METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

HDR’s Laura Grams Promoted to Transit Planning Practice Leader

Laura Grams will work closely with transportation planning and transit leadership to expand and diversify HDR’s transit planning offerings.

by Staff
February 18, 2022
HDR’s Laura Grams Promoted to Transit Planning Practice Leader

Laura Grams will help clients future-proof their investments while taking advantage of emerging transportation trends

Photo: HDR

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.”

More Management

Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffApril 10, 2026

SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffApril 10, 2026

Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF

The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.

Read More →
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
METRO Buyer's Guide art
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 8, 2026

Last Chance: Be A Part of METRO's Annual Buyer’s Guide

The revamped Buyer’s Guide will reach METRO’s audience of more than 17,000 print and digital subscribers, providing suppliers with year-round visibility in front of transit agency leaders, motorcoach operators, and industry decision-makers across North America.

Read More →
A blurry TransLink R2 rapid bus
Managementby StaffApril 8, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown

Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.

Read More →
A Metra train on the rails
Railby StaffApril 8, 2026

Metra Reveals 2026 Construction Program

In addition to new projects, progress continues on a multiyear effort to upgrade track, electrical, and signal systems on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the expansion of service on the South Shore Line.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of Snapdragon Stadium with text reading "Moving Stadium Crowds: Are You Prepared?"
Managementby Elora HaynesApril 8, 2026

What It Really Takes To Move a Stadium Crowd

Behind every sold-out game is a transit playbook built on data, partnerships, and precision timing to move thousands of fans. Here’s how agencies make it work.

Read More →
Governor Moore speaking at Maryland light rail station
Managementby StaffApril 7, 2026

Governor Advances Transit-Oriented Development in Baltimore

The Maryland Transit Administration is advancing the nearly $1.4 billion Light Rail Modernization Program, which modernizes the Baltimore Central Light Rail Line from Hunt Valley to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport with new, low-floor vehicles and upgrades to all light rail stations, systems, and maintenance facilities.

Read More →
A red and white graphic with text reading "The COMET Unveils a Soundtrack for the Midlands."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

The COMET Unveils a Soundtrack for the Midlands

Created with local artist Dante Lewis, the new “On the Move” audio identity aims to unify messaging and deepen the rider experience across agency platforms.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for A Practical Guide for Selling to Private Equity
MotorcoachApril 3, 2026

How Motorcoach Operators Can Prepare for a Private Equity Sale

Essential strategies to strengthen your business before entering a private equity transaction.

Read More →