Laura Grams has been promoted to HDR’s transit planning practice leader.

Based in Houston, Grams will work closely with transportation planning and transit leadership to expand and diversify HDR’s transit planning offerings.

She will also build on her experience and knowledge of the firm’s services to elevate the practice and develop staff involved with policy, systems planning, corridor planning and development, funding, and operations and safety. Grams' work will span all transit modes, from paratransit and intercity passenger rail to bus rapid transit, commuter rail, and more. 

Grams will help clients future-proof their investments while taking advantage of emerging transportation trends such as automated, connected, electric and shared vehicles, microtransit, micromobility, and big data. 

“I look forward to helping our clients deliver their critical mobility projects on time while being mindful of budgets,” said Grams.

With 17 years of experience — including 13 with HDR — Grams has expertise in project management as well as transit service planning, including route structure, scheduling, ridership analysis and transit operations. She also brings an understanding of transportation development plans and regionally coordinated transportation plans.

“The transit industry is undergoing many changes from emerging trends, electrification of fleets and ridership recovery,” said Santanu Roy, global transportation planning director. “Leveraging HDR’s leadership in the transit space, Laura will be instrumental in guiding diverse teams and clients toward custom solutions that enhance transit corridors with smart and sustainable features.”