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Infrastructure Technology Podcast
By ITPTechnology
Infrastructure Technology Podcast episodes
- Safety Cameras on VIA Metropolitan Transit Buses
In Episode 54 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Gavin, Brandon and Jessica discuss the ethics of putting temporary cameras in work and construction zones. Then, Brandon interviews VIA Metropolitan Transit Deputy CEO Tremell Brown, who explains how new cameras on the agency’s buses is helping to improve safety and security across the system.
Featured GuestTremell Brown - VIA Metropolitan Transit
Tremell Brown oversees all VIA Metropolitan Transit staff functions and operations of the agency. Brown directly manages key operating divisions, including Fleet & Facilities, Safety, Transit Police and Training and System Security. He also serves as the agency’s chief safety officer and incident commander for Emergency Management/Response. He began his career at the agency as a bus operator in 1990 and during the ensuing three decades with the agency has advanced to serve in various leadership positions, including vice president of transportation and vice president of safety, training and system security.
What You'll Learn- Why work zone cameras differ from broader surveillance systems, and how agencies are using them specifically to protect construction workers and improve safety in active work zones.
- How VIA Metropolitan Transit is modernizing its onboard camera network through a fleet-wide deployment of upgraded video surveillance technology.
- Why higher-resolution video has become increasingly important for transit agencies, from incident investigations to capturing clearer images in challenging lighting and operating conditions.
- How artificial intelligence could enhance transit camera systems in the future by helping agencies identify objects, monitor activity and respond more effectively to public-safety situations.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 37:22
Timestamps:
- 1:40- Cameras Discussion
- 14:40- Mass Transit Interview with Tremell Brown
- 32:55- Interview Takeaways
Useful Links- VIA Metropolitan Transit
- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your thoughts on surveillance cameras on buses — we might read them on air.
38 min - Road Pricing, AI and the Future of Transportation
Episode 53 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast explores the future of road pricing, autonomous vehicles and connected transportation systems with Mark Deflin of Emovis. Roads and Bridges Staff Writer Jessica Parks speaks with Deflin about Virginia’s Mileage Choice program, which has grown to nearly 25,000 participants, and the lessons it offers for states considering mileage-based user fees. The discussion examines how financial safeguards, payment flexibility, privacy protections and giving drivers a choice in how their mileage is measured can help build public trust.
Featured GuestMarc Deflin - Chief Sales Officer of North America, Emovis
Mark Deflin is the chief sales officer of North America at Emovis, a global expert in toll-based mobility solutions with more than 40 years of experience in the tolling industry. Deflin brings a deep expertise in engineering, project management, business development, roadside and back office tolling systems and customer service operations. He leads the company's business development efforts across the U.S. and Canada, helping transportation agencies and infrastructure partners implement innovative tolling, road user charging and mobility solutions that improve the driving experience while supporting sustainable transportation funding.
What You'll Learn- How autonomous vehicles could create new shared-mobility options by connecting passengers through real-time ride-sharing.
- Why road pricing may emerge as an alternative to the gas tax as vehicles become more efficient and electrified.
- How mobility as a service could bring together driving, transit, rideshare, biking and other transportation modes.
- Why integrating tolling, transit and payment systems could make travel more convenient for users.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 38:22
Timestamps:
- 00:58 - Roads & Bridges Interview with Marc Deflin
- 32:10 - Interview Takeaways and Traffic Camera Discussion
Useful Links- Emovis
- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your thoughts on the future of road pricing — we might read them on air.
39 min - The Flock Camera Debate: How Flock Camera’s Impact Roads, Bridges and Public Transit
Episode 52 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast takes a deep dive into the growing debate surrounding flock cameras and automated license plate readers, asking whether they are a valuable public safety tool or an expansion of surveillance infrastructure.
Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis, Jessica Parks and Noah Kolenda discuss how the technology can help law enforcement investigate hit-and-runs, locate stolen vehicles and support safety around transportation facilities, while also examining concerns surrounding privacy, continuous data collection, data ownership, retention and access.
The conversation also explores the role of private technology companies in managing public infrastructure and the potential consequences of inaccurate license-plate information or false identification.
What You'll Learn- The benefits and concerns surrounding Flock cameras and automated license plate readers.
- How ALPR technology can assist investigations involving crashes, stolen vehicles and missing persons.
- The key questions surrounding who owns movement data, who can access it and how long it should be stored.
- Why the Flock debate is really part of a larger conversation about privacy, surveillance and emerging technologies.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 39:48
Useful Links- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your thoughts on Flock cameras — we might read them on air.
40 min - How Flagger Force Uses Virtual Safety Observations
Episode 51 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast explores how technology is giving transportation and construction professionals new ways to improve safety and operations.
Roads and Bridges Staff Writer Jessica Parks speaks with Mike Doner and Luke Lazar of Flagger Force about the company’s use of virtual safety observations, which use vehicle-mounted cameras to review work-zone activity and identify behaviors that could lead to incidents.
The episode also features a discussion of New Jersey Transit’s newly launched website and AI-powered Navvie chatbot, which are designed to make trip planning, service information and travel details easier for riders to access.
Featured GuestsMike Doner - President and CEO, Flagger Force
Mike Doner is the president and CEO of Flagger Force. He co-founded the company in 2002 and has led its growth from a local startup into a nationally recognized industry leader known for safety, innovation and workforce development.
Luke Lazar - Vice President of Risk and Safety, Flagger Force
Luke Lazar is the vice president of risk and safety at Flagger Force. He has 30 years of experience in safety consulting across diverse industries.
What You'll Learn- How virtual safety observations expand work-zone visibility by using forward- and rear-facing truck cameras to monitor job-site activity in real or near real time.
- Why video can reveal behaviors traditional inspections may miss, giving safety teams a more authentic view of everyday work practices and potential risks.
- How companies are shifting their safety focus toward preventing serious and fatal incidents, rather than simply tracking recordable injuries.
- Where artificial intelligence may fit into the future of safety programs, including identifying unsafe behaviors and supporting automated coaching opportunities.
- How video-based observations strengthen training and coaching, providing supervisors with real-world examples to improve driving habits, work-zone setup, teardown procedures, and overall safety performance.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 43:40
Timestamps:
- 00:31- Episode Intro
- 01:30 - Discussion on New Jersey Transit's Newly Launched Website and AI Chatbot
- 07:54 - Roads & Bridges Interview with Flagger Force
- 41:04 - Interview Takeaways
Useful Links- Flagger Force
- New Jersey Transit
- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your thoughts on technology improving safety operations — we might read them on air.
44 min - The Technology Behind Toronto’s Streetcar Safety Pilot
In Episode 50, the ITP team explores how the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is using technology to improve streetcar safety. Mass Transit magazine Associate Editor Brandon Lewis speaks with Stuart Green, TTC spokesperson, about a nine-month pilot placing cameras on four streetcars to capture license plates of vehicles that illegally pass open streetcar doors while passengers are boarding or exiting. The technology, adapted from systems used to enforce school-bus stop laws, is designed to collect data that could support future enforcement while ultimately serving as a deterrent to dangerous driving.
The episode closes with Brandon and Roads and Bridges Staff Writer Jessica reflecting on the ITP’s milestone 50th episode and thanking the guests, production team, colleagues and listeners who have helped the podcast reach this point.
Featured GuestStuart Green - Toronto Transit Commission
Stuart Green is the senior communications specialist of media relations and issues management for the Toronto Transit Commission.
What You'll Learn- How the Infrastructure Technology Podcast reached its 50-episode milestone and the people who helped make it possible.
- Why the Toronto Transit Commission is testing camera and automated license plate recognition technology to address drivers illegally passing stopped streetcars.
- How TTC is balancing enforcement with public education to improve safety for passengers boarding and exiting streetcars.
- What transportation agencies can learn from TTC's nine-month pilot and its evaluation of technology performance across different seasons and weather conditions.
- Why privacy considerations are a critical part of deploying mobile camera systems in public transit environments.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 38:38
Timestamps
- 2:00 – Roads & Bridges trivia
- 14:00 — Mass Transit interview
- 32:00 — Interview takeaways
Useful Links- Toronto Transit Commission Pilot
- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your thoughts on streetcars — we might read them on air.
39 min - How contextual engineering impacts roads, bridges and public transit
Episode 49 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast explores how contextual engineering can help transportation professionals design safer, more effective projects by putting the communities they serve at the center of the process. Brandon, Jessica and Gavin are joined by Ryan Lake, roadway transportation engineer at AECOM and the first winner of the Roads and Bridges Lightning Round, to discuss his approach to understanding a community beyond reports and technical data. Lake explains the different levels of community engagement, and why engineers should spend more time in the field learning how people actually live, travel and interact with their surroundings.
Featured GuestRyan Lake — Roadway Transportation Engineer, AECOM
What You'll Learn- Why engineers need to go beyond awareness and spend meaningful time in the communities they serve—and how Ryan Lake’s four levels of understanding can change the way projects are planned.
- What it would take to create truly connected transportation systems, including how infrastructure, station spacing, headways and planning can help people living 30 miles from a major city reach downtown within an hour.
- How roadway projects can become community improvement projects, incorporating bike lanes, bus lanes, wider sidewalks, trees, businesses and other features that improve the entire corridor.
- Why AI could actually strengthen the human side of engineering, giving engineers more time to get out of the office, engage with communities and better understand the people their projects serve.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 39:22
Useful Links- Ryan Lake's Q&A with Roads & Bridges
- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your thoughts on accessibility and public transit — we might read them on air.
40 min - Making Transportation More Accessible With Technology
Episode 48 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast explores two sides of how technology is reshaping transportation: safety and accessibility.
The hosts first discuss the growing use of flock cameras and automated license plate readers, weighing their potential benefits for investigations and public safety against important concerns surrounding privacy, surveillance and data sharing.
The episode also features Brandon Lewis' interview with Dmitriy Vanchugov, chief revenue officer of Onward, about closing accessibility gaps in transportation. They discuss Onward's assisted, on-demand ride platform, its use of AI and text-based booking and how technology can help connect riders with more accessible transportation options.
Featured GuestDmitriy Vanchugov — Chief Revenue Officer, Onward
Dmitriy Vanchugov is the chief revenue officer at Onward, an assisted rideshare platform dedicated to connecting riders to the healthcare or economic and social opportunities they need. He brings deep experience building and scaling go-to-market organizations in high-growth environments, with a career rooted in transit and mobility.
Before joining Onward, Vanchugov served as global head of transit at Uber, where he built and led the business across North America, Europe and Australia. Prior to Uber, he led enterprise software sales and consultant teams at Trapeze Group, a leading global provider of transit technology solutions. At Onward, Vanchugov leads the company's market expansion strategy, focusing on deepening partnerships across transit agencies, health systems, health plans and PACE programs.
What You'll Learn- How Flock cameras are being used to help law enforcement investigate crashes, hit-and-runs and other incidents, and why their growing use is raising privacy concerns.
- The balance between the safety and accountability benefits of camera networks and questions surrounding surveillance and data sharing.
- How Onward is creating a transportation option that fills the gap between traditional paratransit and rideshare services.
- Why accessible transportation remains a challenge for many wheelchair users and riders with other mobility needs.
- How Onward's text-based booking platform and AI assistant, Paige, make it easier for riders to schedule trips without relying on smartphone apps.
- The role AI can play in improving transportation accessibility through multilingual support and personalized rider assistance.
- Why thoughtful implementation of emerging technologies is critical to improving mobility, safety and accessibility while protecting privacy.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 30:27
Timestamps:
- 1:20 — Discussion on Flock cameras
- 7:52 — Mass Transit interview
- 22:15 — Interview takeaways
Useful Links- Onward
- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your thoughts on accessibility and public transit — we might read them on air.
31 min - The Infrastructure Draft
On this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, co-hosts Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis and Jessica Parks are joined by special guest, Noah Kolenda for the Infrastructure Draft, where each of us created our ideal American city by selecting the best of the best infrastructure across several categories.
The draft order was determined by drawing names from a hat and followed a serpentine format, with the order reversing after each round. Once a host selected a city for a category, that city was off the board for the rest of the draft. The rule added another layer of strategy, forcing the hosts to decide when to use their top cities and when to turn to less obvious picks.
The seven categories for the draft were:
- Highways — As the primary mode of travel for much of the country, highways are essential to a functioning city. They connect neighborhoods and surrounding communities, move freight and commuters, provide access to jobs and services, and help direct traffic away from local streets. A strong highway network can reduce congestion, support economic growth and make the entire region more accessible.
- Subway/Metro — A strong subway or metro system can set a major city apart. With only a handful of extensive systems across the country, this category put plenty of pressure on the hosts. Rail transit moves large numbers of riders through dense urban areas, reduces congestion on city streets and provides reliable access to jobs, housing, entertainment and commercial centers. An effective system can make daily travel easier while connecting neighborhoods and expanding mobility for residents and visitors alike.
- Bus Network — A dependable bus network is one of the most flexible pieces of a city’s transportation system. Buses can reach neighborhoods and destinations that rail lines do not, connect riders to other transit options and provide an essential service for those without access to a car. Frequent routes, broad coverage and reliable service can reduce traffic, expand access to jobs and services, and help keep the entire city moving.
- Bridge — With many of the country’s major cities built along rivers, bays or coastal areas, bridges are essential links in transportation networks. They connect neighborhoods and regions, carry commuters and freight, and provide critical access across natural barriers. The best bridges balance capacity, safety and resilience with the needs of the surrounding community. Many also become defining landmarks, giving a city a recognizable symbol while keeping people and goods moving.
- Urban Streets — Urban streets are where a city’s transportation network meets daily life. Beyond carrying cars, they must safely accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, buses, deliveries and emergency vehicles while providing access to homes, businesses and public spaces. Well-designed streets can calm traffic, support local commerce and make neighborhoods easier and more inviting to navigate. The strongest networks balance mobility with safety, accessibility and the character of the communities they serve.
- Bike Network — A connected bike network gives residents and visitors another safe, efficient way to move around the city. Protected lanes, neighborhood routes and well-designed intersections can link riders to jobs, schools, transit stops, parks and commercial districts. The strongest networks eliminate gaps and make cycling practical for everyday trips, not just recreation. By expanding transportation choices, a reliable bike network can ease congestion, improve access and create more welcoming streets.
- Wild Card — This category opened the draft to any piece of transportation infrastructure not already covered, from ferries and airports to trolleys and other specialized systems. The wild card gave each host a chance to address a remaining need, add a distinctive feature or strengthen connections within and beyond the city. With so many possibilities, the pick could provide practical mobility, regional access or simply the final element that made an ideal city stand out.
In the episode, the team reveals every selection and explains the strategy behind each pick. Then it is up to you to decide which host assembles the strongest lineup. Listen or watch, compare the final selections and let us know which infrastructure draft gets your vote.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast! The Infrastructure Draft also marks the Infrastructure Technology Podcast’s YouTube debut!
Email [email protected] with your draft picks or vote on social media!
57 min - How AI is Impacting the Transportation Workforce
In this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis and Jessica Parks explore how AI is transforming the transportation and infrastructure workforce. Jessica’s interview with Jonathan Spano, co-founder and CEO of Traffic Management Inc. focuses on the practical applications of AI in traffic management. Spano explains that AI is currently being used primarily to improve office operations, including traffic planning, estimating, scheduling, permitting, documentation and dispatching, rather than replacing field workers.
Featured GuestJonathan Spano - Co-Founder and CEO of Traffic Management
Jonathan Spano is the co-founder and CEO of Traffic Management, LLC, or TMI. Over three decades, he has helped grow the company from a small startup in his great-grandmother’s garage into a nationwide leader in traffic control and work-zone safety, with more than 50 locations across the country. Spano is also known for his commitment to innovation, public safety and community service.
What You'll Learn- Why AI is becoming a tool for transportation workers rather than a replacement for them.
- How owning your company's software and data can accelerate AI innovation.
- The real-world applications of AI in traffic control, work-zone safety, training and operations.
- Why human judgment, experience and relationships remain critical in an increasingly automated industry.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 41:55
Timestamps
- 00:40- Intro conversation
- 5:20 - Roads & Bridges interview with Jonathan Spano
- 31:10 - Interview takeaways
Useful Links- Traffic Management
- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your opinions on AI and the workforce — we might read them on air.
42 min - Inside Stadler's Apprenticeship Program
On this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, Mass Transit Associate Editor Brandon Lewis interviews Lucy Andre, who serves as the CEO of Signaling North America and is the chief of staff and corporate security of Stadler US in Salt Lake City. They discuss how Stadler is building the next generation of the rail workforce through its apprenticeship program in Utah. Modeled after the Swiss apprenticeship system, the program gives high school students the opportunity to earn wages, gain hands-on experience in rail manufacturing, pursue an associate degree in advanced manufacturing and transition into full-time careers.
Featured GuestLucy Andre - Stadler US
Lucy Andre serves as the CEO of Signaling North America and is the chief of staff and corporate security of Stadler US.
What You'll Learn- How Stadler's apprenticeship program gives students hands-on experience with diesel, battery-electric, hydrogen and light-rail vehicle technologies.
- Where artificial intelligence is making the biggest impact in rail operations, from predictive maintenance to signaling and collision-warning systems.
- Why rail industry leaders view automation as a tool to support operators, improve safety and enhance efficiency rather than replace workers.
- How apprenticeship programs help build a long-term talent pipeline and strengthen the broader transportation industry.
Inside the EpisodeEpisode Length: 31:38
Timestamps
- 1:38 — Intro with Brandon and Jessica
- 3:30 — Mass Transit interview with Lucy Andre
- 27:00 — Interview takeaways
Useful Links- Stadler's Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Roads & Bridges
- Mass Transit
- Send us a topic suggestion!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast!
Email [email protected] with your opinions on apprenticeship programs — we might read them on air.
32 min
About Infrastructure Technology Podcast
From the publisher's feed
The ITP examines how technology is revolutionizing the construction and transportation industries with interviews and reports from the field.