Joel Freedman is a nationally recognized expert in travel demand forecasting with extensive experience developing and applying advanced modeling techniques. At RSG, he supports clients across all aspects of travel surveys and demand modeling, from survey design and expansion to model estimation, validation, and application. Joel helps agencies understand and anticipate travel behavior to inform more effective planning and investment decisions.
His work includes developing trip-based and activity-based models for some of the largest and most complex metropolitan regions in the country, as well as integrated land-use and transportation models for state departments of transportation. He has contributed to successful transit New Starts projects and toll and revenue forecasts, and has developed specialized models for airport access, overnight visitors, cross-border travel, and special events. Joel also brings strong software development skills to support advanced model implementation.
Outside of his consulting work, Joel has a passion for teaching. He has served as adjunct faculty at Portland State University and is a certified instructor with the National Highway Institute. He lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys hiking, backpacking, and skiing.
Career Highlights
- Freedman, J., Ory, D., Gliebe, J. (2025) The state of activity-based modeling practice in the United States, Transport Policy, Volume 169, Pages 1-8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967070X25001623
- Erhardt, G., Hensle, D., Bradley, M., Imarah, M., Freedman, J., Gardner, M., & Stabler, B. (2024). Estimating and Implementing a Vehicle-Type Model in an Activity-Based Travel Model Framework. Transportation Research Record, 2678(11), 1576-1589. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03611981241245673
- Kagho, G., & Hensle, D., Balac, M., Freedman, J., Twumasi-Boakye, R., Broaddus, A., Fishelson, J., Axhausen, K. (2021). Demand Responsive Transit Simulation of Wayne County, Michigan. Transportation Research Record, 2675. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/03611981211031221
Education
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Portland State University
- BA, Political Science, State University of New York at New Paltz
