Speaker Highlights
Janet Byron, Co-Founder, El Cerrito/Richmond Annex Walk & Roll, noted that we need more than infrastructure, we need culture shift–we need to change hearts and minds. Part of our mission is to remind people that biking is more fun than driving.
Gil Friend, CEO, Natural Logic, argued that the issue is not just about transportation, but access. We need changes to urban form, walkability, and governance. With so many separate transit agencies in the Bay Area, we need a unified approach so that people can get where they need without a car.
Matt Kelly, Senior Transportation Planner, CCTA, described how CCTA is directing funding based on mobility needs and land use. The agency is advancing livable streets policies, supporting meaningful workforce transitions in an era of automation, and promoting alternatives to solo driving.
Cecilia Lunaparra, City Council Member, Berkeley City Council, reminded attendees that local politics is where change happens. Students make up a large part of the city’s population but are often excluded from decisions. Programs like BayPass, which 95% of students voted for, show the power of youth engagement.
Benjamin McMullan, Systems Change Advocate, Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities, called for every housing facility to have an ADA Coordinator. Reliable, accessible transit and inclusive wayfinding empower people with disabilities. Take a seat at the table by joining decision-making commissions and committees.
Val Menotti, Assistant General Manager, BART, noted that lower ridership has created opportunities to repurpose parking lots. BART is converting these areas into bike parking and housing. They are using the moment to reshape infrastructure for healthier, community-centered use.
Dr. Mary Meyer, Doctor, Kaiser Permanente, emphasized that public transit fosters community-building, and talked of her father who became friends with his fellow train commuters; a co-benefit of taking public transit or biking is a healthier mind and body and a healthier environment.
Sue Noack, Pleasant Hill Mayor and Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, explained that good transportation benefits the business community by connecting workers to jobs safely and efficiently. She encouraged exploring private solutions like Waymo to help bridge first/last mile gaps.
Debbie Toth, CEO, Choice in Aging, said, 35% of Contra Costans are seniors or disabled. People need to be able to get where they need to go when they need to get there. You can make housing, parks and grocery stores accessible, but if you can’t get there, it doesn’t matter. That’s what started me down this advocacy path.
Discussion Activity Highlights
We invited participants to visualize a future where the East Bay has become a national model for sustainable and healthy transportation by 2040. They were asked to consider this question from the perspective of different community members, such as bus/train drivers, commuters, families, students, seniors, and more. See below for key takeaways from each of the discussion questions.
It’s 2040, and the East Bay has become a national model for sustainable and healthy transportation. What does that look like?
- Transportation is affordable, accessible, and seamless for everyone, including students, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents.
- Public transit, biking, walking, and electric vehicles are widely used, replacing most single-occupancy trips.
- Transit is safe and clean, and roads are repurposed or designed for shared, multimodal use.
- Self-driving technology is integrated thoughtfully to support, not replace, public transit.
- Communities are more connected, with public transit fostering social interaction.
- Neighborhoods are supported by clean energy and green infrastructure.
What made this future possible?
- Robust funding for transit infrastructure, zero-emission vehicles, and first and last-mile solutions.
- Idea: A special tax on employers with work from home employees to fund public transit
- Strong political leadership and regulatory support at local, state, and federal levels.
- A cultural shift prioritizes public and active transportation over car dependency. Education and media back that up
- Affordable housing near jobs and transit, reduces the need for long commutes and encourages density.
- Community-driven planning that included transit workers, families, and underserved populations in decision-making.
How are climate and health impacted by these changes?
- Cleaner air and reduced vehicle emissions lead to fewer asthma cases and better respiratory health.
- People walk, bike, and take transit more, improving physical fitness and mental well-being.
- Safer, quieter, and more shaded streets create cooler environments and more social connection.
- Reduced car use and more sustainable energy sources mitigate climate change and protect vulnerable communities.
- Transportation is a tool for equity, health, and resilience rather than a barrier.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsor
Thank you to our participating partners
Organized by Move Bay Area
Move Bay Area brings climate, health and transportation leaders with community in-person to discover commonality and regional solutions to our transportation challenges with the goal of building a regional transportation vision together.
