Global Transportation Leaders Convene in Austin
Mobility Authority projects were in the international spotlight in September as nearly 1000 global transportation leaders converged on Austin for the tolling industry’s largest annual gathering. The Mobility Authority and TxDOT co-hosted the 82nd Annual Meeting & Exhibition of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA). Tolling industry leaders from 16 countries and the U.S. toured Mobility Authority projects and discussed best practices, innovative policies, new technologies, funding options and business models for transforming mobility for drivers worldwide.
Executive Director & IBTTA President Mike Heiligenstein welcomes IBTTA Annual Meeting attendees.
In addition to facilitating the exchange of ideas among industry leaders, the IBTTA conference provided an opportunity for the Mobility Authority to showcase progress made over the past decade, as well as potential for the future. Watch this video which highlights some key milestones:
In conjunction with the meeting, HNTB Corporation announced the results of a new national tolling survey that included Texan’s views of tolling. According to the America THINKS survey, close to 3 in 4 (73 percent) Texans who regularly drive on roads or bridges with tolls are pleased with the value they receive for the fare paid. Fewer drivers on toll roads or bridges across the nation (65 percent) are satisfied with the value they get for the toll they pay.
In fact, more than 4 in 5 (85 percent) Texans also could be influenced to use toll roads more often. Top motivators for those who would use toll roads more in reaching their destination more quickly include, if the toll road made their travel time faster and more reliable (73 percent) and if it helped them avoid traffic (71 percent). Improving infrastructure also is a driving force, as nearly half (49 percent) would use toll roads more if they knew the money was going toward a worthwhile transportation cause, such as roadway repairs, new roads or improved local public transit.
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