Leonard Transportation Center highlights autonomous and connected vehicles in fourth Regional Mobility Dialogue

Session will address the coming wave of autonomous and connected vehicles and their potential impact on mobility in the Inland Empire

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Leonard Transportation Center at Cal State San Bernardino is presenting the fourth in a series of six dialogues on topics relevant to the future of transportation in the Inland Empire.

The series is open to the public and sponsored by HNTB Corporation, an infrastructure solutions firm. The fourth program will take place on July 31, 2018, at the Loma Linda University San Manuel Gateway College, 250 S. G St. in San Bernardino.

In this session, titled “Autonomous and Connected Vehicles – Will They Make Things Better or Worse?” attendees will hear from noted autonomous vehicle and connected vehicle experts including:

·        James Barbaresso, internationally recognized expert on automated and connected vehicles, senior vice president and national ITS practice leader with HNTB Corporation; and

·        Brian Simi, chief, Office of Technology, Innovation and Deployment, Caltrans.

Following the presentations, attendees can engage in a discussion with an opportunity to share their concerns and ideas with transportation professionals, policy makers and each other. Transportation experts from HNTB will facilitate this discussion and will bring their experience in transportation technology to benefit the dialogue.

Along with a look at emerging autonomous and connected vehicle technologies that have the potential to radically change the way people get around, attendees will also hear about the preparations being made by Caltrans to make California’s roadways safe and ready. In addition to hearing about the new technologies and what can be expected over the next several years, the dialogue will also seek to explore questions related to whether all of these changes are truly beneficial.

“In addition to the exciting possibilities for improved mobility, these new technologies present many challenges with respect to safety, regulations, infrastructure, travel costs, traffic management, and psychological barriers,” said Greg Hulsizer, HNTB toll market practice leader and vice president. “This dialogue will address the real possibilities and challenges of these rapidly approaching technological advances in transportation.”

“In addition to the exciting possibilities for improved mobility, these new technologies present many challenges with respect to safety, regulations, infrastructure, travel costs, traffic management, and psychological barriers,” said Greg Hulsizer, HNTB toll market practice leader and vice president. “This dialogue will address the real possibilities and challenges of these rapidly approaching technological advances in transportation.”

As part of CSUSB, the Leonard Transportation Center is interested in bringing people together to provide the facts, discuss the major issues, and work to resolve them. The center is committed to the notion that finding solutions to the mobility challenges in Southern California is much more likely when people from different walks of life are engaged in the conversations.

Kimberly Collins, LTC executive director, said, “We invite anyone interested in being part of the conversation and solution to join us for this innovative and engaging series.”

The cost for the series is $30 per session. Registration fees cover a continental breakfast, parking on campus and conference materials. Attendance is limited to the first 50 registrants, so early registration is recommended. To register, go to the Mobility Dialogue Series webpage and click on the “Register Now” button.

The fifth dialogue in the series is titled “Transit and Rail – Are the answer?” and is scheduled for Sept. 11. More information and registration details are available at the Mobility Dialogue Series webpage.

About Cal State San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate program in educational leadership. Every one of its academic programs that is eligible has earned national accreditation. CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire. More than 80 percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit inside.csusb.edu.