ATP: Where Do You Want to Go Today? | Stana Katic Interview | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Stana Katic discusses the importance of engaging with lawmakers, businesses, and communities to advocate for improvements to transportation infrastructure and shares ideas for making transportation more enjoyable and convenient.

Transcript

BRENDON HARRINGTON: We talked before-- you know, the programs that we're trying to do here at Google, there's a lot of overlap, a lot of similarity. And yet one of the challenges we face, especially in places like LA, as you mentioned-- we do have an LA office, the Bay Area-- is they don't want to drive necessarily, but then there's not a good alte... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍💼 Engaging with lawmakers and businesses is essential for improving transportation infrastructure.
• 💁 Technology can be used to provide real-time movement information, facilitate social discussions, and collect data for statistical proof of the economic benefits of improved infrastructure.
• 😨 Behavior change can be encouraged by educating both cyclists and car drivers about road safety, creating social experiences, and promoting alternative modes of transportation in media.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can advocating for improvements to transportation infrastructure help solve the problem of limited alternative transportation options for people who do not want to drive?

Advocating for improvements to transportation infrastructure is crucial in providing alternative options for people who do not want to drive. Engaging with lawmakers and businesses can help address concerns and demonstrate the economic benefits of initiatives like bike lanes, convincing them to support and invest in improved infrastructure.

Q: How can technology be used to improve transportation infrastructure?

Technology can play a significant role in improving transportation infrastructure. By developing an app that provides real-time movement information for public transit and facilitates social discussions about bike lanes, people can have a better understanding of transportation options and contribute to making infrastructure safer. Collecting and analyzing data can also help provide statistical proof of the economic benefits of improved infrastructure.

Q: How can behavior change be encouraged to make alternative transportation modes more popular?

Encouraging behavior change requires a multi-faceted approach. Building infrastructure alone is not enough; efforts should be made to educate both cyclists and car drivers about road safety. Creating social experiences like events and introducing young children to alternative modes of travel can make it a normal and desirable choice. Additionally, celebrities and media can play a role by promoting alternative modes of transportation in movies and TV shows.

Q: What role can companies like Google play in advocating for improved transportation infrastructure?

Companies like Google can lead by example and use the infrastructure available to them, thus increasing demand for improved infrastructure. Collaboration between private organizations and government can help provide the necessary statistics and data to support infrastructure projects. Additionally, utilizing media influence, such as featuring influential figures using alternative modes of transportation, can inspire others and bring about positive changes in transportation culture.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Stana Katic emphasizes the need to engage with lawmakers and businesses to advocate for improvements to transportation infrastructure.

• The challenge is that businesses are sometimes reluctant to support initiatives like bike lanes as they fear losing foot or vehicle traffic.

• Stana suggests using technology, such as developing an app for real-time movement of public transit and social discussions about bike lanes, to promote safer infrastructure and collect statistical proof of the economic benefits.