Chris Sasser

Pilot Virtual Open House Ushers in New Era of Public Engagement

June 10, 2013 by Chris Sasser

Public input in the planning and implementation of transportation projects is a vital part of the project development process for agencies that are responsible for our transportation system. But in today’s environment of ever-increasing time constraints, it can be difficult for the public to take time out of their busy schedules to attend a meeting in person.

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA), recently developed a virtual open house website that provided an online forum to learn about possible improvements to the Oak Hill Parkway project in Austin, Texas. The initiative was funded by the Rider 42 project. (Read More)

Virtual Open House Project Summary Report

Travel Surveys: Moving from Tradition to Practical Innovation

March 7, 2013 by Chris Sasser

The Southwest Region University Transportation Center (SWUTC) Household Travel Survey Symposium: From Tradition to Innovation was held in Dallas Nov. 8 and 9 and attended by more than 70 travel survey professionals from across the United States. Attendees represented an almost equal mix of agency, consultant and academic researchers.

The symposium started with a poster session, featuring research from 22 separate research efforts, followed by an opening session from Michael Morris, executive director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments, and a keynote speech from Dr. Kermit Wies of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Attendees were encouraged to think outside the box and consider all users of travel survey data as their customers. (Read More)

Geiselbrecht Receives IAP2 Certification

June 22, 2012 by Chris Sasser

Texas Transportation Institute Assistant Research Scientist Tina Geiselbrecht has successfully completed 40 hours of instruction by the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2), receiving the IAP2 Certification in Public Participation.

Geiselbrecht’s work centers on public opinion research and public outreach. In assessing public opinion about planned transportation projects, she has conducted numerous stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys and discussion groups. The IAP2 certification enhances her skills in public engagement. (Read More)