Past Events

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The Mineta Consortium for Transportation Mobility organizes or participates in several transportation-related events each year. These include national summits, regional forums, industry conferences, or special events and broadcasts. You can find leading transportation experts at all of these events, making them an excellent resource not only for professional and research insights, but also for networking.

Dates Events
November 13, 2025 Real Talk: Navigating Scholarships with Confidence and Clarity  -  Online

The Mineta Transportation Institute Student Association hosted its third annual Scholarship Success Session—a free virtual event designed to help students strengthen their scholarship applications and explore funding opportunities for their education.

Scholarship providers from the following organizations shared their insights:

  • Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)

  • California Transportation Foundation (CTF)

  • Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS)

They discussed what reviewers look for, introduced scholarship opportunities from their organizations, and provided practical tips participants could use right away.

Attendees came ready with questions and left with valuable advice and resources to support their scholarship journey.

View Recording.

View Slide Deck.

*MTI was a proud co-sponsor of this event.

November 7, 2025 to January 8, 2026 Beneath I-280: Excavating a Neighborhood Lost to San José Freeways  -  DiNapoli Gallery, 2nd Floor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 150 E San Fernando St, San José, CA 95112

In the mid-1960s, as I-280 and CA-87 reshaped San José’s landscape, an entire neighborhood disappeared. Through newly digitized Caltrans photographs and archival materials, Beneath I-280 visualized the vibrant communities that once stood there—inviting reflection on the social and environmental costs of mid-century urban planning.

Developed by researchers and students from San José State University’s Institute for Metropolitan Studies in collaboration with the King Library’s California Room, the project mapped the stories of the people who lost their homes to freeway construction. It invited the community to reimagine a more equitable, people-centered San José.

Visitors could explore the digital exhibit at library.sjsu.edu/exhibits for more information.

This exhibition, which received initial funding from the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI), was based on the MTI-funded research project Beneath I-280: Excavating a Neighborhood Lost to San José Freeways.

November 4, 2025 Connect for Your Career: An Introduction to Professional Associations in Transportation (2025)  -  Online

WTS-SF Bay Area and the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) of San Jose State hosted this free virtual event "Connect for Your Career: An Introduction to Professional Associations in Transportation" that introduced university students and emerging professionals to transportation organizations that offer networking, professional development opportunities, and/or scholarship opportunities. 

Invited organizations include:

  • American Planning Association (APA
  • American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
  • Asian American Leadership in Mobility (AALM)
  • Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT)
  • Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP)
  • Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)
  • Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
  • Latinos in Transit (LiT)
  • National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
  • Transportation Research Board (TRB)
  • US High Speed Rail Association (USHSR)
  • Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS)
  • Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT)

View Recording.

View Slide Deck.

October 29, 2025 Safety in Motion: Combatting Human Trafficking, Exploitation, and Violence in 2026  -  Doubletree Hilton, 2050 Gateway Pl, San Jose, CA 95110

On October 29, 2025, the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking, Santa Clara County’s Valley Transit Authority, and Santa Clara County’s Human Trafficking Taskforce hosted Safety in Motion: Combating Human Trafficking, Exploitation, and Violence.

This one-day conference focused on identifying and responding to different forms of violence, with a specific emphasis on human trafficking. With the Bay Area preparing to host major sporting events in 2026—including the NFL Super Bowl, NBA March Madness, and FIFA World Cup—participants explored both the opportunities and heightened risks these gatherings present, particularly for trafficking, exploitation, and violence.

The event brought together professionals from the hospitality and transit industries, law enforcement partners, and advocates supporting survivors. 

*MTI was a proud co-sponsor of this event.

October 28, 2025 to October 30, 2025 2025 “Research to Practice” Transit Symposium  -  Online

The 2025 “Research to Practice” Transit Symposium took place October 28-30, 2025, online. As the transit industry is experiencing significant changes (e.g., new technologies, potential funding shortage) in recent years, the symposium provided a platform where transit experts shared insights on how evidence-based research is being or can be used to make the most of these opportunities in a dynamic environment. This year’s symposium focused on the following topics:

  • AI in Transit
  • Federal Transit Innovations
  • High-speed rail
  • Rural Transit
  • Intercity Bus Systems
  • Microtransit and Paratransit State of Practice

The Symposium was convened by a partnership between APTA, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), University of Florida Transportation Institute, UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies, the Mineta Transportation Institute, and the Safety and Mobility Advancements Regional Transportation and Economics Research (SMARTER) Center at Morgan State.

 

October 27, 2025 From TikTok to Transit: Storytelling for Emerging Mobility  -  Online

This MTI Research Snaps webinar was based on the MTI report, "Best Practices in Marketing and Creative Outreach for New Transportation Technologies."

Emerging transportation technologies are transforming the ways we move, but public understanding and trust often lag behind innovation. In this Research Snaps webinar, participants explored how to effectively address concerns, communicate advantages, and foster trust across communities as electric vehicles, micromobility solutions, autonomous vehicles, hyperloop systems, and mobility-as-a-service platforms gain traction.

Drawing on insights from academic research, industry best practices, and real-world campaigns, the project’s author showcased innovative outreach strategies that go beyond traditional messaging. The session highlighted the power of creative digital content and storytelling to resonate with diverse audiences.

Presenter: William (Billy) Riggs, PhD, MTI Research Associate; Director, Autonomous Vehicles and the City Initiative, USF

Moderator: Hilary Nixon, PhD, Deputy Executive Director, Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI)

 

View Recording.

View Slide Deck.

View PDH Certificate.


About the Presenter

William (Billy) Riggs, PhD, AICP, LEED AP is a professor at the University of San Francisco School of Management, and the Director of the Autonomous Vehicles and the City Initiative. He is a global expert on automated mobility and future transportation, urban technology, transport economics and business models, and sustainable urban development in the face of climate change. Dr. Riggs has authored over 100 publications; with work featured in media outlets—including the Economist, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Washington Post, PBS, TF1, the Atlantic and more. His popular 2022 Mineta Transportation Institute report entitled, Blockchain and Distributed Autonomous Community Ecosystems: Opportunities to Democratize Finance and Delivery of Transport, Housing, Urban Greening and Community Infrastructure, created a green rationale for local currencies. He is the author of two books; most recently, End of the Road: Reimagining the Street as the Heart of the City (2022). Dr. Riggs has been a fellow with the National Science Foundation, sits on the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Committee on Policy and Law, Committee on Emerging Technology and Law, and the Committee on the Landscape and the Built Environment.

Presenters: William (Billy) Riggs, PhD
October 9, 2025 Designing California’s Rail Future: Lessons from Foster + Partners  -  Online

MTI hosted the latest installment of our On the Right Track webinar series featuring Angus Campbell of the globally acclaimed architecture practice Foster + Partners. Campbell discussed his work on rail stations both internationally and domestically in the US, particularly in California. This included San Jose Diridon station and several stations along the Central Valley segment of California High-Speed Rail. Campbell’s work spans a wide range of projects, many involving adaptive reuse and mixed-use districts. The conversation explored what California can learn from international examples Foster + Partners has worked on and examined lessons for delivering projects more efficiently while also maximizing their benefits for cities and regions. This not-to-be-missed conversation took place on Thursday, October 9th.

Featured Guest: Angus Campbell, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners

Moderator: Eric EidlinStation Planning Manager, City of San José Department of Transportation; MSTM Instructor

This webinar was co-sponsored by APTA High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Committee and US High Speed Rail Association.

View Recording.

View PDH Certificate.


About the Featured Speaker

Angus Campbell studied at the University of Birmingham and the Bartlett School of Architecture before joining Foster + Partners in 1990. During his three decades at Foster + Partners, he has worked on some of the world’s most prestigious rail infrastructure, venues, and masterplans across more than 20 countries. Angus has overseen some of our most complex projects, including Wembley Stadium, which opened in 2007; the development of the adjoining Wembley Park Station and masterplan, now the centrepiece of one of the world’s most successful entertainment districts; and the Hydro in Glasgow, one of the busiest 15,000-seat indoor arenas in the world. Angus has also been involved in the design of major pieces of infrastructure, starting with the King’s Cross Masterplan and the expansion of St Pancras Station. This experience led to his role as architectural design lead for the Haramain High-Speed Rail, linking the cities of Makkah and Madinah, which opened in 2019, as well as the transportation plan for the city of Jeddah. Angus’ unique experience includes the design of stations as urban anchors and how this impacts the design of the surrounding precinct in its urban setting. This gives him a holistic understanding of design briefs and the associated challenges they pose in creating a successful 365-day destination. Since 1998, he has developed a keen interest in venues and transit architecture. He was project architect for Wembley National Stadium, became a project director in 2001, a partner in 2004, and was made a senior partner in 2014. Recent projects include the City and South West Extension in Sydney, where he designed six stations with integrated overbuild, which opened in 2024. He is currently working in California on California High-Speed Rail, the expansion of Diridon Intermodal Station, and the BART Extension, which brings public transport to Silicon Valley.

Presenters: Angus Campbell & Eric Eidlin
October 6, 2025 2nd Annual Southern Colorado Transportation Conference  -  Colorado State University Pueblo’s Occhiato Student Center (OSC), 2200 Bonforte Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81001

Join transportation professionals and researchers for the 2nd Annual Southern Colorado Transportation Conference (SCTC) to explore this year’s theme: Extreme Events Management for Railroad Infrastructure. We will gather for a full-day conference and poster session on Monday, October 6, 2025 at Colorado State University Pueblo’s Ochiatto Student Center (OSC) Ballroom. 

To learn more about this Conference, visit the event website

*MTI was a proud co-sponsor of this event.

September 25, 2025 Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition: Information Night (2025)

MTI was joined by eager middle school students, dedicated parents, and passionate educators at the Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition Information Night. This event served as a gateway to an extraordinary national STEAM competition crafted to educate and engage students by solving our nation’s critical transportation issues. Participants learned how they can participate in the competition, and win prizes as we revealed this year’s "Ride On, Ride Safe—E-Bike Style!" competition prompt. 

Learn more about the competition: https://transweb.sjsu.edu/workforce-development/garrett-morgan-program

September 4, 2025 From Paris to Madrid: What Great Stations Teach Us  -  Online

MTI hosted an inside look at lessons learned from a recent San José State University study trip to Spain and France—home to some of the most celebrated high-speed rail systems and stations in the world. Through first-hand student experiences and expert perspectives, the event explored how great stations seamlessly connect intercity rail services with safe spaces for walking and biking and anchor vibrant urban neighborhoods that power regional economies.

The session examined what makes these stations thrive: the governance structures that keep them running smoothly, innovative strategies to futureproof them against tomorrow’s challenges, and the art of building public trust through strategic engagement. Attendees gained valuable insights and actionable inspiration to help transform mobility in their own communities.

Featured Guests:

  • Dakota Gross, Senior Planner, LSA Associates, Inc.; SJSU MS in Transportation Management (MSTM) Student
  • Alex Kenefick, Chief, Integration and Network Planning Branch, Caltrans; MSTM Alum ('17)
  • Inmaculada Mohino, PhD, Associate Professor, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
  • Fabrice Morenon, PhD, Managing Director, SNCF Hubs & Connexions

Moderator: Eric EidlinStation Planning Manager, City of San José Department of Transportation; MSTM Instructor

This webinar was co-sponsored by APTA High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Committee, CRISI: Promoting Railroading Careers and Developing the Current Rail Industry Workforce, High Speed Rail AllianceSJSU Institute for Metropolitan Studies, and US High Speed Rail Association.

*1 PDH credit available

View Recording.

View Slide Deck.

View PDH Certificate.


About the Featured Speakers

 

Dakota Gross is a transportation planning consultant based in Los Angeles. She is also a current graduate student in the Master of Science in Transportation Management (MSTM) program at the Mineta Transportation Institute, part of the Lucas Graduate School of Business at San José State University. Dakota has worked on large-scale transportation infrastructure projects, including preparing transportation and environmental planning documentation for the California High-Speed Rail project.

Alex Kenefick is the Branch Chief of the Integration and Network Planning Branch at the Caltrans Division of Rail. The branch is responsible for the release and update of the California State Rail Plan. Alex has had past careers in service, tourism, and watershed planning and management. Alex has a BS in Planning and Development from USC and a MS in Transportation Management from San Jose State University.

Inmaculada Mohino, PhD is Associate Professor at the Polytechnical University of Madrid, where her research focuses on urban design, regional planning, and the spatial impacts of large transportation infrastructure, with a particular focus on high-speed networks. She holds masters degrees in civil engineering and urban design, and a PhD in Territory, Infrastructure, and Environment from the University of Castilla La Mancha (UCLM). She previously taught at both UCLM and Universidad Complutense de Madrid and was a visiting scholar at Oxford Brookes University, UCLA, and the University of Amsterdam. Her work has been published in high-impact scientific journals, including the Journal of Transport Geography. 

Fabrice Morenon, PhD is the Managing Director of SNCF Hubs & Connexions, the arm of the French Railways that oversees the development of rail stations internationally. With a PhD in Economics and degrees from La Sorbonne and Sciences Po, his expertise spans station financing, development, and operations. Morenon is a Chevalier (Knight) of the French National Order of Merit, has been appointed French foreign trade advisor by the French Prime Minister, and was named Chairman of the sector “Station Managers Global group” at the International Union of Railways (UIC).

Presenters: Inmaculada Mohino, PhD, Fabrice Morenon, PhD, & Eric Eidlin

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