December 5, 2024 – 11:00 AM

The Future of Roads and Connected Corridors

Megan Brock, Senior Strategy Manager, Cavnue

The latest InNoVAtion Lunch & Learn session on December 5th featured Megan Brock, Senior Strategy Manager at Cavnue, who presented on Cavnue’s work in advancing connected and automated vehicle (CAV) infrastructure. The discussion highlighted key projects, including Cavnue’s I-94 Connected and Automated Vehicle Corridor project in Michigan, developed in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) as well as the Smart Freight Corridor initiative with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Both of these projects show the potential for digital and physical infrastructure to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability on our roadways.

Ms. Brock provided insights into Cavnue’s unique road technology platform that uses a dense sensor network to reliably observe the road using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) models to act as a “super sensor” and give drivers (and vehicles) better alerts, like speed recommendations or lane guidance to avoid crashes and reduce traffic delays. Cavnue’s infrastructure technology offers more enhanced communication with CAVs and essentially unlocks the full benefits of vehicle technology for improved safety and efficiency, while providing a more automated travel experience.

While this technology is still in its pilot phase of development, there are reasons for optimism, especially considering Cavnue’s “intent to future proof corridors for future vehicle technology – including public transit and freight -in order to move people and goods…” Ms. Brock mentioned that she could see a future where CAV corridors and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) merge.

This concludes our last session for the 2024 Fall season of InNoVAtion Lunch & Learns. Stay tuned for more information when we resume for the Spring 2025 season.

November 7, 2024 – 11:00 AM

Advancing Intersection Technologies for a Smarter and More Sustainable Future

Mike Mollenhauer, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute & Cindy Mester, City of Falls Church

The latest InNoVAtion Lunch & Learn session emphasizes the growing importance of enhanced regional coordination. Mr. Mollenhauer provided valuable insights into the City’s innovative approach to enhancing safety and sustainability through intelligent traffic systems. Ms. Mester offered insights from a local government perspective, highlighting the challenges encountered during the procurement process and emphasized the importance of strategic planning and collaborating. The session also explored the new implementation of adaptive sensor-driven lighting systems.

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.

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 parking 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.

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.

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.

Best Practices for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

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

Best Practices for Connectivity and Automation 

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

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)