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). Each session features a chosen topic presented by a subject matter expert. The sessions are approximately 45 minutes.
Upcoming Lunch and Learns
There are no upcoming events.
Past Lunch and Learns
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.
Building Resilience with the NoVA Flood Map
Join us on Zoom with Nora Jackson, Resiliency Planner at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), for an interactive presentation on the NOVA Flood Map platform. Nora will demonstrate how the tool was developed to improve flood awareness and emergency response by integrating real-time rain gauge data across the region. She’ll also explore how to navigate the dashboard, view precipitation trends, and apply the platform’s features for post-event analysis and long-term network planning.
How Variable Speed Limits Support Safer and Smarter Roads
Dr. Matt Nice, PhD, Technology Implementation Researcher, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI)
To launch the 2025 Summer season, this session introduced how Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) and V2X (vehicle-to-everything) technology can improve road safety and manage traffic flow across our region. Dr. Matt Nice shared insights from ongoing work along I-95, where VSLs are adjusted depending on current traffic. He described how traffic information informs adjustments to speed displays on signs visible to drivers. Even one connected vehicle responding to those signals can help reduce congestion, improve safety, and support smoother travel across the corridor.
The Future of Roads and Connected Corridors
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.