Ramin Massoumi, senior vice president and general manager, Transportation Systems at Iteris, began his term as ITS America board chair at a very interesting – and many would say challenging – time.

“The importance of mobility and transportation to people’s health and wellbeing has always been part of the conversation,” he said, “but the importance of providing that transportation, particularly in economically challenged neighborhoods, is even more critical now because of COVID”.

“In my view, there are three key themes ITS America should focus on to help ensure that all road users can benefit from the big advances in transportation technology and no one is left behind. In light of the current post-pandemic environment, transportation must be more accessible, equitable, and data driven if we are to truly support communities at a time when people are in even greater need of more efficient mobility.”

Ramin talked about transportation being at the core of projects like Smart Cities in Columbus, focusing on connecting people with healthcare, education, and work. He went on to say that agencies will have a much harder time, due to revenue losses, providing vital transportation needs.

Read the full interview in the 65th edition of ITS America's Momentum member newsletter.