APTA’s 2016 Nominating Committee, chaired by Phillip Washington, immediate past APTA chair and CEO of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, met in Chicago on Aug. 2 and selected the following slate of nominees:

>  Current Vice Chair Doran Barnes, executive director of Foothill Transit, as APTA chair for 2016-2017;

>  Current Executive Committee member Nathaniel Ford, Sr., CEO of Jacksonville Transportation Authority, as APTA vice chair for 2016-2017;

>  5 members-at-large for the APTA Executive Committee; and

>  10 members-at-large for the APTA Board of Directors.

Kim R. Green, executive director of business development at GENFARE, will continue his term as secretary-treasurer through 2018. 

The APTA membership will vote on the Nominating Committee’s slate of nominees on Sept. 10 at the Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.

In addition, the Nominating Committee recommended individuals to fill unexpired terms, one on the Executive Committee and three on the Board.  The Board will vote on these recommendations when it convenes on Sept. 10.  To see the full list of nominees and recommended appointees, click here.

New Rule to Improve Bus Safety, Reliability

FTA has released a final rule intended to improve the safety and reliability of new public transit buses funded with FTA dollars. The rule will establish minimum performance standards, a standardized scoring system and a pass-fail test to help transit agencies evaluate and purchase buses.

Newly procured buses will be required to meet minimum thresholds in areas such as safety, reliability and performance.  For the first time, bus models that fail to meet one or more minimum performance standards will be ineligible for purchase with FTA funds until the failures are resolved.

The rule takes into account comments from throughout the public transportation industry, including transit vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, public transit agencies and state departments of transportation.  MAP-21 requires FTA to make updates to the Bus Testing Program.

FTA Solicits Participation in National Dialogue on Five-Year Research Plan

FTA is soliciting input to help develop its Five-Year Research Strategic Plan.  Associate Administrator for Research, Demonstration and Innovation, Vince Valdes, is inviting interested parties to participate in FTA's National Online Dialogue to offer ideas about the types of research FTA should support.

According to the agency, "FTA is taking a fresh look at its research program priorities through the lens of a five-year strategic plan."  The plan will guide the development of new tools and technologies to advance access and mobility for all.

FTA welcomes all suggestions during the online dialogue, which closes Sept. 8.  For more information on how you can participate, an informational webinar is scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. EDT.  You also may send questions to: FTAResearch@dot.gov.

SAVE THE DATE

Aug. 14-16:  State Public Transportation Partnerships / Transit Midwest Conference
Westin Crown Center  |  Kansas City, MO
Learn more and register here.


ONLY 6 DAYS AFTER LABOR DAY
Sept. 11-14:  Annual Meeting
J.W. Marriott Los Angeles  |  Los Angeles, CA 
APTA's 2016 Annual Meeting takes place several weeks earlier than in previous years.  Register here.

IN THE MEDIA

Steven LaTourette, Congressman Who Despised Gridlock, Dies at 62
The New York Times; Aug. 4


Wrigleyville Development Hailed as Transit, Neighborhood Friendly
Chicago Tribune; Aug. 4


China's Futuristic 'Straddle Bus' Goes for a Test Drive
NBC News; Aug. 3


What's Ahead for U.S. Cities: Getting Around on a Driverless Bus
Forbes; Aug. 2

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

“How are we going to build America and put people back to work without robust funding in the transportation sector?  If you don’t [ask for more funding], shame on you when your systems deteriorate.”

                                                                         Former U.S. Representative Steve LaTourette (R-OH)