Speaker: Dr. Christine Johnson, Director, Federal Highway Administration Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program Office

In the recent presidential campaign we heard a great deal about bridges to the 2lst Century and remarkably little about transportation policy. That could be because people believe they have more important issues with which to contend -such as education and crime - or that the system is not broken. Or that people are resigned as one person put it, "there's death, taxes, and congestion - they are inevitable." Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is a solution to the congestion problem. ITS has shown many benefits, which include, saving time and lives and improving the quality of life.

This presentation will discuss the Intelligent Transportation System -a new era of transportation and technology as well as cover the lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) legislation. Join this exciting session and find out how ITS can benefit you- buying smarter by deploying the ITS infrastructure reduces the need for new roads while saving taxpayers 35 percent.

Dr. Christine Johnson is the Director of the Federal Highway Administration - Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program Office. She earned her Doctorate in Public Policy Analysis, her Masters in Urban Transportation Planning, and her Bachelors in English Literature at the University of Illinois, Chicago.