An interview with Latoya Edwards

What is the state of transportation in New York?

Like most major urban centers, aging infrastructure, safety concerns, and disparities in access are at the center of public discourse around traffic and mass transit. At Conduent, we see these as significant opportunities to drive innovation through advanced technologies. By leveraging data-driven solutions, we aim to enhance equity and accessibility, improve safety, and optimize revenue management.

For example, our experience in cities like Paris and Philadelphia showcases how adopting advanced fare gate systems at transit stations can make an impact. Utilizing cutting-edge technology such as Conduent’s 3D Fare Gate Solution to manage and analyze data effectively can allow for a more seamless and accessible transit experience that not only improves safety, but also increases fare collection by minimizing fare evasion.

What role can you play in improving transportation in New York?

As has been our experience in other major cities around the world, New York has significant potential to leverage data in a way that results in transformative policy decisions to better serve the community. By modernizing the ways we collect and analyze data, we can incorporate important nuances such as socioeconomic conditions, demographics and historical data. This holistic approach can allow cities to develop a more thorough understanding of community needs and drive effective, equitable transportation solutions.

A recent example of this is Conduent’s work with the Bay Area Toll Authority in California to implement toll relief programs that benefit low-income individuals and families. Marrying data together to work harder for us is the key, and we’ve seen firsthand how the journey plays out resulting in transformative policy decisions.

What policy issues are you focused on in 2024?

At Conduent, we like to view ourselves as a good government partner that brings smart technology and modern solutions to help inform how policies are made through data and innovation. Decentralizing these datasets, however, is the key to removing barriers and fostering greater collaboration between agencies and industry, driving the potential to solve complicated community challenges.

How does Conduent work to enhance equity and sustainability in the communities it serves?

We are dedicated to advancing both equity and sustainability through our transportation solutions. Our innovative technologies are designed to create more accessible, efficient and environmentally friendly transit systems. For instance, our models reveal that cashless tolling can prevent nearly two pounds of carbon monoxide emissions per transaction, assuming vehicles move at eight miles per hour through a one-mile toll queue. In two pilot programs with clients in New Jersey and California, this approach helped avoid an estimated 36 million pounds of carbon monoxide emissions.

In addition to reducing environmental impact, we focus on making transportation systems more equitable. By leveraging data-driven insights, we identify and address disparities in access, ensuring that underserved communities benefit from improved transit options. Our commitment to sustainability and equity drives us to continuously innovate and collaborate with our partners, creating transportation solutions that foster healthier and more inclusive communities.