In 2020, people from all around the globe had an intense and challenging year.
In 2021, people are looking for back to a new normal due to vaccination that is supposed to happen, and it will give those who are working towards the future a way to adapt, innovate and recreate a new perspective instead of looking for the old normal.
On January 4th the Secretary of FDOT, Kevin Thibault, wrote on his Twitter account “When I look back at 2020, I see a year of inspiration for the future. A year where @MyFDOT innovated, grew and made a difference. I am excited to see how the department will continue to improve safety, enhance mobility, and inspire innovation in 2021.” I couldn’t agree more with his statement, not only because we should keep going but also because people can give the best of themself when they are challenged. Especially when people come together and aim their effort in the same direction, progress. A lot has been discussed but the truth is when the worker is ready, the work just arrives.
Now, more than ever, it is time to put ourselves available by contributing with 5% inspiration and 95% transpiration. Also, to put our hands at work and do the best we can.
The way FTA is doing that is by finding out new technologies to be offered in the region, and by adding value to the current solution on the ground.
One of the good things about 2020 is that it helped us to understand there is no limit to creativity, especially when it balances applicability and feasibility together. That is what we believe that results in real innovation.
In December, The Traffic Technology International Podcast presented Ms. Nicola Liquori, Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s CEO, and joined the same concept of innovation when she explained Suntrax, one of the most modern facilities in the country, dedicated to new technologies for transportation. Suntrax is located in Polk County, Florida and this amazing testbed will be a place for companies that are looking at the future in the ITS industry, Autonomous and Connected Vehicles. Suntrax is also a place for specialists, researchers, students, and much more.
Elizabeth Birriel is the President of ITE Florida Puerto Rico and she gave us a glance at their effort to keep connected by adapting the face-to-face meeting to virtual’s with the same quality of content.
One of the highlighted points in Ms. Birriel message was: ” In closing, while this was an unusual and sometimes trying year, our resilience kept us going. As transportation professionals, we continued to work accomplishing goals, objectives, missions, and visions that continue to propel the transportation industry forward.”
In Florida, for instance, it is easy to recognize the commitment to keep updated news from the industry, such as TEAMFL and FTBA in Orlando, ITSA in Atlanta, FPRITE in Fort Lauderdale, FTB in Boca Raton, and Transpo2021 in Bonita Springs.
FTA is ready for the new normal. Let’s concentrate the efforts to keep going towards progress. There is no other way to go forward. You are welcome to join us!
Author: Degoncir Goncalves