Transportation Policy Council Meeting: Sept. 25
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At its meeting on Sept. 25, the Transportation Policy Council formally approved the final draft of the Transportation Performance Measures report. The report evaluates our region's goals for improved performance of the transportation system. The goals are based on six key areas set by federal guidelines: 1) safety, 2) reliability, 3) air quality, 4) pavement and bridges, 5) congestion, and 6) transit asset management. Click HERE for more information and to read the final report.
H-GAC Transportation Planner Stephan Gage presented two major safety initiatives currently in development. The first is a draft resolution to adopt a Regional Vision Zero action plan to eliminate traffic fatalities in the eight-county metropolitan planning area by 2050. Texas leads the nation in traffic fatalities, and the Houston-Galveston eight-county planning area suffers more than 600 fatalities annually. The resolution would acknowledge H-GAC programs and policies in support of the Texas Road to Zero initiative and expand on existing Vision Zero campaigns under way in Houston and Harris County.
The second presentation discussed two new Regional Safety Plan initiatives beginning later this year. H-GAC staff will soon launch the Regional Safety Campaign, which seeks to increase public awareness of ongoing issues that impact traffic safety in the region. The campaign will focus on areas such as bicycling, pedestrian safety, distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, speeding, child seat safety, and seatbelt safety, and is set to launch toward the end of 2020. H-GAC is also set to begin a series of safety audits to identify high-risk intersections in the region. These intersections would be targeted for improvements to reduce the risk for serious or fatal crash incidents.
TPC member Carol Lewis, Ph.D., professor and director of the Texas Southern University Center for Transportation, Training and Research, presented the results of a pilot project involving autonomous vehicles. Researchers at Texas Southern University piloted an autonomous shuttle that escorted students, faculty, staff, and visitors along the Tiger Walk promenade from June 5, 2019 to Feb. 25, 2020. According to research findings, the vehicle performed well in most weather conditions. However, it was unable to maintain operation during heavy rain. Also, battery life was severely impacted by extreme heat, excessive use of the air conditioning or heating system, and large use of the provided USB ports that allowed passengers to charge their mobile devices during trips. The autonomous shuttle provided more than 7,500 trips, and overall reception by the campus was positive. The lessons learned from the pilot will be applied to future autonomous vehicle operations in the region.
Towards the end of the meeting, the council celebrated the esteemed career of H-GAC Transportation Director Alan Clark, who retired at the end of September after 37 years of service at H-GAC.
To listen to the audio recording of the latest TPC meeting, click HERE. The next meeting is scheduled to take place at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23 via teleconference webinar. Click HERE for more information. Public comments on agenda items may be sent by email to [email protected]. Comments received by 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22 will be entered into the meeting record.
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H-GAC Searching for Its Next Transportation Director
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H-GAC has begun a nationwide search for its next Transportation Director. View our brochure on the position to get a detailed overview about what experience and qualities we're seeking in the ideal candidate.
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Public Listening Session on Thursday, Oct. 22 Will Review North Houston Highway Improvement Project Memorandum of Understanding
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The North Houston Highway Improvement Project has the potential to be one of our region's most transformative infrastructural projects. In recognition of this and public feedback, the Transportation Policy Council, in July 2020, established a work group to develop a memorandum of understanding between the key cooperating entities on the project that outlines their commitment to working together to create a project that truly addresses the mobility needs of our region, community concerns about the project's impact, and is beneficial to all.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, H-GAC will hold a listening session where members of the work group can hear from the public regarding the memorandum of understanding. Your feedback is essential to ensuring the final version is effective, meaningful, and properly sets up the framework for future planning processes. The virtual public meeting will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22. Click HERE to view the meeting brief and agenda.
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To Join the Meeting Online:
Meeting URL:
Meeting ID: 997 6747 6602
Passcode: 746148
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To Join the Meeting via Teleconference:
U.S. Toll-free Call-in Phone Numbers:
877-853-5247, or
888-788-0099
Meeting ID: 997 6747 6602
Participant ID: Press #
Passcode: 746148
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Texas Association of Regional Councils Recognizes H-GAC Leaders' Work in Fostering Regional Cooperation
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At its annual meeting on Sept. 18, the Texas Association of Regional Councils - the leadership association of the state's 24 regional councils of government (including H-GAC) - honored H-GAC leaders with appointments and accolades showcasing their work in fostering regional cooperation and promoting the well-being of Texas residents.
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Chuck Wemple, H-GAC executive director, was appointed to lead the association's Executive Directors Council. Wemple's term will be for one year, where he will focus on increasing funding opportunities for rural transportation planning groups and increasing broadband access statewide - especially in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.
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Honorable Judge Nate McDonald of Matagorda County received the Wilbur R. Dunk Award for regional leadership for his dedication to fostering regional cooperation through councils of government. He was nominated for the award by H-GAC, where he has served on the board of directors since 2007 and as chair in 2016.
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Final Brown Bag of 2020 Discusses Vision Zero Houston
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At the final Brown Bag webinar of 2020, Lauren Grove, transportation planner with the City of Houston Planning and Development Department, talked about Vision Zero Houston, one of the city's most ambitious safety initiatives.
Vision Zero is a global strategy to end traffic deaths and serious injuries. The City of Houston Vision Zero initiative has committed to ending fatalities on Houston roads and streets by 2030. By prioritizing street safety and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, and treating traffic fatalities as an unacceptable public health issue, the city aims to create a paradigm shift to improve mobility for everyone who walks, drives, uses a wheelchair, bikes, and takes transit.
In early November, Vision Zero Houston will release an action plan that maps out several key approaches and priority actions to be implemented over a three-year timeframe. These actions include design improvements to lower travel speeds, making roads and streets better connected and multimodal, and increased public education and outreach on traffic safety, particularly as it pertains to bikers and pedestrians.
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Livable Centers Studies Receive Awards for Excellence in Urban Design and Public Outreach
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The Texas chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) honored two Livable Centers studies at its annual planning awards program, announced on Oct. 1.
The APA Texas Planning Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and communities for outstanding contributions to planning in Texas. Click HERE to view the full list of awards recipients.
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Texas Southern University Center for Transportation, Training and Research Will Host Transportation Workshop on Dec. 10
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The workshop will explore autonomous vehicles and other technologies to improve transportation for people with disabilities and ways to provide better connectivity for rural and vulnerable communities around the three major cities of the Texas Triangle megaregion (Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio).
Registration details will be posted soon. For more information, contact Carol Lewis, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for Transportation, Training and Research, at [email protected].
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H-GAC DataLab Resources Provide a Data-backed Snapshot of Our Region's Transportation, Community, and Environmental Needs
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As a forum for local government discussion, problem solving, and cooperation, H-GAC conducts extensive research to inform is planning programs and assist local policymakers in decision-making. The following tools provide a snapshot of the community characteristics and infrastructural needs of our region and are free for planners, policymakers, and members of the public to use:
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Regional Resilience Tool: As part of the Federal Highway Administration pilot study, H-GAC developed the Regional Resilience Tool to display the criticality and vulnerability of our region's road segments. This information can help in targeting road improvements and developing mitigation strategies.
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Regional Equity Tool: The Regional Equity Tool is an interactive mapping application that identifies the distribution of our region's vulnerable, low to moderate income populations, and historic settlements. This information can help users better understand the sociodemographic and community characteristics of a given study or project area.
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2019 Regional Mobility Report: The recently-released Regional Mobility Report is an interactive report summarizing our region's progress toward achieving a safe, reliable, and multimodal transportation network.
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Tow and Go Featured on ABC 13's H-Town Spotlight
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Tow and Go provides motorists with no-cost towing when their vehicle breaks down from mechanical failure (e.g., out of gas, overheating, flat tire) in the main lanes, shoulders, ramps or High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes of freeways. The service recently expanded to include all camera-monitored freeways in Harris County, Bellaire, Jersey Village, La Porte, and Humble.
If your vehicle breaks down in the Tow and Go service area, call 713-881-3333 for assistance. Service is available 24/7. For more information, visit towandgo.com.
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Hurricane Preparedness Resources for Coastal Residents and Special Needs Individuals
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H-GAC wants to make sure everyone in the region is prepared for hurricane season.
Residents who live in an evacuation zone are encouraged to download a printed and digital copy of the 2020 hurricane evacuation map to help determine the best route for them and their families if they are called to evacuate.
Visit TogetherAgainstTheWeather.com for tool kits and strategies on preparing your home and family for a hurricane or severe storm. The page also contains helpful materials for those caring for small children, special need individuals, and those with health conditions.
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Use Mobility Links to Find Free or Affordable Transportation Options in Your Community
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Need help finding free or affordable transportation options in your community? Mobility Links is a user-friendly, one-stop search hub with directory information on hundreds of providers of medical transport, commute assistance, taxi and shuttle services, meals on wheels, and other essential mobility services for residents throughout the 13-county Houston-Galveston region.
Mobility Links can be used by anyone in need of transportation services and is especially suited for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. Results can be broken down by county service area, service type, passenger type, and organization name, and include each provider's hours of operation, cost information, contact information, scheduling requirements, and more.
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Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
9:30 - 11 a.m.
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Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020
9:30 - 11 a.m.
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