Ben Pierce to lead HDR's new Mobility and Operational Technology Services

Dec. 2, 2020
Pierce will help clients in selecting, evaluating and adopting transportation technology solutions.

HDR has established a new initiative to help with integrating technology into transportation operations: Mobility & Operational Technology Services. 

Led by Ben Pierce, the program brings together a range of experts with a broad understanding of the rapidly changing environment and experience in the application and implementation of technology-focused mobility solutions. The team will help clients understand the benefit of new technologies and develop adoption and operational plans for connected and automated vehicles, transportation system management and operations, tolling, zero emissions/electrified mobility and more.

Pierce will serve as director of the initiative and will be responsible for expanding HDR’s technical application and deployment capabilities, working in partnership with Joey Yang, technical director of HDR’s Advanced Technology for Surface Transportation practice. Pierce has supported innovative projects across transportation markets, including work for airports, transit agencies, departments of transportation and local communities. He has contributed his expertise to Florida’s connected and automated vehicle initiatives, ITS general engineering consulting contracts with New York City Department of Transportation, the Denver Mobility Choice Blueprint and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Strategic Plan. 

“Technology is not something to be afraid of but something to embrace,” said Pierce. “At the same time, it’s important to have an adoption plan for different technologies and understand what solutions would be most beneficial — and that’s what HDR can help with.” 

Emerging technologies each create their own specific challenges, whether related to connected and automated vehicles, electric vehicles or technology centric traffic strategies. HDR’s professionals are well-versed in the adoption, planning and delivery of these technologies and can assist agencies with developing holistic solutions tailored to a community’s needs. 

The Mobility & Operational Technology Services program will address every form of mobility as well as the repercussions of new technology such as upgrades and changes to related infrastructure and architecture like power delivery, vehicle facilities and system integration. 

“The technological transformation of transportation has affected the process of infrastructure development, planning, design, operation and management, touching all markets and technical service areas,” said Transportation Business Development Director Rick Pilgrim. “HDR is continuing to evolve to meet our clients’ needs and the public’s demand for enhanced and safe transportation systems.”