Johns Hopkins SAIS graduates collaborate with BP America to examine rapidly changing U.S. transportation sector
MEDIA ADVISORY
The next revolution in transportation may be on the horizon. While the Energy Information Agency projects almost 20 percent more vehicle miles traveled on American roads by 2035, rapidly evolving technology has led to innovative new companies and trends that are changing navigation in an increasingly urbanized and interconnected world.
Recent graduates of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in collaboration with BP America, Inc. have released a study that examines how policy changes, technological advances, and behavioral shifts are changing the future of U.S. transportation.
The group focused on multiple cities to examine how these developing trends can alter the current trajectory of our transportation future. While individual trends may result in minor changes, the cumulative effect can produce significant impacts. Transportation systems are becoming more interconnected and accessible to citizens, with increasing numbers of alternatives to traditional means of travel.
“Shifting Gears: Technologies, Behaviors, and the Future of Transportation,” finds that the growth of easily accessible transportation options, shifts in urban transportation policy, and the continuing emergence of new technologies (including autonomous vehicles) will all impact what this future holds.
The release of the study comes as the 2018 BP Energy Outlook shows a shift in demand and greater diversity in energy choices across regions and sectors, including U.S. transportation.
“The evolving energy transition will affect the whole American economy, including the transportation sector,” said Robert Stout, Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs for BP America. “We need to understand what will shape our transportation future to be fully prepared to embrace that transition.”
The report is a part of a practicum project in the Energy, Resources and Environment (ERE) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS, which gives students the opportunity to collaborate with partners from private, public, and multilateral institutions to address global energy and environmental challenges.
The team of student researchers is comprised of Samuel Irwin, Miaosu Li, Kate Strickland, and David Wilbur, who were assisted by Celeste Connors, a former White House official on climate change and Johns Hopkins SAIS faculty advisor.
“This report shows the incredibly dynamic future that awaits in our transportation choices,” Connors said. “Providing consumers and policymakers a glimpse into this future is critical for resilient and sustainable transportation outcomes. The transportation decisions that we make today will guide our path for years to come.”
The full report is available for download: “Shifting Gears: Technologies, Behaviors, and the Future of Transportation”
Media Contacts
Stacy A. Anderson
Communications Manager
Johns Hopkins SAIS
+ 1 202 663 5620 office
+ 1 202 853 7983 mobile
[email protected]
Celeste Connors
Associate Practitioner in Residence
Energy, Resources and Environment Program
[email protected]
BP America Media Affairs
+ 1 281 366 4463
[email protected]
About Johns Hopkins SAIS
A division of Johns Hopkins University, the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a global institution that offers students an international perspective on today's critical issues. For nearly 75 years, Johns Hopkins SAIS has produced great leaders, thinkers, and practitioners of international relations. Public leaders and private sector executives alike seek the counsel of the faculty, whose ideas and research inform and shape policy. Johns Hopkins SAIS offers a global perspective across three campus locations: Bologna, Italy; Nanjing, China; and Washington, D.C. The school’s interdisciplinary curriculum is strongly rooted in the study of international economics, international relations, and regional studies, preparing students to address multifaceted challenges in the world today.
For more information, visit the Energy, Resources and Environment Program or @ERESAIS.
###