About

Career summary

General:

Ms. Matherly is a national expert focusing on the nexus of emergency planning, transportation, equity and resiliency. She is leading or has led seven major Transportation Research Board projects in that nexus, and truly enjoys applying research to solve challenges. She brings more than 40 years of experience in transit and transportation operations, finance, planning, public engagement, and organizational change, all coalescing in current research as well as extensive volunteer efforts related to transportation, equity, climate change, and more.

She is or has been the principal investigator for seven of the twelve TRB guides she has worked on.  Two of the guides are directly pertinent to transportation equity for underserved populations:  TCRP Report 150: Communications with Vulnerable Populations- A Transportation and Emergency Management Toolkit published in 2011 (she was Principal Investigator) and NCHRP Project 08-100, Environmental Justice Analyses When Considering Toll Implementation or Rate Changes (she was the Deputy Project Manager). Developing these and other successful guides such as NCHRP Report 740: A Transportation Guide to All-Hazards Emergency Evacuation, NCHRP Report 777:  A Guide to Regional Transportation Planning for Disasters, Emergencies and Significant Events (published 2014), TCRP Web-Only Document 70: Improving the Resilience of Transit Systems Threatened by Natural Disasters (published December, 2017), have honed her ability to distill, organize and impart information that is compelling and interesting to the reader.   She is the PI for NCHRP Report 976, Resilience Primer for Transportation Executives (2021), NCHRP Report 963/ TCRP Report 225, A Pandemic Playbook for Transportation Agencies. Ongoing projects she is leading include NCHRP 20-116, An Emergency Management Playbook for Transportation, NCHRP 20-128, Emergency Organization and Operations for Transportation, and TCRP H-60, Lessons Learned from Covid-19: Strategies to Enhance Racial and Social Equity through Public Transportation as a Community Lifeline.

Professional affiliations: Chair, APO45 Intermodal Transfer Facilities Committee, Transportation Research Board (TRB) Current and Founding Member, WTS SC; Former member: Intercity Passenger Rail Committee, TRB; New Public Transportation Systems and Technology Committee (former member),TRBFreight Data Committee (former member), TRB Emergency Evacuation Committee (current member), TRB Subcommittee on Performance Measurement for Sustainable Transportation, TRB ASCE Transportation Committee American Planning Association AICP;  Institute of Transportation Engineers (Associate Member)

Professional Experience

National Academy of Sciences, Transportation Research Board

  • National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 20-128: Emergency Response: Organizational and Operational Models Used by State DOTs: Will investigate and document organizational and operational models, with context and frameworks for identifying opportunities for optimization and improvement. Deb Matherly, PI, Zachary Falk and Bryan Keil, WSP support, Patricia Bye and Jan Benini, Co-PIs.  Initiated February, 2021,  in process through early 2023.
  • NCHRP 20-116: An Emergency Management Playbook for State Transportation Agencies: Will update the Emergency Response Guide, develop an actionable playbook for DOTs and transit agencies, and pilot and provide training materials. Deb Matherly, PI, Patricia Bye and Jan Benini, Co-PIs, support from University of Hawaii National Disaster Preparedness Training Center, Independent Consultants William Ankner and Mark Krentz, and Zachary Falk and Bryan Keil, WSP support,.  Initiated February,2020,  in process through early 2022.
  • NCHRP Research Report 963/TCRP Research Report 225: A Pandemic Playbook for Transportation Agencies –This is an early deliverable from NCHRP 20-116, in an urgent and agreed-upon pivot in scope. Understanding pandemics, their impacts to transportation, and potential effective response has become more important, not only for the response to COVID-19, but also if, as the World Health Organization warns, we are now “living in a time of viruses.” The Playbook concentrates on what needs to be done, when and by whom. It briefly addresses planning for a pandemic (addressed in NCHRP Report 769). It summarizes effective practices currently used by transportation agencies based on interviews with state departments of transportation and transit agency leaders and operational personnel, supplemented with national and international research results. Deb Matherly, PI, Zachary Falk and Bryan Keil, WSP support, Patricia Bye and Jan Benini, Co-PIs.  Pre-Publication Draft issued November 12, 2020, to be updated concurrent with full Emergency Playbook late 2021/ early 2022 .

Transportation System and Community Resilience 

  • NCHRP Project H-55, Transportation System Resilience: CEO Primer and Engagement: Principal Investigator leading this effort to engage DOT CEOs across the country to identify effective paths and approaches to DOT resilience. The Primer succinctly demonstrates why and how to integrate resilience into the organization- asset management, operations, design and engineering, cybersecurity, and more, with cogent, hard hitting quotes from other DOT CEOs to bring the lessons home.  The draft Primer was featured at the 2018 Resilience Innovations Summit and Exchange.  Carlos Braceras, AASHTO President, held up the CEO Primer during his testimony to Congress at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, “Investing in America’s Surface Transportation Infrastructure: The Need for a Multi-Year Reauthorization Bill”, on July 10, 2019. “I just picked up yesterday…it is for all DOT directors, talking about resilience, a DOT imperative. What we can do to help make our systems better prepared for this changing environment.” The study team is now working to implement the Primer, engaging a largely-new generation of CEOs.  2016-2020 

Transit Cooperative Research Project (TCRP) J-11, Task 32: Social and Economic Sustainability Metrics for Public Transportation, Washington, DC: Subject Matter Expert – supported a research project for TCRP to develop guidance to help transit agencies use metrics to plan, evaluate, and report on social and economic sustainability.  The research will help APTA identify social and economic sustainability metrics to include in APTA recommended practices and transit sustainability guidelines, and provide guidance on how transit agencies can operationalize the identified metrics.

NCHRP 20-59(51)B, “A Guide to Emergency Response Planning at State Transportation Agencies, Second Edition”. Subject Matter Expert Support: Ms. Matherly supported CASE in the development of this updated guide. Professional Services: 2016-2017.

TCRP Web-Only Document 70, Improving the Resilience of Transit Systems Threatened by Natural Disasters: Principal Investigator. Ms. Matherly led this effort to assist transit agencies nationwide to incorporate resiliency into their corporate culture, in concert with the closely-related culture of safety and state of good repair/ asset management. Cris Liban chaired the panel. The study identified varied transit agency paths to resilience, including emergency events, asset management, and environmental sustainability programs. The steps, examples and tools in the guide and the associated database, resilienttransit.org, show the value of integrating resilience throughout all disciplines of the organization, “baking it in” to the culture. The guide also explains the need to look outside one’s agency, identify critical interdependencies, and build relationships and coalitions to overcome or work around potential “weak links”, in order to reliably serve customers and the broader community. The work       Included coordination with APTA on how best to integrate resilience into existing and future standards and recommended practices.  Published December 2017, TRB webinar March 2018. Professional Services: 2015-2017.

National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 08-100, “Environmental Justice Analyses When Considering Toll Implementation or Rate Changes”: Deputy Project Manager. Ms. Matherly supported the coordination and development of this research project to provide guidance to agencies embarking on toll implementation projects or rate changes. The project developed an analysis framework to ensure that the process determines whether an environmental justice evaluation is required for a specific project; if it is, steps, tools, and recommendations will ensure that agencies and entities are equipped for effective and meaningful outreach to traditionally underserved poor and minority populations. Published January 2018.  Professional Services: 2014-2017.

NCHRP Report 769, “Guide for Public Transportation Pandemic Planning and Response.”, Washington, DC: Technical support. Ms. Matherly directed the WSP support for this Guide, as a subcontractor to Abt Associates.  Public transportation agencies, particularly in rural and small urban areas, rarely have the resources to research and develop their own guide or response plan for pandemic response.  This guide provides a concise summary of the research along with templates, checklists and other tools.  It helps agencies know who to work with in their community and provides guidance for creating a plan. Professional Services: 2012-2013, published 2014.  Cost: $35K.

NCHRP Project 20-59 (42), Report 777, “Guide to Regional Transportation Planning for Disasters, Emergencies and Significant Events.” Washington, DC: Principal investigator. Ms. Matherly was the principal investigator to establish this guide for transportation and emergency managers. The guide describes the basic principles required to achieve multijurisdictional resilience through partnerships with public and private sectors.  Case studies and tools support a more comprehensive understanding of threats, interdependencies, and opportunities for jurisdictions and agencies to work together.   Professional Services: 2012-2013; published 2014; Cost: $225K.

NCHRP Project 20-59 (32), Report 740, “A Transportation Guide for All-Hazards Evacuation,” Washington, DC:  Principal investigator. Ms. Matherly was the principal investigator to establish a multi-modal operational guide for transportation and emergency managers. The guide includes operational templates, checklists, and guidance, especially for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional planning and coordination.  Professional Services: 2010-2011; published 2012; Cost $249K.

Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), Project A-33, Report 150, “Communication with Vulnerable Populations: A Transportation and Emergency management Toolkit,” Washington, DC: Principal investigator. This study developed a practical guide for including vulnerable populations with access and functional needs in the planning, response and recovery stages of an emergency. It provides a clear step-by-step guide with supporting tools (e.g., a letter template for securing executive support, templates for meeting agendas, talking points, etc.) for effectively developing and sustaining outreach efforts in collaboration with partner agencies and organizations, such as public health and community-based organizations. The basic premise is to expand on existing connections to maximize scarce resources and reach people through trusted messengers. Professional Services: 2009-2011;  published 2011; Cost: $350K.

Strategic Highway Research Program Project R-11, “Strategic Approaches at the Corridor and Network Levels to Minimize Disruption from the Renewal Process,” Washington, DC:  Deputy project manager. Ms. Matherly was the deputy project manager for this research and application-development study to evaluate existing tools and create improved tools and strategies for corridor and network analysis. As roadway rehabilitation increases in importance and complexity, in size and range of projects taking place along increasingly congested roadways, it becomes more critical to place easy-to-use evaluation tools for alternative strategies at the hands of roadway planners, design engineers and construction managers. Phase IV in 2013 validated the model through comparisons of completed projects in Iowa and Arizona, and pilot tests the tool with projects in Florida and Massachusetts. Professional Services: 2009-2014; Cost: $1.69 M. 

NCHRP, Project 8-39, Financing and Improving Land Access to U.S. Cargo Hubs, Washington, DC:  Technical support. Completed the research and writing for three of six major case studies and two of six minor case studies for this WSP project. Her research included follow-up interviews with major stakeholders as well as planning organizations. The case studies included the Chicago UPS hub facility and the associated BNSF intermodal facility, and the two-mile Chicago Kedzie Avenue street signage, signalization and widening improvements (demonstrating the types of fairly small-scale projects that can be implemented quickly to make a significant improvement in congestion relief for the general public as well as trucks). All the case studies demonstrate the importance of a good working relationship between the business (freight) community and the planning agency. Professional Services: 2001-2002.

Federal Highway Administration

  • Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC:  Advancing Transportation Agency Capabilities on Incorporating Resilience and Durability in Programs and Practices (subcontract to Cadmus).  WSP program manager, technical support. This task order is developing case studies of eleven selected pilots and nine additional agencies (to be determined.)  It is also developing webinars and providing technical support to the pilot agencies.  Berger is supporting Cadmus on this contract.  2018-2020.  
  • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Newtown Pike Video, Washington, DC: Program manager, technical support. This task order, led by Planning Communities, developed a short (7 minute) and long (30 minute) video describing the Newtown Pike highway project- exemplary for its community involvement and innovative mitigation. The video summarizes the history of the road, the intensive public involvement, and the creative “land bank trust” and other mitigation that rebuilt the community stronger than before, while completing an essential highway project link. Conversations with residents, public involvement leads, project engineers, and transportation department leaders demonstrate the “heart” of the project and the factors that led to its success.  The videos are being widely disseminated at conferences and other venues. Professional Services: 2014-2015.
  • FHWA, Methods for Gauging Livability Improvements, Washington, DC: Program manager, technical support. This task order, led by Leigh Lane (NCSU), developed a very comprehensive database of potential performance measures and metrics, and an easy-to-use software tool to sort through them and make selections.  The tool is intended to help communities (and others) who are engaged in a community visioning process or similar endeavor to transition from lofty visions and goals to discussing and establishing the actual metrics they will track to measure their progress in achieving their goals.  The metrics extend far beyond the “livability” framework.  The study included research, interviews, and two intense workshops to test the tool and identify needed improvements.  Professional Services: 2012-2013.
  • FHWA, Web-Based Tool to Locate Data on Community Preference Characteristics, Washington, DC: Technical support, Program Manager. This task order, led by Leigh Lane (NCSU), developed a web-based tool that will help “John Q. Public” explore potential cities, towns, or communities of interest based on his or her own preferences of desirable characteristics.  The user selects one or more of almost a dozen major categories of interest, and then can “drill down” into subtopics to make the search more specific.  The tool returns three categories of information- rankings (e.g., 10 best communities for “X”; place-based metrics; and surveys or other resources.  The tool development included research, interviews, and a series of webinars to test and improve the tool. Professional Services: 2012-2013.
  • FHWA, Comprehensive Evaluations and Enhancements of HEP-GIS, Washington, DC: Program manager. This task order to improve the functionality of the FHWA HEP-GIS on-line system was carried out by Caliper Corporation.  Improvements to displays, search capabilities, desire line analysis of freight data, and other improvements have been successfully developed, tested and deployed.  Professional Services: 2011-2014.
  • FHWA, Port and Intermodal Rail Facility Fee Program, Washington, DC: Technical support. Supported this Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) operations study (WSP led the study, as a subcontractor to SAIC) to evaluate the potential applications for a fee for intermodal freight movements, analogous to the airlines’ passenger facility charges. The study examined a series of cases, estimated elasticities, and considered likely program parameters and institutional frameworks for such a fee.  Professional Services: 2010-2011.
  • FHWA, Washington Metropolitan Area Congestion Management Evaluation. Washington, DC:  Deputy project manager. This task order evaluated 1) What are the comparative travel volumes and measures of delay for congested travel versus uncongested travel in the Washington Metro area; 2) What portion of trips that use freeways in peak hours may be deemed to be discretionary; and 3) What strategies have been proven to be effective in shifting people from personal vehicles to transit and other shared rides? The study combined data mining, survey analysis and research to develop estimates of potential impacts of congestion mitigation strategies. Findings were presented at the 2009 TRB Annual Conference. Professional Services: 2008.
  • FHWA, Research Workshop for  Census Data Needs for Transportation, Washington, DC: Project manager. Organized a breakout session at this 2006 FHWA-sponsored workshop, and also helped organize the workshop. Much of the traditional decennial census data used for transportation is now performed on a continuous-sampling basis that has implications for data utility. The purpose of the workshop was to identify research, technical support, and data-gathering needs and priorities over the coming years. Professional Services: 2006.
  • FHWA, Economic Impacts, Real or Perceived, as a Result of Access Management, Washington, DC: Deputy project manager. Supported development of a primer and video for this FHWA project. The target audience was the business person concerned about a proposed access management project near his/her business. Using interviews, research on before and after case studies, and graphics, the video and primer made the case that “Safe Access is Good for Business”.  Professional Services: 2005-2006.
  • FHWA, Pennsylvania I-99 Economic Analysis of Highway Improvements, Western Pennsylvania. Technical support: Developed WSP and subcontractor interview guidelines and conducted extensive interviews to identify strengths and weaknesses in 11 central Pennsylvania Appalachian counties with high unemployment. The interview guide also gathered data pertinent to an input-output model and productivity analysis, developed to determine the potential effectiveness of highway investments towards improving economic well-being and employment opportunities in the region.  Professional Services: 2002-2003.

Private Clients- Rail Operations 

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  • Private Client, Texas High Speed Rail:  Technical Support: Customer Impacts and Operations Analysis. Supported the feasibility study for high speed rail (HSR) between Dallas and Houston.  Developed the Customer Impact Analysis for BNSF customers that might be impacted by the new HSR alignment.  Developed the operations analysis to forecast operating costs throughout the life-cycle of the project, comparing and cross-walking between two very different models, perspectives, and sets of assumptions; and introducing additional authoritative sources and assumptions.  Ultimately the two divergent estimates were resolved in favor of an economical and reasonable “middle ground” very close to the initial Berger estimate, factored into a robust operating cost model, sensitive to changes in operating conditions and assumptions.  Professional Services: 2012-2014.  
  • Private Client, Baltimore- Washington Maglev: Project Management and Technical Support:  Operations Analysis. Supporting the Maglev feasibility study for Baltimore to Washington (near term) and Washington to New York City (longer term.)  Developing the narrative and supporting the analysis of operating plans, including terminal operations, running times, train capacities and maintenance facility requirements. Developing operating cost estimates and supporting data.  Managing all tasks, subcontracts, and routine administration, supporting LBG team leaders.  Professional Services: 2012-2020- ongoing.
  • Private Client, All Aboard Florida/ Brightline/ Virgin Trains USA:  Technical Support, Project Management.  Provided validation assessments of operating costs and ancillary revenues.  Reviewed and critiqued operating plans, identified inconsistencies that were able to be corrected prior to an investor review. Refreshed operating plan and ancillary revenue assessment prior to system opening in early 2018. Provided independent assessments, evaluation and validation for second phase plans after commencement of Phase 1.  Professional Services: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019. 
  • Private Client and ABAM, Tesoro Terminal EA: Technical Support. Provided support in analyzing statewide and cross-border rail operations impacts for a proposed new crude oil terminal in Vancouver, WA. Analysis included potential “gate-down” time at crossings for alternative train routings.  Professional Services: 2013.
  • Private Client, Denver Air Train, Denver, Colorado: Deputy project manager. For a private client, supported the feasibility assessment of a high-speed train from downtown Denver to Denver International Airport. The study included preliminary engineering feasibility, demand modeling employing the DRCOG model, fare and operations scenarios, extensive assessment of parking options and revenue potential for a structured parking garage, and evaluation of remote baggage handling feasibility in a post 9/11 environment. Professional Services: 2003-2004.

Sustainability 

  • SamTrans, Sustainability and Resilience Program Support, California: Subject matter expert who supported the evaluation of adaptation measures for SamTrans. This included development and evaluation of potential adaptations to help passengers who would be most adversely affected by increasing high heat days. The potential adaptation measures supported a workshop with SamTrans staff to narrow and fine-tune the initiatives, in advance of broader stakeholder engagement on the topic. 
  • APTA Recommended Practice on Climate Action Planning: As a volunteer member of the APTA Climate Action Planning Workgroup, Ms. Matherly is assisting with the update of APTA’s Recommended Practice on Climate Action Planning, specifically working to integrate resilience into the updated Recommended Practice. The integration summarizes and refers to Web-Only Document 70, Improving the Resilience of Transit Systems Threatened by Natural Disasters, as well as providing new content such as agency “snapshots”. 

Public Outreach and Emergency Management

  • DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), Community Outreach for September Preparedness Month, Washington, DC: Project Manager.  Ms. Matherly led the project to develop four community forums on emergency preparedness for HSEMA during the month of September 2011, as well as develop a general public advertising campaign.  WSP, supported by AmericaSpeaks and working closely with DCHSEMA, developed four forums, specifically tailored for and recruiting participants from DC service providers (e.g., nursing homes, Meals on Wheels); DC faith leaders; DC business leaders; and DC youth.  Each forum included identification of an appropriate venue and date, targeted personal outreach and tailored presentations and participant folders.  The WSP Team developed the “brand” for DC preparedness month, that was carried through to the participant folders, the newspaper ad campaign, and the on-line Google ad campaign. Professional Services: 2011. 

DC Office of Planning

  • DC Office of Planning (DCOP), Ward 8 Community Summit, Washington, DC: Technical support. Ms. Matherly provided technical support in preparation for the summit, and also participated in the summit as an organizer for observers and as a scribe for one table. WSP, supported by AmericaSpeaks and working closely with DCOP and other District agencies, developed and implemented a major summit for Ward 8 in less than six weeks. The project included extensive community outreach (well over 300 residents in attendance), handouts specific to Ward 8, table maps, discussion script, and meeting logistics. The handout folders included a letter from Mayor Gray (who introduced and closed the full-day event), worksheets for major discussion topics, and background materials for the discussion topics of “building”, “empowering”, “preserving housing”, “preserving retail”, “connecting” and “community action”.  Professional Services: 2011.
  • DCOP, BRAC, Washington, DC: Technical support. Directed the transportation portion of this study to evaluate the impacts of BRAC on six facilities in the District of Columbia, including the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and realignments in the Navy Yard and Bolling Air Force Base. Professional Services: 2009.
  • DCOP, Comprehensive Plan, Washington, DC: Deputy project manager. Developed the technical report for the transportation element for the 2006 DCOP Comprehensive Plan. This entailed extensive analysis of existing travel patterns and forecasts of future volumes of travel based on changes in population and employment forecasts, plus proposed changes in transit services and varying scenarios for regional emphasis on travel demand management.  Professional Services: 2005-2006.

District Department of Transportation

  • DDOT, Brightwood Transportation Study, Washington, DC: Project manager. Ms. Matherly was the project manager for this neighborhood traffic calming and transportation study. Citizen’s concerns about speeding, pedestrian safety, and cut-through traffic were addressed through a neighborhood walk and a series of public meetings. The WSP Team worked with the neighborhood and with DDOT to develop alternatives that will be easy to maintain as well as environmentally sustainable and aesthetically pleasing, while increasing safety.  Professional Services: 2007-2008.
  • DDOT, Wisconsin Avenue Transportation Study, Washington, DC: Deputy project manager. Citizen’s concerns about future traffic associated with more intense development were addressed through four scenarios of moderate to extreme development. Associated traffic levels and levels of service were modeled and displayed. Also presented traffic engineering solutions to improve traffic flow and increase safety. Professional Services: 2004-2005.
  • DDOT, Friendship Heights Transportation and Traffic Study, Washington, DC: Deputy project manager. Identify traffic management solutions to solve citizen concerns in the Friendship Heights area. One of the major concerns is projected development and growth in traffic; the MWCOG model was employed to test development assumptions. Professional Services: 2003-2004.
  • DDOT, Military Road/Missouri Avenue Transportation and Traffic Study, Washington, DC: Deputy project manager. Identified traffic management solutions to solve citizen concerns in the Military Road/ Missouri Avenue corridor of the District of Columbia. The project included significant interface with concerned citizens on either side of Rock Creek Park. Meetings and subsequent data collection were undertaken to identify problems and clearly define the problems in the area. Proposed solutions to the problems were presented for public comment and feedback, and were favorably received. Professional Services: 2005-2006.

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

  • Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), Phase 2, Emergency Transportation, Evaluation, and Shelter-in-Place Components of the Regional Emergency Coordination Plan, Washington, DC: Project manager. Developed the second phase of emergency planning for MWCOG to include all hazards planning, terrorism and WMD programs. The products included research on analysis tools and behavioral elements of emergency responses, initial plans for protective actions and transportation coordination, pet and animal shelters plans, an assessment of public warning systems, development of initial public messages and information, initial reentry and recovery strategic plans, and “tabletop” exercises to identify and probe transportation communications plans and actions across the region.  Professional Services: 2003.
  • MWCOG, Washington Area Emergency Evacuation Plan Annex, Washington, DC: Project manager. In an exceptionally short time frame- four weeks from notice to proceed until delivery of full draft document- WSP and team members developed the complete Evacuation Transportation Coordination Annex for MWCOG. Ms. Matherly developed the rapid response approach and was project manager. The product included maps for regional evacuation routes, example scenarios, a framework for describing incidents, a structured questionnaire, and a comprehensive set of demand, highway and transit strategies to deal with major incidents. In addition to strategies dealing with maximizing the flow out of the area in response to an emergency (signals, lanes, transit, etc.) the document identified situations where shelter in place is most appropriate for many people, and where strongly encouraging shelter in place for certain populations (through coordinated demand and supply strategies) will ensure that transportation capacity exists for those who truly need to leave. Professional Services: 2002.

Other Washington, DC

  • General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Triangle South EA, Washington, DC: Technical support. Supported the development of the EA.  Reviewing and editing others work, writing sections on technical approach as requested.  Professional Services: 2014, ongoing.
  • General Services Administration (GSA), FBI Headquarters Relocation EA, Washington, DC: Technical support. Supported the development of the EIS, including support on relocation site analyses.  Reviewed and edited others work, wrote sections on technical approach as requested.  Professional Services: 2014, ongoing.
  • General Services Administration (GSA), West Heating Plant EA, Washington, DC: Technical support. Developed the transportation study elements for the GSA proposed disposal of the excess property West Heating Plant near Georgetown.  This included developing potential traffic impacts for a reasonable reuse scenario based on DCOP anticipated zoning.  Professional Services: 2011-2012.
  • National Historic Trust, Lincoln Cottage Visitor Center EA, Washington, DC: Technical support. Directed the transportation elements for the Lincoln Cottage Visitor Center EA. This included reviewing the projected number of visitors, estimating peak visitor flows, and developing and assessing parking alternatives with designated vehicle and pedestrian paths.  Professional Services: 2005.
  • Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, National Cathedral Tour Bus Parking, Washington, DC: Project manager. Assisted the National Cathedral in maintaining tour bus visitors during an extended construction period when normal parking would not be available. The study examined alternate sites and operations scenarios that would maintain visitor volumes, preserve pedestrian safety during drop-off and pick-up, minimize bus driver’s distance and time to return to the site, and minimize disruption to the neighborhood. The ultimate “win-win” solution has the buses parking on site during construction, displacing some cars, but proving less disruptive than other alternatives. Professional Services: 2005.

National Park Service

  • National Park Service (NPS) Georgetown Boathouse Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC: Technical support.  The non-motorized boathouse zone is a quarter-mile segment of C&O Canal National Historical Park and Rock Creek Park, designated to serve paddle sports including rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. For this task order, WSP provided A/E services necessary to prepare a feasibility study revaluating the potential of the zone to accommodate multiple, often conflicting, uses and to protect the natural and cultural resources of the site. Ms. Matherly provided QA/QC and brainstorming support for alternatives development for this project.  Professional services: ongoing. 
  • NPS 17th Street Potomac Park Levee Traffic and Transportation Assessment, Washington, DC: Technical support.  Updates in 100-year flood maps for downtown Washington, DC determined that major sections of the downtown would be subject to flooding from Potomac River storm surges and similar threats.  Topographic and related elevation assessments determined that a levee crossing 17th Street on the National Mall near Constitution Avenue, connecting to higher natural elevations on the National Mall, would protect this important section of the City.  Supported the traffic assessment and development and analysis of road closure alternatives during the planned construction of the 17th Street Levee on the National Mall. Coordinated with the Berger traffic subject matter expert and developed the report documenting the recommendations for staging and traffic management. Professional services: 2010.
  • NPS Long Range Transportation Plan, Nationwide: Technical support. WSP, as part of a larger team, prepared the Environmental Stewardship and Visitor Experience components of a guidebook that is being used by the NPS at the park unit, regional, and national levels as the framework for preparing LRTPs. Environmental stewardship components include climate change (adaptive management and mitigation), natural hazards risk assessment, sustainability, natural and cultural resource management, public involvement and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Ms. Matherly’s contributions focused largely on the climate change and sustainability sections,  highlighting considerations that need to be made during the LRTP process in areas sensitive to natural hazards such as fire and flood. These sections also highlight recent or currently underway NPS initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase sustainability, including how improvements to transportation infrastructure and systems can help achieve these objectives.  

Department of Defense

  • Naval Facilities Engineering Command Headquarters, Washington, D.C., The Navy Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Handbook: Technical Support.  The Handbook, developed to aid in the implementation of the Department of Defense Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap and Department of Navy related guidance, provides a framework and process that guides planners and managers as they incorporate the best climate science and best adaptive practices in their workflows. Ms. Matherly provided technical support and quality assurance on the handbook.  Professional Services: 2016; Construction: N/A; Size: N/A. Cost: $140,525
  • U.S. Army Environmental Command, Army 2020 Force Structure Realignment Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment, Nationwide:  Technical support. WSP provided support to Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) with the management and preparation of a Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) for the Army 2020 Force Structure Realignment PEA that was completed in 2013. Personnel reductions of active component Soldiers and Army civilians greater than those announced in 2013 are likely under current fiscal, policy, and strategic conditions. Therefore, the SPEA is necessary to enable HQDA and senior leaders to assess and compare impacts, and to make better informed force structure decisions. The SPEA is evaluating the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental and socio-economic impacts of stationing realignments at 30 Army and Joint Basing installations within the United States, including 9 that were not previously analyzed for force reductions in 2013. Ms. Matherly conducted the review and research on potential transportation impacts for the 30 installations and addressed all transportation-related comments for the draft SPEA and draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for Army signature and public review within two and a half months from project kickoff. Professional Services: 2014.
  • NAVFAC, Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and Red-Line Study, Patuxent River, Maryland: Technical and project support. Ms. Matherly supported the project team efforts to study the existing traffic patterns and circulation (vehicular, bike, pedestrian) in conjunction with planned growth and develop a Transportation Improvement Plan with recommendations to reduce traffic congestion, recommend improvements to meet current and projected multi-modal transportation needs, and improve level of service at the installation. Professional Services: 2012.
  • NAVFAC, Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren Transportation Improvement Plan, Dahlgren, Virginia: Technical and project support, project management. Ms. Matherly supported the project team efforts to study the existing traffic patterns and circulation (vehicular, bike, pedestrian) in conjunction with planned growth and develop a Transportation Improvement Plan with recommendations to reduce traffic congestion, recommend improvements to meet current and projected multi-modal transportation needs, and improve level of service at the installation.  Professional Services: 2012. 
  • NAVFAC, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), Transportation Management Plan (TMP), Washington, DC: Project management. Ms. Matherly is managing the development of a Transportation Management Program at JBAB in coordination with NAVFAC Washington and JBAB stakeholders to reduce installation trip rates and vehicle miles traveled; encourage, support, and plan for multi-modal transportation options; and increase average vehicle occupancy rates.  These objectives will help the installation meet national and local air quality, regulatory, and planning mandates.  The TMP is being developed concurrently and in coordination with the installation Master Plan; both documents will guide future installation decisions. Professional Services: ongoing.
  • NAVFAC, Naval District Washington (NDW) Transportation Management Plan (TMP), Arlington, Washington Navy Yard, and Naval Research Station (Washington District) and Carderock and Naval Observatory (North Potomac), Washington, DC: Project management. Ms. Matherly managed the development and refinement of TMPs for various NDW installations as they undergo the review and approval process of the regional federal planning authority (National Capital Planning Commission), regional Navy leadership, and installation level leadership.  The objective of these TMPs is to reduce installation trip rates and vehicle miles traveled; encourage, support, and plan for multi-modal transportation options; and increase average vehicle occupancy rates.  These objectives will help the installations meet national and local air quality, regulatory, and planning mandates.  The TMPs are being developed concurrent with the Master Plans. Professional Services: 2011-2015.
  • NAVFAC, Quantico Naval Health Clinic Parking Study, Quantico, VA: Project management, project support. Ms. Matherly directed this study to evaluate employee and visitor parking at the clinic, in relation to a proposed expansion of the clinic.  The study included detailed monitoring of the parking in four distinct parking areas, plus an on-line employee survey and a visitor paper survey.  The study determined employees were using all the spaces designated for staff as well as for staff and visitors, and some were parking in visitor only spaces.  The observations confirmed a surplus of visitor spaces throughout the day, despite the shortfall anticipated from following the Unified Facilities Criteria guidelines.  It was determined that more spaces needed to be allotted to employees to meet National Capital Planning Commission recommendations for the existing and future conditions.  Professional Services: 2012.
  • Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Transportation Visioning Process, Washington, DC: Technical support. Ms. Matherly provided technical support for this effort to develop an overarching vision to reduce the transportation footprint of Naval facilities while improving Navy personnel morale and work force satisfaction. The project included a series of strategies, grouped into major categories and evaluated for their potential impacts across a range of measures. Professional Services: 2010-2011.
  • Lakehurst, Base Realignment and Closure, Lakehurst, New Jersey: Technical support. Conducted the traffic analysis portion of this study to evaluate the impacts of a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)-mandated relocation of an Army Reserve Equipment Concentration Site. Professional Services: 2008.
  • USACE, Institute of Water Resources, Potential and Implementation of Alternative Funding and Finance of the USACE Civil Works Mission, Washington, DC: Technical support. Ms. Matherly provided technical support including research, technical writing and editing, and workshop logistics support for this effort to establish more secure funding and financing to improve the maintenance and safety of USACE assets. Professional Services: 2012-2013.
  • USACE, West Point Environmental Analysis, BRAC, West Point, New York: Technical support. Conducted the traffic analysis for the EA for West Point incorporation of the Marine Academy Preparatory School. The Preferred Alternative necessitates relocating the Motor Pool Department of Logistics. Professional Services: 2008.
  • USACE, Fort Meade EIS, BRAC, Odenton, Maryland: Technical support. Conducted the traffic analysis for the EIS for Fort George G. Meade, related to incoming personnel associated with the current BRAC actions. The study includes data collection on existing traffic volumes, turning movements, infrastructure, signals, and transit service; as well as proposed land uses, roadway improvements, forecasts of future traffic levels and levels of service, and potential mitigation measures and best management practices (including travel demand management and transit improvements) to improve operations. Professional Services: 2007.
  • USACE, Institute of Water Resources, Determining System Capacity to Accommodate Grain Flows by Rail to the Mississippi River, St. Louis, Missouri: Deputy project manager. Developed the study team, participated in interviews and wrote the report for this recent study for the Institute for Water Resources, USACE. The purpose of the study was to determine why actual grain flows by rail through St. Louis to barges were much lower than predicted by the IWR model. Whereas the IWR had anticipated finding infrastructure constraints at St. Louis, the interviews with key terminal operators and shippers in the area determined that major shifts in market forces were the cause, rather than physical constraints. These market forces include local changes (e.g., major expansion of ethanol production); regional changes (e.g., railroads investing in super-efficient 100-car loading and unloading facilities for long-distance grain shuttles); and international changes (e.g., increased competition for international markets from Latin America and central Europe, and avoidance of genetically modified grain in Europe and other locations). Professional Services: 2007.

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

  • Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Chapter 16: Traffic Management for Planned, Unplanned and Emergency Events, Traffic Engineering Handbook, 7th Edition: Co-author.  One of three co-authors on this completely new chapter for the ITE Handbook. Contributed to the outline, concept and ongoing development for the chapter; wrote major sections of text; provided and/or  adapted relevant graphics and tables from prior research; and prepared a new case study  for the chapter regarding the 2009 Presidential Inaugural. The 7th Edition was published in early 2016. Professional Services: 2014-2015.

Other State and Local

  • North Carolina Department of Transportation/ Atkins: Training Support:  Project Manager. Supported the NCDOT Integration Training initiative. WSP is supporting Atkins in developing and delivering Integration Training to NCDOT, with support from subcontractor EL Robinson (Leigh Lane).  Adrienne Heller of WSP is providing extensive technical support.  The Integration training is a multi-agency process improvement initiative to ensure information in Comprehensive Transportation Plans (CTPs)/ Metropolitan Transportation Plans (MTPs) are useful in project planning.  The full Training is a deeper dive on the topics briefly covered in TBasics (NCDOT initial training for planners.) Integration training elements include Problem Statements; Community Understanding Reports (and other CIA tools); Alternatives Analysis; Indirect and Cumulative Effects; and Interagency Coordination Protocol.  Professional Services: 2019-2021. 
  • Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bridges & Tunnels (MTA B&T), Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA), Investigation and Study for the Rockaway Crossings Master Plan and Resiliency Needs, New York, New York: Technical Support.   WSP conducted  an investigation and study to address and balance the various needs of the long-term safe use of the Rockaway Crossings. The study also considered user needs, operational efficiency, cost, schedule, protection of the environment, and resiliency. Ms. Matherly provided evaluation and operations expertise with regards to evacuation analyses for the bridge refurbishment or replacement alternatives.  Professional Services: 2014-2016.
  • Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Charm City Circulator Financial and Operational Analysis: Project Manager. WSP was asked to analyze operations and finances for the CCC.  The CCC operates free service on four routes in the downtown, connecting light rail, commuter rail, subway, and harbor ferries with residences, businesses, shops, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and tourist destinations throughout the downtown. CCC is primarily supported by a portion of the City’s parking tax.  From start-up in 2010 through 2014 the system accumulated a deficit of over $11 million dollars.  Berger analyzed riders, headways and operations in depth, using recorded data from sample days. Berger then developed and calibrated a multimodal microsimulation model for the downtown area (over 400 intersections), modeling all four bus routes, accounting for passenger boarding and alighting times and traffic signals, as well as auto, bus and truck traffic by time of day.  The model was used to test route alternatives, headway changes, consolidated stops, bus lane enforcement, and other strategies to improve performance. Ms. Matherly evaluated the bus maintenance and fuel performance of the bus fleet, and developed recommendations to improve the overall fleet reliability and reduce costs. The City had developed its own long-term financial model; Ms. Matherly adapted and fine-tuned the model to increase flexibility and test operational and financial alternatives.  Berger developed more than 20 alternatives of headways and route alignments, then ran a cost/ridership optimization model (for over 700 combinations generated) to identify the route combinations that preserved the greatest number of riders at different levels of hours and costs.  The analysis assisted the Baltimore City Department of Transportation in identifying and prioritizing alternatives that serve residents, visitors and commuters in downtown Baltimore while establishing long term financial sustainability. Berger also developed a draft request for proposal for a new contractor for the bus service.  Professional Services: 2014-2015
  • City of Portsmouth Fire Department, Seacoast Planning and Implementation Evacuation Services Procedure, Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Deputy project manager. In addition to project management, Ms. Matherly’s role in this evacuation planning effort for the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Fire Department and adjacent communities included outreach efforts to community groups working with vulnerable populations such as those with limited transportation and mobility.  Other project elements included planning and traffic modeling to create effective, inclusive plans for emergency response, particularly hurricane evacuation. Professional Services: 2010-2011.
  • Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Regional Protective Action Coordination Plan, Baltimore, Maryland: Project manager. Planning efforts integrate the needs and perspectives of emergency management, law enforcement, transportation, public transit, public information, and other functions and interests such as the American Red Cross, advocates for disabled persons, advocates for animals, etc. In-depth interviews, tabletop exercises, and workshops with stakeholders identify gaps and build relationships. Large-scale and scalable sheltering and associated transportation planning is a major element of the plan. The Plan (NIMS compliant) includes a regional memorandum of understanding on responsibilities; common terms and definitions; a description and decision tree with tools for responding to a regional event; and five major coordination sections: Command and Management, Communications, Public Information, Evacuation, and Shelter and Reception Centers: each with descriptions and detailed checklists for preparedness, response and recovery. Appendices provide additional documentation and specific jurisdictional resources and risks. Professional Services: 2006-2007.
  • BMI-SG, Transit Plan Development, Cape Girardeau, Missouri: Deputy project manager. Developed the financial plan scenarios and analysis for the Cape Girardeau updated transit plan. The plan looked at options for expansion and coordination with County, University, and private sector providers. Professional Services: 2005-2006.
  • Missouri DOT, Statewide Passenger Transportation Demand, Jefferson City, Missouri: Deputy project manager. Provided technical support on this project, including client presentations, documentation of the forecast methodologies for demand for transit services, documentation of methodologies for bicycle and pedestrian indices, development of estimates and documentation of demand for intercity rail and bus services, and a peer analysis of St. Louis transit services across a series of measures. Professional Services: 2005-2006.

International

  • Egypt Rail Safety Evaluation, Government of Egypt Ministry of Transportation, Cairo, Egypt: Project manager. Ms. Matherly was the project manager for this U.S. Trade and Development Agency-financed study to evaluate and improve safety on Egypt’s railways. The study included both technological traffic-management improvement recommendation and institutional “safety culture” training and public information/education. The study also included a two-week orientation visit to the U.S. to meet with FRA, Amtrak, and major rail supplier and manufacturers, and to view the four major communications-based technologies in practice in the United States. Professional Services: 2006-2008.
  • Korea Transport Institute, Korea Intermodal Transfer Center, Seoul, Korea: Project manager. Worked with the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) on Transport Connectivity and Transfer System Technologies for Seoul, Korea. For the first year of the study, she coordinated development of the proposed scope and a trip to Korea with presentation, and researched performance measurement of intermodal facilities. Professional Services: 2006-2007.
  • Municipality of Izmir, Turkey, funded by the USTDA, Smart Card Transit and Parking Fare Collection, Evaluation, Izmir, Turkey: Team leader. Evaluated the Izmir system for a potential upgrade of its existing smart card fare system. The Izmir system includes buses, ferries, and Metro, and will soon include commuter rail and private sector minibuses. Over 900,000 smart cards have been distributed (in a city of 3.3 million); they currently process approximately 600,000 transactions per day, but cannot handle transfers and similar features. The study included the evaluation of the system and technology in place in Izmir; the desired requirements for an upgrade or replacement system; an assessment of features (fare structures, transfer options and similar functions) of smart card technologies in place around the world; an overview of vendors and manufacturers of state-of-the-art products and systems; and recommendations and specifications for Izmir to consider in terms of desired and feasible features and functions for an upgrade or replacement system.  Professional Services: 2003-2005.

Additional Experience 

  • Baltimore-Washington Magnetic Levitation, Urban and Intercity Transportation Planning Studies, Baltimore, Maryland: Deputy project manager. Demand forecasts for the KCI/PB Joint Venture and the Maryland Transit Administration. As deputy project manager for Transportation Economics & Management Systems, Inc. (TEMS), provided guidance in the development of ridership demand forecasts, including zone structure development and demographic forecasts. She directed three major surveys: a “paper-form” stated preference survey, a video-based auto O/D mail-out survey (with Transfo), and a computer-based stated preference survey (with RSG Associates). She served as the liaison with metropolitan planning organizations as well as a key client and Peer Review Group contact. She developed methodologies for identifying parking impacts, time-of-day estimates, and ridership catchment areas for the project. She also directed the corridor study (Boston to Charlotte, North Carolina), that evaluated the potential for Maglev freight movement as well as passenger movement. The freight movement potential was evaluated for four major categories of commodity with mode split for each major commodity group based on value of time. Baltimore has been selected as one of two projects to qualify for FRA funding to move forward into the Environmental Impact Assessment Phase of Study.  Professional Services: 1998-2001
  • The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative for Nine Midwest States and Amtrak, Chicago, Illinois: Deputy project manager. Conducted operations planning, capital and strategic planning, documented demand forecasts, and developed freight options (same-day parcel market assessment), and financial analyses. The same-day parcel market analysis built on Commodity Flow Survey data for state-to-state flows, plus face-to-face interviews with over 100 shippers and freight forwarders in the Midwest. She developed extensive operating cost simulations to compare the proposed Midwest structure to Amtrak costs and to identify the sensitivity of the cost forecasts to changes in travel volumes related to implementation phases. She developed and directed a major two-phase paper-based survey in cooperation with Greyhound and Amtrak to identify the likely utilization of proposed bus feeder and interline services. She created detailed cost/benefit assessments of policy issues such as dining car versus “trolley” services; reservation versus “walk-on” services; and the implications of work-rule changes and travel time modifications. She developed the “Equation for Success” project overview for the MWRRI which, in layman’s terms, explains the relationship between supply-side improvements in infrastructure, train technology, travel time, trip frequency, and reliability, leading to unit-cost decreases and demand-side ridership increases, and project self-sufficiency.  Professional Services: 1997-2001
  • Baltimore-Washington Maglev and MWRRI, Frederick, Maryland: Project manager. To address a critical need for these two studies, conducted research and developed the methodology for estimating and documenting the economic benefits of the projects by adapting established Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) methodologies. Documented benefits included consumer surplus, airport and highway congestion relief, pollution reduction, and energy-resource savings. Professional Services: 1999-2000
  • DOTs of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, Tri-State High Speed Rail Study, Phase 2, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois: Deputy project manager. Directed the alternatives analysis, operations planning, technology review, infrastructure assessment (with project engineer), financial analysis, and project documentation for this in-depth review of four high-speed rail options (110 mph base plus 125 mph, 150 mph and 185 mph) between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul, with two separate alignment options (via Rochester, Minnesota or along the river). Professional Services: 1999-2001
  • Amtrak, Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Dallas, Texas: Project manager. Developed TEMS’ plan for the study, which included coordinating with Amtrak to identify operating plans, operating costs and likely ridership and revenue levels for the reintroduction of passenger rail service to Oklahoma. Several route combinations and configurations were reviewed, including service alternatives from Oklahoma City to Ft. Worth, as well as service to Perry, Tulsa, and Dallas. First-year ridership was approximately 10 percent higher than the demand forecast.  Professional Services: 1999
  • Maryland Transit Administration, Georgetown Branch Bikeway Trail (GBBT) Cost Benefit Assessment, Silver Spring, Maryland: Project manager. The state legislature requested the MTA to respond to a highly critical presentation on the perceived lack of benefits of the GBBT. Developed TEMS’ assessment of the full range of benefits for the proposed light rail GBBT project. She applied the full Federal Transit Administration (FTA) criteria for light rail projects to estimate the likely ranking of the GBBT, and developed a response to the legislature demonstrating that the earlier criticism was out of context and invalid.  Professional Services: 1999
  • Great American Station Foundation, Economic Impact of Train Station Revitalization, Phases 1 and 2, Nationwide:  Project manager. Developed TEMS’ guidebook on estimated impacts that can be derived from new or improved rail and intermodal stations. Working with a demand specialist, benefits were assessed for five tiers of city sizes and three ranges of corridor density. Working with a real estate specialist, she also estimated impacts for each of the 100 MWRRI stations using the study criteria. Professional Services: 2000
  • Hood College, Midwest Regional Rail Initiative Strategic Business Plan: For the MBA capstone course, developed a comprehensive business plan for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, including a comprehensive market analysis of Southwest Airlines and Midwest Express airline competition and trip lengths, and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats on the horizon for passenger rail. Professional Services: 2001
  • Federal Railroad Administration, Train Technology Life-Cycle Cost Assessment, Frederick, Maryland: Deputy project manager. Working with Brian Scales, PE of TEMS, and with information provided by three manufacturers, developed a life-cycle cost analysis of three train technologies within the context of Midwest operations. The analysis compared acquisition, operating, and maintenance costs and performance characteristics for the Bombardier Acela diesel, the Adtranz DMU, and the Talgo. Pros and cons for each technology were developed, with recommendations adopted for the Midwest “central case” revised forecasts and plan. Professional Services: 1998-1999
  • Maryland State Highway Administration, Methods for Assessing Economic Benefits from Highway Construction, Frederick, Maryland: Project manager. Conducted TEMS’s study on benefits to be derived from improvements, including an extensive literature review and survey of 20 state departments of transportation, to identify and categorize their methods. Professional Services: 1998
  • City of Mississauga, Ontario, Transportation-Related Economic Impacts of Airport Activity, City of Mississauga, Ontario: Deputy project manager. Researched and documented the full range of transportation-related costs that impact the City of Mississauga due to the proximity of Pearson Airport. Costs from the higher volume of traffic were compared with normalized costs to identify the range of impacts for this TEMS study. Professional Services: 2000
  • The Louis Berger Group, Loudoun County land-Use Planning Forecasts, Frederick, Maryland: Project manager. While with TEMS, reviewed current land use plans and demographic forecasts and interviewed planning officials and local developers to develop updated forecasts of Loudoun County growth on a fine zone basis. Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Developed a probability model to distribute forecasted county-wide growth in employment and population to particular zones by year based on the stage of planning and likelihood of completion of land use development plans.  Professional Services: 1999
  • FHWA, Quick Response Freight Manual, Silver Spring, Maryland: Project manager. While with COMSIS, directed the research, analysis and clear organization of a broad range of data sources pertinent to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) faced with the task of including freight issues in metropolitan planning. Three teams cooperated to produce the “Quick Response Freight Manual”, which has been highly successful and widely published. Conducted two surveys of MPOs related to the project to identify planning needs and experience. Professional Services: 1995-1996
  • FHWA, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Implications of Continuous Measurement for the Uses of Census Data in Transportation Planning, Silver Spring, Maryland: Deputy project manager. Coordinated the assembly of a high-level panel to evaluate the issue, including two major workshops. Principal author of the Executive Summary, widely published by BTS. Professional Services: 1995
  • National Transit Institute, Introduction to Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Silver Spring, Maryland: Technical support. While with COMSIS, conducted research, gathered materials, developed presentations and workbooks, and coordinated arrangements for the pilot and first course. The course continues to be offered by the NTI. Professional Services: 1995-1996
  • Federal Highway Administration Planning IDIQ, Silver Spring, Maryland: Deputy administrator. For COMSIS, then project manager and administrator monitoring over 20 distinct task orders and approximately 30 subcontractors at any given time. Professional Services: 1995-1997
  • FHWA, National Transit Summaries and Trends, Silver Spring, Maryland: Project manager. While with COMSIS, designed, developed, conducted the analysis and wrote the prototype and first-year documents, “National Transit Summaries and Trends” (1990 and 1991). Also worked closely with APTA and the FTA to revise reporting forms, to improve the quality and consistency of data reported by transit agencies across the country. Professional Services: 1991-1994
  • Pennsylvania DOT, EISs, Silver Spring, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Technical support. While with COMSIS, developed a bus emissions spreadsheet model to estimate the reduced emissions that could be expected from the routine replacement of a transit agency’s bus fleet, due to the improved emission standards of the newer buses in the fleet. It was designed as a self-documented tool adaptable to all sizes of transit agencies with varying fleets and acquisition plans, forecasting forward to 2020. Also conducted cost-benefit analyses of varying environmental strategies proposed by the Philadelphia Stakeholders committee that had been appointed by the governor to address air quality conformity requirements.  Professional Services: 1995-1997
  • Indiana DOT, Performance-Based Transit Allocation System, Silver Spring, Maryland and Indianapolis, Indiana: Project manager. Managed from proposal development through testing, recommendations and implementation to revise the transit funding distribution methodology for the state of Indiana. She identified stakeholder priorities and concerns through workshops and surveys. She then developed a four-tiered, performance-based approach that is still in use today, with proven adaptability to changing situation. She wrote an analysis of the project for the Transportation Research Board, which was published; and later presented the findings of the study at a CALTRANS symposium on transportation performance and allocation. Professional Services: 1993-1994
  • Maryland MTA, Photo ID Cost-Benefit Analysis, Baltimore, Maryland: Project manager. While with the MTA, evaluated the costs and benefits for moving from a standard pass to requiring a photo ID in order to receive a reduced fare (for age or disability) on MTA buses and trains. The incidence of lost and stolen passes suggested a high rate of misuse and abuse. The analysis was used to justify adoption of the program, which has been highly successful in ensuring that reduced-fare benefits go to those who deserve them. Professional Services: 1990
  • Maryland DOT, WMATA Management Office, Budget and Operations Planning, Silver Spring, Maryland: Staff chair. Chair of the staff Jurisdictional Coordinating Committee for the WMATA operating budget for two years; developed innovative budget guidance sensitive to operational cost drivers. In the first year it provided a “zero base” approach for new projects and initiatives. Second year guidance restricted general cost increases while permitting incremental growth for new station openings; developed operational plans to reduce train miles and developed direct budget savings from those reductions. Budget review and findings presented to Washington Council of Governments and WMATA Board, adopted. Professional Services: 1985-1989
  • Hood College, Public Transport, Peru: Author. Master’s level independent study comparison of history of public transport in Peru compared with the United States. Included reviews of “The Other Path” and “The Mystery of Capital” by Hernando de Soto, focusing on public transport aspects, with additional research and updates. Comparisons of Peruvian and U.S. cyclical transport industry bankruptcies, and “free market” versus government intervention and subsidy responses. Educational Fulfillment Services: 2000
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Awards

Louis Berger Group Vision and Value Award for Quality, 2011

Publications & Presentations

Publications; Partial list

  • NCHRP Project 20-59 (32), “A Transportation Guide for All-Hazards Evacuation” (principal investigator), 2013
  • TCRP Report 150-“ Communication with Vulnerable Populations: A Transportation and Emergency Management Toolkit” (Principal Investigator), 2011
  • “Egypt Railway Study: Technical Assistance for Safety Improvements and Rail Traffic Management”, Intercity Rail Passenger Systems Update, TRB Newsletter, Fall, 2009.
  • “Stream-of-Traffic Interview Truck Survey: Methodology and Recommendations on Traffic Volume Thresholds”, Transportation Research Records, 1996
  • “Developing a Performance-Based Transit Allocation Formula: A Case Study for a Participatory Process”, Transportation Research Records 1995
  • “National Transit Summaries and Trends”, 1990, 1991
  • “Implications of Continuous Measurement for the Uses of Census Data in Transportation Planning” – Executive Summary
  • “Quick Response Freight Manual”, Data Chapter and Data Appendices