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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
avatar for Victoria Perk

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
avatar for Jarice Rodriguez

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 →
avatar for Tim Merzheku

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 →
avatar for Arman Sargolzaei

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
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