A View on the Future of Transportation: A Q&A Steve Pelham

Transportation infrastructure is the backbone of society, enabling efficient movement of people and goods, fostering economic growth, and enhancing quality of life by connecting communities and supporting sustainable development.

Whether by air, sea or land, we create equitable, sustainable solutions for smart, integrated transportation infrastructure that connects people and communities around the world and stimulates economic development. From aviation, rail & transit, highways & bridges, to ports & maritime, we keep future generations moving forward.

In this Q&A, we connect with Steve Pelham, our new director of transportation for the Americas, to talk about the trends, technologies and solutions driving a more connected, sustainable transportation future. 

Tell us a bit about what a day in the life is like as Americas Director of Transportation, and what we offer to our clients in this area. 

As the Americas Market Director for Transportation, I lead a transportation team that is not only strategic and practical but also has the ability to address any transportation challenge in the industry. Our submarkets have the expertise to work together and make impactful changes to how we connect people, families and commerce. Unique opportunities lie ahead as we offer a wide range of services, from transportation planning and design to innovative financing measures, public-private partnerships and project implementation, all aimed at delivering cost-effective solutions and addressing the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

I enjoy transforming a large team into a personal and local team to deliver great results. When we are aligned across operations, sales, solutions, and the market, from national strategy to regional and local implementation, good things happen! The enthusiasm of the aviation team is infectious. I’m excited to bring that same spirit and personal touch to our transportation team as we expand with clients across the Americas.

What are the biggest challenges in transportation today? 

The transportation sector is currently facing a multitude of challenges that are reshaping the way we move and connect. Rapid technological change demands constant adaptation and integration of new systems, while shifts in work patterns, such as the rise of remote work, have led to decreased demand for traditional commuting and business travel. Urbanization is increasing pressure on existing transportation infrastructure, necessitating the development of more efficient and sustainable urban transit solutions. Securing adequate funding for transportation projects remains a significant hurdle, impacting the ability to maintain and expand infrastructure. Additionally, the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is driving the push towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.

The integration of digital technologies is transforming transportation systems, enhancing efficiency and user experience but also requiring significant investment and cybersecurity measures. The rise of autonomous vehicles and other automated systems presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of safety, regulation, and public acceptance. As transportation systems become more connected, protecting them from cyber threats is increasingly critical. Furthermore, adapting transportation infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, is essential for long-term sustainability. Addressing these challenges involves finding innovative solutions to enhance connectivity while being mindful of our environmental impact and resource use, ensuring transportation systems are efficient, reliable, sustainable, and resilient for both current and future generations.

How do we help clients think differently to respond to these challenges and those of the future?  

To address these challenges and future ones, we need to take a stronger advisory position with our clients. This involves helping them navigate these challenges with an informed and holistic approach tailored to their future operations, grounded in the realities of their current mission, operations, funding, and industry position. We cover all of this and will continue to expand along with our especially with our partner, PA Consulting.

Transportation has changed more in the last decade than the last six decades combined thanks to new innovations. Where do you see the industry heading from here?  

With experts in aviation, ports/maritime, light and heavy rail, and highway bridge infrastructure, we have a unique opportunity to drive innovation and sustainability as a total transportation package. By leveraging expertise across these diverse sectors, we can work toward creating integrated, multi-modal transportation solutions that prioritize efficiency, safety and environmental responsibility. The industry has the potential to further embrace cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, and smart infrastructure, ultimately shaping a future where transportation is seamless, interconnected, and accessible to all.

What are the biggest opportunities ahead for transportation infrastructure in the Americas? 

The biggest opportunities in transportation infrastructure in the Americas lie in the massive potential within the North American market. There are opportunities to reimagine and reconstruct infrastructure, following the funding initiatives of the federal government, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act and private sector investments. The focus is on supporting new forms of travel and decarbonizing transportation, as well as addressing aging and obsolete infrastructure such as airports, roads, bridges, rail lines and transit centers.