More than 40 people attended the third of six community dialogue breakfasts at Cal State San Bernardino aimed at discussing and seeking solutions to transportation issues affecting the Inland Empire.

The topic, “Can technology save us?” took place on May 22 and enlisted an “A” list panel of transportation experts gathered by the Leonard Transportation Center (LTC) at the university.

The purpose of the series, according to Kimberly Collins, executive director of the LTC, is to bring attention and awareness to critical transportation issues affecting the Inland Empire, the fastest growing region in the state of California. The series addresses different critical issues around transportation infrastructure, Collins said.

The Regional Mobility Dialogue Series is underwritten by the HNTB Corporation, an infrastructure solutions firm with offices in San Bernardino, Riverside and Santa Ana.

CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales welcomed attendees and talked about the significance of the dialogue breakfasts.

“No one who is familiar with the Inland Empire can deny the importance of transportation to its continued growth and progress,” he said.

Morales also cited research conducted by John Husing, the chief economist for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. “Logistics, fueled by explosive growth in e-commerce and its need for fulfillment centers, continues to be the primary driver of the Inland Empire economy.”

Panelists included David Pickeral, strategic adviser, Mobility Innovation and Smart Cities;  Jason Pack, principal, Fehr & Peers; Thomas Allen, sales and marketing executive, Phoenix Motorcars; and Matthew Burris, deputy city manager, City of Rancho Cucamonga.

Previous dialogues covered maintaining the region’s competitiveness and quality of life, and using congestion pricing to improve mobility. Remaining dialogues will cover autonomous vehicles, transit and rail, and the future of transportation funding.

The final three dialogues will be held on July 31, Sept. 11, and Nov. 13, with more information available at the Leonard Transportation Center’s events webpage.

About the Leonard Transportation Center

The Leonard Transportation Center at California State University, San Bernardino opened in 2006 with a focus on regional transportation needs. The vision of Bill and Barbara Leonard was to create a center that focuses on the unique transportation opportunities and challenges the Inland Empire faces.

Today, the LTC is working to expand its research and student engagement programs. Focal points include transportation management and governance issues, development of new technologies, and transnational studies. Their vision is to work collaboratively to seek solutions to assist residents, businesses, government and nonprofit agencies, and international partners to work together on improving sustainability and quality of life in the Inland Empire. For more information, visit the Leonard Transportation Center website.

About HNTB

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors. HNTB’s work in California dates back to its founding in 1914. Today, HNTB continues to grow in size and service offerings to clients in California from seven office locations, currently employing more than 350 full-time professionals.

With more than a century of service, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management. For more information, visit HNTB Corporation website.                                                  

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.