News
04.21.2021
RSG joins coalition of employers opposed to LGBTQ discrimination
RSG has joined a coalition of over 1,200 small businesses that oppose discrimination and support comprehensive nondiscrimination laws that protect all Americans, including LGBTQ people. RSG also supports passage of the Equality Act, which would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes.
“We are committed to creating a culture with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at its center,” said RSG CEO Stephen Lawe. “In addition to being the right thing to do, joining a group of similarly committed businesses and supporting the Equality Act is a natural extension of our dedication to weaving DEI into our values and actions as a company.”
The Equality Act would provide LGBTQ people with clear, consistent workplace protections against discrimination during the hiring, firing, and promotion process. The law would also prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ people in housing, access to credit, and jury service. Importantly, it would also cover public spaces and services such as public transportation.
In February, the Equality Act passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bill is now in the Senate. In addition to support from a diverse coalition of companies, the legislation is also supported by President Biden.
This marks the second time RSG has joined a coalition of US businesses in support of LGBTQ rights. In 2013, RSG was one of 278 employers that signed an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court that successfully argued that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional and forced companies to unlawfully discriminate against married same-sex employees.
“It is important that we show up for our LGBTQ employees at pivotal moments like this,” said RSG Vice President of People & Culture Belinda Peavey. “The hard work around DEI requires a commitment to action—and speaking up when it matters.”
04.19.2021
RSG architectural acoustics project receives 2021 Citation Award for Excellence in Architectural Design – Commercial Interiors
Our acoustics experts contributed to an office renovation project in Hanover, New Hampshire, that recently received a newly created 2021 Citation Award for Excellence in Architectural Design – Commercial Interiors.
In designing the space, the client wanted low overall sound levels and good sound insulation between offices to facilitate private phone conversations and a low-distraction working environment. As part of our work on the award-winning project, our team designed the room acoustics and sound insulation of the interior of the office.
The award was given by The New Hampshire Chapter of the American Institute for Architects (AIANH). During AIANH's 2021 Design Award virtual event, presenters noted the project's attention to architectural acoustics within the space: “The changing role of office space is expressed in transparency while allowing aural privacy.”
The project was led by MAKE Architects with general contracting support from DEW Construction.
Click here to watch AIANH's 2021 Design Award virtual event »
04.16.2021
RSG survey helps Chicagoans plan their transit future after COVID-19
RSG recently completed an innovative region-wide survey of current and lapsed transit riders for the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in Chicago. The findings will be used by RTA, its Service Boards (CTA, Metra, and Pace), and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning to inform next steps.
The survey, which received 5,637 responses, collected data about travelers’ behavior, attitudes, and preferences. It defined a current rider as someone who (at the time of survey completion) used transit at least one day per week. A lapsed rider was defined as someone who (at the time of survey completion) used transit less than one day per week but had used it one day per week or more prior to March 2020. This was meant to capture riders who left transit at the start of the pandemic.
The survey report outlined eight major findings from the responses, which were collected in November 2020 (Wave 1) and January 2021 (Wave 2) to track how respondents’ sentiments changed over time:
- Many respondents had stopped using transit and had not returned as of January 2021.
- Current transit riders are disproportionately essential workers, non-White, or low income.
- A significant percentage of respondents now telework and expect to continue to do so, with telework concentrated among lapsed riders.
- Many respondents do hope to return to transit, but only 80% of lapsed riders expect to return fully to transit once COVID-19 concerns abate.
- A slight decrease in expectations of future teleworking was observed between November 2020 and January 2021 among nonessential employees in professional service industries.
- Many respondents simply stopped making transit trips instead of shifting these trips to different modes, and household vehicle use held relatively steady during the pandemic.
- Most current transit users are pleased with the health and safety measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- Transit users want to see improved transit speed, reliability, and connections across transportation services and geographies.
According to Leanne Redden, RTA Executive Director, the survey results will assist with planning and policies to attract riders back and help the agency emerge from the pandemic on stronger footing. “These are important insights we can use to help bring back lapsed riders who indicated they still have concerns about riding again that are based on pre-pandemic perceptions,” said Redden. “Our challenges are substantial, but we knew they would be. This report is full of information that we and our partners will use to plan for transit’s recovery over the long term.”
The RTA survey was developed based on RSG’s COVID-19 Transportation Insights Survey and was funded by the US Department of Transportation through a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Related Press
“RTA survey: Most people who stopped commuting by transit during COVID plan to return” (Streetsblog, April 16, 2021)
“Survey of Chicago region transit riders indicates potential challenges as pandemic eases” (Mass Transit, April 16, 2021)
“CTA, Metra, Uber and Lyft say riders are coming back. But who needs a ride if you’re working from home?” (Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2021)
“Transit Ridership Expected to Rebound, But Telecommuting Could Drive Big Shifts: RTA Report” (WTTW, April 15, 2021)
“Ridership survey finds challenges for Chicago region after COVID” (Progressive Railroading, April 15, 2021)
“How COVID will permanently change transit ridership in Chicago” (Crain’s Chicago Business, April 15, 2021)
Click here to read the RTA COVID-19 Lapsed Rider Survey report »
04.15.2021
RSG Sr. Director spotlighted in Dartmouth Alumni Magazine
Dartmouth Alumni Magazine recently spotlighted RSG Senior Director Ken Kaliski, who was given The William W. Lang Award for the Distinguished Noise Control Engineer last year. The award, which is given every two years, acknowledges Ken’s meaningful service to and enthusiastic support of INCE Board Certification, notable contributions to the field of wind turbine acoustics, and use of rigorous analytics and novel approaches to advance the field of noise control engineering.
Ken has been with RSG for over 30 years since our founding in 1986. During that time, he served for 15 years on our Board of Directors. His work focuses on community noise monitoring and modeling, architectural acoustics, transportation noise, and industrial noise control projects. He also works on complex modeling projects in the fields of market and energy research.
04.09.2021
RSG opposes New Hampshire House Bill 544, An Act Relative to the propagation of divisive concepts
RSG is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). More than words, these principles that inform our values also require action on our part as an employer. For this reason, we have joined dozens of other businesses in opposition to New Hampshire House Bill 544, An Act Relative to the propagation of divisive concepts.
HB 544, if it became law, would restrict our ability to offer DEI training to our employee-owners, many of whom live and work in New Hampshire. This restriction would not only have a chilling effect on businesses like ours, but it would also put us at a competitive disadvantage as we seek to attract, retain, and empower diverse talent.
As an employer with a national reach and reputation built on trust, it is important we engage in the difficult conversations required as part of our DEI work. Through these conversations, we better ourselves as individuals. This, in turn, allows us to serve our clients more effectively, many of whom now are also engaged in similar DEI work.
DEI training is just one way we seek to confront systemic racism, white supremacy, and unconscious biases. By restricting our capacity to offer these types of trainings, this bill significantly limits our ability to support our employee-owners and confront the important issues facing our clients and communities.
At the end of the day, HB 544 is just one bill. We will continue to challenge ourselves and others to oppose laws, policies, and actions that run counter to the values we seek to embody as an employer. We encourage other businesses and organizations to join us in opposing HB 544 and bills like it as we seek to create and model a more inclusive workforce and society.
02.19.2021
RSG Director published in Noise Control Engineering Journal
RSG Director Dana Lodico, PE, INCE Bd. Cert. recently coauthored an article that was published in the latest issue of the Noise Control Engineering Journal. The article, titled “Acoustical longevity and durability of pavements,” examined findings from four long-term pavement studies to determine how quieter pavements held up over time when compared to their more rigid counterparts. The long-term studies reviewed by Dana and her coauthor looked at pavements in Arizona and California. Their paper concluded that quieter pavements, which experience some noise level increase over time due to wear, continued to offer noise reduction benefits years later when compared to some rigid pavements. This paper adds to a growing body of research that will help US regulatory agencies assess the feasibility and practicality of employing quieter pavement technologies as one method to help reduce overall vehicle noise levels from our nation's roadways.
02.10.2021
Dana Lodico joins RSG as Director
We are thrilled to welcome Dana Lodico, PE, INCE Bd. Cert. as a Director at RSG. Dana brings 21 years of experience in acoustical consulting, civil engineering, and acoustical research. She is also Vice President of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering. Dana's experience and expertise will help us continue to identify creative solutions to acoustics problems.
02.04.2021
RSG statement in response to comment overheard on Vermont Senate Committee on Transportation
Yesterday, during recorded testimony at the Vermont Senate Committee on Transportation, an employee of Resource Systems Group, Inc. (RSG) was overheard making an on-mic racial slur. In response to this, RSG CEO Stephen Lawe issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the entire company, I apologize to anyone affected by these deplorable remarks. The outburst by an employee of RSG is both regrettable and unforgivable. This kind of behavior is not at all tolerated and the employee was terminated immediately.
“RSG takes great pride in the quality of work and the quality of employees in our organization. We have immediately begun to put in place additional safeguards to assure that our current employees are aligned properly with our company values and uphold them – as well as assure that all future employees uphold those critical values.”
02.03.2021
New White Paper Published! ActivitySim: Activity-Based Travel Demand Modeling Built by and for Users
Activity-based models offer more functionality than standard trip-based models. However, user concerns about activity-based models’ cost, complexity, and support have limited their wider adoption.
ActivitySim is different. It is open source, purpose-built, and grounded in the principles of collaboration and modern software engineering.
ActivitySim was developed by RSG and is the product of a consortium of member agencies overseen by the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO). Most importantly to users, it is a state-of-the-practice modeling platform that is always improving.
Want to learn more? Check out our latest white paper that describes ActivitySim’s key advantages, applications to date, and future development.
ActivitySim: Activity-Based Travel Demand Modeling Built by and for Users »
01.15.2021
RSG President published in TR News on transportation network company impacts on airport revenue and operations
RSG President Tom Adler coauthored an article for the latest issue of TR News. The article summarizes research RSG conducted into how transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft have impacted airport revenues and operations. Specifically, it discusses findings from ACRP Research Report 215: Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)—Impacts to Airport Revenues and Operations—Reference Guide, which was published in 2020.
ACRP Research Report 215 follows work done as part of ACRP Synthesis 84: Transportation Network Companies—Challenges and Opportunities for Airport Operators, which was published in 2017. ACRP Synthesis 84 concluded more research was needed into the topic. In response, ACRP Research Report 215 describes strategic approaches and practical tools that airports can reference to develop ground access programs that align with their policy goals. Both ACRP Research Report 215 and ACRP Synthesis 84 surveyed 100 of the largest airports in the United States. These findings helped the research team understand TNC operations at each of these airports, the resulting access mode shares, and the revenues received from TNC fees. The data also helped the research team develop integrated supply and demand models to estimate the effects of TNC growth and TNC-related pricing policies on airport access mode shares and revenues.
The application of the models confirmed the complex (and often counterintuitive) relationship between pricing, revenue, and mode choice in the context of airport ground access. While the work completed for ACRP Research Report 215 occurred prior to COVID-19, the research team's methods remain relevant as airports look for ways to attract customers and increase revenue. Given these changes, airport operators can still consider the specific tools, guidelines, and policy levers described in ACRP Research Report 215 to support their decision-making in a rapidly evolving travel environment during and after the pandemic.
To learn more about how air travel is changing, visit RSG's COVID-19 Transportation Insights Panel page.
TR News is copyright, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; posted with permission of the Transportation Research Board
01.14.2021
RSG Consultant featured in the Transportation Research Board Young Member Council – Aviation Quarterly Spotlight
RSG Consultant Alex Levin was recently nominated and selected by a group of industry peers to be featured in the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Young Member Council – Aviation (YMC-A) Quarterly Spotlight.
Since joining RSG in 2016, Alex has worked on several major airport ground access transportation projects across the United States. He played a major role in the Logan Airport Ground Access and Trip Reduction Strategy Study, which RSG completed in 2019. He also contributed to TRB's ACRP Research Report 215: Transportation Network Companies (TNCs): Impacts to Airport Revenues and Operations—Reference Guide.
Alex has a bachelor’s degree in geography and economics from McGill University and a master’s degree in sustainable urban development from DePaul University. He is a Chaddick Scholar and a StartingBloc Fellow.
12.07.2020
RSGers lead sessions during virtual 2020 Fall North Carolina Model Users Group Meeting
Four RSGers led two sessions during the virtual 2020 Fall North Carolina Model Users Group (NCMUG) meeting, which was held on Wednesday, December 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. The 2020 meeting focused on COVID-19's impact on travel behavior and data collection as well as the use of passively collected data (“big data”).
The presentation given by RSG Director Michelle Lee and RSG Senior Analyst Abigail Rosenson, titled “Longitudinal Surveys to Understand Short- and Long-Term Impacts of COVID-19,” discussed survey methodology best practices to achieve representative samples using panels and described primary panel data applications. Their presentation also discussed COVID-19 travel implications nationally and in North Carolina, with a particular focus on demographic implications and attitudes about travel resumption. A recording of their presentation can be viewed here.
The presentation given by RSG Senior Consultant Stephen Tuttle and RSG Consultant Steven Trevino, titled “Big Data & Pivoting in the NC Statewide Model (NCSTM),” provided an overview of the location-based service data processing and expansion methodology used in the NCSTM. Their presentation detailed the application of passively collected data to the NCSTM via the pivot process, provided a review of the results from data expansion, and described future big data applications, including post-COVID-19 uses and forecast scenarios. A recording of their presentation can be viewed here.
About NCMUG: The vision of NCMUG is to provide a forum for sharing knowledge and experiences of using state-of-practice transportation modeling tools, techniques, and innovations appropriate to answer transportation planning and policy questions for the State of North Carolina, and promote its implementation across the State.
Click here to learn more about NCMUG and their activities »
12.03.2020
Seven Days newspaper interviews RSG Sr. Director on commercial drone noise
Seven Days newspaper recently published an article on the future of commercial drone delivery in Vermont. The article features an interview with RSG's Eddie Duncan who, along with Ken Kaliski and Erica Wygonik, authored RSG's recent white paper on commercial drone noise and strategies for mitigation.
More companies are beginning commercial drone delivery pilot programs across the United States as the technology matures and there is more of a demand for these types of services. RSG's white paper uses the Burlington, Vermont, region to demonstrate how community noise mapping can be used to plan for and mitigate (or mask) the potential noise from commercial drone delivery operations.
Commercial Drones Are Coming. Noise Experts Say Vermont Should Get Ready »
11.10.2020
RSG Sr. Director honored with The William W. Lang Award for the Distinguished Noise Control Engineer
The Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE) honored RSG Senior Director Kenneth Kaliski, PE, QEP, INCE Bd. Cert. with The William W. Lang Award for the Distinguished Noise Control Engineer. The award, which is given every two years, acknowledges Ken’s meaningful service to and enthusiastic support of INCE Board Certification, notable contributions to the field of wind turbine acoustics, and use of rigorous analytics and novel approaches to advance the field of noise control engineering.
INCE’s traditional awards ceremony was canceled this year due to the pandemic. Instead, INCE’s president, Michael Bahtiarian, INCE Bd. Cert., traveled to RSG’s headquarters in White River Junction in September to present the award to Ken in person during a socially distanced ceremony attended by a small group that included RSG’s CEO (Stephen Lawe), President (Thomas Adler), and members of RSG’s acoustics services team.
Ken has been with RSG for over 30 years since our founding in 1986. During that time, he served for 15 years on our Board of Directors. His work focuses on community noise monitoring and modeling, architectural acoustics, transportation noise, and industrial noise control projects. He also works on complex modeling projects in the fields of market and energy research. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for INCE where he is Board Certified, he is certified as a Qualified Environmental Professional through the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice and is a member of the Acoustical Society of America.
To read more, check out this article in Vermont Business Magazine.
09.21.2020
RSG-authored op-ed published in Eno Transportation Weekly
Eno Transportation Weekly (ETW) published an op-ed authored by RSG's Eddie Duncan, Erica Wygonik, and Ken Kaliski on drone noise annoyance and mitigation. Their article, titled “Annoyance and Drones: How Optimizing Flight Paths Can Reduce Potential Noise Impacts,” is based on research and insights presented in our latest white paper on the same topic.
ETW is produced by The Eno Center for Transportation (Eno), a non-profit charitable foundation offering rigorous, objective analyses on the problems facing transportation and providing ideas for, and a clear path toward, possible solutions. For nearly two decades, their ETW publication has been the premier federal transportation policy publication for transportation leaders across the country.