Joe Stainsby, Chief Development Officer for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC)

The winter season continued on December 7th with Joe Stainsby, Chief Development Officer for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), sharing Lessons Learn in Microtransit Deployments. Mr. Stainsby presented on the launch of OmniRide’s new microtransit service “Connect” and provided valuable insights on expanding to a new service area, addressing public fears, strategies for managing expectations, and so much more.

 

Watch the Full Session
November 2, 2023 — 11:00 AM

Best Practices for Artificial Intelligence in Transportation

Dr. Tom Sanchez, Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning (UAP), Virginia Tech

The second season kicked off on November 2nd with a discussion featuring Dr. Tom Sanchez, Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning (UAP), Virginia Tech, who shared best practices for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transportation. Insights on how organizations can strategically integrate AI tools into their operations, learn from real-world applications, and navigate the ethical and regulatory aspects of AI adoption.

 

 

Watch the Full Session
July 20, 2023 — 11:00 AM

Best Practices for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Ryan Knight, P.E. City of Alexandria Transportation Enginnering Division Chief

During the final summer session on July 20th, Mr. Knight discussed how Transit Signal Priority (TSP) systems, such as those installed in partnership between the City of Alexandria, DASH, and WMATA (and funded in part by NVTA), can be used to improve on-time performance of transit and reduce environmental impacts of transportation. However, he noted there are challenges in creating an effective deployment the City of Alexandria is working through as part of the City’s overarching approach to its Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) vision and goals.
Watch the Full Session
June 15, 2023 — 11:00 AM

Best Practices for Connectivity and Automation 

Brad Stertz, Director of Government Affairs for Audi; Co-founder and Chairman of PAVE

During the second session on June 15th, Mr. Stertz discussed opportunities to start using connective technology to improve efficiency and safety for school buses/work zones in addition to supporting the use of public transit. Additionally, he noted Virginia was one of the first two states to receive a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to move forward with use of Cellular Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (C-V2X), which lays the foundation for connectivity and automation ahead of federal rulemaking.
Watch the Full Session
May 18, 2023 — 11:00 AM

Effective Standardization, Collection, and Use of Bicycle and Pedestrian Data 

Dr. Ralph Buehler and Dr. Steve Hankey of Virginia Tech; Dani Moore of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Heidi Mitter of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

During the first session on May 18th, speakers discussed how methods utilized for counting vehicular traffic can be modified to count bicyclist/pedestrian traffic. Additionally, they pointed out when selecting devices it is important to consider the environment in which they will be placed, the process of seeking expert installation guidance, and highlighted the importance of considering potential data sharing needs in advance.
Watch the Full Session

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