“Telecommuting During the Pandemic – Lasting Impacts on the Transportation Sector,” is the theme of the first of six talks of the 2021 Regional Mobility Dialogue Series of the Leonard Transportation Center at Cal State San Bernardino, which will be live via videoconference on Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 8-10 a.m.

Now in its fourth year, the series is open to the public thanks to the platinum level sponsorship from HNTB Corporation and the San Bernardino International Airport.

In this session via live videoconference, attendees will hear from transportation industry leaders about the challenges and opportunities created by the rapid transition to telecommuting and remote work brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. How has the pandemic changed the transportation landscape? Are these changes permanent? What are the positive and negative impacts on the economy and the environment? Are there opportunities to emerge from the pandemic better than before? 

Speakers in this session are:

  • Stephanie Wiggins, chief executive officer, Metrolink;
  • Steve Finnegan, manager, Public Affairs and Public Policy, Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA);
  • Steven E. Polzin, consultant, researcher and author; and
  • Kimberly Collins, executive director, Leonard Transportation Center.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions hit at a time when the transportation industry was already under stress from evolving travel patterns. The shift from home-to-work commuting to remote work only added to the strain on public transit, fleet operators, third-party logistics providers and everyday commuters.

The economic stresses from the pandemic prompted an urgency to be more efficient. Transportation businesses are increasingly using digital systems to automate repetitive processes and free up employees for other work. What do these almost overnight changes mean for businesses and the real estate market and what does it mean for the transportation sector? During this dialogue, experts will address some of the changes they have seen, what they see coming, and what can be done to seize opportunities and mitigate these negative impacts.

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

As part of CSUSB, the Leonard Transportation Center brings 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 all walks of life are engaged in the conversations.

Collins, LTC executive director, said, “We are energized by the success of our first three years and we invite anyone interested in being part of the conversation and solution to join us for this year’s innovative and engaging series.”

A link to the videoconference will be provided upon registration. Attendees can register for free. Attendance is limited to the first 50 registrants, and pre-registration is required. To register, visit the LTC Dialogue Series registration online form.

About the Leonard Transportation Center
The Leonard Transportation Center (LTC) 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.

2021 Platinum Sponsors

San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)
Conveniently located in the heart of the Inland Empire, close to major freeways and just 60 miles from Los Angeles, SBD International Airport is strategically positioned to meet growing aviation activity including: cargo, business aviation, general aviation, and commercial airlines by providing competitive rates for aviation companies and local businesses looking to stretch their wings and expand their horizons. With extensive stretches of pristine runway and acres of prime land available for aviation development, SBD International Airport is ready to help our community and region reach new destinations.

HNTB Corporation
HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors. Celebrating 107 years of service in the United States and California, HNTB continues to grow in size and service offerings to clients from eight office locations in the state that employ approximately 320 full-time California professionals. 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 the HNTB website, or follow HNTB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Additional 2021 Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

  • Ontario International Airport
  • Metrolink
  • Woodruff, Spradin, & Smart

Silver Sponsors

  • Advance Civil Technologies, Inc
  • exp. US Services Inc
  • Guida Surveying Inc
  • GLA Corporation
  • Foothill Transit Agency
  • PPM Group, Inc
  • VCS Environmental

LTC event flier for Feb. 23