How can we use technology to actually improve people's lives and make better use of our roads? Joanna Pinkerton, President & CEO of the Central Ohio Transportation Authority (COTA), joined Greg Rogers of SAFE at SAE's Innovations in Mobility conference in Michigan to explore these questions. In this wide-ranging interview, we discussed:-COTA's partnership with Via to provide an on-demand microtransit service called COTA Plus.-How COTA evaluates the potential benefits of smart city technologies.-The impact of Columbus winning the U.S. Smart City Challenge on the region's approach to transportation technologies.-How to approach projects like establishing bus-only lanes.-The importance of electrification to the future of transportation, and COTA's plans to incorporate electric buses in its fleet.-How to work with employers to encourage their employees to take public transit.-What she hopes to see in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.Keep up with COTA on Twitter: @COTABusAnd learn more about COTA on their website: https://www.cota.com/And, as always, you can also keep up with the Mobility Podcast on Twitter: @MobilityPodcast, @AVGregR, @SharedMobilityS, @SmarterTranspo.

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