8:15 – 9:00 AM: Registration & Networking Breakfast
- Participants check in and enjoy refreshments while networking.
9:00 – 9:30 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Welcome by Vanderbilt University Host
- Project Overview by Dr. Sabya Mishra (University of Memphis)
- Objectives for the Workshop and Expected Outcomes
- Roundtable Introductions
9:30 – 10:15 AM: Session 1 – Perspectives from Major OEMs
- Panelists: Nissan, GM, VW, Ford, Blue Oval SK
- Theme 1: Workforce size, shift schedules, regional distribution
- Theme 2: Transit successes – vanpools, childcare, park-and-rides
- Theme 3: Challenges – rural access, recruitment, cost sharing
10:15 – 10:30 AM: Coffee Break ☕
10:30 – 11:15 AM: Session 2 – Transit & Community Perspectives
- Panelists: WeGo, CARTA, MATA
- Operational capabilities and constraints
- Community needs and rural transit expectations
- Coordination with employers and regional entities
11:15 – 12:00 PM: Group Activity
- Dot-voting to prioritize top 3–5 transportation challenges (e.g., affordability, first/last mile, scheduling)
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Networking 🍽️
1:00 – 1:30 PM: Session 3 – Innovative Solutions & Best Practices
- Multi-modal solutions: micro-transit, vanpools, automated shuttles
- AI-based routing, apps, and real-time tech
- Case studies from Tennessee and other regions
1:30 – 2:00 PM: Session 4 – Infrastructure & Planning
- Land use and stop placement for industrial campuses
- Depot locations, staging areas, park-and-rides
- Coordination across county lines and MPOs/TDOT
2:00 – 2:30 PM: Session 5 – Funding & Partnerships
- Federal, state, and private funding
- OEM contributions and public-private partnerships (PPP)
- Cost recovery and sustainability planning
2:30 – 2:45 PM: Coffee Break #2 ☕
2:45 – 3:00 PM: Closing & Next Steps
- Summary of key takeaways from sessions
- Vision for next steps and project goals
