News
08.21.2025
RSGers Appointed to TRB Standing Committees
RSG is proud to announce that several of our colleagues have been appointed to serve on committees for the Transportation Research Board (TRB), a key forum for advancing transportation research and fostering collaboration.
Jay Evans has been appointed to the Standing Committee on Travel Behavior and Choices (AEP12), Jeremy Wilhelm to the Standing Committee on Travel Data and Methods (AED17), Mario Scott to the Standing Committee on Transportation, Economic Development and Land Use (AEP16), and Matthew Hui to the Standing Committee on Transit System Planning (AP012).
TRB committees are powered by dedicated volunteers who help shape the future of transportation through research, data, and policy guidance. These appointments recognize the expertise, dedication, and leadership that Jay, Jeremy, Mario, and Matthew bring to the field.
Learn more about TRB and its Standing Committees here.
07.28.2025
RSG Helps NVTA Navigate Napa’s Changing Travel Landscape
A recent article in The Press Democrat (subscription required) highlighted how RSG’s work with the Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) is helping the region update its understanding of commuting behaviors following the pandemic. The study used advanced data analytics and survey methods to quantify the region’s shifting travel patterns, confirming that remote work, rising living costs, and new mobility preferences have dramatically reshaped how and when people commute in Napa County.
The 2024 Napa Valley Travel Behavior Study Update, commissioned by NVTA and led by RSG, revealed a 12% decline in inter-county commute trips compared to prior years, reflecting fewer residents, fewer local jobs, and more people working from home. Released in 2025, the findings highlight a simultaneous 10% rise in pass-through drivers, or travelers moving through Napa County without stopping. This shift suggests the county is increasingly functioning as a corridor rather than a destination.
“This study gives NVTA a clear, data-backed understanding of how travel in the region has changed, and it provides a roadmap for how to respond,” said Kevin Johnson, RSG's project manager for this work. “It’s a great example of how cutting-edge tools and approaches grounded in mobility data analytics can produce high-value insights that shape long-term planning.”
The findings delivered by RSG have provided NVTA with rich, location-based data that validated anecdotal observations and uncovered trends that would have been costly or difficult to detect using traditional methods. These insights enable NVTA to make more informed transportation investments, improve service delivery, and enhance residents’ quality of life.
07.23.2025
TRB Journal Features RSG’s Work on Measuring Energy Use from Regional Travel Surveys
A new research article in the Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board highlights work by RSG’s Justin Curtis, Mark Fowler, and Eric Kapner, in collaboration with Aniss Bahreinian from the California Energy Commission. The study draws on qualitative focus group data collected in 2016 and 2024 from both residential and commercial light-duty vehicle owners.
The research found that familiarity alone does not drive adoption of alternative fuel and autonomous vehicle technologies. Instead, adoption is more likely when consumers perceive these technologies as useful and easy to use, and when adequate infrastructure is in place to support them.
“Understanding how people actually perceive and engage with emerging vehicle technologies is essential,” said RSG's Justin Curtis. “This research shows that successful adoption depends less on awareness and more on whether people see real value, ease of use, and have the infrastructure to support new technologies.”
This research advances the study of technology adoption and underscores the value of qualitative market research in understanding consumer behavior and informing future transportation policy.
07.22.2025
New NCHRP Report Documents RSG's Work to Map Intercity Bus Services
A newly released report from the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) documents RSG’s work to improve access to intercity bus data nationwide. Published as NCHRP Research Report 1150, Implementation of the National Intercity Bus Atlas details our team's work to develop the first publicly available, interactive map of intercity bus services in the United States.
RSG led the project, working with industry stakeholders and government agencies to expand carrier participation, onboard data in the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) format, and create user guides and technical tools to support ongoing maintenance and use of the atlas.
“Too often, intercity bus service is an invisible mode. We know it is essential for mobility, especially in rural and underserved areas, but it is often overlooked in data systems,” said RSG's Jay Evans, who served as the project's principal investigator. “This research report supports changing that. It shows how thoughtful engagement, technical innovation, and public-private collaboration can illuminate gaps, connect communities, and support smarter transportation planning.”
NCHRP Research Report 1150 also outlines a roadmap for sustaining and expanding the atlas, ensuring it remains a vital tool for planners, policymakers, and transit providers nationwide.
04.09.2025
RSG Principal coauthors article published in Nature Energy
RSG Principal Ken Kaliski, PE, INCE Bd. Cert., recently coauthored an article published in Nature Energy (subscription required) that examines how local sound ordinances impact the potential for wind energy development across the United States.
The article, titled “The impact of sound ordinances on the land-based wind technical potential of the United States,” stems from research conducted in partnership with the US Department of Energy. Ken and the research team developed a methodology to assess wind turbine sound profiles nationwide and translate sound-related policies into spatial siting criteria. Their findings reveal that existing sound ordinances reduce wind energy capacity by 8% compared to a baseline scenario. A hypothetical nationwide 45 dBA limit would cut capacity by 29%, with disproportionate impacts on the highest-quality, lowest-cost wind resources.
“This study highlights how data and analytics can bring clarity to complex energy planning challenges,” said Ken. “By quantifying the trade-offs between policy and energy potential, we give decision makers the insights they need to shape smarter, more sustainable strategies.”
To learn more about RSG’s noise control engineering work, click here.
03.20.2025
RSG Names New CEO
RSG is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has selected Charlie Phippen as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Charlie officially stepped into the role on March 17, 2025, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience across professional services, research, and financial services.
Charlie has a proven track record of driving growth, modernizing operations, and leading organizations through strategic transformations. Most recently, he served as CEO of Water Tower Research, where he led the company through a period of significant revenue expansion, operational streamlining, and organizational development. His background also includes leadership roles at Coalition Greenwich, S&P, and Goldman Sachs, where he specialized in strategy, corporate development, and data-driven decision-making.
“RSG has built a strong reputation for delivering trusted research and analytics that help clients navigate complex decisions with confidence,” said Charlie. “As CEO, I’m excited to build on this legacy by driving innovation—leveraging new technologies, expanding our capabilities, and ensuring that we continue to deliver insights that create real value for our clients. The future of data-driven decision-making is evolving rapidly, and RSG is well-positioned to lead the way.”
Charlie’s appointment follows a thorough national search. His expertise in strategic planning, corporate growth, and operational excellence positioned him as the ideal leader to guide RSG through our next phase of innovation and client service.
With deep expertise in data-driven insights, research methodologies, and technology applications, Charlie is committed to expanding RSG’s capabilities and strengthening our position as a leader in collecting, analyzing, and modeling data. His leadership will help RSG continue to deliver on its promise to clients looking to navigate complex mobility, environmental, and economic challenges with clarity.
07.31.2024
Shawn McCloskey joins RSG as Managing Consultant
Shawn McCloskey joins RSG as a Managing Consultant and brings over 15 years of expertise in travel behavior research. Shawn has managed several large-scale household travel surveys, including regional, statewide, and national projects.
“Solving complex problems through the application of innovative survey methodologies has been a focus throughout my career,” said Shawn. “I’m excited to continue that work at RSG and help build upon our reputation for conducting high-quality research and delivering exceptional client solutions.”
Shawn's ability to deliver innovations in the design and implementation of survey methodologies will help us continue to ensure that the data collected meet clients' modeling and forecasting needs, enhancing the quality and accuracy of transportation planning.
06.26.2024
Matthew Ciborowski joins RSG as Vice President
Matthew Ciborowski has joined RSG as Vice President of Planning and Model Applications. He brings over 15 years of experience delivering excellent project outcomes as an accomplished urban planner, transportation expert, thought leader, and project manager.
Throughout his career, Matt has balanced the interface between technical planning and political reality, having managed several multi-million-dollar planning studies, research initiatives, capital investments, and public-private partnership (P3) efforts. He has guided clients through alternatives analysis, service planning, data analysis, master planning, and economic development projects.
“RSG is in a unique position to deliver in ways that are uncommon in our industry—linking data analysis, modeling, and planning to create compelling outcomes for communities and clients,” said Matt. “I’m delighted and grateful to join such an exciting organization where I can continue to contribute to the practice of analytical planning and deliver exceptional projects.”
Matt's experience addressing varied mobility needs in response to changing demands and circumstances will help RSG continue to advance the state of the practice for our clients and communities.
05.30.2024
Stephen Lawe Transitions to Principal Role
After 35 years at RSG, and 12 years as CEO, Stephen Lawe has transitioned away from company leadership to a Principal role where he will focus on thought leadership, work with clients to bring about transformative change, and continue to mentor the next generation of leaders.
“For the past 12 years, Stephen has led RSG through several periods of great change in our industry,” said Thomas Adler, RSG’s co-founder and current President Emeritus. “We appreciate Stephen’s contributions to RSG’s many successes during his tenure as CEO and are glad that he will continue to help us shape a successful future for RSG and guide us in his role as Principal.”
Stephen Lawe reflected positively on his time as CEO: “I'm forever grateful to have had the opportunity to lend my decades of experience to helping RSG navigate some of the most innovative and personally rewarding years in our nearly 38-year history,” said Stephen Lawe. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together in helping to advance the state-of-the-practice for our clients, and I couldn't be more excited to continue contributing to RSG's work in my new role as Principal.”
RSG’s Board of Directors appointed Tim Young as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) during their May 2024 meeting. Tim Young will continue to serve as RSG's Chief Technology Officer during his appointment as Interim CEO while RSG's Board of Directors initiates a comprehensive search to select RSG's next CEO.
“I’m excited to help lead RSG toward this next chapter as we continue to grow and innovate,” said Tim Young. “RSG’s shared values and goals will continue to guide us, and I look forward to helping us continue to deliver unmatched research and analytics to our clients.”
Tim Young joined RSG in March of 2010. Since then, he has led several cross-company initiatives related to RSG’s technology vision, strategies, business alignment, and growth. Before joining RSG, Tim was Vice President of Information Technology at Bright Horizons Family Solutions and has held other technology executive positions. He is a member of The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
04.02.2024
RSG becomes Clean Energy Principles signatory
RSG has joined dozens of other New Hampshire businesses in support of Clean Energy Principles 2024, which shares our vision for a dynamic and more resilient economy grounded in clean and renewable energy.
RSG is committed to applying our unmatched research and analytics skills to shape a successful future. One of the ways we support this work is through the delivery of services that help our clients solve problems. These problems are often global in scale, from the shift to renewable energy sources to strategic transportation planning questions surrounding the electrification of the transportation fleet.
As a New Hampshire corporation, we're proud to support these principles and look forward to the opportunity to continue to deliver solutions that shape a successful future for our clients and communities.
01.10.2024
RSG team article on wind turbine noise published in WindTech International
RSG Senior Consultant Isaac Old, INCE Bd. Cert. and Timothy Carson of RWE CleanEnergy, LLC. recently coauthored an article on directional noise-reduced operations (NROs) for wind turbines that was published in WindTech International.
The article, titled “Implementing and Measuring the Effectiveness of Directional Noise-Reduced Operations (NROs),” is based on research our team conducted and presented at the 10th International Conference on Wind Turbine Noise last year. Our team used real-world project measurements to reveal how NROs can be used to diminish sound emissions under varying meteorological conditions and time periods.
To learn more about RSG's noise control engineering work, click here.
11.06.2023
New RSG-led ACRP study helps shape our advanced air mobility future
RSG is proud to announce the publication of “ACRP Synthesis 130: Airport-Centric Advanced Air Mobility Market Study.” This pivotal work, conducted under the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), analyses the current state and future potential of advanced air mobility (AAM) at airports nationwide. Led by RSG Senior Director Mark Fowler, the study synthesizes information our team gathered from literature reviews, airport operator surveys, and interviews with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and infrastructure developers.
The study addresses the pressing need for airports to adapt to rapidly evolving transportation technologies, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It presents findings from six airport case studies, describing the opportunities and challenges airport operators may face as they consider integrating AAM into their infrastructure. The report underscores the need for proactive planning to embrace these changes, from passenger service to cargo and medical transport.
The study provides airport operators, planners, and policymakers with information to better understand the AAM landscape, identify gaps in current research, and gain strategic insights into the planning required for future integration. This report is not just a resource but a stepping stone for those looking to lead in the transformation of urban air mobility.
10.30.2023
Michie Blevins joins RSG as Vice President
Michie Blevins joins RSG as Vice President of Finance and Accounting and brings over a decade of experience in the professional services industry.
Throughout her career, Michie has championed the delivery of superior financial data and services, ensuring her clientele and stakeholders remain a step ahead. Across her roles, she has overseen accounting systems and teams to deliver streamlined workflows to project stakeholders.
“I’m excited to be joining RSG!” said Michie. “This is an incredible opportunity to join a dynamic and forward-thinking company where I can contribute my financial expertise to help steer RSG to continued success. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team while playing an integral role in financial management and analysis.”
Michie's experience delivering financial knowledge and insights will help us ensure we are honoring our commitments while delivering exceptional services to clients and vendors.
06.23.2023
TR News spotlights RSG's innovative work using big data to forecast recreational travel demand
A recent article published in TR News, titled “Peaks and Valleys: Forecasting Recreational Travel Demand,” highlighted the RSG team's innovative work on National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 08-132: Accessing America’s Great Outdoors: Forecasting Recreational Travel Demand.
Our team leveraged our significant expertise in travel model development, mobility data analytics, and public lands planning to deliver results. This first-of-its-kind project leveraged passively collected data (“big data”) from location-based services (LBS) on smartphones and other devices, along with other datasets, to build models predicting recreational travel to America's public lands. Merging big data with other key datasets provided a better understanding of visitor travel patterns and the potential impacts on adjacent transportation infrastructure. Importantly, this research advanced the industry's understanding of how big data can support successful transportation planning activities in and around parkland areas.
Work on NCHRP 08-132 is now complete and the final deliverables include a model, which will be shared online in an open-source tool, and an accompanying user guidebook.
06.22.2023
RSG team presents impartial findings of high-speed rail review to Washington State legislature
RSG, in partnership with STV Incorporated, recently presented key findings from our independent review of an ultra-high-speed ground transportation system (UHSGT)—which would connect Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, and other key points in the Pacific Northwest—during a meeting of the Washington State Legislature Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
The JTC had been considering advancing the UHSGT idea forward to a more detailed development phase. However, before that, they sought our team's expertise to perform a neutral, impartial review of the assumptions used in prior studies on this topic. Our team focused on three aspects as part of the transportation forecasting process we undertook:
1. Assessing the quality and reasonability of past studies.
2. Identifying additional factors for consideration in the UHSGT's future development.
3. Drawing insights from other high-speed ground transportation systems for UHSGT development.
After conducting detailed due diligence, trade-off, and governance and procurement analyses, we found that the methods and tools used in prior UHSGT studies comply with industry standards. The assumptions were applied appropriately, generating credible results. However, our review also exposed some features and assumptions that, although suitable for current study levels, lack the robustness required for investment-grade analyses needed for advanced project development. The final report is available here.