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King of Prussia, Pa. - GVF, a not-for-profit organization created to advocate and promote a viable transportation network for the region's economic vitality held its 29th Annual Meeting on Monday, May 20, 2019. GVF was honored to have Steve Wray, Vice President and Director, Econsult Solutions, speak on the “Economics of Mobility”.
Steve stated that transit is not a cost, but an investment with a significant potential for return. Southeastern PA is the Commonwealth’s key economic engine. The five counties generate:
41% of the State’s revenue
· 32% of the State’s population
· 5% of the State’s land mass
· $10.8 Billion in tax revenue
This degree of economic productivity and density is not possible without transit to efficiently move people throughout the region.
An analysis of Philadelphia’s real estate showed that over 60% of population growth currently underway is within a ½ mile radius of SEPTA’s Market-Frankford and Broad Street Line. This strengthens the case that millennial attraction to car-free, transit-oriented travel is on the rise.
Steve also explained that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems show great promise as a lower-cost solution to areas needing transit alternatives like the U.S. 422 corridor. He shared innovative examples of how Cleveland and Seattle are using BRT.
“Congratulations to our Leadership and Top TDM Professionals Under 40 award recipients. Thank you to Steve Wray for speaking on the “Economics of Mobility.” GVF will continue to lead the discussion as we move forward with advances in mobility to ensure our region remains a head of the curve,” said Rob Henry, Executive Director, GVF.
GVF recognized the following exceptional leaders in transportation related fields with the 2019 Leadership Awards. These awards were given to the following individuals and organizations for their remarkable leadership to improving transportation and infrastructure in our region.
GVF's 2019 Leadership Award Recipients:
Legislative: PA State Representative Tim Briggs
PA State Representative Tim Briggs is a constant champion of transportation in his district and a consistent supporter of GVF. Representative Briggs is an active board member who goes out of his way to advocate for improved transportation and TDM throughout our region.
Engineering: Traffic, Planning & Design
Traffic Planning and Design is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary as a firm. It is one of the leading engineering firms in our region that is dedicated to transportation engineering and design.
Planning: Chester County
Chester County recently completed Landscapes3, its new county comprehensive plan. The plan has a heavy focus on transportation alternatives and air quality. The county supports innovative transportation projects around the area, while making smart transportation investments.
Private Sector: Kaplin Stewart
Since joining GVF, Kaplin Stewart consistently participates on GVF’s board, supports GVF events, and helps to advance TDM. The firm is a model entity in supporting transportation and TDM for the region.
Public Sector: SEPTA
Over the past year, SEPTA has moved the King of Prussia Rail Project forward. SEPTA continues to lead the charge on the development of this very important project for our region.
Peter P. Quinn: Paul Leonard, Manager, Upper Dublin Township
Paul is an innovator for Upper Dublin Township. His consistent support of TDM, infrastructure investment and his vision for the future has allowed the township to grow and prosper. They are one of the best communities to live and work in our region.
GVF also recognized the 6th Annual Top TDM Professionals under 40 in the region at the event. Twenty-four individuals were recognized as ambitious leaders who have made a positive impact in the transportation industry. As the leading advocate for transportation and infrastructure in this region, GVF works with numerous professionals who are committed to improving this region by implementing transportation demand management (TDM) programs and strategies. To date, GVF has recognized 142 professionals.
2019 Top TDM Professionals under 40 Award Recipients:
Christina Arlt, DVRPC
Heather Balgowan, McMahon Associates, Inc.
Katie Carver, McCormick Taylor
Steven DiSciullo, Michael Baker International
Brian Donovan, Chester County Planning Commission
John Egger, AECOM
Justin Ferri, KMJ Consulting, Inc.
Brian Finkelstein, Pennoni
Kelly Getzfread, Phoenixville Borough
Andrew Gould, Urban Engineers
Helen Lam, McMahon Associates, Inc.
Trinh Loi, SEPTA
Larry Mitros, Urban Engineers
Chloe Mohr, Montgomery County Planning Commission
Sarah Moran, DVRPC
Erika Morgan, McCormick Taylor
Justin Neff, DVRPC
Brad Torabi, Atlas Transportation
Jason Weston, McMahon Associates, Inc.
Karen Whitaker, DVRPC
Elizabeth White, Kreischer Miller
Brian Williams, HNTB
Charles Zebley, Boles, Smyth Associates
Pictures from the event can be found on GVF’s Facebook page.
Thank you to our 2019 Annual Event Sponsors:
Diamond Level: Kaplin Stewart, Urban Engineers
Platinum Level: Boles Smyth, Brandywine Realty Trust, McMahon Associates, Pennoni, RK&K, Vanguard
Gold Level: King of Prussia Mall, Michael Baker International, TimHaahs, Traffic Planning and Design, Inc., WSP
Silver Level: BartonPartners, Comcast, Commute with Enterprise, DVRPC, Gannett Fleming, HNTB, Santander Bank, SEPTA, STV, Suburban Transit Network, TranSystems, T.Y. LIN International
Founded in 1990, GVF is a not-for-profit organization created to advocate and promote a viable transportation network for the region’s economic vitality. To maximize awareness and develop sustainable support, we partner with public and private entities.
GVF's mission is to achieve a desirable quality of life and a healthy, competitive economic environment by developing multi-faceted transportation strategies. For more information about GVF or to learn about the benefits of partnership, visit www.gvftma.com.