Urban Transportation Center

UTC Fall 2023 Seminar Series

For fall 2023, the UTC Seminar Series centered on the growing microtransit shared transportation networks nationwide and across metropolitan Chicago.

These online presentations were held via Zoom. Our sincere thanks to the transportation professionals who shared knowledge and insight, and to those who registered and participated in these hour-long conversations.  Watch this space for news early in 2024 on Seminar Series events for the Spring semester.

1. September 21: “New Developments in Microtransit,” with Natalie Covill-Fontaine of the Federal Transit Administration and Rudy Faust of the Shared Use Mobility Center.  Download the zoom AV, audio only, Chat and PowerPoint decks. 
2. October 19: “Connecting Cook County: An Overview of Cook County’s Support for Microtransit and Multimodal Initiatives,” with Curtis Witek and Benet Haller of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, and Joe Ronovsky from the Village of Bedford Park. Download the zoom AV, audio only and PowerPoint deck.
3. November 16: “Connecting Riders: Pace Contracts with Rideshare Services to Strengthen First/Last-Mile Connections,” with Steven Andrews, Pace Suburban Bus Community Relations Manager.  Download the zoom AV, audio only, Chat and PowerPoint deck.

UTC Spring 2023 Seminar Series

February 16: “The Evolution of Microtransit in the United States.”

The debut UTC Spring 2023 Seminar Series presentation February 16 featured two speakers from Via Transportation, Inc. who shared thoughts regarding how on-demand and transit has evolved over the past decade to play a part in urban, suburban, and rural transit systems nationwide. Download the video, audio only, Chat messages and PowerPoint presentation.

March 16: “Reimagining Regional Mobility for a Post-pandemic World.

For nearly two years, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) worked collaboratively with transportation leaders and advocates to develop a visionary strategy that can support an equitable post-pandemic recovery, sustain the transit network, and ease a rebound in congestion. Daniel Comeaux, a senior policy analyst for CMAP who led the Mobility Recovery initiative, shared behind-the-scenes insights about the project and what lessons the region can use to ensure this visionary strategy becomes reality.  Download the video, audio only, Chat messages and PowerPoint presentation.

April 13:  “Lessons from a Bike Advocate: The Impact of Local Advocacy on the Community and a Career.”

Positive change at the community level is the guiding principle for local advocates. Advocacy can sometimes be exhausting work, but the improvements that result are often well worth the time and energy – for the community and on a personal level.  Our featured speaker was Dave Simmons, Executive Director of Ride Illinois.  In his presentation, Dave shared insights on how his long-time passion for cycling led to a career change and local advocacy. Download the video, audio only, Chat messages and PowerPoint presentation.

Archived UTC Seminar Series Presentations: Fall 2022

The Fall 2022 Seminar Series presentations that focused on: 1) The state of transportation in metropolitan Chicago in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2) Improvements to mobility options through the Chicago Free Bike and new e-scooter programs.  3) An analysis of the great maritime network that helped define the city.

Access recordings and PowerPoint presentations.

Archived UTC Seminar Series Presentations: Spring 2022 and Fall 2021

In Spring 2022, the UTC hosted two Seminar Series presentations that centered on funding and workforce development.  Presenters represented the American Public Transportation Association and Elevate. Visit the links below.

Access recordings and PowerPoint presentations.

Archived Seminar Series 2021 Presentations

In Fall 2021, the UTC hosted three Seminar Series webinars featuring presentations by leaders from two Chicago-area transportation service bureaus and a panel led by the Regional Transportation Authority.

Access recordings and PowerPoint presentations.

In Spring 2021, the UTC hosted three Seminar Series webinars featuring representatives from the state, county and regional governments.

Access recordings and PowerPoint presentations.