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Released: 11/25/2024 

DRPA Hosts 46th Annual ESTN Meeting: Driving Collaboration and Innovation in Transportation

On November 21, 2024, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) proudly hosted the 46th Annual Eastern States Transportation Network (ESTN) Meeting at the Westin Hotel in Mt. Laurel, NJ. This annual event brought together over 180 registrants from 14 regional transportation agencies, setting a new attendance record. Participating agencies included the Burlington County Bridge, Cape May County Bridge Commission, Delaware River and Bay Authority, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

This year’s theme, “Navigating the Future: Bridging Legacy Systems with Emerging Innovations,” highlighted the integration of AI and other transformative technologies into the transportation industry. The program featured engaging sessions led by ESTN committees focusing on Human Resources, Police and Public Safety, Maintenance and Facilities Management, Safety and Risk Management, Toll Operations, Engineering, and Purchasing/Procurement.

DRPA CEO John Hanson kicked off the event with a warm welcome, setting the stage for a day filled with learning, collaboration, and innovation. One of the highlights of the meeting was the keynote presentation from representatives of Dell Technologies.

Three of the seven ESTN committees were chaired by DRPA employees: Jalila Parker, Deputy CEO, led the Purchasing/Procurement committee; Lieutenant Michael Voll chaired the Police and Public Safety committee; and Toll Managers Mary Welch and Annette Melendez-Freeman co-chaired the Toll Operations committee.

The ESTN meeting served as an invaluable platform for networking and sharing best practices, fostering collaboration and growth across the public transportation sector.

Looking forward, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority will host the 47th Annual ESTN Meeting in 2025, continuing the tradition of driving innovation and fostering partnerships in transportation.

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