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CHSRA Enters MOU with State
The California High-Speed Rail Authority and California Energy Commission have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will allow the agencies to work together on implementing green technology and best practices during the design and construction of the high-speed rail system. [More]
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IN DEPTH |
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Come Fly With(out) Me; Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Public Transportation
Aviation meets the public transportation industry, thanks to advances in technology that make unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—or, if you prefer, drones—increasingly accessible tools for providers. [More]
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APTA MEMBER PROFILE |
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Meet George Furnanz!
This is the latest in an ongoing series of columns showcasing APTA members. The subject of this profile is
George Furnanz, chief executive officer, Stacy and Witbeck, Alameda, CA, a member of the High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Committee and Streetcar Subcommittee. [More]
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MEET THE APTA STAFF |
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Meet Sharon Royster!
This is the latest in an ongoing series of columns showcasing members of the APTA staff. The subject of this profile is Sharon Royster, human resources specialist, Finance Department. [More]
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COUNTDOWN TO 2016 ANNUAL MEETING |
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Annual Meeting: Something for Everyone in Public Transportation
The 2016 Annual Meeting, Sept. 11-14 in Los Angeles, is the public transportation industry’s flagship event for agency and business leaders, board members and government officials to learn about and share best practices, network, hear about product and service trends and join tours. [More]
Schedule-at-a-Glance
Here's a brief schedule of activities at the 2016 APTA Annual Meeting. [More]
LA Metro's Goal: Tackle City's Transportation Challenges Today and 'Once and For All'
As APTA and its members prepare to descend on Los Angeles for the upcoming Annual Meeting starting on Sept. 11, they will land in a city being transformed by public transit.
Passenger Transport asked Phillip Washington, chief executive officer of Los Angeles Metro, host system for the meeting, and APTA immediate past chair, to tell us how the agency is changing the city, what’s next on the horizon and to share some insights for his industry colleagues on what’s next for the agency and the city. [More]
More than 30 Educational Sessions at Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting schedule includes more than 30 educational sessions covering a range of topics from public transportation planning and maintenance to workforce development, funding and major projects. [More]
A Brief Preview of Big Ideas on Diversity, Inclusion; Expert Shares Fresh Workplace Strategies in Monday's Session
What makes diversity and inclusion such powerful workplace strategies, and how can public transportation leaders think about these concepts in a new light? [More]
Save on Travel Costs to LA with APTA's Partners
APTA is partnering with United and Delta airlines and Amtrak to provide discounted fares to people attending the APTA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. [More]
APTA Awards Honor 18 Exemplary Agencies, Individuals
APTA is recognizing 18 outstanding public transportation professionals, agencies and supporters this year for their leadership, dedication and contributions at its annual award ceremony and luncheon on Sept. 13. [More]
AdWheel Awards Honor Members for Communications and Marketing Efforts
The AdWheel Awards recognize the marketing and communications efforts of APTA’s members and showcase the strategic value of communications and marketing in the industry. [More]
Art to Architecture, Land to Sea, Regional Rail to Water Taxis: Tech Tours Cover Them All
Los Angeles Metro, host system, and its regional partners have scheduled nine technical tours before and after the Annual Meeting. [More]
We Love LA--And You Will Too; LA Insight from Insiders
Passenger Transport asked the experts—LA Metro staff—for their best recommendations for things to do, places to visit, off-the-beaten-path restaurants and other “can’t miss” LA spots many tourists never see. [More]
APTF to Present 27 Scholarships at Annual Meeting; First Valarie J. McCall, Bombardier Scholarships; Special Marsella Scholarship
The American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) will present a record-breaking $125,000 in scholarships to 27 recipients at ceremonies Tuesday evening, Sept. 13, during the Annual Meeting. [More]
2015 Flashback: Members Value Networking, Sharing
Click here to see representative scenes from the 2015 Annual Meeting in San Francisco.
The Annual Meeting offers dozens of opportunities for members to chat informally, get acquainted and strengthen partnerships. Sessions during the meeting feature speakers and panelists who share best practices, trends and industry updates. [More]
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AROUND THE INDUSTRY |
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PSTA-Uber Pilot Provides Connections to Jobs
As Passenger Transport went to press, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), St. Petersburg, FL, was preparing to introduce TD Late Shift, a collaboration with Uber that will provide free, on-demand rides to low-income residents to and from work during hours when PSTA buses do not run. [More]
TfL and Cubic to License Contactless Ticketing Worldwide
Transport for London (TfL) and Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) recently announced their agreement to license and adapt a contactless ticketing system—known as Oyster—to cities around the world. [More]
Voices of Experience Engage Leadership APTA Class
Public transit chief executives and senior leaders including APTA Vice Chair Doran Barnes, executive director, Foothill Transit, West Covina, CA, spoke about their career journeys and shared insights about their roles as executives during the Leadership APTA Class of 2016’s recent capstone session in Chicago. [More]
Blumenauer Joins in BIKETOWN Launch
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), an outspoken supporter of bicycles and public transit, joined the July 19 launch of BIKETOWN, the public bike share system in Portland, OR, by riding across the Tilikum Crossing bridge, which serves all transportation modes except private cars and trucks [More]
FRA Approves New England Plan
FRA has announced a finding of no significant impact regarding the Northern New England Intercity Rail Initiative, clearing the way for states and the federal government to invest in future passenger rail service in New England. [More]
Aylward Is New Volpe Director
DOT has named Anne Aylward the new director of Volpe, he National Transportation Systems Center, where she has been employed for more than 20 years. [More]
AC Transit Launches On-Demand Flex Bus Service
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in Oakland, CA, introduced a year-long pilot program called AC Transit Flex—an on-demand bus service—on July 18. [More]
APTA's Advocacy Video Honored
For the second consecutive year, APTA’s Voices for Public Transit (VPT) initiative received a Telly Award, which honors exemplary film and video productions, both online and on television. [More]
SEPTA Food Drive Fights Child Hunger
Philadelphia’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority collected food donations at 43 locations across its service area through its eighth annual “Stop Hunger at Your Station” food drive. [More]
Previous Champ Wins Cable Car Bell Ringing Title
Independent judges at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s recent 53rd Muni Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest declared Leonard Oats world champion. [More]
APTA Recognizes Sustainability Achievements
APTA recognized six public transportation agencies for their outstanding achievements as signatories in the APTA Sustainability Commitment program during the recent Sustainability and Public Transportation Workshop in Austin, TX. [More]
'Every Place Counts' to Reconnect Neighborhoods
DOT recently launched the Ladders of Opportunity Every Place Counts Design Challenge, which encourages four U.S. cities—Spokane, WA; Philadelphia; Nashville, TN; and St. Paul-Minneapolis—to reimagine existing transportation projects to reconnect neighborhoods isolated by the construction of interstate highways. [More]
'RideKC Taxi' Expands Travel Options
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) recently launched a regional taxi voucher program for older riders and persons with disabilities in Johnson County, KS, and eastern Jackson County, MO. [More]
TranSystems Acquires Athalye
TranSystems Corporation, a national consulting firm headquartered in Kansas City, MO, has acquired Athalye Consulting Engineering Services Inc., a Southern California consulting firm established in 1991 that specializes in transportation construction engineering and design services. [More]
HART Achieves ISO Certification
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, Tampa, FL, recently became the only public transit system in Florida—and only the 13th in the U.S.—to achieve official ISO 14001 certification for its Environmental Sustainability and Management System. [More]
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SPECIAL NEWS |
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Public Transit Stands Up for LGBT Pride
Public transportation agencies throughout North America celebrated Pride Month, held every June, which commemorates a watershed moment in the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. [More]
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COMMENTARY |
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Using 'Asset Genetics' to Unlock Hidden Capital; Understanding an Infrastructure Asset's Unique Characteristics Can Extend its Life Span--and Save Money
To continue to grow, the world needs to invest in new infrastructure—and it is not keeping up. According to recent McKinsey research, current infrastructure spending is $2.5 trillion to $3.0 trillion a year, far short of the $6.0 trillion needed to meet average annual demand to 2030. [More]
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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE |
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Who's Doing What in the Industry
Passenger Transport announces the following hirings and promotions in public transportation agencies and business members. Items appear in People on the Move in the order in which they are received. [More]
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