KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

We are pleased to announce the following speakers taking part in the 2024 National Transport Conference. 
Further announcements coming soon.

Emeritus Professor Juan de Dios Ortúzar is a distinguished figure in transportation engineering and planning from Chile. With a career spanning decades, he has made significant contributions to the field through his research, teaching, and consultancy work. Professor Ortúzar is renowned for his expertise in transportation modeling, urban mobility, and policy analysis, which has shaped transportation strategies and infrastructure developments globally. As an influential voice in the field, his work continues to inspire and inform efforts to create efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation systems for the future.

Professor Emerita Billie Giles-Corti is a distinguished researcher and thought leader in public health and urban planning. With a career spanning decades, she has made significant contributions to understanding the connections between the built environment, physical activity, and health outcomes. Her groundbreaking work has informed policies and interventions worldwide aimed at creating healthier, more livable cities. As a highly sought-after speaker and advisor, Professor Giles-Corti continues to inspire and influence global efforts to build environments that promote health and well-being for all.

Phil Jones is a renowned expert in urban planning and transportation engineering with over three decades of experience. As the founder and principal consultant of Phil Jones Associates (PJA), he leads a team known for innovative solutions in transportation planning and policy. Phil's expertise lies in creating sustainable, data-driven strategies that enhance urban mobility and accessibility. With a background in civil engineering and transportation, he is committed to advancing sustainable transportation solutions globally through his consulting work, academic contributions, and advocacy efforts.

Professor Simon Kingham is a leading authority in transport geography and urban planning based in New Zealand. With extensive research and expertise in sustainable transportation systems, urban development, and geographic information science, he has been instrumental in shaping policies and strategies aimed at creating more livable and resilient cities. As a respected academic and consultant, Professor Kingham is known for his innovative approaches to addressing complex urban challenges and promoting environmentally-friendly transportation solutions. His work continues to influence decision-makers and practitioners globally, driving positive change in urban environments.

Margaret Parkhill is a seasoned Professional Engineer with 20+ years of experience in transport planning. She excels in guiding projects from strategic planning to implementation, fostering consensus among stakeholders for balanced solutions. Margaret's portfolio includes major projects such as: 24 km BRT network planning and preliminary design for London (Ontario, Canada), 35 km LRT planning and design (Toronto, Canada), and 36 km BRT corridor planning and business case (Durham Region, Canada). Margaret has used digital tools and solutions to optimise transit routes, station locations, and assess the business case for investing in transit.

David Vautin is the Assistant Director of Major Plans at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments, based in San Francisco. Building on more than a decade of experience in regional planning, he currently leads a team of planners and analysts advancing transportation, housing, and environmental planning initiatives. Between 2017 and 2021, he led Horizon and Plan Bay Area 2050, which explored resilient and equitable strategies via “what if…?” scenario planning to ultimately create a bold new regional vision. Previously, David also led data and performance initiatives, including development of the award-winning Vital Signs performance monitoring tool, and served as the chair of the Transportation Research Board’s Committee on Performance Management. He received his Master of Science degree from the University of California, Berkeley and his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University.

Lee Waters, a Member of the Welsh Parliament representing Welsh Labour and the Co-operative Party, is dedicated to championing the needs of his constituents with a focus on social justice and community empowerment. As Deputy Minister for Climate Change and with a background in community-based organisations, including the sustainable transport charity Sustrans Cymru, Lee has played a crucial role in shaping transport policies and initiatives in Wales. From bus reform to the introduction of Wales’s default 20mph speed limit in built-up areas, Lee is a vocal champion for policies that promote economic prosperity, social equality, and environmental sustainability.