2026 FPTA/FDOT/CUTR PDW & Transit Safety and Operations Summit: Full Schedule

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8:00am EDT

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT

Transit automation technologies have the potential to improve safety, reduce operating costs, and increase convenience of the transit service. An increasing number of transit providers nationwide continue testing and demonstrating passenger vehicles with high levels of automation. Yet, these technologies still face challenges with ensuring adequate safety in all operating conditions, achieving public acceptance, overcoming legal and regulatory obstacles, and other issues. Transportation professionals continue debating when transit automation technologies will see widespread market adoption and what impact they will have on transportation costs, workforce development, urban planning and overall travel behavior. This session will cover the latest developments in automated transit in Florida, including the review of the best practices and lessons learned from recent deployments, as well as the discussion of the existing challenges and obstacles to practical AV implementation in transit service.

Moderators

Victoria Perk

Program Director, Transit Research Program, CUTR

MA, Economics, University of South Florida, 1993, BA, Economics, Eckerd College, 1992. Specialties: transportation economics, transit system performance analysis, transit development plans, transit service planning, survey design and analysis, statistical analysis.

Speakers

Jarice Rodriguez

Interim Chief of Paratransit Program & Mobility Services, Miami-Dade DTPW

Ms. Jarice Rodriguez serves as the Chief of Paratransit Operations and Mobility Services at the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), where she leads the County’s paratransit and on-demand mobility programs. She is responsible for advancing the... Read More →

Tim Merzheku

Director of Automation and Innovation, JTA

Tim Merzheku is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 10 years of experience leading complex capital construction and infrastructure programs from preconstruction through closeout, with both project delivery and operational experience... Read More →

Arman Sargolzaei

Assistant Professor, USF

Dr. Arman Sargolzaei's expertise is in applying linear and nonlinear control methods, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to the field of connected and autonomous vehicles. His mission is to enhance the quality of life for people, assuring security and privacy concerns through... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am EDT
Magnolia Room

Panel Presentation

10:00am EDT

Navigating Transit Technologies Roundtable

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT

Magnolia Room

With transit technology advancing rapidly, it can become difficult for transit agencies to navigate the ever-evolving, complex landscape. Transit agencies can harness technology to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and improve rider experience. This session will provide practical guidance on evaluating, selecting, and implementing transit technologies, exploring both internal operations technology and customer-facing technology applications. We will discuss common needs and challenges, as well as strategies for all agency sizes and technology experience. The session will include a roundtable discussion and peer-to-peer agency exchange, offering participants an opportunity to share lessons learned and ask questions.

Speakers

Kristin Gladwin

Senior Transportation Planner, Michael Baker International

Kristin Gladwin, Ph.D. is the Senior Transportation Planner for Michael Baker International’s north Florida offices, providing consultant support to FDOT’s Safe Mobility For Life Coalition as well as FDOT’s Public Transit Office. Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in civil... Read More →

Elizabeth Bechtel

As a transportation planner, Ms. Bechtel has contributed to a variety of transportation projects and activities including transit asset management, transit technology studies, transit systems design, feasibility studies, strategic business plans, grant applications, proposal support... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT
Magnolia Room

Roundtable