September 16, 2019
AT HOUSE HEARING, SFCTA HEAD OUTLINES STRATEGIES TO REDUCE CONGESTION IN SAN FRANCISCO AND BROADER RECOMMENDATIONS ON TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT
As Congress continues to consider a long-term transportation bill, San Francisco County Transportation Authority’s (SFCTA) top official advocated on Capitol Hill last week – on behalf of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) – for increasing federal funding for congestion relief programs and technology and maintaining federal pricing programs.
Tilly Chang, SFCTA’s Executive Director and ITS America Advocacy Trust member, told the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit about San Francisco’s multi-tiered approach to tackling congestion at its hearing, “Pricing and Technology Strategies to Address Congestion on and Financing of America’s Roads.”
“In addition to continuing to make infrastructure investments, San Francisco is joining cities around the United States and the world that are looking to transportation demand management, pricing and incentives to help reach our safety, access and equity goals,” Chang said.
“San Francisco faces a steep challenge with congestion, and we think a congestion pricing pilot can move the city toward a healthier, more equitable future,” she continued.
In addition, Chang reiterated ITS America’s priorities for reauthorization outlined in the association’s FAST Act Reauthorization Platform: Moving People, Data and Freight.
“SFCTA and ITS America are hopeful that the FAST Act reauthorization will grow funding support for cities, regions, and states seeking to pilot congestion pricing and deploy new technologies, in order to reduce congestion and expand transportation options for all,” Chang said.
“Tilly did a fantastic job outlining the critical role technology plays in improving safety and mobility,” said ITS America President & CEO Shailen Bhatt. “We appreciate her willingness to testify on behalf of ITS America and are very proud of all the work she does as a member.”
Chang’s full testimony is available here.
MEMBER CONNECTION: LESTER MIYASAKI, WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Name: Lester Miyasaki
Title: National Sales Manager
Company: Wireless Technology, Inc.
Short Job Description: Manage 3 Regional Sales Manager and an Admin. I also manage 4 states myself and do all marketing.
What does the future of #ITS look like to you? Very exciting with all the new technologies coming out like Connected Vehicles and Autonomous Vehicles. This industry is going to look completely different in the next 5 to 10 years.
Hobbies: Snow skiing, baseball, spending time with my family
Family: Wife, Jana, Sons, Michael and Weston, our Golden Doodle, Gordy
Favorite place to travel: Maui
Most Unusual Job you have ever had before current position: In high school I had the position of “TIGER” for a retail chain called AKRON. Basically, I straightened displays, did go backs, cashiered, and swept the floors.
If you could Switch jobs in your company, who would you switch with and why?: I wouldn’t. I love my job!
First car you drove?: 1968 Volkswagen Bug
If you weren’t working in Transportation industry you would: I have no idea. I love this industry!
Any other fun fact you would like to share? I’m a huge Dodgers fan! Also, I just started to learn how to play Pickle Ball. I really enjoy the game.
