Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

How public-private transportation partnerships create innovative solutions, boost the economy

(BPT) - To keep the economy moving, people need to keep moving. Public transit helps economies grow by providing access to businesses where people purchase goods, boosting home values and creating jobs. By getting people to work or school, shopping, entertainment and more, public transportation provides a critical lifeline, supporting self-sufficiency so people can contribute to a strong, healthy community. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 77 cents of every dollar invested in public transportation goes to the private sector.

Investment in transit also means investing in goods and services needed to run systems and keep roads clear - which benefits everyone. When transportation is cut to lower costs, ridership decreases, so those who need it most may experience less reliable service, creating a downward spiral.

The solution: Public-private partnerships

Contracting with the private sector helps public funds go further. Private contractors help maximize budgets, using their expertise to improve service and innovate through efficiencies and best practices. Using the resources of private-sector partners, public transportation systems can keep service levels high within existing budgets.

"As communities across North America face evolving transportation needs, public-private partnerships help build resilient transit systems," said Laura Hendricks, board chair of the North American Transit Alliance (NATA), an alliance of private-sector companies operating transit systems throughout the U.S. and Canada. "Private contracting offers a strategic approach to maximizing budgets and service, modernizing public transportation for everyone's benefit."

Partnerships solve problems

For example, in Nassau County, New York, one private transportation company helps ensure smooth operations, FTA compliance, customer service and more for its local transit system. This partnership has resulted in streamlined service and innovations including a contactless fare payment system, new passenger mobile applications and microtransit service - saving over $350 million.

According to studies from the Eno Center for Transportation and International Association of Public Transport, private contracting demonstrates many benefits:

  • Cost efficiency - Private contractors bring extensive experience in managing operational costs through economies of scale, streamlined processes and innovative practices.
  • Quality - Private operators are held to rigorous performance standards through structured contracts, ensuring high-quality service.
  • Expertise - The private sector's knowledge spans operations, maintenance, safety and workforce development to help public transit agencies address complex challenges.
  • Flexibility - Private contracting provides flexibility to scale services up or down for changing demand.
  • Economic development - Private transit operators contribute to local economies by creating jobs to benefit the community.

Learn more about these innovative partnerships at NATransitAlliance.org.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.