We’re excited to be certified as a great workplace for the fifth consecutive year by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. RSG earned this credential based on extensive ratings provided by its employees in anonymous surveys. A summary of these ratings can be found at http://reviews.greatplacetowork.com/rsg.

We are honored to sponsor and contribute to the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC next week. We look forward to leading 14 presentations in addition to moderating several committee meetings. We’ll also be hosting a booth in the exhibit hall to share some of the exciting work we’re doing and to connect with clients and collaborators. If you’re at TRB, please swing by booth #675.

The TRB Annual Meeting program covers all transportation modes, with sessions and workshops addressing topics of interest to all attendees—policy makers, administrators, practitioners, researchers, and representatives of government, industry, and academic institutions. The information-packed program is expected to attract 12,000 transportation professionals from around the world to Washington, DC.

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey recently approved nearly $500 million for early phase projects of Newark Airport’s $2.3 billion Terminal A Redevelopment. This includes $75M for foundation work on new terminal frontage to accommodate a future AirTrain alignment. Construction is slated to start in 2018.

RSG played a critical role in the planning for this major AirTrain construction project. We led a large data collection, analysis, and forecasting effort which informed decisions on whether to replace and enhance AirTrain infrastructure (or implement another mode like bus service) and how to design the infrastructure, train features, and services to meet future ridership demand.

RSG Director Elizabeth Greene to present tomorrow at the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies Planning and Economy Research Council Meeting. Her presentation, as part of the big data and GPS panel, is titled “Modern GPS Travel Survey Methods: Complementarity with Big Data.”

Last week, the New York State DOT published the final market study on a proposed Central New York Inland Port. The study, led by RSG Director Steven Gayle, assessed the potential viability of a new Central New York Inland Port facility in the Syracuse area. Such a facility, offering a direct rail link with the Port of NY and NJ, has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of shipping to the region and reduce large trucks on the nearby interstate.

Learn more at: https://www.ny.gov/sites/ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Inland_Port_Study.pdf

RSG Senior Director Ken Kaliski and Analyst Ryan Haac are attending the Acoustical Society in America meeting in New Orleans this week. Ken is chairing the Wind Turbine Noise session, and Ryan is to present preliminary results of wind turbine noise research—in particular, how RSG is using survey data for insight into the factors affecting audibility and annoyance to wind turbine sound.

An article authored by RSG’s Jerry Hendricks, “Respondent Engagement Requires Engagement,” was published last week on “The Research Insighter.” The piece responds to a disturbing trend in quant research—imposing arbitrary constraints on the survey instrument in the name of superior practice. In Jerry’s words, “Respondent engagement requires engagement. If we want consumers to take time out of their busy schedules to answer our questions, we need to keep it interesting!”

RSG Director John Hinckley’s article “Emission Control for Anaerobic Digesters” was published in the October issue of BioCycle. The article, which is part two of a two-part piece, discusses how the air permitting process can be thoughtfully anticipated to avoid significant project costs and delays.

Published since 1960, BioCycle is the leading magazine on composting, organics recycling, anaerobic digestion, and renewable energy.

RSG Director Eddie Duncan and Senior Analyst Isaac Old will be at the Renewable Energy Vermont (REV2017) Conference this week in Burlington, VT. The annual conference brings together professionals from an array of industries, policy makers, and regulators to discuss renewable energy topics relevant to Vermont.

Eddie will be presenting on the proposed rule to regulate wind turbine sound in Vermont and taking part in a panel discussion in a session titled, “Changing Winds: Technology, Siting, & Regulatory Updates on the Most Affordable Energy Solution.”

RSG is also proud to be a sponsor of the event.

RSG’s Elizabeth Greene, Mark Bradley, Mark Fowler, and Aaron Lee are attending the 11th International Conference on Transport Survey Methods in Quebec, Canada this week.

Organized by the International Steering Committee for Travel Survey Conferences (ISCTSC), the conference aims to offer transport professionals the opportunity to present their work, promote international collaboration, and serve as a forum for the presentation of workshops, papers, and posters.

RSGers are involved in two presentations and three posters at the event. We are also proud to be a sponsor.